Property Galleries

4 Homes with Bright and Beautiful Entryways

Chosen for their artistic and innovative illuminations, these grand estates make a dazzling first impression

A home with a beautifully lit main entrance can make a dramatic first impression. Whether it’s a sweeping driveway graced with antique street lamps, an entrance court with a sophisticated light installation, or a grand foyer with a crystal chandelier, carefully orchestrated lighting can be used to stunning effect. Each of the unique properties featured here have been designed to capture the functionality and beauty of light—be it natural or artificial—using traditional methods of illumination, innovative lighting technologies, or through the use of reflective elements such as glass, water, and luminescent materials, demonstrating how great lighting can turn a home into a glittering work of art.

Mission Revival-Inspired Estate in Cornelius, North Carolina

A port cochere and two-story marble entrance vestibule with curved double staircase and a beautiful crystal chandelier are among the grand architectural details of this manor house near Charlotte, North Carolina.

This magnificent five-acre estate is entered through iron gates leading to a driveway winding past manicured grounds to a spectacular Spanish-inspired manor house. The entrance to the five-bedroom main house is equally dramatic: A porte cochere opens to the grand two-story foyer with a curved double staircase, imported marble floors, and a beautiful crystal chandelier. Farther along, a two-story gathering room with hand-cut stone fireplace sets the tone for the elegant entertaining. The accommodations comprise five en suite bedrooms, including a sumptuous master suite, and a private guest residence on the grounds. The outdoor entertaining areas include a covered terrace with stone fireplace, full kitchen, and an infinity pool with oversized spa.

Châteauesque-Inspired Manor in Houston, Texas

At the entrance of this estate in Houston’s River Oaks Country Club, residents and guests are greeted with a magnificent French-inspired vestibule with a 26-foot-high ceiling and exquisite marble floors.

Nestled in the exclusive gated estates of the Royal Oaks Country Club in Houston, Texas, this French château-style home is entered through monumental wooden doors flanked by wrought-iron lanterns. The entrance gallery is equally alluring: soaring 26 feet in height and adorned with a bespoke chandelier, Doric columns, floors of white marble, and a sweeping staircase. Other highlights include a gourmet kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances and butler’s pantry, dual master suites, an elevator, a theater with Paramount surround-sound and 120-foot screen, and two garages with room for four vehicles. The private grounds are enhanced with a formal garden and pergola, a 60-foot lap pool, an outdoor fireplace, and a pavilion overlooking the country club’s Fred Couples Signature golf course.

Frank Lloyd Wright-Inspired Villa in Bosch en Duin, Netherlands

A Jerusalem Gold limestone arcade illuminated by a colored LED installation marks the entrance to this stunning contemporary villa in the Dutch countryside.

This stunning contemporary villa is set in eight forested acres in the Dutch village of Bosch en Duin, near Amsterdam. The seven-level, 23,282-square-foot residence, which took a decade to complete, is a masterpiece of contemporary design inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic architecture. Stone gates with lamp posts and steel garden walls open to the estate’s formal grounds. The house rises from the grounds like a contemporary castle. It’s jewel-like façade is formed from white stone, vast walls of glass, and brushed-aluminum. A huge arcade, crafted from Jerusalem Gold limestone and illuminated by a colored LED installation, marks the entrance. The lavish appointments include a double-height living room with dazzling views over a pond, a library with walnut and cherrywood floors, an elevator, a sumptuous master suite, separate guest apartment, 20-seat home theater, and a wellness center with swimming pool, spa, and gym.

Cliffside Compound in San José, Costa Rica

This palatial residence is built into a lush 2.5-acre setting in the hills of Escazú, offering breathtaking views of the San Jose skyline, central valley, and mountains.

This 15,911-square-foot contemporary residence was designed to take advantage of its lush setting in the hills of Escazú outside the Costa Rican capital of San José. The elegant vestibule, living room, and dining room open to the family room and kitchen; and open to the first of several terraces overlooking the landscaped garden, city, and mountains. There are 11 bedrooms, 6 full and 3 half bathrooms. The master suite has a private office, walk-in closet, and private terrace. Two studies, a library, cinema, gym and guest suite, and an entertainment wing with a bar, wine cellar with its own guest entrance. The home’s luxurious interiors seamlessly blend with the tropical gardens and alfresco entertaining terraces. The barbecue, professional tennis/basketball court, private spa, and Jacuzzi, herb garden, security room, guard house, and a four-car garage.