Trophy Homes

Whether it’s a private mansion encompassing miles of shoreline, a historic manor surrounded by emerald lawns and wooded forests, or a ultra-chic metropolitan pad at the heart of things, a luxury home is man’s ultimate trophy. From deluxe penthouses in great global capitals to lavish and secluded waterfront retreats, we've scoured the world for the very finest trophy homes currently on the market.

Contributor: Carly Dolan www.world-words.com

There’s something about an extravagant, modern penthouse overlooking Central Park in uptown New York City that says 'status'. The Penthouse at The Plaza is one of the most exceptional residences in the building, taking up the 19th, 20th and 21st floors of the iconic hotel. The triplex penthouse hit the market in June for $59 million, which, when it's sold, will set a new record price for a residence in the building.

The chic condo is being delivered with custom furnishings personally selected by world-renowned niche design firm, Candy & Candy, which belongs to the penthouse’s current owner. The contemporary loft-style design includes an angled wall of glass facing the park, and a terrace off the master bedroom. The dark, slick interior creates an impressive bold and modern appearance, featuring extravagant sculptural lighting, marble, dark wood and brass trim – a man’s ideal prized pad. The condo is perched high above Central Park, with superb and uninterrupted views of New York’s iconic skyline on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South. It features home automation by Crestron, which controls lighting, air conditioning, audio and window treatments via iPad from anywhere in the penthouse.

A swanky, fashionable pad overlooking Central Park; it’s the ultimate New York trophy.

For more information, visit www.bhsusa.com

Imagine owning a slice of the Emerald Isle’s history and charm. It’s a buyer’s market in Ireland at the moment, and while the economy has seen better days, the majestic island is still rich with the natural beauty and alluring charm it has always possessed. For a rumored €50 million ($65 million), you could own one of the country’s greatest estates; however, the official price is only available on application.

The historic manor of Lyons Demesne was commissioned by Lord Cloncurry in 1785 and is in impeccable condition after undergoing a total restoration. A striking example of classic Georgian architecture, the property also incorporates contemporary conveniences to allow for a luxurious lifestyle. It is a perfect setting to entertain, with spacious reception rooms, a private cinema, gymnasium, billiards room, pub, wine cellar, half-Olympic-size pool and five lodges situated throughout the estate. It also sits on nearly 300 acres of fertile green land, including formal gardens that have been replanted to the original design, as well as a 22-acre spring-fed lake, stocked with trout and equipped with a boat house – and there are another 300 acres available separately.

The property is in County Kildare, nicknamed ‘The Thoroughbred County’, and naturally, Lyons Demesne comes with an exceptional stud farm with stables and outstanding natural gallops. The estate is a 45-minute drive from Dublin and includes Ireland’s only 24-hour accessible private helicopter landing pad.

Just 20 minutes from downtown London’s hustle and bustle, this 19th Century mansion is the ultimate trophy home for your gallivants to England’s capital city. The baronial Queen Anne-style manor is without doubt one of the city’s most luxurious houses. Featuring beautiful terracotta detailing, it was comprehensively refurbished by craftsmen and fitted with modern conveniences.

One of the building's most handsome features is its historic library. When you walk through the doors to the room filled with a comforting open fireplace, it is like stepping back in time to 19th century London. With a fashionably-designed indoor pool, sauna, home theater, rooftop deck, balcony, gymnasium and formal dining room, you have everything you need to entertain guests – from friends and family to business associates and acquaintances.

The £49 million ($74.3 million) property, simply known as Lyndhurst Road, was built in 1896 for Russell Rea MP, a Victorian shipping magnate who sat in Britain’s House of Commons during two periods between 1900 and 1916. The property is a five-minute walk from Hampstead Village center and is on the corner of the beautiful Lyndhurst Gardens. Hampstead Heath – a large, ancient London park – is only half a mile from the doorstep. The 790-acre hilly, green heath is an important refuge for wildlife, including deer, foxes, rabbits and squirrels, with ponds, woodlands and walking trails throughout.

For more information, visit www.beauchamp.co.uk.

For $59 million, you could own one of Palm Beach’s most iconic estates – the perfect place to enjoy some luxurious privacy, or entertain guests on a grand scale. The prestigious La Casa Sin Nombre was donated to Columbia University as part of a $400 million pledge to the college for its scholarship fund by billionaire philanthropist, John Kluge, who was once America’s wealthiest individual. He acquired the collection of properties that now make up the estate over the course of a few years.

La Casa Sin Nombre is located in the exclusive beach enclave of Palm Beach in sun-drenched Florida, and sits next to the Everglades Golf Course. It is made up of five residences, including two main houses and three staff or guest dwellings, each offering exquisite views of either the Atlantic Ocean or the park-like grounds and gardens. The Mediterranean Revival-style Ocean House was designed by renowned architect Addison Mizner in 1921, and features a formal dining room, library, carved-stone fireplace and loggia. The Garden House offers stunning views of the estate’s tropical landscape, and was built in 1935. It is perfect for entertaining, featuring a hand-painted rotunda, casino, coquina courtyard and library.

The ultra-private trophy estate rests on four acres of lush exotically landscaped grounds, dressed with a number of relaxing water features, which creates a magical garden retreat. La Casa Sin Nombre is a perfect patch of paradise, right in the heart of Palm Beach.

For more information, visit www.bhsusa.com.