Beyoncé and Jay-Z recently promoted their latest video by making the artwork in the Louvre one of the focal points, if not the focal point, of the video. It's not uncommon to harness certain artwork in order to promote an idea, or in some instances, the selling of the most luxurious homes.
Art speaks. Art elevates. Art sells. But most importantly, art conveys a feeling. And what better way to exude a feeling of luxuriousness than by incorporating pieces of art that enhance, actually intensify, the vibe of a particular grandiose space. However, there are some homes whereby the house itself - its architecture, design flow and overall essence - becomes the art, an experience truly unto itself.
Peruse these unique homes currently for sale that emanate a certain je ne sais quoi, adorned with the most exquisite, exclusive craftsmanship that makes these opulent homes in and of themselves, works of art.
La Serenissima
Longboat Key,Florida
Asking Price: $26,500,000
Unparalleled in architecture, unmatched in artistic beauty and located in a coveted hotspot, Longboat Key, this real estate masterpiece is a culmination of the five senses that creates the ultimate luxury living experience. The glorious heights of the rooms soar to the most magnificent dome-shaped ceilings with elaborate frescoes that make the Sistine Chapel's ceiling seem mundane. The variegated azure Gulf of Mexico serves as the backdrop to this cathedral-inspired home.
Photo: Christie’s International Real Estate
This tri-level mansion was designed with a reverence for imported marble and antique millwork, the most expressive Venetian murals and shimmering chandeliers reminiscent of The Golden Age.
Photo: Christie’s International Real Estate
Serenely situated behind the exclusive gates of The Longboat Key Club, luxe amenities include golf courses, tennis courts, restaurants, a spa, fitness center and marina.
The Kellogg Mansion
Dunedin, Florida
Asking Price: $4,500,000
Built at the height of the Roaring Twenties, this mansion near Clearwater, Florida is the former estate of W.K. Kellogg, founder of the prominent food manufacturing company.
Photo: Christie’s International Real Estate
This 8,000-square-foot residence, affectionately known as the Kellogg Mansion, has eclectic design elements inspired by the Renaissance Period: hand-carved coffered ceilings, one-of-a-kind stained-glass windows, and hand-painted murals commissioned by Kellogg himself.
Photo: Christie’s International Real Estate
Experiencing the splendor of luxury living in this remarkable mansion is evocative of The Great Gatsby experience.
Photo: Christie’s International Real Estate
Is this not a work of art?
Casa de Amor
Potomac, Maryland
Asking Price: $6,995,000
This 13,000-square-foot mansion, located on the outskirts of Washington, D.C., exhibits artisanal details and five-star amenities that invite conventional entertaining and resort-style living.
Photo: Christie’s International Real Estate
This Tuscan-style home includes a palatial 2,500-square-foot master suite with his-and-her spas. A wine cellar complete with climate control and a turret accessed by an elevator add to the stateliness.
Photo: Christie’s International Real Estate
The modernity of the home immeshed with the classical, traditional style makes this residence a rare find.
Photo: Christie’s International Real Estate
The splendid pool atrium was inspired by the grotto at the Versace Mansion; classically-themed mosaic murals comprise the pool floor and the atrium walls.
A Tribeca Masterpiece
New York, New York
Asking Price: $6,950,000
It's been said that this eclectic home is the "embodiment of Joan Didion’s New York; the 'mysterious nexus' of art, history, whimsy and amazing craftsmanship where 'to think of living [here is] to reduce the miraculous to the mundane.'” This home could not be described any better.
44 Laight Street, Apt. 1B, New York, NY; Sotheby's International Realty - Downtown Manhattan Brokerage
Original cast iron columns, 12 ft+/- ceilings, a back wall of original brick from 1896, a 21st century steel ramp floor and the one-of-a-kind leather flooring with stainless steel nail heads all add up to: a work of art.
Pendant lighting softens the industrial feel with an ethereal glow. Customized up-lights in the flooring highlight the extraordinary artworks and provide a visual dimension to the area.
44 Laight Street, Apt. 1B, New York, NY; Sotheby's International Realty - Downtown Manhattan Brokerage
The expansive master suite is a homage to the grandstand suite of old. The space measures 23ft+/- in length and is commemorated by a large wall of blackened steel that offsets the adjacent red brick wall. Sky lights and radiant heated floors with 200-year-old reclaimed Tibetan stones add to the sense of artistically-hip luxuriousness and sought-after privacy.
Nature-Inspired Canvas
Ashland, Oregon
Asking Price: $7,600,000
This 8,880-square-foot home, privately situated on 700 acres of land, embodies all the reasons as to why Oregon is the place to live.
2700 N Valley View Rd, Ashland, Oregon; Photo: Christie’s International Real Estate
The home’s entrance includes arched front mahogany doors, framed by copper tree sculptures that branch out over this unique entryway.
Photo: Christie’s International Real Estate
Customized hardwood floors include a design that runs through the house like a river of wood swirling around corners.
2700 N Valley View Rd, Ashland, Oregon; Photo: Christie’s International Real Estate
The master suite overlooks the valley with jaw-dropping views. Custom-designed windows in the shape of trees and a cedar ceiling lend to the ambience of the room. The ensuite bathroom includes a double shower, jetted tub, steam shower and double sinks in blue Van Gogh granite.
The Palazzetto
Rome, Italy
Asking Price: Price Upon Request
This 17,362-square-foot home is something straight out of the Italian Renaissance with its 11 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, three kitchens, multiple dining rooms, lounges and private gardens.
Photo: Christie’s International Real Estate
Exquisite artisanal touches are expressed throughout the home: bespoke antique finishes, circular carved-out ceilings with Venetian flair; monumental staircases; stately reception rooms, a marble stone fireplace; world-class architectural millwork with doors, baseboards and window casings carved out of the finest, classic woods. The home has a number of large and stunning terraces, including a rooftop terrace that provides an unobstructed, panoramic view of Rome. The floors are made out of nailed oak parquet designed in a herringbone pattern.
Photo: Christie’s International Real Estate
This extraordinary space has a distinct mix of patterns and textures, but the neutral color palette keeps the space calm.
Photo: Christie’s International Real Estate
One of the entrance halls has a mural that De Vinci himself would have approved. The building’s Renaissance architectural style is a work of art in itself.
