A Recipe for Stylish Living

T hey say you always find people in the kitchen at parties. With the holidays approaching, it may be time to consider just how party-ready that kitchen is. Is it spacious enough to fit a large gathering, does it have unique amenities, or is it designed thoughtfully enough to impress even the most discerning of guests?

These are all feats that have been achieved by this stunning array of properties. From the mountains of Colorado, to the coast of Honolulu, and the canals of Amsterdam, these homes offer show-stopping spaces for cooking, dining and entertaining.

In San Francisco, the Beaux Arts apartment block at 2006 Washington Street—designed in 1924 by Conrad A. Meussdorffer—is one of the most revered buildings in the city. Here, a penthouse with wraparound terraces boasts an intimate but striking west-facing kitchen with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the ocean beyond, through French doors that open onto a private balcony. Imbued with Georgian features, painted in a muted shade of blue and featuring a classic marble counter breakfast bar, this space creates a decadent environment for any passionate cook. The opulent apartment has undergone renovations by architect Andrew Skurman and interior designer Suzanne Tucker—who featured the property in her book “Extraordinary Interiors.”

North of the city, in Sonoma County, a rustic estate inspired by countryside retreats in the south of France offers a cottage-style kitchen with limestone-plastered walls and ceilings, and wooden beams and finishings. Previously home to British interior designer Wendy Owen—who referred to it as La Maison de la Pierre (the House of Stone)—the space is replete with eclectic vintage touches, such as a yellow kitchen table and a French stone laundry sink. A wine fridge reflects the property’s prime location in a food and wine haven, which is home to more than 400 vineyards and a variety of slow food farms and restaurants.

Traveling across the Atlantic, a stately 18th-century canal-side home in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, offers a classically decorated open-plan kitchen and dining room, with a tiled patio and green space through French doors. Historic wooden beams line the room’s full length, and solid wood cabinets are complemented by a marble countertop and brass fixtures. A climate-controlled wine cellar sits just down the hall.

Back in the U.S., a compound in rural Maine provides a private escape for large holiday gatherings and equestrians. Architect Frank Robinson designed the main house as an homage to the organic architecture of the modernist legend Frank Lloyd Wright, incorporating warm wooden paneling, large windows and rich earth tones. The open-plan kitchen and dining space is impressive, with vaulted ceilings and a double-height glazed wall, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding rolling hills and forests.

Properties in Telluride, Colorado, and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France, also benefit from incredible views of their surrounding landscapes, bringing true beauty to the experiences of cooking and entertaining.

Set in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, the Telluride home seemingly floats above the clouds, at almost 9,000 feet above sea level. The retreat’s open-plan kitchen, living and dining space is completed by an impressive double-sided stone fireplace, creating a relaxing and cozy atmosphere. Sliding doors open onto a wooden deck with outdoor entertaining space and a firepit with views of snow-capped peaks.

Meanwhile, with a spacious kitchen offering triple-aspect views onto the Alps, holiday parties are sure to impress in the chalet-style Chamonix property, which also benefits from a vegetable garden for growing fresh produce during the warmer months and harvesting just before the festive season.

But for those craving warmth and sunshine, a contemporary home in an exclusive gated community in Honolulu, Hawaii, offers a uniquely designed kitchen that stands out against the island’s natural beauty. Contemporary copper Snaidero cabinets by Italian design company Pininfarina are complemented by tiled floors, glass counters and high-quality appliances—topped by a sweeping view across Oahu island.

With its grand entertaining rooms, high-quality design and sweeping panoramic views, this 5,700-square-foot residence at 2006 Washington Street is the crown jewel of Pacific Heights apartments.

Its meticulous renovation introduces a Georgian vernacular into a Beaux Arts-style building. Large French doors open onto wraparound terraces. The chef’s kitchen faces west to capture mesmerizing vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge and seascape beyond. As San Francisco’s leading cooperative, 2006 Washington serves residents with a 24-hour attended lobby, elegantly landscaped private garden and two-car parking garage.

$29,000,000

Property ID: 2KG7W7
sothebysrealty.com
Sotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage
Gregg Lynn +1 415 595 4734

Nestled in one of the most spectacular areas of the Telluride region, this five-bedroom retreat offers breathtaking views from every room. With an open floor plan and floor-to-ceiling retractable windows in the main living area, one can relax and experience the natural beauty from multiple spaces. In addition to the primary living quarters, a separate guest wing provides two bedrooms and a bunk room with an adjacent game room and bar. Above the three-car garage is a private guest bedroom, with fantastic views of Wilson Peak.

$21,000,000

Property ID: 5PHJBB
sothebysrealty.com
LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
Lars Carlson +1 970 729 0160

Built in 1730, this impressive, monumental canal house—rich in centuries of history—has recently been tastefully and authentically restored by a world-renowned interior designer. The property is perfectly situated in the area of the famous “Nine Streets” and holds the status of a national monument. The property is divided into a front house and a rear house, connected by a beautiful staircase and a central light court. There are six bedrooms, four bathrooms and a range of spaces for relaxation and entertainment, including a bar, a fully equipped gym and a beautifully landscaped garden.

€13,000,000

Property ID: D4PCY8
sothebysrealty.com
Netherlands Sotheby’s International Realty
Sanne van der Zaag +31 88 37 47 000

Discover an unparalleled blend of elegance and rustic charm at 6015 Grove Street, nestled in the serene west side of Sonoma County. Hand-laid stone walls and terraces seamlessly integrate the home with its natural surroundings in the heart of wine country. A mix of luxurious earthy textures, the interiors feature radiant-heated limestone floors and limestone-plastered walls. Adjacent to the main home, the guest house provides a tranquil accommodation for visitors. Outdoor living is at its finest, with a stone dining room, pavilion and a charming potting shed.

$4,950,000

Property ID: YM5G66
sothebysrealty.com
Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty
Cristian Isbrandtsen +1 707 294 7879

Windledge Farm is set on 308 acres of land—including paddocks and walking trails—with staggering views of the protected High Peaks of Maine. The contemporary main house is designed as an homage to Frank Lloyd Wright, showcasing outstanding quality and craftsmanship in an open-plan concept. The home offers a retreat for those that require state-of-the-art amenities and security, yet yearn for the feel of comfort, serenity and privacy. The handsome stable block offers all the amenities needed for the optimum care and comfort of horses, supported by additional living quarters.

$5,200,000

Property ID: LW55TE
sothebysrealty.com
Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty
Glenn Jonsson +1 207 776 0036
Marika Clark +1 207 671 6927

This fully renovated residence is a testament to luxury and elegance on Oahu. Located in the most prestigious gated community with 24/7 private security, the property offers breathtaking ocean views. Designed by award-winning architect Jeff Long, the home also features interior finishes that are handcrafted by artisans known for their expertise on superyachts. The kitchen includes Snaidero cabinets designed by Pininfarina, a Ferrari design company, with top-quality appliances from Gaggenau, Sub Zero, and Miele. The property also benefits from a movie theater, infinity-edge pool, elevator, and hurricane shutters.

$19,880,000

Property ID: KQPE8J
sothebysrealty.com
List Sotheby’s International Realty
Akimi Mallin +1 8083974480

Overlooking Italy’s iconic Lake Como, Villa Pietralba offers a balanced combination of classic charm and modern comfort, having recently undergone a meticulous renovation led by a renowned architect in close collaboration with the owners. The main villa, built in 1903 in the Liberty style, has six en-suite bedrooms, alongside living and entertaining spaces. The property also features a three-bedroom guest house, a staff house and a private pool complex, including a gym. In warmer seasons, soak in the Italian sun in the extensive gardens that have been beautifully designed and maintained.

Price upon request

Property ID: SK67YS
sothebysrealty.com
Italy Sotheby’s International Realty
Diego Antinolo +39 031 538 8888