Extraordinary Properties

W atching the Olympics in Paris this summer may leave you raring to excel at your favourite sport – if only you could find time to practise. In fact, many Olympic athletes hone their skills at home. Brazilian skateboarder Leticia Bufoni, who participated in Tokyo 2020, built a skatepark in the backyard of her Los Angeles property. From Team USA, swimmer Cody Miller trains in his own outdoor swimming pool, and rock climber Colin Duffy uses a climbing wall in his basement. Meanwhile, British tennis player Andy Murray has a tennis court on his rural estate in England. But you don’t have to be an Olympian to enjoy top-quality sporting and fitness facilities at home.

With a continuing boom in the culture of wellness, and mounting scientific evidence of the physical and psychological benefits of sport and exercise in everyday life, having at-home facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts or basketball courts is a boon to personal health and lifestyle, as well as the desirability of a property.

It is an idea that has been enthusiastically embraced at this collection of properties across the US, Canada and Italy. Some even come fitted out with facilities you might not expect – from an indoor ice hockey arena to a bowling alley.

It is at a stunning property in the verdant village of Old Westbury, New York, where a bowling alley can be found – along with a tennis court, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, par-3 golf hole and indoor basketball court. “The owners are avid golfers and swimmers – the facilities allow them to swim and keep their golf game sharp year-round,” says Jason Friedman, senior global real estate advisor at Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty. “As far as property value goes, this home’s amenities go above and beyond anything that’s been built on the Gold Coast of Long Island.” A sports lover would surely never get bored here, but there is much to love beyond the amenities, with a large, classically detailed stone mansion overlooking landscaped gardens providing a perfect place to relax or entertain.

Over in Italy, a fairytale property in the Tuscan province of Grosseto features a tennis court, golf course, swimming pool, stables and paddock, set over an impressive 84 acres. There is space to host all the tennis and riding partners you could possibly want, with the property including 17 bedrooms across buildings that blend seamlessly with the cypress tree-studded landscape.

In Palm Beach Country, Florida, an equestrian’s dream comes true in the shape of a home accompanied by a 28-stall stable block. While the main house benefits from an outdoor pool, gardens and lake, the large stable building includes tack rooms, lounges, bathrooms, wash racks and grooming stalls, alongside the custom-built stalls to accommodate horses, all set around a generous outdoor riding arena.

Meanwhile, in the bayside Canadian town of Collingwood, Ontario, a 24-acre property features a private indoor ice hockey arena – which can be converted to a pickleball court when desired. The state-of-the-art hockey team changing rooms, alongside a viewing gallery with full bar, will make you feel like you’re a VIP at a professional match.

And in Lafayette, California, a property with an outdoor swimming pool and tennis court is as attractive for lavish summer parties as it is for daily workouts. Inside, the home has its own luxury theatre with a big screen, and a games room featuring six televisions. There is, after all, no need to become an Olympic athlete yourself when you can take pleasure in watching them compete from the comfort of your own home.

This amenity-rich estate is situated on seven acres of perfectly manicured grounds within the Gold Coast’s most sought-after gated community, Spring Hill. The natural stone mansion, with its 25,000 sq ft of living space, features seven bedrooms, 13 bathrooms and an expansive indoor kitchen. Athletes and wellness-enthusiasts can enjoy the residence’s extensive amenities, including an indoor basketball court, indoor pool, steam room and sauna, golf simulator, gym, two-lane bowling alley, par-3 golf hole, tennis pavilion and outdoor pool. For a more relaxed time in, there is also a billiards room, sports bar, movie theatre and much more.

$28,000,000
Property ID: VGJNFT
sothebysrealty.com
Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty
Jason Friedman +1 516 236 6226

In the evocative scenery of the Tuscan countryside, this renovated estate is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. The 29,000 sq ft property comprises five main buildings plus auxiliary structures for olive oil production and other services. The main villa – carefully restored in Tuscan style with traditional detailing – hosts various common spaces: large lounges, a reception, kitchen, cinema room and five bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. In addition to the vineyard and olive grove, delight in some sun and outdoor activities in the swimming pool, golf course, tennis court and a paddock for walking with horses.
 
$30,434,783
Property ID: YRJTEP
sothebysrealty.com
Italy Sotheby’s International Realty
Eleonora Benetti +39 0583 493 591
 

La Victoria Farm, a custom-built, 7.3-acre equestrian property, has it all. Located only a short hack to the show grounds, this property – with a main residence and 28-stall stables – is designed for the ultimate equestrian lifestyle. Access to the stables and 3,600 sq ft main residence is through two separate gated entrances. The stables have two centre aisles each with 14 stalls. Each private aisle is complemented by separate tack rooms, lounges, laundry, feed, bathrooms, wash racks and grooming stalls. Unwind after a day out in the four-bedroom main residence, a private and quiet refuge with a spectacular pool and lanai.

$21,500,000
Property ID: 8Y7CF3
sothebysrealty.com
Equestrian Sotheby’s International Realty
David Welles +1 561 313 9123

This one-of-a-kind, 24-acre property with private indoor arena featured on Hometown Hockey is an entertainer’s and sports enthusiast’s dream. Located in a standalone building, the 45ft by 95ft arena with ice surface is perfect for three-on-three hockey, and can be easily converted to a pickleball court. It comes with your very own Zamboni, state-of-the-art changing rooms and a large steam shower. When off the ice, unwind in the viewing gallery with a full luxury bar, large loft with a big screen and a hot tub for relaxing after a fun-filled day. Meanwhile, the stunning three-bedroom home/chalet has an open-concept kitchen, stone fireplace, media room and games room.

$3,639,706
Property ID: TVTCN8
sothebysrealty.com
Sotheby’s International Realty Canada
Daena Allen-Noxon +1 416 960 9995

Sitting at the end of a private drive, this retreat is ideal for entertaining those of any age with a tennis court, basketball court, batting cage, swimming pool with waterfalls and slide. There is also an on-site climbing wall, golf simulator, putting green and bocce court. Relax and recuperate in the massage room fitted with two hot tubs, by the outdoor fire pit or enjoy a movie in the spacious professional theatre. A game room is equipped with six televisions and space to play pool, ping-pong or cards for family and guests to enjoy. The four bedrooms are spacious, and the primary suite offers a massive walk-in closet and an ensuite bath.

 $9,495,000
Property ID: SRY66S
sothebysrealty.com
Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty
Ann Newton Cane +1 415 999 0253