Rarified Heights
Since ancient times, sites with a little altitude have been prime locations for luxury homes. One of the principal benefits of living at great heights is, of course, the views afforded by an elevated vantage point. A well-designed hilltop home maximizes this feature with plenty of windows, terraces, and patios or decks so that residents can take full advantage of their scenic location and abundant sunlight. But building a home on a hill or mountainside is also an ideal way to ensure privacy, quiet, and distance from the hustle and bustle of life at ground level. This collection of exquisite properties with commanding locations proves that for a truly elevated approach to luxury living, one must head for the hills.
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Kukio is a spectacular two-story residence perched on a hilly acre that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, and several lovely anchialine ponds—small bodies of water with subterranean connections to the sea, commonly found along the coastline in Hawaii. This airy and spacious estate is designed to take full advantage of Hawaii’s year round sun, mild temperatures, and tropical breezes, with an open floor plan to encourage cross-ventilation. The dining room is open on three sides and surrounded by lush tropical plants and trees. The entire lower level offers views of the island’s extraordinary natural features, from the charcoal gray cinder cones around Kua Bay, to the majestic Kohala and Hualalai Mountains. The interior is classically Hawaiian in design, with light-colored Spanish limestone floors, and ornate wood and plaster carving inspired by foliage and flowers. Kukio’s exclusive Golf and Beach Club and Uluweuweu Bay are both in close proximity to this serene estate.
Cat Island, Bahamas
Unrivaled views of tropical paradise await at this eco-friendly home crafted from Brazilian hardwood and set on a hillside in the Bahamas.
This hilltop eco-retreat on an island in the Bahamas is perfect for artists and nature lovers with its 180-degree views of the azure Atlantic, pristine white sand beaches, and tropical landscape below. With floor-to-ceiling windows and multiple spacious patios, this custom-built home has been designed to showcase the spectacular views and relaxing tranquility of a quiet island getaway. Although it is completely off the grid and runs on earth-friendly solar power all year, it’s still packed with luxury amenities including air conditioning, a satellite internet connection, and state-of-the-art kitchen.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
The high elevation of this spectacular mountainside home offers marvelous views of the surrounding natural landscape.
Like the wildflowers, sage, and Aspens that emerge from the Wyoming hillside on which it’s built, this contemporary six-bedroom home is in complete harmony with its high-altitude setting. Dramatic views of the nearby Grand Teton range combined with fresh mountain air are sure to invigorate and inspire any outdoor enthusiast. The home’s striking modern architecture features numerous windows designed to bring in natural light and blur the distinction between indoors and outdoors. Luxury details include a home theater, hot tub, multiple terraces for dining and entertaining, and an outdoor grilling area.
Cascais, Portugal
The terrace of this contemporary cliffside villa on Portugal’s stunning western coast serves up seemingly endless ocean views.
This striking contemporary villa is built into the cliffs of Biscaia that rise high above Portugal’s Atlantic coast. The five-bedroom main residence boasts panoramic ocean views and a wooden terrace that’s ideal for outdoor relaxation and sunset entertaining. A negative-edge pool built into the hillside gives the illusion of melding seamlessly with the aquatic vista beyond. Other luxury amenities include a generously sized master suite, fully equipped kitchen, two-bedroom guest house, and on-site fitness room.
Mykonos, Greece
This private hilltop estate in the Greek beach capital of Mykonos delivers brilliant sun and fantastic views of the Aegean.
This elegant modern villa is perched on a hill above Greece’s famous Agari Beach in the sea, sand, and sun mecca of Mykonos. The six-bedroom estate takes full advantage of its elevation, as each room opens to a terrace or veranda in order to capture the ocean breezes and uninterrupted Aegean views. In addition to the recently renovated main house, the property includes a guest house and studio, making it ideal for hosting visitors. The surrounding gardens and negative-edge pool provide additional options for entertaining and relaxing. Just steps from gorgeous white-sand beaches and minutes from the nightlife of Mykonos, this private estate is both secluded and convenient.
Telluride, Colorado
Surrounded by some of Colorado’s most picturesque 14,000-foot peaks, the Catmando estate is a breathtaking residence packed with architectural splendor.
This remarkable mountaintop residence is a true historical gem surrounded by some of Colorado’s most rugged and beautiful peaks. Catmando’s main residential structure was created from a barn that pre-dates the Civil War, and this rambling and sun-filled property is packed with architectural details and fine craftsmanship that make it truly unique. A tour de force of mountain craftsmanship situated on 35 acres within a wilderness preserve, Catmando is outfitted with a bevy of sophisticated and modern amenities. On the grounds, numerous ponds and waterfalls mimic the surrounding landscape, while multi-tiered patios look out upon dramatic mountain vistas.
Saint James, Barbados
This chic villa perched on a hill 1,000 feet above sea level overlooks the brilliant expanse of the Caribbean Sea as well as one of the top-rated golf courses in the world.
Cooling tropical breezes and panoramic views of the western coast of Barbados are just some of the perks of this luxury Caribbean villa’s lofty location. Named “Ard Na Mara” and part of the exclusive Apes Hill Club, this four-bedroom estate looks out over the Atlantic Ocean and the club’s world-class golf courses and polo grounds. The master suite boasts its own private terrace, and many other rooms open to expansive ocean vistas. The pool and outdoor deck with wet bar are perfect for sunset grilling and relaxing after a day on the links. Inside, an Italian-designed gourmet kitchen by Scavolini is outfitted with Smeg appliances, travertine flooring, and contemporary decor.
Peapack, New Jersey
Traditional splendor is found throughout this New Jersey hilltop estate with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.
Accessed via a long and winding approach, this recently restored and renovated Georgian-style manor is majestically situated atop a hill in bucolic northern New Jersey. This 19-room estate was designed in the early 20th century by New York architect James C. Mackenzie, who went to great lengths to capture the traditional elegance of an English country manor. English-style gardens and 62 acres of manicured grounds offer respite and relaxation, and the home’s hilltop elevation allows for sweeping views of the rolling hills of Somerset County. Formal dining and living rooms are elegant settings for dining and entertainment, and a cherry-paneled study and zinc bar imported from France add an air of sophistication. With interiors characterized by high ceilings and fine finishes, this five-bedroom hilltop home is full of exquisite details and amenities befitting a modern-day mansion.
Porto Cervo, Sardinia, Italy
This hilltop villa set on ancient farmland full of fruit and nut trees provides expansive views of the islands rising from the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Located high on a Sardinian hillside, this charming farmhouse property is surrounded by cork, olive, and fig trees and overlooks the islands of Corsica, Lavezzi, and La Maddalena. The four-bedroom villa boasts high-quality materials and finishes as well as handmade chestnut furniture. Outside, the Mediterranean sunshine warms the manicured private gardens and sundeck with a swimming pool. Three acres of ancient and scenic farmland add tremendous appeal to this enchanting home.
Sun Valley, Idaho
Alpine living at its finest is available year-round in this luxury Sun Valley lodge with 360-degree views of neighboring peaks.
In the hills of Sun Valley, Serenity Lodge is a skier’s paradise located just minutes from downtown Ketchum. This luxury mountain retreat offers panoramic views of the surrounding slopes as well as plenty of privacy and clean mountain air. Its handsome, alpine-style construction features interiors with beamed ceilings, custom millwork and cabinetry, massive stone fireplaces, and reclaimed oak floors. Exclusive amenities include a Schindler elevator, epicurean kitchen, wine cellar, and sauna and massage room. Golfing, tennis, skiing, and hiking are just some of the year-round outdoor activities to be enjoyed nearby, and the four-and-a-half-acre parcel also boasts gardens and waterfalls on both sides of the residence.
Thank you for reading. I hope you found this information useful.
Jeff Pittman, Realtor in Ladera Ranch – Orange County, California