Yellow Door Lane’s Favorite Things
It’s an honor to write “swan songs” for sellers letting go of memory-filled real estate, but also, to capture the imagination of buyers with an ideal lifestyle only possible within some seriously spectacular walls.
Over the years, a parade of heart stropping hearths, sun-kissed hillsides, and swanky sanctuaries have crossed my desk.
So grab a mug of coco, set your gift-wrapping aside, and enjoy
as I share five of Yellow Door Lane’s favorite homes:
1. 837 Harbor Island, Clearwater, Florida
Presented by The Hughes Shelton Group - Compass Luxury
For big city execs, entertainers, and sports stars alike, this breezy $14,000,000 water-side contemporary will surely captivate buyers, as it captivated me. Alluring with crisp architecture, sweeping glass, a rooftop oasis, and fixtures fit for metropolitan art galleries, this Clearwater escape was designed to seduce. While I was won over by its construction, sunlit corridors, and the thought of pool-side dinners overlooking evening sails, the home’s blue LED lighting dazzled. Imagine… Harbor-side gatherings electrified by bioluminescent-inspired glow. Who wouldn’t love to be hosted here?!
2. 772 Nebo Circle, Woodland Hills, Utah
Presented by Paige Steckling - Engel & Völkers
Warmness of materials and simplicity of lines make this Utah sanctuary a masterpiece where incredible craftsmanship and cozy havens provide for your stargazing, entertaining, and adventure-base needs. At $2,650,000 this exceptional glass-wrapped backcountry beauty honors and reflects rustic Mountain vibes while providing corridor after corridor of high modern style. Within it’s Summit Creek community, the buyer will enjoy access to a Nordic-inspired hot pool for soaking away winters overlooking snow-topped wonders. …and here I thought you needed to travel to northern Europe to enjoy winter-decked hot springs.
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A shout-out to talented home photographers*, like Mesa Media (who captured the above). They each make virtually touring homes and understanding their spirit possible…not to mention a joy.
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3. 35428 Appalachian Trail Road, Round Hill, Virginia
Presented by Lisa Thompson - Sotheby’s International Realty
Seventy pages of historical documents arrived with the order for this exquisite property’s remarks. I read every line. The document led me down a fascinating lane, originating from the mid-1700’s; linking the property to a King, a President, plantation life, and war-time cautionary tales. While I virtually explored its award-winning preservation and evolution into a modern treasure, I simply marveled at its past. For someone whose family has touched American history back to Jamestown, writing for “Hearthstone” was a pleasure. This now off-the-market home, on twenty-five sweeping Blue Ridge acres, was a stone-wrapped gift.
4. 46 Compo Mill Cove, Westport, Connecticut
Presented By Scott James & Evangela Brock - Douglas Elliman
If timelessness was a house…
While I truly adore nearly every architectural style, the Shingle, has a special place in my heart. Tucked along Connecticut’s Gold Coast, this water-side sanctuary remains one of my favorite properties where I promised buyers a transition from city-life to one of peace and serenity after simply crossing the footbridge onto the community's pristine peninsula. Revitalized with incredible care by its then-owners, the home was painstakingly crafted by skilled artisans and architects who recreated an inspired Parisian spiral staircase, preserved 100 year old floors, delivered European materials using a WWII Higgins Landing Craft, and filled this now off-market home with the finest of casually-chic furnishings. …Where do I sign?
5. Index Tower, Dubai Int’l Financial Centre - Dubai
Presented By Yayine Melaku - The Y Group, LLC
It was exciting enough for this entrepreneurial mom to get her first international job, but the locale being Dubai made it a serious thrill. No home stands alone from its community. Each is a reflection of the area’s culture, and serves as a launching-pad for what’s nearby. Researching what’s to-do in every hometown allows me to fully capture a property’s tenor. As Yayine Melaku imagines, designs, markets, and oversees the construction of her architectural masterpieces, it's a privilege to provide her with the words to describe her accomplishments. This particular project could not be more sensational, as elegant ultramodern touches overlook the glittering skyline of finance, innovation, and culture that is Dubai’s IDFC - nothing short of magic.
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Are there more?! Oh most definitely, YES!
A soaring Malibu post-modern achievement, an exclusive high-fashion colonial in Washington D.C., rolling acreage near Sonoma County vineyards, and a San Diego gem where goats mow the lawn…
Look for the new list, including these, in the New Year!
Until then…Happy Writing.
*For information about the above properties, please refer to the names of each agent listed and click names to reach their websites. While properties listed may or may not still be active, you’ll be able to discover other incredible properties in each agent’s market, and inquire after the photographers who captured these gorgeous homes.
