Feb242012

Favorite Spaces Series: Watering Holes

I thought Friday was the perfect day to feature another installment of my Favorite Spaces Series…with a focus on watering holes. Throughout the years, I’ve seen the emphasis on carving out permanent space for wine and libations take center stage in luxury homes. This is definitely the case in higher end homes in Coconut Grove and Coral Gables.

I raise my glass to these spaces found in my listings, present and past.

Tuscan Wine Cellar

This wine cellar had a rustic charm and a nod to Tuscany. Simple wine storage provided ample space to grow this owner’s wine collection. The tasting table invited guests to linger.

Sleek & Well Appointed in Coral Gables

This Coral Gables home enjoyed superb finishes and this wine bar was no exception. Custom cabinetry, convenient ice maker and oh that wine fridge! Let’s not forget the onyx countertop…swoon! It was a favorite of all prospective buyers.

One of a kind English Pub

This English-style pub inspired this post. The authentic feel of this room cannot be conveyed in this photo but the rich wood paneling, the generous, well-equipped bar and the tucked away 1000 bottle wine cellar make it one of the best unique features in South Florida real estate today.

I’ll toast to these bars and wine cellars after 5PM today but in the meantime if you’re considering buying or selling in Coconut Grove or Coral Gables, feel free to contact me and benefit from my Strength of Experience.

305.710.1010 | csmith@veryspecialhomes.com | facebook.com/CaroleSmithMiami
Affiliated with EWM REALTY International | Christies International of Coral Gables

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If you are considering buying or selling in Coconut Grove or Coral Gables, please feel free to contact me and benefit from the Strength of My Experience.

305.710.1010 | csmith@veryspecialhomes.com | facebook.com/CaroleSmithRealtor

Affiliated with EWM REALTY International | Christies International of Coral Gables

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Feb102012

Favorite Spaces Series: Living Rooms

I am so glad my blog readers have been enjoying my favorite Coral Gables and Coconut Grove spaces series including my favorite kitchens and favorite pools. Someone has asked whether or not these beautiful spaces were my listings and the answer is a resounding YES! I have been so fortunate to have listed so many beautiful properties during my real estate career in Miami.

Today’s series includes some of my favorite living rooms. Drumroll please:

Coral Rock Detail

The living room in this Coral Gables home was small but stunning. Although the home was just a few years old, the owners had created an Old World charm. The white furniture, sisal rock, beamed ceilings and coral rock accents enhanced every inch of the room. There are some living rooms you would never want to sit in…this one, you would never want to leave.

Coconut Grove Mid Century

Mid-Century is so au courant. Here is a Coconut Grove ‘50’s home that oozes glamour and sophistication, martinis and the Rat Pack. No wonder I had multiple offers on this home.

Old World in Coral Gables

This 1930’s Mediterranean had one of the largest living rooms I have ever listed. Too large is not always good, but in this case, the pecky cypress ceiling and the thick plaster walls kept the living room warm and inviting, in spite of its size. Of course, the original art deco fireplace was the explanation point at the end of the sentence! This is truly one of Coral Gables grand living rooms.

Grove Isle Penthouse in Coconut Grove

Masculine, sleek, and bold. With Biscayne Bay as a backdrop at this Grove Isle penthouse condominium, how could you go wrong?

Simple Symmetry

I have included this Coral Gables living room because it shows what can be done on a limited budget in a simple, minimalist way. It was an ordinary Coral Gables ranch home but the Seller had style and good taste and pulled it all together with panache. This home sold in 15 days.

If you’d like me to find you the perfect home with the ideal living room, drop me a line! (I just dated myself) You can text, email, tweet, Facebook me or simply call. I’d love to chat!

305.710.1010 | csmith@veryspecialhomes.com | facebook.com/CaroleSmithMiami

Favorite Spaces Series: Pools

As promised, I’m going to be sharing my all time favorite spaces in homes that I’ve listed in the last twenty years. Last week I featured the heart of the home: the kitchen.

Since so much of our time is spent outdoors in Coral Gables and Coconut Grove, I thought I would continue the series with refreshing pools!

Resort-like pool

Pina Colada anyone? This pool is set far away from the house (something I recommend) and with the music flowing and the spa going, you can pretend you are on a tropical vacation. (That’s not hard to imagine in Coral Gables)

Lap It Up!

I am the most awkward swimmer but even I would look good swimming laps in this Coral Gables pool. The surrounding landscape was created by Raymond Jungles. The lush setting is spectacular.

Meandering pool

The owners of this lovely home in Coral Gables created an oasis in their backyard with this undulating pool and splashes of color.

The Moorings

The setting for this pool in one of Coconut Grove’s finest neighborhoods, The Moorings, inspired more than one ooh and aah. This pool and the vibe it encompassed was loved by every potential Coconut Grove buyer.

Lush Pool

This pool and patio In Coral Gables is breathtaking. Designed with a Zen emphasis, the black surface and the huge gray river rocks surrounded by lush landscaping and the twinkling of chimes was absolutely heavenly.

There you have it. My favorite pools over the years. Pools are often a must have on a buyer’s list when shopping in Coral Gables or Coconut Grove. The value it adds to a property is tangible. Often times, if a home does not include a pool it is not included in my buyers’ consideration set.

Pools really do make a splash in Coral Gables & Coconut Grove.

If you are interested in selling or buying real estate in Coral Gables or Coconut Grove, please contact me and benefit from my Strength of Experience.

305.710.1010 | csmith@veryspecialhomes.com | facebook.com/CaroleSmithMiami

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Jan262012

Favorite Spaces Series: Kitchen

This Saturday, January 29th is the 3rd annual Coral Gables Kitchen tour. It’s a terrific event and it got me thinking of my all-time favorites things in the homes I have listed over the last 20 years.

I’ve seen it all and have the greatest appreciation for that living room or kitchen or bathroom that just has that extra something that makes your heart skip a beat. All have that little something that makes them one of my Very Special Homes.

Over the next few weeks I’ll be posting my favorites spaces.

Let’s start with that room everyone ends up in: The kitchen!

European Inspired Kitchen

This home is grace personified. The owners had made several trips to Spain and Italy and some of their favorite tiles and possessions were on display in this European inspired kitchen. The beamed ceilings give this space a sense of belonging and character. I love the mix of cabinetry and the arched details. So did the buyers!

Best Budget Remodel

On a limited budget, these owners transformed their Formica kitchen into something sleek and sexy. My favorite part of the upgrade was the moss sea glass back splash. It was strikingly different and transformed the space. I wish I had the before pictures for you to really appreciate the evolution.

Superb Craftsman Style

The details in this Snapper Creek Lakes kitchen were mind boggling. The craftsmanship was superb with no detail left unfinished. Some of my favorite details were the “Waste Not Want Not” sign above the Viking stove. The stove had a pot filler and a stainless steel backsplash which, counter-juxtaposed with the craftsman style cabinetry, was really special.

Welcoming Coral Gables Kitchen

This Coral Gables kitchen was quite warm and welcoming. The playful mix of the different paint colors on the wood and the color of the walls was unexpected and lots of fun.

Heart of the Home

Now here’s a great kitchen. No matter who comes over, they end up standing around the island drinking and nibbling on the hors d’oeuvres instead of winding their way to the formal living room where the owners had the best intentions of a proper cocktail hour. How do I know? This one is mine. My favorite kitchen of all time because the best memories have been made here!

UPDATE March 30, 2012

I had to include this Coral Gables kitchen from my new listing on 1224 Tangier Street. Its open, airy layout blends so well with the rest of this dreamy home. I love it in its entirety! Perfect for a modern family. Maybe I’ll call Sofia Vergara…

Airy remodeled Kitchen

What do you love about your kitchen?

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Carole’s Favorite Spaces

Favorite Spaces Series: Watering Holes

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Favorite Spaces Series: Living Rooms

Favorite Spaces Series: Pools

Favorite Spaces Series: Kitchen

UPDATE March 30, 2012

Carole Smith

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