LIGONIER, Pa. — Platinum Luxury Auctions is overseeing the bidding of “Whose Woods,” a 100-acre countryside estate in Ligonier that is currently owned by Douglas Dick, the co-chairman of the Dick Corp. which oversaw the construction of PNC Park. The estate will be auctioned off to the highest bidder regardless of the final bid price on Dec. 5.
Read the pickup of Nate Doughty’s Pittsburgh Business Times article at WPXI here.
Platinum Luxury Auctions is overseeing the bidding of ‘Whose Woods,” a 100-acre countryside estate in Ligonier that is currently owned by Douglas Dick, the co-chairman of the Dick Corp. which oversaw the construction of PNC Park. The estate will be auctioned off to the highest bidder regardless of the final bid price on Dec. 5.
Read the full article by Nate Doughty at the Pittsburgh Business Times HERE.
The owners of a multimillion-dollar estate in the rolling countryside of western Pennsylvania have elected to make haste when it comes to the sale of their property. Located in the affluent borough of Ligonier, the 100-acre property will be sold at a luxury auction® without reserve on December 5, 2020, despite never before being offered for sale. The auction terms signify that the property, known as Whose Woods, will sell to the highest bidder regardless of the bid price. The owners retained luxury real estate auction house Platinum Luxury Auctions for the transaction.
Platinum is no stranger to Ligonier, having sold three consecutive properties there within the past eighteen months.
“Ligonier is an excellent ‘case study’ marketplace for us, that precisely highlights the value-add of our business model: working with non-distressed sellers whose properties are in the top tier of the market, in order to generate efficient, market-driven results and avoid the costly pitfalls of the traditional brokerage process,” stated Trayor Lesnock, Platinum’s founder and president.
To be sure, Platinum’s three Ligonier sales achieved prices that claimed the 2nd, 6th and 9th all-time spots for residential transactions in Westmoreland County, PA (where Ligonier is located).
This Saturday, October 31, a 50-acre estate in Delaware Township, NJ that was previously asking $7.25 million will be sold at a luxury auction®. The auction will be held without reserve, signifying that the highest bidder will be declared the successful purchaser regardless of the high bid price. The property, named Stone Creek Farm by its owners, is located in the borough of Stockton, and is within a one-hour drive of both New York City and Philadelphia. The owners retained luxury real estate auction house Platinum Luxury Auctions to manage the non-distressed auction sale, in cooperation with New Jersey listing brokerage Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty.
The owners selected the name Stone Creek Farm due to the property’s history as the site of an 18th-century stone farmhouse. While carefully preserved and restored portions of the original, historic structures remain, extensive renovations and additions have transformed the property into a luxurious countryside estate and hobby farm with plenty of modern creature comforts. It’s 50-acre parcel (40 acres of which are placed in conservancy, substantially reducing property taxes) is surrounded by 100 acres of state-conserved land, ensuring added privacy.
“Initially, the property was a weekend getaway for the sellers, who both had demanding careers in New York City,” stated David Ashcroft, Platinum’s Managing Director. “After both retiring, that dynamic essentially ‘reversed,’ such that Stone Creek Farm is now where they spend most of their time, and they’ll day-trip or spend a weekend in the city.”
The centerpiece of the multi-structure estate is a grand, countryside residence with two large wings extending from a central portion of the original farmhouse. Although investing a considerable amount of money into renovations and improvements, the owners took care to include throughout the home various nods to its history, using materials such as heart of pine flooring rescued from a Georgia plantation and hand-hewn beams from New York’s famous Fraunces Tavern.
While custom millwork, beaded pine paneling, exposed stone walls and beamed ceilings all evoke a bygone era, the home is thoroughly modern, with amenities that include a fitness center, sauna, gourmet kitchen, 1,000-bottle wine cellar with climate controls, executive office and luxurious marble baths. A guest wing, light-filled sunroom, grand salon with wood-burning fireplace, and additional office and two lofts are also part of the main residence.
Outdoor living areas are also impressive. Hand-laid stone was used extensively to create a large patio lounge with summer kitchen and firepit, and to surround the heated pool and spa. Adjacent to the pool is a fenced, all-weather tennis court.
Just steps from the main home is a separate, 4-bedroom guesthouse, perfect for in-laws, guests or staff. There is also a unique barn complex with three sections. A larger, central structure offers a lower-level garage and upper-level entertainment space that is beautifully finished in a “modern industrial” design. The two structures flanking the central barn function as utility facilities, with ample flex space on the lower levels and storage above. The complex and its adjacent motor court have served as venues for grand events (including a few private weddings) over the years.
In addition to the improvements to the farm’s structures, the owners took great care to manage and preserve its grounds. A private pond with stone lining serves as an important part of the property’s rainwater management and recirculation system, while meticulously groomed landscaping and herb and floral gardens add beauty and charm. A gently winding walking path has been carved through the forested areas of the farm, allowing for peaceful nature walks.
Buyers can visit the property by appointment between the hours of 12 and 5pm ET daily, through the close of Friday, October 30. More information on the property and the auction sale is hosted at NewJerseyLuxuryAuction.com. Interested parties may also contact Platinum’s project manager for the sale, Leslie Rose, at 800.853.2101.
This Saturday, a lovely residence on 180 acres in Oregon’s Willamette Valley will be sold to the highest bidder without reserve at a luxury auction®. The October 24th sale is being managed by the luxury real estate auction specialists at Platinum Luxury Auctions. The property auction house is working in collaboration with listing brokerage Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty in Portland for the sale. Listing agents Julie Halter and Joe Reitzug are representing Cascade.
The property is located in Dallas, Oregon, a small city within the Willamette Valley region that is just 15 miles west of Salem and about 50 miles southwest of central Portland. It has recently been offered for sale for $3.9 million, but the auction’s terms dictate that the highest bidder will become the new owner of the property, regardless of the bid price. Interested buyers must first register to participate in the auction by the registration deadline of 5pm PT on Friday, October 23rd. The auction sale will then be held on the property site at 4pm PT the following day. Bidders can also participate in the sale remotely, if not able to attend on-site.
“The owners created a beautiful property with features that reflect their love of enjoying life with friends and family,” stated David Enriquez, Platinum’s Vice President. “And with some great restaurants nearby and of course all of the wineries in the Valley, they rarely feel the need to head into Portland to have a good time.”
The Valley’s mild, Mediterranean-like climate inspired the property owner to create various outdoor amenities, such as a custom-built summer kitchen with fire pit, woodfire oven, and a bar with a hand-torched, copper countertop that can seat up to 12 guests. The custom pool and spa are situated to offer beautiful views of the sun setting over the Willamette Valley, while a poolside gazebo adorned with lovely flowers and planters adds charm.
While approximately 128 of the property’s acres are suitable for vineyards, the current owner has not tested his viticultural green thumb. He did, however, build a subterranean wine “grotto” with a tasting area and storage for 100 select bottles.
Grounds include 3 fenced pastures offering plenty of room for horses (the owner once had more than 60 horses onsite, in addition to a few llamas). There is also a newer (built 2018), 60-ft by 40-ft barn constructed from blue pine and Douglas fir milled in Oregon. Those who travel via helicopter will be pleased to know there is a landing “pad” in hand-laid stone, located just off the home’s motor court.
The property’s main residence offers nearly 7,500 square feet, with 5 bedrooms and 6.5 baths throughout 2 living levels. Features include a two-story foyer, fitness center, oversized master suite and a posh home theater inspired by Moscow’s Bolshoi Theater. A separate, 4-bay garage accommodates oversized vehicles and includes one-half bath.
Buyers can visit the property by appointment between the hours of 11am and 5pm PT daily, through the close of Friday the 23rd. Additional information on the property can be found at OregonLuxuryAuction.com, or by calling the property’s project manager, Trudy Vella, at 800.683.3789.
On Wednesday, October 14, a sprawling ranch on 3,250 acres in Santa Fe County, New Mexico will be offered for sale at a luxury auction® without reserve. Known as Saddleback Ranch, the property was once owned and developed by Emily Fisher Landau and her son, Richard Fisher. Mrs. Fisher Landau is a highly respected art collector, philanthropist and the widow of Martin Fisher of New York City’s Fisher family, considered one of the Big Apple’s “royal families of real estate.” Their privately held family firm, Fisher Brothers, was founded in 1915 and remains one of the nation’s most prominent real estate players.
Specifically located in Galisteo, NM (also home to Tom Ford’s Cerro Pelon Ranch – once asking $75 million), Saddleback Ranch is within a 25-minute drive of the heart of downtown Santa Fe. “The ranch feels like your own, private world, but you’re actually within a close distance of everything you need,” according to Trayor Lesnock, Founder and President of Platinum Luxury Auctions, the Miami-based firm managing the transaction. “So many of these larger ranches are very, very far off the grid, which may seem appealing – until you actually own it,” he joked.
Platinum then selected Santa Fe’s Barker Realty as the broker of record for the auction transaction. Platinum and Barker, an exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, have previously joined forces to produce three of the top ten, all-time residential sale prices in Santa Fe County to date. Lesnock praised both Barker’s management and agent staff, and specifically pointed to Barker listing agent Stephanie Duran, who has been involved in each of Platinum’s sales in the area, either directly or by referral. “She’s a real hustler who has an excellent insight into the market’s luxury sector. A terrific asset and market partner.”
The ranch will be offered as one, 3,250-acre property, or in three smaller components. “The components include a 1,399-acre parcel, a 1,204-acre parcel and a 647-acre parcel,” stated David Ashcroft, Platinum’s Managing Director. Ashcroft added that the two, larger components each contain multiple structures, while the smallest is comprised of vacant land. The ultimate method by which the ranch will be offered will be determined prior to the time of sale, and will be based on the prevailing interest of the bidders.
The entire ranch has four main living quarters – two luxurious estates and two smaller homes – plus a multi-structure ranch center, various garages, utility barns and other outbuildings. In addition to equestrian amenities like 10 large stalls, tack and wash rooms, and several turnouts, the 3,800-sf ranch center also offers a large living/entertaining room with wet bar and stone fireplace, along with an office and groom’s apartment. Fun film fact: the ranch center has appeared in Johnny Depp’s Lone Ranger feature film and in the acclaimed, western television series Longmire.
Saddleback’s two, larger residences are particularly impressive. One, named the “Drogheda House,” is designed in New Mexico’s more traditional, adobe style. The 7,200-sf residence features handsome wood finishes and exposed beams, lofted ceilings and multiple fireplaces throughout.
The other, named the “Windland House” for the gentle breezes it often enjoys, is another testament to the exquisite tastes of Emily Fisher Landau. She retained architect Suby Bowden to design the unique home, which has won several architecture awards, including the American Institute of Architects Honor Award for Top Architecture (2002) and the Jeff Harnar Award for Contemporary Architecture (2007). It’s also been toured by New York’s M.O.M.A. and Whitney Museums.
Windland House features 6,100-sf of bright, airy spaces and a clean, minimalist design – providing ample room for the display of paintings and sculptures throughout. Its outdoor living areas include a summer kitchen, custom pool and neatly manicured area of lush, green lawn.
Cattle and equestrian operations have previously been run on the ranch, aided by its 13 water wells and unlimited grazing rights.
Interested parties can find more information online at NewMexicoLuxuryAuction.com, or by contacting Platinum’s offices at 800.262.5132. Bidders must register to participate in the live sale, which will be held on the property site at 4pm MT on Wednesday, Oct. 14, unless otherwise noted. Contact Platinum for registration information.
The last time Saddleback Ranch in Galisteo was sold, it went for the highest price ever recorded in Santa Fe County this century.
The total in 2008: $17.45 million.
It was a high-water mark that still stands — $7.35 million clear of the second-highest property sale in the past 20 years.
It goes on the auction block Wednesday without reserve, meaning no minimum bid. The auction will be conducted by Miami-based Platinum Luxury Auctions, which has conducted several high-dollar home auctions in Santa Fe.
Houston-based shopping center magnate Dan Silvestri and other partners bought the ranch in 2008 and Silvestri became full owner 1½ years ago. He lived in the smaller Windland Estate, but Silvestri reckons he has visited maybe 20 times over the years.
Read the full story by Teya Vitu at the Santa Fe New Mexican HERE.
On October 10th, an impressive mansion situated on 75 private acres on South Carolina’s Saint Helena Island will be sold at a live, luxury auction® held on the property site. Previously listed for a price of $5.3 million, the sprawling estate will now be sold to the highest auction bidder without reserve and regardless of the high bid price. The owners of the property retained luxury real estate auction house Platinum Luxury Auctions to manage the sale, in cooperation with South Carolina listing brokerage Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty. Listing agents Judith Collins and Mary M. Jeans are representing Celia Dunn in the transaction
The spacious estate’s design is inspired by the French Country style, and exudes the relaxed, laid-back luxury of the American South. The main residence offers 4 bedrooms, 4 full and 3 half baths throughout 10,000 sf of living area, making it ideal for larger families and for those who enjoy entertaining – even on a grand scale. A gourmet kitchen and well-equipped butler’s pantry are complimented by an additional floral/catering areas, ensuring plenty of capacity for holiday feasts or catered galas.
Additional amenities range from a handsome library and executive office to a wine cellar with storage for up to 2,000 bottles. A multi-purpose room is currently outfitted as a fitness center. Throughout the home, custom French doors open to terraces and patios offering sublime views of the pristine grounds.
In addition to the main residence, there is also a separate apartment located above the detached, 3-car garage. The apartment features 1 bedroom, 1 full and 1 half bath, and is perfect or guests, in-laws or domestic staff.
Currently, 60 of the property’s 75 acres are planted with beautiful pines. In addition to lending aesthetic value and privacy to the estate, these pines can be timbered and sold for profit, or clear-cut and replaced with pastures (thus making the residence ideal for equestrian enthusiasts).
Located within the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort Metropolitan Statistical Area, Saint Helena Island is part of the “Beaufort Sea Islands.” With verdant farms and docks for shrimping and fishing, the island offers visitors and residents a window into rural, Lowcountry southern life – but enhanced with modern shops, art galleries and restaurants. Saint Helena is just 45 minutes from Savannah, GA and 75 minutes from Charleston, SC.
Interested bidders can obtain more information on the property online at SouthCarolinaLuxuryAuction.com, or by contacting Platinum’s offices at 800.262.5132. Bidders must register to participate in the sale, which will be held on the property site. Contact Platinum for registration details.
This Thursday, October 8th, an expansive riverside estate in outer Savannah built by a fourth-generation member of the Oscar Mayer hotdog family will be sold via luxury auction®. The property is owned by Donald Mayer and his wife Sandra. Mr. Mayer’s father ran the hot dog conglomerate until its sale to Kraft Foods in the 1980’s. After first listing the home for $3.9 million, the Mayers decided to retain Miami-based Platinum Luxury Auctions to offer the property for sale at auction without reserve, meaning the highest bidder will prevail regardless of the price. And while the tasteful, luxurious residence bears no outward signs of the family business, there is an iconic, Oscar Mayer “Wienermobile” parked in the garage. (The whimsical vehicle will not be included with the sale of the home, however).
Platinum specializes in the non-distressed auction sale of multimillion-dollar properties on behalf of sellers like the Mayers, for whom the date-certainty and expedition of the auction process offers great appeal. The luxury real estate auction firm is managing the sale in cooperation with listing broker Liza DiMarco of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ Bay Street Realty Group in Savannah.
Situated on 1.22 lush and private acres at the confluence of the Skidaway and Wilmington Rivers, the estate is located in Modena Island, a gated community on Savannah’s Skidaway Island. The homesite is positioned to offer serene, natural vistas from virtually every vantage. As stated in an email from Mrs. Mayer and previously reported by the Wall Street Journal, she and her husband designed the home to, “… bring outdoor living in and inside living out [by] using extensive glass and warm wood finishes, elevated decking, landscaping and gardening, and the arts-and-crafts feeling reflecting the Frank Lloyd Wright architectural style.”
To be sure, soaring, 20-ft walls of windows in the grand salon reveal an expanse of peaceful marshes to the east and deep-water views to the west. Thoughtful, outdoor living spaces – from the private gardens to the infinity pool – allow for further enjoyment of the surrounding nature-scape, a hallmark of Lloyd Wright’s designs.
The 6,800-sf residence offers 4 bedrooms, 5 full and one-half baths, and a largely open floor plan allowing for a seamless flow between common areas – making the home ideal for entertaining on an intimate or grand scale. Other notable features include a chef’s kitchen with center island and Gaggenau cooktop, private office, 1-bedroom “guesthouse,” fitness room, 3-car garage, greenhouse and courtyard with terrarium. Those looking for ways to warm up in the coolest winter months can gather indoors around the double-sided, stone fireplace, or grab some blankets and head outside for homemade s’mores at the fire pit lounge.
Modena Island is within a 20-min drive of downtown Savannah, and is immediately adjacent to The Landings, a development offering 31 tennis courts, 6 golf courses, 5 restaurants, 5 pools and premier fitness center. Club membership to The Landings is available for those seeking to enjoy its many amenities.
Interested bidders can find more information online at SavannahLuxuryAuction.com, or by contacting Platinum’s project manager, Leslie Rose, at 800.593.4177. Bidders must register to participate in live sale, which will be held on the property site. The registration deadline is 5pm ET on Wednesday, October 7th. Final previews of the home can be scheduled by appointment between 12 & 5pm ET today and Wednesday.
The expansive Tuscan-style spread will go under the hammer on site on Aug. 8 with Platinum Luxury Auctions, and until then, remains available to purchase for its most recent asking price of $34 million, listing records show.
Built in 2009, the 10-bedroom mansion sits on a peninsula bordered by beaches within the ultra-exclusive, gated community of Tahiti Beach, which is home to fewer than 30 estates.
