Real Estate Blog


From East Coast to West—with Texas in between—these distinctive homes have foyers that welcome visitors and introduce them to the unique character and style of each impressive estate.

Majestic Pacific Heights Manor

Neill Bassi | Sotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage

From its perch on a prominent corner, this magnificent early-20th-century manor enjoys views of multiple area icons, including the Palace of Fine Arts and the Golden Gate Bridge. The 6,865-square-foot floor plan is replete with enchanting period details and glorious natural light. A grand entryway with a classical pediment and ornamental leaded glass gives way to a welcoming foyer with striking millwork and a gracefully curving stairway that leads to the upper levels—including five bedrooms and a pentroom with access to two rooftop terraces.

Old World Refinement in Houston

Mary Elizabeth Hahnfeld | Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

This refined 10,818-square-foot villa is surrounded by lush gardens and lawns in Houston’s River Oaks neighborhood. An august entry with columns and decorative ironwork opens to a double-height foyer with marble floors and a straight sightline through a groin-vaulted gallery. An elevator links all levels, which offer four bedrooms, living and dining rooms, a climate-controlled wine vault, a dramatic kitchen with an adjoining family room, a handsome wet bar, and a striking library with floor-to-ceiling bookcases. Inviting loggias and terraces overlook the swimming pool.

Georgian Grandeur

 Kevin Stone, Steve Archino | Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage

Leafy vines envelop the stately main entry to this home, which introduces the classical style found throughout. The foyer is a delightful space with black and white marble flooring, a curving stairway with a delicate iron rail, and other timeless detailing. Meticulously updated, the residence features four bedrooms, a wine room, a billiards room, an office, a family room with a wet bar, and a refreshing pool and terrace surrounded by lush landscaping. The ideal location affords both convenience and prestige.

San Francisco Gem

 Pattie Lawton | Sotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage

This one-of-a-kind mountain retreat, nestled amid junipers and piñons high above Santa Fe, features a chef’s kitchen with an 18-foot island and superior appliances, two private bedroom suites, and an office or third bedroom. Distinctive details include hand-plastered double-adobe walls, hand-carved reclaimed beams, windows trimmed in rugged native rock, warming fireplaces, and radiant-heated brick flooring. Spacious traditional portales and patios allow for enjoyment of fresh air and the forested setting of the Sangre de Cristo foothills.

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