Real Estate Industry News

In this week’s look at the world’s finest homes, I took a look at what’s for sale for about $4.4 million in three markets that rank among the most desirable pockets in the world: Hawaii, Hong Kong and Southern California. Whether you’re in the market for a second home, an income property or a trophy estate, these coveted markets run the gamut when it comes to luxury living. From a five-acre orchard estate to a garden duplex with a pool, here’s a look at what $4.4 million buys in Discovery Bay, Kamuela and Santa Barbara.

Discovery Bay, Hong Kong | $4.38 million

This contemporary duplex in Discovery Bay’s Positano highrise features the largest private swimming pool and garden in the highly sought-after development. The open-concept floor plan incorporates bi-folding glass doors in the dining room area that open the space to the garden and pool.

Features: A total of three bedrooms, all outfitted with hardwood floors, lie on the upper level. The primary bedroom suite includes a spa-inspired bathroom and a balcony overlooking the garden, Discovery Bay, and the ocean.

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Other perks: Residences in the luxurious Positano Discovery Bay development each take in a spectacular view of Siena Park and Hong Kong Island. The residential community of Discovery Bay, which has a large ex-pat population, is about 30 minutes from Central Pier by ferry and close to Hong Kong International Airport.

Represented by: Joshua Miller, OKAY.com


Kamuela, Hawai’i | $4.2 million

Located on the Kohala Coast in gated Mauna Lani Resort, this contemporary home has a resort-style vibe with its tropical landscaping, infinity-edge swimming pool and private main suite lanai. At the heart of the house is a great room lined with 12-foot pocketing glass walls that perfectly frame mountain and golf course views.

Features: The four-bedroom home is a showcase of fine interior details and features hardwood and stone floors, motorized sun shades and beautiful mahogany cabinets and trim throughout the two-level floor plan. The sparkling chef’s kitchen pairs a granite-topped center island with up-market appliances.

Other perks: Come for the scenery, stay for the five-star living. Residents of Mauna Lani Resort have access to the community’s oceanfront clubhouse, which is reserved exclusively for residents and guests and includes the beachfront pool and the award-winning, on-site Napua restaurant.

Represented by: Carrie Nicholson, Hawai’i Life


Santa Barbara, California | $4.4 million

Nestled in the scenic Goleta Foothills of Santa Barbara, this custom estate is one of 11 homes in a unique gated community with some of the most spectacular views in the area. One part resort, one part farmland, the property called Vista Del Rey was designed for large and intimate gatherings and enjoying the indoor-outdoor lifestyle of Southern California.

Features: The single-story house has more than 4,500 square feet of living space, four bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. Vaulted and beamed ceilings top the living room, which incorporates a sunken bar. The home’s chef kitchen serves as the home’s hub and connects to nearly all of the formal rooms.

Other perks: Farm-to-table becomes an everyday experience when surrounded by producing vineyards. The five-acre property, which is almost entirely powered by a ground solar system, has a bountiful grove of mandarin, lemon, avocado and other fruit trees. Much of the produce grown has benefited Santa Barbara Food Bank’s Backyard Bounty program in recent years.

Represented by: Dianne Johnson and Brianna Johnson, Village Properties


Hawai’i Life, OKAY.com and Village Properties are exclusive members of Forbes Global Properties, a consumer marketplace and membership network of elite brokerages selling the world’s most luxurious homes.