Luxury Condo or Country Estate?

by Ellen Garcia 06/16/2019

The millionaire lifestyle conjures up visions of luxurious Country French-style mansions nestled in verdant estates at the end of a mile-long tree-lined drive, their arching bows of blossoms dipping overhead as you pass through in your top-down convertible. And that lifestyle is a perfectly pleasant way to live. But is it your way to live?

Luxury comes in small packages too

You have finally made it all the way to the top in your industry, received that windfall, won the lottery, sold your IPO … now you are ready to live the good life, but the idea of whiling away your time idly by the duck pond on the back side of your newly purchased acreage gives you pause. You've been striving toward a goal for a long time, and now that you've reached it, you're not sure it's exactly what you want, but sitting around at home most likely isn't it.

Do not force yourself into believing that the only way to live rich is in a large estate. If you love an active urban life now, you'll love it even more when you can fully enjoy it. Instead of moving out to the country, consider opting for a luxury condominium or townhome instead.

Sure, you’re giving up the rolling hills, bowing trees and the like, but you’re gaining access to all the things you want: gourmet food, good friends, great entertainment, grand shopping all at your doorstep in a high-rise condo, boutique flat or an imposing townhouse near to all the things you've grown to love.

Modern luxury condominiums offer premium options such as security, concierge service, valet parking, security, housekeeping, and staff to handle your dry-cleaning and package delivery. Some luxury buildings go so far as to offer membership in jet clubs—use of private jets, sort of like upscale limo service for longer trips. And many luxury associations offer limo and private driver service as well.

Building amenities may include indoor, outdoor, and rooftop pools, steam rooms and saunas, fully-staffed spas, on-premises sommeliers and private wine-cellars. Some locations offer larger private dining rooms—chef included—for entertaining large groups while others provide children's play areas and teen game rooms.

When you want to have overnight guests, some buildings provided guest apartments for short-term rental. Your guest has all the privacy of a hotel, but proximity to your residence and its amenities.

To find an agent specializing in luxury condominiums, check with your local real estate broker.

About the Author
Author

Ellen Garcia

Ellen Garcia Broker, GRI, SRS, ABR, RSPS, SRES, RENE, MRP, LRS, LSE, LSS, AHWD, e-PROÒ Ellen believes that listening and understanding her clients' needs are the foundation of a successful business partnership. Her knowledge of the many unique communities in Fairfield County is an invaluable asset to clients new to the area, and she is able to help anyone moving to, from or within Fairfield County make an easier transition into a new home and community. For clients who are preparing to sell their homes, Ellen offers her first-hand knowledge of how to leverage the strength of a "brand" in showcasing and marketing their properties. Ellen offers a powerful advantage in bringing her skills and resources to work for her clients. With over 10 years, of full-time experience in the real estate industry, she is well-versed in the Fairfield County real estate market. Ellen has successfully completed: · Over 130 closed sales and rental transactions · Representing a dollar volume of over $65 million Ellen’s people skills lead the way in building a strong network to assist and support her clients in achieving their goals through every step of the real estate process: · Negotiations both local and global · New business development (sales & marketing) · Creative problem solving · Building partnerships · Tapping into Halstead Property’s network of 1100 agents in NYC and Lower Fairfield County Her career in Real Estate has been recognized with many awards including: "Agent of the Year” for Halstead Property Wilton and "Most Closed Sale and Listing Transactions” numerous times. Within Connecticut, Ellen has been recognized over the past several years as a "Connecticut Magazine 5 Star Realtor”. Awards 2016 & 2014 AGENT OF THE YEAR – HALSTEAD WILTON – HIGHEST GROSS SALES 2016 - 2011 CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE 5-STAR REALTOR AWARD 2016 - 2013 MOST CLOSED LISTINGS – Wilton Office 2016, 2014 - 2012 MOST CLOSED SALES – Wilton Office 2016, 2015, 2014 HALSTEAD PROPERTY PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL 2013, 2012 & 2011 HALSTEAD PROPERTY DIRECTOR’S COUNCIL 2014 HALSTEAD – PLATINUM CIRCLE 2016 HALSTEAD - GOLD CIRCEL 2015, 2013 HALSTEAD – SILVER CIRCLE 2007 COUNTRY LIVING ASSOCIATES OUTSTANDING RELOCATION SPECIALIST PRESIDENT'S AWARD (2005, 2006 & 2007). Leading Real Estate Companies of the World PREMIER CLUB – SILVER AWARD FOR REFERRAL ACHIEVEMENT (2006) Sales Associates Recognition Program Professional Associations: · Connecticut Association of Realtors (CAR) · National Association of Realtors (NAR) · Consolidated Multiple Listing Service (CMLS) · Connecticut State-wide MLS (CTMLS) · Mid-Fairfield County Association of Realtors (MFCAR) · Senior Advantage Real Estate Council (SAREC) · Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC) · Seller’s Representative Specialist Council (SRS) · e-PRO Professional Designations: · BROKER · ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) · SRS (Seller’s Representative Specialist) · RENE (Real Estate Negotiation Expert) · GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) · RSPS (Resort and Second Property Specialist) · MRP (Military Relocation Professional) · SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) · LRS (LeadingRE Relocation Specialist) · LSS (LeadingRE Sales Specialist) · LSE (LeadingRE Service Expert) · AHWD (At Home with Diversity: One America) · REALTOR e-PRO · CONNECTICUT TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION