Six $10M+ Home Sales in Turks and Caicos in the Last 5 Years

The Residence: COMO Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands

In the last decade, Turks and Caicos Islands (‘TCI’) has become known as a preferred location for High Net Worth (‘HNW’) and Ultra-High Net Worth Individuals (‘UHNWI’).

With year-round sunshine, clear turquoise waters and easy accessibility from most major North American cities and London, UK, it is easy to understand why TCI’s real estate market has moved from strength to strength. Strong fundamentals: an economy utilising the US dollar, a friendly local government strengthened by a UK Governor, a handful of innovative and professional architects, builders, and real estate professionals, and no annual property taxes sustain the market. 

More importantly however, this rise to fame as a HNW and UHNWI location, is directly attributable to one serendipitous timeline that begins in the late 80’s with the first wave of development.  This period and slow crawl towards tourism saw quality low-density condominium resorts arising with a maximum of 3 levels, a requirement that remained in place until the 90’s with small increases in the 2000’s. This low-density mindset has left much of TCI relatively untouched, providing ample space for private development amongst generous backdrops, and has ensured its attractiveness to the HNW and UHNWI, many of whom lead busy lives and look to our market for second or third homes that provide privacy, tranquility and natural beauty.  

If you have never visited TCI, imagine the tranquility of the beaches of Cayman Islands or Barbados, but without swarms of beach loungers or someone trying to sell you a trinket, now breath out 😊, and let me walk you through some of our most impressive sales of the last five years.

1. Celebrity Home Sale in Parrot Cay

The Residence: COMO Resort, Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands

In July 2019, The Residence sold for $27M, weighing in as the second highest sale price in TCI (hint-hint: the highest sale price was also located on Parrot Cay). With box-office record breaking films like Die Hard, Pulp Fiction and the Sixth Sense under his belt, this American actor with German roots fell in love with a plot of land in Parrot Cay in the 1990s and set about creating a family compound which spanned roughly 8 acres and includes three homes, set apart distinctly over a remarkable sunset-facing beachfront cove. With 11 bedrooms, wrap around decking and an expansive 35,000 SF, this home saw multiple birthdays, summer and winter holidays, and most recently a vow renewal, before it took its place with its rightful new owner. 

2. A Musical Legend’s Estate Sells in Turtle Tail

Prince’s Island Estate: Turtle Tail, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

This is what it sounds like when…. history is made and one chapter closes. The musical icon that brought us hits such as “Purple Rain”, “When Doves Cry”, and my personal favourite “Raspberry Beret”, purchased land on a rare peninsula in Turtle Tail, housing only one other neighbour. Complete with two adjacent waterfront land parcels of 2.74 acres, this Estate’s glory is attributable not only to its legendary ownership, but also due to it selling in under five months on market. The 5.74 peninsula with 6 bedrooms over nearly 10,000 SF sold after utilising Ro0omy technology to virtually curate the interiors, in June 2019, for $10.8M.

3. A Beachfront Bajan Beauty sells along Grace Bay 

Coral House: Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

Coral House: an Oliver Messel inspired design based on the coral stone homes he famously created in Barbados, can be found along Grace Bay beach.  It is hard to miss this timeless masterpiece. Coral House sits proudly and peacefully on powder white sand with easy ocean access, marking the beginning of the more residential zone of Grace Bay beach. At over 12,000 SF, with a gourmet kitchen, 6 bedrooms, a library, office for those zoom calls, breakfast room and more, Coral House is a dream family home.  Neighboured by its sister property Coral Pavilion (sold in 2019 for $9.12M and available for private rentals via islandhouselvm.com), Coral House has no other immediate neighbours, enhancing the appeal of its locale. This rare home sold for $10.6M in October 2019.

4. Private Home Sale at COMO Parrot Cay Turks & Caicos 

Serenity Villa: COMO Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands

Serviced by COMO Parrot Cay, Serenity villa sits amongst an unequaled panorama of unspoilt beach, luminous ocean, and infinite skies. With 373 feet of sugary sand over 5.38 lush acres, the home is nestled in a stunning half moon bay, offering 8,645 SF of impeccable living under roof. Serenity Villa is a beachfront estate like no other, with a design ethos that is sensitive to its surroundings, reflecting the glorious natural aesthetic for which Parrot Cay is known. The property sold for $17M during the summer of 2017 and marks the third most expensive home sale on the exclusive island of Parrot Cay.  This private sanctuary near the water’s edge includes high-speed Wi-Fi and custom music (part of the villa’s master AV system), a refreshing outdoor shower and a beautiful cabana with a suspended circular daybed.

5. Dreams from Dallas Sold in COMO Parrot Cay Turks & Caicos 

Oliver’s Cove: COMO Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands

Oliver’s Cove is a property close to my heart – it is as traditional as it is eccentric. With swathes of Royal Palms and verdant lawn, the elegant Caribbean exterior design alludes to the home of Oscar De La Renta in Punta Cana, but step inside and marvel at the surprisingly eclectic mix of antiques and custom touches. Hand-troweled Venetian plaster throughout, with aged exposed timber beams, hickory flooring and a pair of antique French doors at entry to the home, set Oliver’s Cove apart as a premier estate on the private paradise of Parrot Cay. With 7 bedrooms between the Main House and Guest House and nearly 800 FT of beach frontage over 6.54 acres, Oliver’s Cove set a record-breaking price when it sold in February 2016 for $27.45M, making it the highest sales price in TCI.

6. Amazing Grace in Leeward Set the Pace for Emerald Beach

Amazing Grace: Leeward, Turks and Caicos Islands

Amazing Grace sold in 2015 for $15.1M in the exclusive eastern end of the residential neighbourhood of Leeward, known as Emerald Beach. Emerald Beach is home to mega-estates, all of which benefit from wide expanses of virtually private beachfront. At Amazing Grace, white-washed interiors provide a sense of peace throughout while the traditionally Caribbean property boasts 282 feet of superb white sand beachfront right outside. With 8.4 acres, it was sold complete with direct and canal and dock access, a popular feature amongst the ultra-luxury properties of this location. Since the sale of Amazing Grace, Emerald Beach has become better known as a location for those searching for exclusivity and tranquility

The TCI HNW and UHNWI market is on the rise, with no signs of letting up in the face of a pandemic. In fact, the appeal of our fundamentals seems to be on the rise too.

By Courtney Chapman

^14th September 2020

Second Home Significant Properties – 5 Beach and Waterfront Homes with Style

By Courtney Chapman 

20^th August 2020

Turtle Tail Estate, Turtle Tail, Turks & Caicos Islands 

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, people the world over are reassessing their needs and living situations. With rising numbers fleeing to the suburbs, we are seeing renewed importance placed on homeownership that values privacy amidst natural surrounds. A retreat that acts as both sanctuary and with functionality, to meet the needs of modern families in our “new normal” enivorn, where it’s proving possible that we may be experiencing “togetherness” with only our immediate family members for some time to come. The hour long work commute is quickly being replaced by home offices, and classrooms of 25+ children with quiet mutifunctional spaces for homeschooling.  What was once the convenience of life in the city center is rapidly being replaced with the quest for tranquility, a type of peace of mind that is achieved only through living your day-to-day in a remote location. If you too are reprioiritising your life focus towards health, longevity, closeness of family and calm surrounds, here are 5 properties that will ease your spirit and tick every box on the list. 

Complete privacy and seclusion in Turtle Tail, Turks & Caicos Islands

Turtle Tail Estate – Turtle Tail, Turks & Caicos Islands 

With multiple pools and unparalleled infrastructure, including an ocean facing home office, fitness center, home theatre, and commercial kitchen, Turtle Tail Estate, has been masterfully executed as more than just a private home.  It is essentially an ultra-luxury resort onto itself, with onsite amenities such as a tennis court, games room, wine cellar and a 75’ private boat dock for yacht mooring. Add in 270-degree views from its position on an elevated 4.57-acre peninsula all on its own, masterfully executed architectural and interior detail, and this well managed family resort-like retreat provides everything you might be looking for. 

Multi-generational opportunity in Emerald Point, Turks & Caicos Islands

The Peninsula at Emerald Estate – Emerald Point, Turks & Caicos Islands 

Perfectly positioned on the eastern end of Leeward’s sought after North shore, the Peninsula at Emerald Estate offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reside in a tropically landscaped private cul de sac, with views and access to an assortment of uninhabited cays to the east, and renowned Grace Bay beach to the west. Four custom pre-construction beach house designs embody high-level soft contemporary design, with interiors by B&B Italia, on approximately 1-acre beachfront sites, that take care to embody the natural beauty of their location. After you’ve wrapped your head around the unprecedented frontage, 215 – 320 feet, take your private boat from Leeward canal just behind the property and explore the majestic beaches of Donna Cay, Little Water Cay and beyond. 

Quintessential Caribbean charm in Turtle Cove, Turks & Caicos Islands

Lizard Lounge – Turtle Cove, Turks & Caicos Islands 

Impeccably detailed throughout, this newly completed (2019) stunning classical Caribbean villa boasts a beachfront pool, hot tub, grill station, al fresco dining and lounging, with an electronic gate, solar, propane and full backup generator, and that’s just naming the outdoor features. Once you enter Lizard Lounge, a family-friendly vision of luxury presents through a large island kitchen with entertainment bar, Miele appliances, stone tile flooring, traditional Caribbean ‘pickled’ timber flooring, elegant and extensive custom millwork and built-ins and more. Even the name of the road it lives on is quintessentially Caribbean, come and see the home for yourself on “Coconut Road”, Turtle Cove. 

Contemporary living in a boat lover’s community in Long Bay, Turks & Caicos Islands

Dune Villas, South Bank – Long Bay, Turks & Caicos Islands 

Bedded into the landscape, the two Dune Villas at South Bank, revere the horizon line from atop a 25 ft. dune on the western end of Long Bay beach in the esteemed Ocean Estate neighborhood. With over 3 miles of unspoilt beachfront, and some of the finest ocean views stretching in front of you, unencumbered (glass balustrades) and vast in their southern facing vantage, South Bank is a resort and marina community with something for everyone. There are two other waterfront neighborhoods, including 1 – 3-bedroom Boathouses and smaller 3 – 5-bedroom beachfront homes, all with their own unique relationship to the water. Amenities for the Dune Villas however, include an elevator to take you over 3 floors (yes there are 3 floors!), prep kitchen, multifunctional room for gym, office, staff quarters or similar, owner’s storage & a two car garage, as well as access to a clubhouse, spa, private lounging islands and a slew of boat lover perks like fueling, provisioning, and wet/dry docking for preferential rates.  

Move in ready beachfront oasis in Emerald Point, Turks & Caicos Islands

Villa Chill – Emerald Point, Turks & Caicos Islands 

In addition to six bedrooms benefitting from beachfront views, Villa Chill also boasts a further two bedrooms, located in a standalone guest house with its own private plunge pool. Spanning 11,000 total square feet and 120 feet of frontage in the safe-haven of Leeward, known for its seclusion, one of the finest beaches is steps from your door, and the views are stellar, the whole house having been raised above grade to take full advantage of the beachfront position. Retreat here and enjoy time with your nearest and dearest full time, or as a seasonal residence, for vacation use or lucrative short-term rentals. 

With multiple beachfront options at your fingertips, the homes here will be sure to appeal to both the solitary recluse and the adventure seeker in you.  What are you waiting for?

Find Your Next Home

Introducing Phase 2 of Beach Enclave North Shore

by Turks and Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty

Phase 2 Beach Enclave Long Bay

Vasco Borges, Developer and Founder of the Beach Enclave brand, is proud to announce the highly anticipated Phase 2 of Beach Enclave North Shore, which expands upon the original, award winning Beach Enclave boutique private villa resort. 

Phase 2 offers ten tropical minimalist two to four-bedroom homes, sitting atop a magnificent, beachfront, elevated perch, with one of Providenciales’ most jaw dropping views of the north shore and the reef barrier, providing the perfect combination of elevated views and access to a virtually private beach. 

“The homes are built to take full advantage of the topography. The first story of the Beach Houses are carved into the limestone shelf, seamlessly connecting them to the surrounds. Entry to the home is provided from the second level, so you have ocean views from 47′ of elevation in your master bedroom. The exposed limestone functions as a design feature, and acts as a natural barrier offering privacy between homes. The Ridge Top Houses set behind the Beach Houses, take full advantage of the position on the top of the ridge with 60′ of elevation from the first story and 70′ from the second.” – Vasco Borges, Developer, Beach Enclave. 

With 35′ of elevation the Beach Houses range in size from 2,885 gross sq. ft. for the two bedroom to 4,080 gross sq. ft. for the three bedroom. Prices for the Beach Houses start at $1,895,000. 

The Ridge Top Houses are superbly positioned to protect ocean views and privacy and range in size from 2,918 gross sq. ft. for a two bedroom to 4,817 gross sq. ft. for a four bedroom. Prices for the Ridge Top Houses start at $1,650,000. 

“We are thrilled to be launching Beach Enclave North Shore Phase 2. Yet another amazing project with Vasco Borges and his team. On the heels of great success in Phase 1 next door, and a building reputation with two further locations in nearly sold out Long Bay, and sold out and soon to be complete Grace Bay, the phase 2 homes open the acclaimed BE Villa enclave concept to a wider and highly interested audience.” – Joe Zahm, Broker and President, Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty.

A menu of pre-designed options is available. 

The expanded resort amenities include an elevated oceanfront Club Lounge with an indoor/outdoor bar and restaurant, lounge decks enhanced with water and fire features; an upgraded oceanfront Fitness Center and Yoga Deck; a lighted tennis court; kids club; and a one-of-a-kind luxurious Enclave Gardens, teeming with Caribbean fruit trees, all for the exclusive use of owners and guests.

Learn More

Welcome Back to Turks and Caicos

Wondering Whether We’re Open to Visitors Again? Here is Everything You Need to Know to Make Your Travel Plans to Turks and Caicos Islands

Our borders are open to international travel and we are welcoming visitors to our shores. If you wish to take a holiday in Turks & Caicos simply follow the three steps below.

Prior to arrival you will have to submit 3 items to the TCI Assured Portal for pre-approval as follows:

1. A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 5 days of travel (click Vault Health for an approved at home testing service for travel to Turks and Caicos)
2. Proof of medical insurance (click TCI Safe for an approved travel insurance provider)
3. And a health screening form

Once you have been approved through the TCI Assured Portal, you will receive your Travel Authorisation Certificate via email and are all set to travel. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be asked to provide your Travel Authorisation Certificate at check in, and then allowed to proceed to the departure lounge.

We look forward to welcoming you back to the Turks & Caicos.

Wealthy Americans are Flocking to Turks and Caicos to Buy Luxury Real Estate

The Peninsula at Emerald Estate – Beach House 1

Even the coronavirus pandemic couldn’t stop the Turks and Caicos real estate market.

The coronavirus pandemic chilled real estate markets across the U.S., but it didn’t stop the surging demand for property in Turks and Caicos.

As real estate elsewhere has dropped, the Caribbean nation has seen records broken despite the global pandemic, according to Mauricio Umansky, founder and CEO of real estate firm The Agency.

“We have definitely seen some extraordinary prices,” he told FOX Business.

South Bank is a low density 31-acre residential resort and marina community along 2,200 ft of beach and iron shore including a unique peninsula located on the southwestern end of Long Bay beach, offering some of the finest views over the Caicos Banks.

Sales volume of single-family homes in Turks and Caicos during the first quarter of 2020 outpaced the same period of 2019, and condo sales outpaced the two previous years to date, according to a Sotheby’s International Realty report.

Turks and Caicos is conveniently close to the U.S. and boasts some of the world’s best beaches, according to Umansky. The country also uses the U.S. dollar and has no property, income or capital gains taxes. The real estate market was already seeing big growth there last year, and it benefited from publicity around the sales of luxury homes that had belonged to Prince and Bruce Willis.

Rock House Resort – A New Era Of Elevated (Grace Bay Resorts)

Wealthy Americans looking to vacation in Turks and Caicos were more likely to rent before the pandemic, so they could spend a summer there and then jet off to another luxury locale the next year, according to Umansky. But he said the pandemic has made the rich realize they want to own a second home outside crowded cities so they have someplace comfortable to stay in the event of a similar event.

TURKS AND CAICOS REAL ESTATE MARKET FLOURISHES AS RICH BUY LUXE ISLAND VILLAS

“So there’s a big trend, they want to have a place to sequester and to have that second home if this happens again, and to have a home where the whole family can go, not just a little apartment that they don’t all fit in,” he said.

Turks and Caicos officials did close its borders in March as a result of the pandemic. The country has remained relatively unscathed by COVID-19, with just 12 cases and one death among the popular of 39,000 people, according to the World Health Organization. As of June 15, officials said there were no active cases of the illness in the country.

Beach Enclave’s newest boutique resort offering – the first true luxury boutique resort in TCI.

WEALTHY CORONAVIRUS RUSH HITS ‘FORGOTTEN’ TOWNS

The Turks and Caicos government also incentivized real estate purchases during the pandemic by offering a 50 percent cut in stamp duty, waiving custom duties on construction materials and cutting planning fees by half, the Caribbean Journal reported.

Now the border is set to reopen on July 22 when Providenciales Airport reopens. The Grand Turk Cruise Center is also scheduled to reopen on Aug. 31.

With real estate outpacing the market in 2019 even during the pandemic, Umansky said he’s expecting even more growth once visitors can return.

The Bight by Dream Hotel Group – An Elevated Design-Forward Hotel Concept Focusing on Authentic Experiences and Lifestyle

MOST EXPENSIVE BEACH TOWNS OFFER LUXURY FOR A PRICE

“It’s back on and we’re selling,” he said. “It’s pretty incredible.”

Of course, Turks and Caicos isn’t the only vacation spot to see a boost in interest among wealthy homebuyers amid the pandemic. The Bahamas have also seen a “very solid rise in their real estate sales,” according to Umansky. He also spoke to FOX Business about the rise in popularity of ski towns like Aspen, Colorado and Park City, Utah as year-round getaways. And a run on vacation homes in traditional escapes for the rich and famous like the Hamptons has been well-documented.

Real estate in general is also recovering and getting closer to catching up with last year’s pre-coronavirus market, Umansky said.

“That gap is narrowing on a daily basis,” he said.

Amayara Resort – Located on the secluded Northwestern tip of Providenciales, bordering a national park. 

Learn More About Our Developments

Article adapted from James Leggate, ‘Wealthy Americans are flocking to this Caribbean nation to buy luxury real estate,’ Fox Business, June 21st, 2020.  

Rock House Construction Update June 2020

“Since the reopening of the construction site on May 11,the safety of our working men and women on site has been prioritized, following local health guidelines…whereas these guidelines have added unexpected new steps to our processes, the construction continues unabated and the project is advancing well….the project has advanced considerably, with several homes reaching roof level and the resort main pool and its adjacent building advancing”-Mark Durliat, CEO and Principal of Rockhouse

“Rock House is perfectly positioned to complete and open in 2021to meet the growing demand from buyers seeking their own retreatswhere privacy, space, high quality of design and service are likely to be even more sought-after.
A selection of elegantly designed cottages, each with their own private pool, will enjoy access to the superb amenity set of the newest boutique resort coming to Turks & Caicos.”
Nina Siegenthaler, Vice President of Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty

Click Here for Rock House Listings

Click Here to Read the Full Message from Mark Durliat and his Team

Turks & Caicos Islands’ Plans To Open Borders on July 22nd

The Turks & Caicos Islands Government has announced the plans for the next phases of a gradual re-opening of our islands and we are excited to let you know that the international borders are slated to open on July 22^nd, 2020.

Starting June 5th, additional retail businesses to reopen and activities to resume that must strictly adhere to standard operating protocols for retail business issued by the Ministry of Health. This includes real estate property showings, personal services by appointment, non-contact sports, day-care services, and churches with limited capacity.

Starting June 22^nd, essential travel to outer islands and return of residents that are currently abroad.

Starting July 6^th, full re-opening of local economy, all businesses and activities adhering to established protocols.

Starting July 22^nd, re-opening of International and Regional Borders.

This has indeed been a challenging time for every global community. We are grateful to our leaders and essential works who have kept us all safe throughout the past few months.

We have heard from many of you with your desired plans to visit, whether it is a postponed trip that you are rescheduling or sought-after return to our beautiful beaches. We hope that you and your families are healthy and safe and we look forward to welcoming you back!

For full details the link to the Ministerial Statement is provided below along with the chart.

Link to Premier Cartwright-Robinson’s Ministerial Statement

Purchase the Last Remaining Beach House 1 and Become Part of the Beach Enclave Long Bay Family Through Home-Ownership Incentive

As you may be aware, Turks & Caicos has remained a safe haven throughout its closure period, since the end of March, with a minimal amount of COVID-19 cases to date, due to swift action taken by the Turks & Caicos Islands Government and Governor.

In April, Beach House 2 sold, with construction slated to commence imminently.

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We have also seen construction re-commence on Beach Houses 2 and 3 which broke ground in December and are slated for completion by Q1 2021.

View our latest construction video.

Beach Enclave is committed to securing the sale of the last remaining Beach House 1, and delivering a construction-free living experience to early Beach House buyers and resort guests, and as such is offering the below incentive until the end of June to create a time-sensitive opportunity to qualified buyers during this time:

1. $150,000 discount to the list price of $2,795,000 (3BR) and $2,995,000 (4BR)
2. $25,000 credit towards design options such as an outdoor summer kitchen or resort amenities

Coupled with the Turks & Caicos Islands Government’s reduction in Stamp Duty for land acquisitions completed prior to the end of June (from 10% to 5%) the incentive results in more than $200,000 in savings.
The Club Residence is starting in 2021. The stamp duty savings will likely apply to a sale of any Club Residence through an Extended Payment Agreement.

Visit Beach Enclave Long Bay Listings Here

Focus | 5 Ways You Can Broaden Your Horizons

Free time, something that’s often accounted amongst ideas most luxurious, can become ampler when you find yourself indefinitely working from home. That being said, you might be looking for ways to use your newly acquired free time. Broaden your horizons and enhance your skillset, knowledgeability, and more with these five things you can focus on from home.

Speak a New Language

Agnostic to industry, being multi-lingual can give you a leg up with clients, more professionally marketable, and even make your future travel aspirations more immersive. Apps like DuoLingo and Babbel will help you be well on your way to learning a new language.

Join a Virtual Book Club

Books, fictional or not, are windows into different parts of the world. Exploring books in your favorite genre, self-improvement, or even something outside of your comfort zone, can be a source of enlightenment and relaxation. What’s more, you can join a virtual book club to enhance your experience and connect with new people.

Music for Your Soul

With research showing that learning an instrument can have a lasting positive impact on your brain function, now is the perfect time to pick up that guitar. Fender is offering three months free of their Fender Play service which will help you navigate the six-string – also consider a ukulele or piano lessons to find your musical muse.

Learn from the Best

Whether it’s in the kitchen with Chef Gordon Ramsay, behind the camera with Annie Leibovitz, or in the boardroom with former Disney CEO Bob Iger, MasterClass offers in-depth lessons with titans of industry from all walks of business. What better way to learn a new skill from the best in their field?

Take Up Art

If all else fails, grab a pencil and paper and learn some pointers from professional illustrators – drawing can be a great way to alleviate stress and can help your mind problem-solve from a different perspective.

Free time is ultimately what we make of it, and during these challenging times, what we do with our free time can truly help us make it through them. If there is something you’re doing with your free time, feel free to share in the comments below – we’re in this together.

How to Bring Eco-Conscious Beauty to Your Home

Andalucia, Spain | Elena de Miguel, Kristina Szekely Sotheby’s International Realty

As more people become increasingly aware of the effects of our energy consumption on climate change, homeowners are choosing to adopt more sustainable design solutions. Creating a welcoming, stylish home is now as much about putting thoughtful care into responsibly sourced furnishings as it is about picking pieces that suit you and your family’s needs. Conscientious, sustainable interior design is all about balancing these impulses—it’s about making smart choices for the environment without having to sacrifice beauty or function. 

As architects and developers have been finding new, innovative ways to implement sustainable practices into building design, so too have designers been embracing the eco-conscious movement and bringing it to interiors the world over. Just in time for Earth Day, these suggestions for how you can choose to enhance your home’s interior eco-friendliness range from repurposing existing materials to thinking on a more local scale, all while keeping beauty at the forefront of design.

Choose Responsible, Local Furniture Companies

Vaud, Switzerland | Vanessa Karma, Cardis Immobilier Sotheby’s International Realty

When buying new furniture, there are a few steps you can take to reduce your impact on the environment. Choose pieces from local companies that are dedicated to sustainable interior design—these brands are more likely to use ethical, responsibly sourced materials, but they’ll also have a low-waste and low-pollution logistics and shipping mandate. Selecting made-to-order pieces will reduce the likelihood that unbought stock will be sent to the landfill, and will ensure that your new credenza or lounge chair was produced with a minimal amount of materials. Look for companies that use deadstock fabrics and repurpose scraps in place of mass-retailers that produce in excess of demand. Furniture created by local, sustainable brands is also more likely to be high-quality and be up-to-date in its design.

Rework Vintage Finds

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida | Tanner Peacock & Jo Stewart, Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty

For those who prefer to reduce manufacturing demand and keep already existing pieces in circulation, sourcing vintage furnishings and décor is the most sustainable option. Look for timeless, quality vintage pieces like mid-century modern sideboards or designer Italian leather chairs from the 1980s. Shopping for vintage and upcycled furniture is an art in itself, so consult with an antiques dealer before heading to any markets. Rework vintage pieces with the help of local craftspeople to give furnishings a modern refresh, while keeping storied, timeless furniture out of the landfill. A simple reupholstering or paint job is an easy way to invest in quality antiques while giving your home a stylish and sustainable update. 

Switch to Eco-Friendly Fabrics

Grosseto, Italy | Diletta Giorgolo Spinola, Italy Sotheby’s International Realty

When it comes to the fabrics in your home—from rugs and bedding to curtains and throw blankets—the most environmentally friendly option is to make the switch to natural fibres. Opt for materials like linen, cotton, wool, jute, and hemp, especially recycled or certified blends, which are more sustainable than synthetics. Investigate labels and be discerning when it comes to the use of natural dyes. Look for fabrics with GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification, meaning that they meet the high processing standards set for organic materials, including their ecological and social impact. Curtains and drapes will also help with your energy footprint: use them to reduce the amount of interior heat lost through window panes in colder seasons, and to block direct sunlight in summer, reducing the need for air conditioning. 

Update Your Light Fixtures

Amsterdam, Netherlands | Amsterdam Sotheby’s International Realty

Committing to a more sustainable design approach is about caring what materials go into your goods as well as the day-to-day impact those products have on the environment. Opting for energy-efficient lighting fixtures will make a notable difference in the energy consumption in your home, an essential change for those concerned about design’s impact on the environment. Replace your old incandescent bulbs—which use more energy, and thus increase the cost of your monthly electricity bill—with LED bulbs to start. Choose stylish lighting fixtures constructed with recycled materials, and position furniture and other design elements to enhance natural light as much as possible.

Incorporate Artisan-Made Home Goods

New York, New York | Kaptan Unugur & Mara Flash Blum, Sotheby’s International Realty – Downtown Manhattan Brokerage

Supporting independent artists is an eco-friendly and ethical way to bring beauty into your home. Handcrafted items like throws, weavings, and ceramics created by local artists are a more environmentally friendly option than buying from mass-market retailers, and, depending on your selected item, are more likely to be one-of-a-kind. Artists that work on a small scale are more able to focus their efforts on using sustainable, locally-sourced materials and time-honored skills, and investing in their work means you’re supporting smaller businesses while adding considered artworks to your home.

Eco-conscious design is changing the way we think about decorating and furnishing our homes. Keeping sustainability in mind when designing your interiors starts with sourcing ethical materials and supporting conscientious companies who are doing the work to reduce our negative impact on the environment—acts that ultimately lead to a healthier society and more sustainable future.

Find your next sustainable abode from among these eco-conscious listings.