ThirdHome member Alan Roth and his wife Judy Roth own a second home at Trump Tower in NYC. The Roth family loves exploring new places. They believe that ThirdHome has changed the way that they vacation and has created countless incredible experiences for their family. Some of their favorite ThirdHome trips have been to South Africa, Aspen, St. Thomas, Croatia, Austria, Italy and France. Get to know ThirdHome member Alan Roth!
How did you get involved with ThirdHome?
In 2011, I bought an apartment in Trump Tower in Columbus Circle as an investment opportunity. It seemed it was a good time to buy real estate in Manhattan. Part of my thought process was that I would eventually sell the property if my wife and I ever decided to move into New York City.
Shortly thereafter, I got an email from the management company explaining that I was eligible to participate as an Affiliate member of ThirdHome. I loved the concept and gave it a shot. I deposited a week and choose to book a home in Croatia. My family and I have been traveling via ThirdHome ever since.
In addition to the travel opportunities, I believe that my ThirdHome membership enhances my property value and makes it a more marketable asset. However, given how impactful ThirdHome has been over the past couple of years, I don’t foresee us selling our apartment anytime soon.
Where are you based?
I am based out of New York/New Jersey.
Who do you usually travel with?
I typically use ThirdHome to travel with my wife and two kids. However, ThirdHome’s vast selection of properties has allowed us to bring our friends and relatives along to join us in our travels. Most recently, I was able to organize a trip with several close friends to Umbria, Italy.
What do you do for a living?
I run a fixed income trading desk for an investment bank based out of New York City.
What are your favorite travel hobbies?
My family and I all like a combination of adventure and relaxation. You can find us skiing out west one week, boating off the coast of Italy another week or taking a nice beach day in the Caribbean over the holidays.
In your past travels with ThirdHome, what was your favorite destination and what did you love about it?
That’s a tough one! I can narrow it down to two standout trips that come to mind. A family favorite was our summer trip to the Camdeboo Manor in South Africa. The private game reserve property was as exclusive as it comes. The staff onsite were incredible and each safari drive exceeded my expectations. Another favorite was our most recent trip to Palazzo Prugnoli in Umbria, Italy. It was a beautiful and relaxing villa that was the perfect base for us to explore neighboring towns. Not to mention, it had a ping-pong table which brought out a week-long intense competition between the entire family.
What’s the next destination you are eyeing to travel to with ThirdHome?
I would love to go skiing out west over New Years. Our family’s long term goal is to take a trip to Australia. We’re always scouring the ThirdHome website for ideas. The real beauty of ThirdHome is we never know where or when our next trip will be!
What do you love most about your property?
Location, Location, Location! Trump Tower in Columbus Circle is a perfect hub for exploring all spots of NYC. The tower hovers above the greenery of Central Park, as well as the historic city architecture in Columbus Circle. You can find some of the finest restaurants and best shopping areas just minutes from the apartment. It goes without saying, but the service and amenities at Trump Tower are second to none!
Anything else you’d like to share?
To say that ThirdHome has improved the way I travel is an understatement. The benefits have far surpassed my ability to just travel and visit different places. It has also afforded me the opportunity to combine a few of my passions. ThirdHome has allowed me to play golf in places all over the world: California, South Africa, St. Thomas and Hawaii to name a few. ThirdHome’s ski properties have allowed my family and I the ability to hit the slopes all over the world. Not only have we made it out to mountains in Aspen, Vail, and Park City, but we also skied the Austrian Alps.
As more and more of my friends become empty nesters, like us, we’ll be able to share more of our experiences with them. I can’t wait to see what part of the world ThirdHome brings me to next!
Travel photos provided by Alan Roth
Learn more about The Leading Marketplace to buy and sell luxury properties and how they turned the high-end real estate industry on its head:
ThirdHome and Concierge Auctions are kindred spirits in many ways. Both saw the limitations of luxury real estate and set out to innovate the way we buy, sell and benefit from luxury homes. Concierge Auctions identified the limitations of the traditional realtor model back in 2008. Connecting buyers and sellers of high-end properties was extremely difficult, and marketing the property was even harder.
Concierge Auctions changed the game by creating a platform for buyers, sellers, and agents to connect. Concierge Auctions also recognized that art, antiques, and other luxury items were sold via auction. Virtual auctions are now used to sell these beautiful homes following a 30-day exposure period to reach key market and global buyers through advertising, press, and targeted outreach to their database of more than 500,000 buyers, sellers, and agents worldwide.
Concierge Auctions doesn’t just sell any home either. They select only one out of 20 properties that apply for auction, and their buyers know they are bidding on the best inventory available in the world. And Concierge Auctions doesn’t want to replace your current real estate broker, it wants to work with them. Every auction conducted by Concierge Auctions has been done with an agent partner, with both buyer and seller agent commissions protected.
Concierge Auctions is the largest luxury estate marketplace in the world. Powered by state-of-the-art technology, the company has generated over $1 billion in sales and is active in 37 US states/territories and 15 countries. The firm owns what is arguably the most valuable, ultra-high-net-worth client list in real estate and has been named one of America’s fastest-growing companies by Inc. Magazine for the past three years.
When selling through Concierge Auctions, sellers do not pay upfront engagement or consultation fees. The buyer pays a premium on the high bid amount.
So buy, sell, and discover new luxury properties around the world with Concierge Auctions.
Let one of their videos speak for itself:
To learn more about Concierge Auctions click here.
There’s no better way to escape the chaos of the modern world than the seclusion of a private island. For most, the idea of a private island seems unachievable and purely speculative. But now, through ThirdHome, you can book the private island retreat of a lifetime.
ThirdHome has curated an exclusive trip to Belize on the Private Island of Little Harvest Caye for you and 14 other guests
Get whisked away from Placencia Airstrip to the ultimate self-sustaining island. Welcome to Little Harvest Caye. Houses and strips of the beach are covered in high-end solar panels, powering the entire island with ease. The island also features a rainwater collection system making Little Harvest Caye the most eco-friendly island off of Placencia. Small island, smaller footprint.
Start your day poolside while the island chef prepares your meal in his gourmet kitchen. The chairs you’re lounging in were crafted by local artisans and custom made for Little Harvest Caye. You’ll find Mayan carvings (including many of the doors) throughout the property, giving light to the region’s rich ancient history. Every bit of this island was handpicked to create a unique island experience.
Each footstep in the sand gives the impression of down feathers parting between your toes. Welcome to the most private beach you’ve ever been on. No spring break crowds, no strangers, simply you and your island crew splashing away in the azure blue waters.
Little Harvest Caye has several communal areas for your group to eat lunch, enjoy a cocktail or read a book. The thatch roof and open sides allow the ocean breeze to follow you wherever you go.
There are plenty of opportunities for games and recreation in the communal area. Ping pong, wide screen TV’s, movie screen and a projector are included. Although, who would need to turn on the television in a place like this?
Each of 5 bedrooms are air conditioned, but the wind rolling off of Placencia through your patio door will be more than enough to keep cool. The property has 1 king bed, 4 queen beds, and 3 children’s beds (5 feet). Each suite has a private ensuite bathroom. An outdoor shower is also included to wash away all the sand you’ll be covered in.
Adventure calls out from the Blue Hole waters and the coast of Belize. Little Harvest Caye provides kayaks, snorkels, guest boats, and paddle boards for near-island exploration. But other excursions can be planned with ThirdHome’s Travel & Concierge program including a Jaguar Reserve Tour, Scuba Diving Tours, Sailing Tours, Zipline Adventures, Mayan Ruin excursions, horseback riding, and deep sea fishing.
This private island getaway is only available for the week of August 26-September 7, 2017.
Exclusive stay fees are 15 Keys +$995 exchange fee+ $1323.50 per person with a minimum requirement of 10 people to book.
Click here to learn more about this Exclusive Stay. Book soon before it’s too late!
What are ThirdHome members saying about their luxury home exchange trips (to Botswana and North Carolina) this week?
Santhata Camp | North Tuli Game Reserve, Botswana
Sitting snug against the borders of Zimbabwe and South Africa is the North Tuli Game Reserve, which is home to Santhata Camp. Up to 14 guests can stay at the camp while discovering the lost mystery of the Mapungubwe civilization, South Africa’s first kingdom. This Golden Kingdom, named for the precious metals found during the area’s excavation, reigned from the 11th to 13th Century. The Pitsani Wildlife Reserve is in the northern section of North Tuli, giving visitors the opportunity to spot free-roaming elephants, cats and 350 species of bird. A ranger is even on hand to take you on two game drives a day at no extra cost. You can have dinner looking over the Limpopo river or miles out into the bush if desired. This Savannah adventure is great for small groups and families seeking an otherworldly thrill.
ThirdHome member Debe says, “Our family will always remember what an exciting, unusual, beautiful and educational adventure we enjoyed. Staying at Santhata Camp was the REAL DEAL…0ur family learned so much and had the TRIP OF A LIFETIME !” click here to read more of Debe’s review.
Debe’s daughter, Amber, is an art teacher when she’s not traveling the world. She brought art supplies for the local primary school (these kinds of supplies are in short supply) but would like to do more to support their students. If you are interested in learning more about the school experience in Botswana and supporting Amber’s cause you can visit Amber’s blog here.
Below are some pictures from their trip.
Loggerhead Lady | Bald Head Island, North Carolina
“I’m on turtle time now,” visitors say as the ferry lands on the island retreat of Bald Head, North Carolina. The colloquialism has a few different meanings, the first directly referring to the inordinate amount of turtles that nest on the island. The second meaning refers to the deceleration felt by visitors as soon as they land. There are almost no cars on Bald Head, only golf carts that move at a sluggish pace across wooden boardwalks under the gaze of Old Baldy Lighthouse. At Loggerhead Lady, you will officially be on “turtle time”, sauntering down long stretches of coast, or chipping away at the nearby golf greens. With room for 8 guests, this property is the ultimate stress reliever.
ThirdHome member Jesse says, “This is our second family trip to Loggerhead Lady and it won’t be our last…every time I walk off the ferry it seems my heart rate drops a few beats per minute! I would recommend this spot to any family that wants to get away from the hustle and bustle!” click here to read more of Jesse’s review.
Members, click here to view all available weeks and plan your next ThirdHome trip. Remember, you must be logged in to your account to see availability.
Want more information about our luxury home exchange club? Click here to learn more about ThirdHome.
How to enjoy first-class luxury on your way to your first-class ThirdHome property
Regal Wings has been at the cutting edge of the B2B air consolidation business since 2006. ThirdHome has joined forces with Regal Wings to bring you the best prices in luxury airline travel. ThirdHome members will get to enjoy the same exclusive benefits that companies like Rolex, Escada, and Berkshire Hathaway receive. Say goodbye to economy seating with these great offers.
Learn more about your eligible benefits through Regal Wings below:
For residents of The United States or Canada:
Planning a trip to Europe? Now you can save up to 50% off of published prices on International First or Business Class Airfare. These rates apply to transoceanic flights with final destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Pacific (including Australia and New Zealand).
For residents of The United Kingdom:
You can also enjoy savings of up to 50% on International First or Business Class Airfare when traveling inside Europe, to North America, South America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Pacific (including Australia and New Zealand).
For ThirdHome members world-wide:
Members will have access to Regal Wing’s Global Private Jet Charter services. This means that you can book a private jet to fly to and from any destination of your choosing worldwide on your schedule. You will have 100% exclusive use of the aircraft. These charters can be booked months ahead of time or within 2 hours of departure. You are completely in control of your travel with this charter service.
The Regal Wings promise:
“We believe in RELATIONSHIPS. Our passion for personal service defines our business on all levels. Here at REGAL WINGS, we understand that our business is one that depends on delivering the highest level of service.”
New Trial Promotional offer:
Any Private Jet Charters booked by ThirdHome members between July 1st, 2017 and October 31st, 2017 will receive $500 credit towards their flight costs.
To request a personalized quote for any of these fantastic options click here.
3 curated trips bound to bring you together as a family
Baby doves typically leave their nest after eleven days and become flighted after four more days. That means that with an average lifespan of two years in the wild, baby doves spend around 2% of their existence with their family. By contrast, humans spend over six thousand days with their family before they are “flighted”– nearly 23% of their life is spent in the nurture of their parents. We have so much more time with family than the ill-fated dove, but why does it seem so short? In the flash of an eye, family life can simply become family memories and those memories are painted by those shared family experiences. ThirdHome has curated three experiences across three continents for you to share with your family. They’re bound to leave a lifelong impression.
1. Alaska: The Last Frontier
Explore Alaska: Beyond your Dreams, Within Your Reach
Set up base camp at the beautiful mountaintop Alyeska Resort for a week’s worth of wilderness adventures. Take a relaxing float trip down the Portage River to observe hanging glaciers, moose, bison and elk. The day after, cruise the Kenai Fjords National Park to catch a glimpse of the majestic humpback whales, orcas and sea lions. Climb aboard the Alaska Railroad GoldStar Dome train to get a panoramic view of the unspoiled countryside. You can also journey by float plane to the Redoubt Bay Bear Sanctuary and witness the free roaming Brown and Black bears while relaxing at a rustic frontier lodge. Catch wild salmon, kayak through Byers Lake, hike over glaciers and visit Alaska’s Iditarod champion Huskies. There are so many ways to experience the great frontier with your family with this fully customizable package.
To learn more about this curated Alaska journey click here.
2. Costa Rica: Rainforest & Beach Adventure
Costa Rica: Pure Life
Dive into the tropical lowlands of Costa Rica’s Carribean coast. Journey up the Tortuguero Canal on your way to your selected lodge to encounter monkeys, tree sloths and the brightly colored birds of the region. The return trip to Arenal features a sunset view of Costa Rica’s most famous active volcano. Venture into the forest canopy on an Eco-Glide tour to take in the forest at all its magnificent angles. Spend the rest of your travels relaxing in a Guanacaste beach resort of your choosing. Walk the beach with your family, kayak along the luscious coast or set out on a horseback excursion. The choices are limitless and fully catered towards your family’s preferences.
To learn more about this curated Costa Rican adventure click here.
3. Ireland: Lucky Irish Charms
Ireland: A Breath of Fresh Air
Discover the 9th-Century wonder of Dublin and other historical charms on this family-centric trip. Tour Dublin’s medieval heritage by land and water aboard a WWII-era amphibious DUCK vehicle. Travel first class by train towards the southern tip of the Emerald Isle where your family can explore the legendary Blarney Castle, followed by a stay at the stunning Castlemartyr Resort. Take in a limerick or two alongside a private barbecue prepared specially for your family at Caslemartyr. The following day head to Kinsale Pottery and Art Centre to learn how to make colorful ceramic pottery or Celtic jewelry with local artisans. At Ballymaloe Cookery School you can have a firsthand culinary experience with expert chefs, and show off your new found tricks with the family. After leaving Caslemartyr Resort you’ll reside at Dromoland Castle where you will receive the royal treatment. On your final day, bike along the Cliffs of Moher to watch The Atlantic’s waves crash against the rugged Irish coast. Your experience will be an unforgettable one.
To learn more about this curated Ireland outing click here.
ThirdHome “Tercera Casa” es un intercambio internacional de casas de lujo. Este concepto crea una tercera opción para disfrutar las vacaciones. Uno de los inconvenientes más frecuentes de ser propietario de una casa de vacaciones es la monotonía del viaje. Con un intercambio de casas, se puede seleccionar un destino diferente por una semana en la casa de otro miembro.
Por ejemplo, si es propietario de una casa en el capital de Guatemala y posee una segunda casa vacacional en La Antigua Guatemala, su opción está limitada a pasar sus vacaciones en La Antigua. Cuando se decide a salir del país y viajar por ejemplo a Belice, no se está utilizando la casa vacacional y por lo tanto está perdiendo costo en el mantenimiento cuando no se usa frecuentemente. ThirdHome le puede ayudar a cambiar este problema y darle una solución al agregar su propiedad a una selección exclusiva de 10,500 propiedades en más de 95 países. Para poder aplicar a la membresía, sólo necesita ser propietario de una segunda casa y de una pasión para viajar en lujo. Por cada semana que usted está en el sistema de ThirdHome usted adquiere “llaves” para viajar a la casa de un otro miembro. Para obtener más información, puedes visitar nuestro sitio de web en www.thirdhome.com
A continuación le invitamos a ver un ejemplo de estas propiedades:
Disfrute de las vistas del Mediterráneo desde esta villa andaluza, mientras toma mojitos junto a la piscina.
Un escape a las montañas de los Andes, como Pablo Neruda, en esta suntuosa mansión en Bariloche.
Planear una semana de sueño en el Mediterráneo, con un personal de 7 personas, no tendrá que levantar ni un dedo.
Para un viaje de familia, esta villa en Jamaica acomoda hasta 8 personas.
Si está interesado en saber cómo puede aprovechar su casa de vacaciones para viajar por el mundo, póngase en contacto haciendo clic en el link abajo.
What are ThirdHome members saying about their luxury home exchange trips (to South Africa and France) this week?
Cape Winelands Villa | Paarl, South Africa
Situated in the Franschhoek Valley, South Africa’s “Food & Wine Capital”, Cape Winelands Villa is a gorgeous 4-bedroom property with access to some of the finest dining in Africa. Only 30 minutes away from Cape Town, this operating wine estate offers privacy and proximity to some of South Africa’s greatest attractions. If you don’t have the spirit of a Sommelier, you might visit the local lion sanctuary or Simons Town’s coastal penguins. Brandy, cheese, and beer tastings are also common pastimes for visitors. If history is your calling, visit Robben Island, the prison where Nelson Mandela was kept for 18 years. But with the gorgeous ensuite bedrooms, outdoor lounging area and pool, you might have trouble convincing yourself to leave.
ThirdHome member Laura says, “The views of the vineyards are stunning! Security is top notch in this gated community. The only low on our trip was having to leave! We enjoyed our time in this special place and each of us hopes to return someday soon. I highly recommend reserving a week at this home if you want the best Cape Winelands region experience!” click here to read more of Laura’s review.
Le Fresnay | Cambremer, France
This 1560 manor and farmhouse in rural Normandy is a collision of fairytale-like scenery and French history. Set in the bucolic fields of Cambremer, these three buildings can accommodate up to 10 guests. The interior has maintained a great deal of the original stone and woodwork, but many rooms such as the kitchen have been updated with modern appliances, allowing you to be steeped in history while maintaining contemporary luxuries. Le Fresnay is only a few kilometers away from Normandy’s renowned Cheese Route and Cider Route. It is also the perfect launching point for history buffs looking to explore Omaha Beach and other Allied landing points during WWII.
ThirdHome members Peter and Nancy say, “The massive structures with rough-hewn beams truly transported us in time to an era that predated anything we had experienced in the States. Being eight hearty New Englanders we were captivated by the somewhat primitive but bucolic setting that allowed us to experience Normandy’s countryside the way we felt it should be, without superficiality and artificial trappings…central to our positive experience was Le Fresnay.” click here to read more of Peter and Nancy’s review.
Members, click here to view all available weeks and plan your next ThirdHome trip. Remember, you must be logged in to your account to see availability.
Want more information about our luxury home exchange club? Click here to learn more about ThirdHome.
Embark on your own adventure with curated yacht charters
The sound of steel guitars enters your home, a schooner soars across the screen, with azure ocean waves lapping at the hull. Who doesn’t remember Gardner McKay’s swashbuckling adventures on Adventures in Paradise? Moreso, who wouldn’t want to have a similar adventure of their own? With ThirdHome’s new curated yacht charters and aquatic voyages, it’s possible.
Be the captain or hire a skipper of your own:
You can opt to do a bareboat charter, which makes you the master of your own destiny. Choose your own routes, restock as you go, and challenge your nautical know-how.
OR
Go for the fully crewed luxury charter which provides for a crew of up to 10. This crew can include a skipper, chef, and local experts. Your only onboard duty is to relax and enjoy the ocean breeze.
During your Curated Journey, travel under power or sail. Curated aquatic voyages come in many forms. Want the monohull sailing experience? Charter a 54 ft. Beneteau yacht with space for up to 11 passengers. If you have trouble telling the mizzen from the boom, then you’ll be happy to find an 110 HP engine on the vessel. Or, charter the 57 ft. Robertson and Craine Catamaran with 6 cabins. If the tradewinds are blowing low, then voyaging under power might be the best option. The 50 ft. Robertson and Craine power yacht is also available for exotic adventures.
Where to voyage? ThirdHome’s curated aquatic adventures are offered in the following locations:
– The British Virgin Islands
– US Virgin Islands
– Grenada
– St Lucia
– Puerto Rico
– Bermuda
– Bahamas
– Belize
– Miami
– Greece
– Croatia
– Turkey
– Spain
– Italy
– Tahiti
– Tonga
– Seychelles
– Thailand
Yacht Amenities? You won’t be roughing it out in the deep blue. Amenities include:
- Skipper available for hire
- Cook available for hire
- Stocked galley (kitchen) with pre-requested food items and provisions
- Offshore sailing school available
- Pre-order watersport equipment (kayaks, paddleboards, fishing gear, diving equipment)
- Wi-Fi on Exclusive Plus class yachts in the B.V.I., St. Martin, St. Lucia, and Grenada
- Electronics & Communications rentals
Adventure is right around the corner with ThirdHome’s curated yacht charters. Plan a voyage that Gardner Mckay would be proud of.
Ready to brave the great ocean blue? Click here to read more about these curated yacht charters, including how to reserve your trip.
Set sail through the Galapagos on the aquatic safari of a lifetime with ThirdHome
This curated private eco-safari of the Galapagos has a maximum capacity of 16 passengers. Read more about this intimate encounter with one of the world’s most preserved ecosystems below:
The Galapagos Islands or Archipiélago de Colón is most famously known for Darwin’s expedition in the 1830’s. Cradling the equator, each island has its own unique habitats and endemic species. This voyage is equal parts leisure and safari-like exploration.
You will experience the Galapagos from the 113 ft. M/C Ocean Spray mega-catamaran. The ship is specifically designed to maneuver the islands’ fragile ecology in a noninvasive fashion.
The interior of the mega-catamaran has 8 cabins with private balconies and en suite bathrooms. The lounge pictured above has giant windows to capture the natural glow of the equatorial sun.
A 360-degree view is offered from the third-floor sundeck. On the main floor, you’ll find a huge aft deck with lounge chairs and a jacuzzi. This is the perfect place to recap your day’s discoveries.
A large dining table can be found on the lower aft deck where fine dining will be provided by the crew’s chef. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset over Baltra Island.
But what would all the luxury be without mingling with the locals? Pictured above is the Galapagos Tortoise, which has an average age of over 100 years. In the water, you might see the ancient Green Sea Turtle, who’s species was around to watch both the evolution and demise of the dinosaurs.
Above is one of 3 species of booby on the Galapagos. The Blue Footed Booby wanders the rocky shores in great curiosity. The term “booby” derives from the Spanish word “bobo” which means clown or fool. They certainly live up to expectations.
The first humans landed on the Galapagos in 1535. Almost 483 years later, you could be landing there as well!
It’s up to ThirdHome members to cast their votes for the dates of this expedition, and availability is limited. If you’re ready to learn more about the Galapagos Eco-Safari Cruise click here.
What are ThirdHome members saying about their luxury home exchange trips (to Vietnam and Panama) this week?
Nam Hai Villa | Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An, the name of a city in the Quang Nam Province of Vietnam, translates roughly to “peaceful meeting place.” No property can deliver on this promise better than the Nam Hai Hilltop Pool Villa. With numerous resort amenities and dining options, visitors will have trouble finding a reason to leave. This villa is the ultimate family getaway with exclusive access to the Kids’ Activities Villa, where English counselors are available to entertain young travelers.
ThirdHome member Lisa says, “We had an amazing family bonding vacation! We loved our private pool and spent most of our time just being together swimming and lounging at the villa. The Four Seasons staff and restaurants were definitely 5-star.” click here to read more of Lisa’s review.
Red Frog Beach Villa | Isla Bastimentos, Panama
An escape into nature awaits in the Caribbean Archipelago of Bocas del Toro, Panama. The Red Frog Beach Villa & Resort lies just beyond the Isla Bastimentos Nature Preserve, which is home to 13,000 hectares of beautifully preserved ecology. With coral reefs abound, red frogs croaking in the lush jungle, and sloths dangling from the trees, you can see why the island attracts the adventurous yet laid back sort. It will only take one visit to discover why guests can’t stop raving about this picture-perfect villa at Red Frog Resort.
ThirdHome member Karen says, “This area, in general, has so much to do and is so beautiful and of all the places we saw on any of the islands you can stay at, none were as nice as Red Frog.” Click here to see more of Karen’s review.
Members, click here to view all available weeks and plan your next ThirdHome trip. Remember, you must be logged in to your account to see availability.
Want more information about our luxury home exchange club? Click here to learn more about ThirdHome.
At ThirdHome it’s difficult to discern between the many premier properties that are listed by our members. Each home carries its own special flair. Be it the cabins of the cascading Swiss Alps or the Neo-Renaissance villas of Italy, choosing a home to visit is awfully hard to do! That’s why the ThirdHome team has chosen three unique properties this week to feature. And unique means unique. Interested in 13th-century European history? Perhaps learning about California’s sustainable architecture is more your style? If you’re still having trouble deciding on a property to reserve, a quick meditation and yoga session on the coast of Indonesia might do you some good.
Check out these unique properties in ThirdHome’s portfolio:
Wing House in Malibu, California
Hiking in the golden hills of Santa Monica you feel a rumble and the sound of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter tearing through the blue California sky. You half expect a bit of Wagner to pour out the helicopter’s speakers, but you soon notice that the helicopter is carrying the wing of a Boeing 747 below it. This isn’t wartime, it’s extremely sustainable architecture. This was the image in Santa Monica in 2011 when David Hertz was finishing his most notable project, the Wing House. The Chinook helicopters carried a decommissioned Boeing 747, piece by piece, to complete the home. Using mostly prefabricated airplane materials, Hertz was able to greatly reduce his greenhouse emissions, and help ensure the long-lasting beauty of the local ecology. With a 60-ft pool and 55-acres of hills, this is the California escape you’ve been waiting for. Crash landing not included.
Available on ThirdHome Rentals.
Bavaria House in Essenbach, Germany
Enter the historic lands of Bavaria, whose beauty and architecture inspired Germanic fairy tales throughout the ages. The rounded and flamboyant architecture of this house may even remind you of something from the Grimm’s tome of fantasy. Look out the window (of this home) and you may be even more convinced. The Bavaria House has a direct view of the Trausnitz Castle which was built in 1204 A.D. Overshadowing the town of Landshut, Trausnitz Castle was built for Duke Ludwig I of the Wittelsbach dynasty. The Castle has served many uses – from royal palace to noble prison, to army hospital. The land and architecture of Landshut are drenched with history, and The Bavaria House is the perfect launching point. Just be sure to leave a trail of breadcrumbs on your way out!
The Mandala House in Kabupaten Badung, Indonesia
Californian interiors and Bali architecture meet in this stunning villa in the coastal village of Canggu. The once quiet village of Canggu has recently taken on a new life as a hot new surf spot. Attractions such as The Temple of Enthusiasm brings the zen of Indonesia and the Zen of Motorcycle Maintenance all under one roof. Enter one of The Temple’s motorcycle garages with a beer, or have them wax down your board for the surf—they do it all. Businesses like The Temple are catching the wave of tourism that’s helping bring even more amenities to the low paddy fields of Canggu. But those quiet peaceful fields are far from gone at the Mandala House. Have one of Bali’s top yoga instructors join you on the terrace to find your morning balance. Afterward, you might cool off in the glass bottom pool that overlooks the paddy rows. Then, close down the day by enjoying the downstairs pool which has a copper swim-up bar.