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A well-placed, meditation space can help offset the stresses of everyday life.

A person’s home should be a refuge from the stresses of the outside world, but too often it’s reduced to a messy, stressful space where both the bills and the chores seem endless. Instead of letting the frenzy take over, cut through the chaos and carve out a special space dedicated to meditation and encouraging positive energy.

Benefits of meditation practice

Some people see meditation as a bunch of New Age hooey, but those who’ve experienced the benefits of this time-honored practice believe otherwise. Meditation can help you cope with stress, as it promotes peace, calmness and relaxation. Meditation actually offers tangible results, like better sleep quality, reduced resting blood pressure and heart rate, and fewer negative feelings.

Meditation can even help to alleviate symptoms in people who deal with health issues like chronic pain, depression, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome and cancer. Best of all, it’s an easy and affordable energy cleanser and a great way to seek much-needed spiritual relaxation!

First, it’s important to have at least a basic working knowledge of how to meditate.

How to meditate and generate positive energy

There are a number of ways to meditate, including yoga, tai chi, guided meditation and mindfulness meditation. However, many people start simply, often using an app or podcast to show them the way. One simple way to meditate is by following these expert guidelines:

Sit down

The best place to meditate is somewhere that’s nice and quiet. Depending on how chaotic your home gets (rowdy neighbors, barking dogs and crying children have a way of disrupting meditation), noise-canceling headphones could be helpful.

Where and how you sit doesn’t really matter. It’s perfectly fine to sit in a chair, cross-legged on the floor or wherever, as long as you can do it for the duration of the meditation.

Commit to a certain time

Meditation is not meant to be a time-consuming experience. Even just a few minutes per day are effective at re-centering oneself. People new to meditation might want to start off at five minutes to see how it goes, then work up from there, if needed.

Listen to your breathing

Once you’re in position, close your eyes (or leave them open, whatever works best for you) and concentrate on how your breath feels as you inhale and exhale. Focus on this as much as possible, without making it stressful.

If your mind starts to go to other places, redirect and refocus on the breath in the present moment. Don’t be hard on yourself when this happens, it’s human nature. Simply reconfigure.

Come out of it slowly

Don’t just pop right up to standing when the session is over. When you feel calm and complete, lessen your focus on breathing and reorient yourself to the sounds, sights and smells around you. Consider the state of your overall body and mind. Remain sitting until you’re ready to transition back to normal life.

How to create a meditation space in an apartment

Now that you know what’s involved, it’s time to learn how to create a meditation space that will help you effectively combat negative energy, find peace and improve mental health.

1. Find an area to set up shop

Meditation only requires a small space to get the job done. Walk through your apartment and find a spot that is quiet and out of the way. This could be in the corner of a bedroom or in an office/craft space. Unless you live alone, the beating heart of the unit (aka the living room) is not the best choice.

A dedicated room is ideal for serious meditation practice, but not everyone has the square footage to pull that off, especially in small apartments. Some people even use small spaces like a closet or bathroom! Of course, people who plan to practice a type of more physical meditation, like tai chi or yoga, might need more room than those who are sitting still the whole time.

It’s also not necessary to commit to one meditation area. If you discover that you need more space after a session or two, simply reevaluate and relocate!

2. Find a nice view

People who like to meditate eyes open are often encouraged to face a window to take in the nature and happenings of the outside world. If that’s not possible, sit facing something else that calms you and brings joy, like a piece of art or a couple of plants. Even people who meditate with their eyes closed might want to be near an open window, as natural light, fresh air and a gentle breeze can help with the relaxation process. Natural elements are known to have a very calming effect on most people. No matter where you end up, try to make sure that the space is limited to neutral colors, to encourage feeling calm.

3. Clear out clutter

Dedicate yourself to keeping clutter-free the meditation room or space, even if the rest of the apartment is a mess! An effective meditative space must be minimalist in nature, outfitted with only the bare essentials to help you feel zen. Clutter causes stress, and that’s the exact opposite thing that you want out of a meditation space.

4. Ask others to help

Meditation is a solo experience, but it can take a team effort to pull it off. If you live with other people, let them know that you’re about to meditate and for how long. This will limit any unwelcome interruptions.

Gather some meditation tools

When creating a meditation room or space, the idea is to build a pleasing, comfortable area free of clutter and the stresses of daily life. Accomplish this by incorporating some or all of the following into the sacred space.

5. Light a scented candle

Scented candles (make sure they are thoroughly extinguished at the end) in calming scents can have a tremendous effect on medication quality. Lavender, sandalwood and lemongrass scents are go-to meditation scents, but make sure to choose one that works for you.

Incidentally, candlelight is also helpful for people who meditate with their eyes open, as the flickering has a relaxing effect.

6. Use essential oils

Along the same lines, essential oils are often used for aromatherapy purposes because they are believed to have healing and relaxing capabilities. To use this centuries-old tool, apply it sparingly and directly to the body (make sure it’s approved for skin use). One drop to the middle of the forehead, or a drop in your hand (then rub both hands together) is plenty. Or put a few drops in a diffuser and let it permeate the air in your mediative space.

7. Cushion yourself

For people who want to meditate while sitting on the floor, a meditation cushion is a great idea to keep the experience comfy. It doesn’t have to be a specific meditation pillow — a throw pillow will do in a pinch. Just choose one that’s covered in soothing, soft textures and is easy to sit on.

8. Improve the energy with crystals

A lot of people turn to energy tools to help the meditative space achieve its fullest potential. Healing crystals, either placed in your hand or around you while meditating, are said to encourage positive energy. Black tourmaline, in particular, is believed to absorb negative energy and encourage inner peace in a given space. Clear quartz is also thought to clear out the mind and promote inner calm.

9. Pick up a Tibetan singing bowl

Tibetan singing bowls are another common tool used in meditation. These small metal bowls are believed to improve the space’s energy and encourage total relaxation with their pleasing tones. Mallets are used to strike the bowls, which then release a ringing sound.

Don’t have a Tibetan singing bowl? Check Spotify or another music streamer for recorded versions.

10. Play meditation music

Along the same lines, explore different types of soothing music to see what helps you achieve the best meditation possible. Some people like quiet classical music, while others opt for Gregorian chants. There are even plenty of meditation-specific playlists out there to choose from. Some even say that such tunes are good at removing toxins! Try out a few and discover which types of music help you reach that zen state to the fullest.

11. Turn to technology, with limits

Too much technology is detrimental to the meditation space, but one can’t argue with the many options that meditation-focused podcasts and apps present. Many such podcasts are available to access for free via streaming services, and usually, the apps come with a nominal fee.

That said, any other type of tech used during meditation is detrimental to the experience. The meditation space should be cleared out of any televisions, tablets or other tech items. If using a phone for music or podcast purposes, make sure notifications are silenced, so that texts or email dings don’t yank you out of the zone prematurely!

A meditative space can calm any mind and fit in any apartment

No matter the size of your apartment, all you really need for a meditative space is a comfortable spot where it’s easy to hang out and relax to reduce day-to-day stress. A small amount of effort is equal to a huge payback when meditation is involved.

Source: rent.com

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Mikkel Eriksen, one of the two hitmakers behind the production and songwriting duo Stargate, is parting ways with his custom-designed equestrian estate.

Set in Pacific Palisades’ highly sought-after Sullivan Canyon neighborhood in Los Angeles, the music producer’s home oozes style and comfort — and looks like it’s been completely revamped prior to listing.

In fact, Eriksen has partnered with renowned Montalba Architects (the visionaries behind Nobu Hotels and Soho House) to breathe new life into the 1981-built home before bringing it to market. Now, it’s being offered for sale at $14,950,000 with Compass’ Cindy Ambuehl holding the listing.

Photo by Anthony Barcelo courtesy of Compass

If Eriksen’s name doesn’t sound all too familiar, the songs produced by Stargate over the years likely will.

Stargate, comprised of Mikkel Eriksen and Tor E. Hermanson, have produced or written songs for some of the biggest music artists in the world including Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Selena Gomez, Jennifer Lopez, Sam Smith, Mary J. Blige, Celine Dion, Janet Jackson, Ne-Yo, Katy Perry, Coldplay, Whitney Houston, Chris Brown, Nas, and others. 

Some of their biggest hits include Beyoncé’s Irreplaceable, Rihanna’s Rude Boy, and Katy Perry’s 2010 hit, Fireworks. And if that leaves you wondering how much house you can buy after making it big in the music industry, Mikkel Eriksen’s impressive equestrian estate might just give you an idea.

Photo by Anthony Barcelo courtesy of Compass

“Old Oak is a totally unique experience,” says listing agent Cindy Ambuehl. “There are few properties on huge lots with fully lit tennis courts. There are few properties with a complete wellness center with infrared sauna and cold plunge. There are few properties with an 8th deep large pool and spa. There are very few properties with character using only high end finishes and fixtures. Few homes have the perfect floor plan and abundance of light. There are very few properties that allow you to keep horses in your own backyard. No other property has all of the above.”

SEE ALSO: RHCP bassist Flea’s house: A striking hilltop compound with a 7-sided home and Richard Neutra connections

The Stargate producer’s home offers 5,127 square feet of bright, elegantly appointed living space, with 4 bedrooms, 4 full baths, and 2 half baths.

Its top-to-bottom renovation added custom millwork, floor-to-ceiling doors, vaulted ceilings, and white oak floors throughout the light-filled home.

Photo by Anthony Barcelo courtesy of Compass
Photo by Anthony Barcelo courtesy of Compass

The gourmet kitchen is flooded with natural light and is equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, a large island, and direct access to all communal spaces.

But it’s the open floor plan living area that steals the show, with its large living room, entertainers bar, formal dining, family room, and secondary dining all opening to the outdoors, creating a perfect space for hosting large gatherings.

Photo by Anthony Barcelo courtesy of Compass

SEE ALSO: Will Smith’s houses are proof he’s no longer a Prince, he’s a KING

Photo by Anthony Barcelo courtesy of Compass
Photo by Anthony Barcelo courtesy of Compass

The primary suite is a luxurious retreat, complete with a dual-sided fireplace, a private office, and a spa-like bathroom that opens to an outdoor wellness retreat.

Photo by Anthony Barcelo courtesy of Compass
Photo by Anthony Barcelo courtesy of Compass

SEE ALSO: Revisiting the most iconic rock star houses from the 1960s: from Jimi Hendrix’s Red House to Janis Joplin’s pink home

Photo by Anthony Barcelo courtesy of Compass
Photo by Anthony Barcelo courtesy of Compass

Outdoor amenities include a professionally lit tennis court with a basketball hoop, an 8-foot deep pebble pool, and a spa. The home’s state-of-the-art wellness facility features a six-person infrared sauna, premium cold plunge, tranquil meditation platform, and a serene zen pod.

Photo by Anthony Barcelo courtesy of Compass
Photo by Anthony Barcelo courtesy of Compass
Photo by Anthony Barcelo courtesy of Compass

Per the listing, the property includes two horse stalls, perfect for keeping your equine friends close to home.

The yard is equipped with an outdoor fireplace, built-in barbecue, pool and spa, and a vast koi pond providing a peaceful escape from busy city life. Situated on a 3/4 acre lot, this modern ranch masterpiece offers luxury and comfort in equal measure.

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Source: fancypantshomes.com

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Standing at the front of Danielle Rago and Darren Hochberg’s home in Larchmont Village, where a concrete sidewalk welcomes you, the ordinary path becomes something extraordinary as it takes you on a journey from the street, through the house, to where the sidewalk ends — at an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in the backyard.

The 620-square-foot ADU can be glimpsed through the windows of the main house. Together, the two buildings — home and ADU — now form an indoor-outdoor family compound.

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

As nearly 3–year-old Oliver Hochberg races down the smooth path toward the enclosed backyard and ADU, it’s as though he is personifying Shel Silverstein’s beloved poem that promises magic “for the children, they mark, and the children, they know the place where the sidewalk ends.”

But it wasn’t always this way.

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“Calling all handy families, investors, and developers!” read the listing for the crumbling three-bedroom, two-bathroom home just a few blocks from Larchmont Boulevard.

Those words were followed by a bonus sales pitch: “There is also a detached structure that would make a perfect creative space, playroom, or mother-in-law suite. Bring your contractor and your imagination and create the space that you have been dreaming about.”

The front of the 1929 house before it was remodeled. “I like that it needed a lot of love,” says homeowner Danielle Rago. “I was excited by the prospect of creating an unexpected family compound that would complement the other homes on the street.”

(Injinash Unshin)

Today, the geometric façade of the house stands out but doesn’t overwhelm the other homes on the street.

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

The listing caught the attention of Rago and Hochberg, who had been dreaming of buying a home in the popular neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets, quaint single-family homes and easy access to Hollywood and downtown Los Angeles.

With the number of ADU permits issued in California skyrocketing as thousands of homeowners add ADUs to their single-family lots, it’s not surprising the listing would emphasize the possibility of converting the garage into an ADU.

The built-in desk inside the ADU can be opened or closed, depending on the couple’s work-from-home needs. “I want to spend as much time at home with the kids as I can while they are little,” Danielle Rago says.

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

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It certainly appealed to Rago, who has a background in architecture and is the co-founder of This by That, an agency that represents progressive architects. “I like that it needed a lot of love,” says the 39-year-old. “I was excited by the prospect of creating an unexpected family compound that would complement the other homes on the street.”

Eight years ago the family — which now includes 3-month-old Julian as well as Oliver — purchased a rundown Spanish home in the Fairfax District. After renovating the home, however, they found themselves weary of bustling Melrose Boulevard and were contemplating their next big project. “We were itching to move to Larchmont Village because we were thinking about starting a family,” says Rago, citing the neighborhood’s small-town vibe.

A concrete sidewalk travels from the curb, through the house, to the ADU.

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

They loved the neighborhood but, like so many couples in Los Angeles, could not afford the homes that were available. “Everything was so expensive,” Rago says with a sigh. “We had to buy a home that needed a lot of TLC.”

Using the profits from the sale of their remodeled Fairfax District home, the couple purchased the bungalow in 2019 and reached out to designers Claus Benjamin Freyinger and Andrew Holder of the Los Angeles Design Group (LADG) to help them rethink the entire property.

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The bedroom and bathroom of the ADU are spare and peaceful (and popular with relatives).

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Having worked with them professionally, Rago felt the designers had the right mindset to help them create an experimental compound that would accommodate not just their family but their extended families for years to come. (The couple paid for the firm’s design services and received no discounts in exchange for Rago’s professional work for the company.)

From Day One, the couple knew they wanted to convert the garage into an ADU, not to bring in extra income to help pay the mortgage but rather as a way to take full advantage of the site.

The problem with ADUs, says Freyinger as he motions to the ADU on view through the living room’s dramatic pivoting window, is “they don’t always address the entire parcel of land.” Or worse, they sit vacant.

“We wanted to preserve the use of the whole site,” he continues. “This home and ADU are very ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’: Not too big. Not too small.” In other words: just right.

Instead of thirsty grass, the landscape designers at Big Red Sun installed drought-tolerant plants such as California poppies, grevillea, lavender and sage.

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Gone are the days of congregating around a hearth or a fireplace, Freyinger says. Today’s homes are about creating welcoming spaces where people can connect with one another. So the designers added additions to the front and back of the dwelling and cut the house into four quadrants divided by two running sidewalks, west to east and north to south. Three small bedrooms are at the front of the house, while the larger communal spaces are at the rear of the house.

Today, the 1,426-square-foot nondescript house has morphed into a 1,950-square-foot contemporary home. The kitchen, considered the household’s nucleus, soars into double-height OSB-paneled volumes. Overlapping, wedge-shaped roofs extend to provide shade over outdoor living areas, and a sunny living room overlooks the 4-foot-deep pool and ADU.

The 620-square-foot ADU, which shrewdly includes a storage-lined breezeway that can accommodate the family’s sports equipment, toys, strollers and storage bins, cost $315,150 and includes one bedroom and a bathroom.

A kitchenette was installed at the front of the ADU so that it faces the yard. When the folding glass door is open, the kitchen becomes a part of the outdoor area.

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

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In an inventive move, for outdoor entertaining the designers installed a kitchenette at the front of the ADU so that it faces the yard. When the folding glass door is open, the kitchen becomes a part of the outdoor area, which “really brings the ADU to life,” says Hochberg, who is 39 and works in finance.

On the other side of the kitchenette, facing the living room, there is a built-in desk that can be opened or closed, depending on the couple’s work-from-home needs.

Due to supply chain issues during the pandemic, Rago says they were forced to “make interesting decisions that brought a new dimension to the house.” In the kitchen of the main house, for example, they installed textured plaster ceilings when plywood was scarce. Likewise, the cabinets are composed of conventional whitewashed OSB panels with a pickled finish.

Left: The living room of the ADU. Right: Oliver follows the concrete path to the ADU.

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

To save money in the ADU, they added simple concrete floors and purchased a folding glass door from Brea-based Win-Dor at a fraction of the cost of higher-end products like Fleetwood or NanaWall. The kitchenette features inexpensive OSB panels and porcelain countertops instead of quartz or granite. “We stepped it down a notch in the ADU,” Rago says, “but it still reads consistently with the main house.”

The couple, who met in the Poconos as 8-year-olds, view the ADU as an extension of the house. They occupy it regularly while working from home or hosting family.

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A view of the ADU from the home’s new living room. The designers shrewdly added storage alongside the breezeway, left.

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

“I want to spend as much time at home with the kids as I can while they are little,” Rago says.

Rago and Hochberg’s compound is all about being together and the joy that dwells at the end of the sidewalk. It provides an indoor-outdoor experience where their kids can roam free in a drought-tolerant garden filled with sages, California poppies and grevillea, and they can spend time with the ones they love.

“We wanted a space for our family, who are all on the East Coast, so that they can come to visit us and our kids,” Rago says. “I wanted them to be able to stay for a week or two and feel like they are in their own home and not looking into our space and vice versa. Now, we can’t get rid of them,” she jokes.

The ADU may serve as an extension of the main house, but it also demonstrates, through its use of conventional materials and experimental architecture, that it’s possible to “chip away at the identification of the single-family home,” with its “conservative notions of architecture and the family,” says LADG co-principal Andrew Holder.

Perhaps most impressive is the designers’ ability to create something new while maintaining the small-town feel of the neighborhood. From the street, the geometric façade stands out, but it doesn’t overwhelm. And at the end of the sidewalk? Magic.

The rear of the Larchmont Village home before it was remodeled.

(Injinash Unshin)

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Danielle Rago and Darren Hochberg, their children, Oliver and Julian Hochberg, and their Maltese pup, Melrose.

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

The plans for the home and ADU.

(LADG)

Source: latimes.com

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An apartment with a perfect outdoor retreat is essential. Here are some of the best options in Salt Lake City.

There are plenty of great neighborhoods throughout Salt Lake City to call home. Each has amenity-filled apartments, allowing you to customize where you live to your specific needs.

For many, having a great view is key for their Salt Lake City apartment, and what pairs well with those cityscapes and mountains is a good outdoor space. From courtyards to gardens in Salt Lake City, you want somewhere that’s functional and nice to look at, just like the 10 apartments featured below.

Source: Rent. / Seasons on City Creek

A little short on greenery, the courtyard at Seasons on City Creek impresses because of all it contains. This is where you’ll find the outdoor grills and places to sit to eat or simply hang out. The putting green lets you practice your short game even when you can’t make it to the links and is the most unique feature of this space. Off to the side, you’ll find the hot tub on a raised platform, complete with a nice amount of lounge chairs.

A vibrant and highly walkable neighborhood, living in Capitol Hill not only puts you beside the state Capitol building but also includes a lot to do. This is home to some great bars and cafes as well as a strong LGBTQ club scene. For those wishing to extend their time outside, hop on a trail within the City Creek Natural Area, the community’s namesake.

Source: Rent. / theCharli

Utilizing raised beds with a modern touch, theCharli creates a garden-like courtyard that has a true urban feel. Combining sparse greenery with modern hardscaping, this area is entirely unique to the community. Strings of lights crisscross the space overhead, making this a great area to use even after the sun goes down.

Finding a community Downtown not only puts you in the center of Salt Lake City but also keeps you close to top-notch restaurants, bars and pubs. Upscale shops and great entertainment venues also abound.

Source: Rent. / The Vue at Sugarhouse Crossing

Defined spaces in the courtyard at The Vue at Sugarhouse Crossing make it easy to use this area to the fullest. Grab a cushy chair just to socialize, use one of the two grills to prep delicious food to enjoy at the umbrella-covered tables or go up a few steps for a special treat. This raised area includes a small pool with a massive waterfall fountain running down.

Located in one of city’s oldest neighborhoods, Sugarhouse is full of boutiques, restaurants and lush parks. Only two blocks away, you’ll find Sugar House Park, one of the crown jewels of Salt Lake Valley. This park consists of 110.5 acres of rolling green space. It’s home to the neighborhood’s annual arts festival and farmers market as well.

Source: Rent. / Elevate on 5th Apartments

For a garden that will instantly put you in a place of relaxation, visit Elevate on 5th Apartments. Softly curving beds of plants and skinny trees sit along a simple path that takes you through the space. There’s a little flowing creek with a curved bridge and a stacked stone fountain. Benches and other seating is available throughout, making it easy to take your time moving through this tranquil area.

A bit of a “hipster hangout,” Central Salt Lake, or Central City, brings in locals with its endless attractions and adventure. The area is known for its art galleries, indie music scene and shopping. There’s also no shortage of bars and cocktail lounges for some nighttime fun. You also have options for some outdoor activity beyond the borders of your home thanks to plentiful nearby parks.

Source: Rent. / Triton Heights

Giving you a nice, green swath through the center of the community, Triton Heights puts its green space in where it can. Mature trees sit within expansive lawns, while smaller plants and bushes lean in closer to the buildings. You’ll definitely enjoy having this path to walk every day to and from your home.

Situated in Murray North, this suburban neighborhood is laidback and chill. While you’re within walking distance of great shops and restaurants, the real local gem is Murray City Park and its great wooded areas to wander through.

Source: Rent. / Brickstone Apartments on 33rd

It’s like a cross between a golf course, a park and a courtyard at Brickstone Apartments on 33rd. Thanks to fantastic landscaping and perfectly shaped trees and bushes, the pathway between buildings is its own little hidden gem. This gives the whole community a park-like and peaceful feel, something that’s usually high up on the ‘want’ list to come home to each day.

Giving you a quiet retreat, that’s also close to the city’s urban center, Midvalley is an ideal neighborhood for those who want to live close to all kinds of outdoor recreation. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy, but this is the place is also where mountain lovers go.

Source: Rent. / Moda Newhouse

A nice outdoor lounge awaits you in the courtyard at Moda Newhouse. Substantial patio furniture, in soothing dark tones, surrounds a modern tabletop fireplace. Metal tubs of vibrant greenery add a natural touch, while plenty of extra lighting sits overhead to keep this place happening after dark.

Another Central Salt Lake City community that has a lot going for it, the outdoor space also includes a community grill and more seating areas. Close to Liberty Park, you can continue to enjoy being outside even when you leave home. A beautiful place to spend some time, Liberty Park is the second largest urban park in the city. At 80 acres, you’ll find a pond with two islands and access to the Tracy Aviary within this park’s borders.

Source: Rent. / Seasons at Pebble Creek

Sometimes your central green space is only good for one thing — picnicking. At Seasons at Pebble Creek, they run with this, giving you plenty of lawn to stretch out on in addition to a charcoal grill and picnic table. Tall trees hug the edge, spreading their long branches up and out to create a mini-retreat right in the center of this community.

There’s a lot to the Westside neighborhood, where you’ll find this great community. One highlight — the sheer number of nearby parks. You’ve got Jordan Park, Sorensen Park and Seventeenth South River Park. Jordan Park, a shining star on this list, includes a skate park, horseshoe courts, an off-leash dog park, pavilions, volleyball courts and three playgrounds. Totaling 16 acres, it’s an ideal spot to keep busy out of doors.

Source: Rent. / Palladio

It may not be very large, but the flower garden at Palladio is a sweet spot to wander through when you just need a break. Stone benches let you sit, should you want to stick around longer and smell the blooming buds. Bushy, tall trees pop up intermittently for some added greenery and a central, rocky plant bed gives you something else to look at.

Located just blocks away from both Pioneer Park and Washington Square Park, there’s no shortage of green space living in the Broadway District. Right in the center of Salt Lake City, there’s a wide variety of places to eat, shops to browse through and fun things to do any time of day as well.

Source: Rent. / Highland Pointe

A stylish stone walkway guides you through the little garden at Highland Pointe. On either side of the path, you’ll find tons of flowers with pines and other trees mixed in. Shapely bushes complete this green space, creating the opportunity for a casual walk to enjoy Salt Lake City’s natural beauty up close.

Other well-maintained outdoor spots at Highland Pointe include the picnic area, with a charcoal grill and table, on a cement slab in the middle of a great lawn and tall trees. There are also two decent-sized playgrounds for the kids to climb, slide, swing and play on. An outdoor basketball court and pool round out the excellent outdoor amenities you’ll find here.

Find an apartment with one of the best gardens in Salt Lake City

Whatever brought you to Salt Lake City, finding the perfect apartment is a must. As you hunt though, don’t forget about your outdoor space. Get yourself a Salt Lake City apartment with an ideal outdoor area, whether it’s full of trees and grass or paved and decked out with furniture, the choice is all yours. Happy hunting!

Featured Image Source: Rent. / The Vue at Sugarhouse Crossing

Source: rent.com

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Funko toy executive Brian Mariotti has once again listed his spectacular Coronado, CA, mansion—at a lower price this time around.

In March 2022, the sprawling spread made its market debut at $39 million but was reduced to $32 million earlier this year. After a brief hiatus, the property was relisted at $29,995,000 for what will hopefully be a charmed third time.

Mariotti purchased the Spanish-style estate in the beach town off the coast of San Diego in 2017 for $12.2 million. Over the next four years, the toy maker carefully and thoughtfully transformed the 1925-era home into a luxury playground.

The majestic 15,067-square-foot “Coronado Castle” now boasts such lavish delights as a full-service spa, putting green, and a “secret garden.”

So considering the millions poured into the pretty palace, the price cut could be considered a real deal.

“After buying the original house, they purchased the land next door for $6 million and adjoined the properties,” says listing agent Jason Oppenheim, of The Oppenheim Group and Netflix’s “Selling Sunset.”

Another $12 million was spent during the remodel, he adds.

Aerial view

Terrace

(Realtor.com)

Just 100 feet from the beach, the historical landmark boasts one of the largest lots in Coronado.

“It’s very much like an oasis to have that much land and just be steps from the ocean,” Oppenheim says. “You really don’t get this amount of land in Coronado.”

The home was designed for a luxurious lifestyle, offering abundant state-of-the-art amenities.

A dramatic foyer features a spiral staircase and hand-hewn beams, a nod to the home’s history. The palatial interior boasts everything from opulent tile and ornate ironwork to custom light fixtures.

Foyer

(Realtor.com)

The home was originally designed in the Mission Revival style by Richard Requa for Michigan furniture manufacturer W.A. Gunn, who is said to have had an affinity for timeless beauty.

Mariotti’s renovation painstakingly preserved the property’s heritage.

“I have walked through a lot of remodels over the years, but I can’t say that I have ever seen a more authentic remodel than this,” Oppenheim notes. “They imported items from Europe that are 200 to 300 years old. The tile around the pool is over 300 years old. There are a couple of beams that are original that they matched by handcarving the beams. The details are just extraordinary.”

Dining room

(Realtor.com)

Kitchen

(Realtor.com)

An elegant dining room has a hand-painted, coffered ceiling. Just beyond, arched steel glass doors open to the pool deck.

The massive kitchen is designed with a marble island, La Cornue range and rotisserie, double Sub-Zero fridge, Miele steam oven, coffee station, and wet bar.

A lavish lower level is thoughtfully arranged for entertaining, with its golf simulator, media room, and bar. But the area’s crown jewel is its 25-seat, “Star Wars”-themed movie theater.

“The movie theater is one of the largest theaters I have ever seen in a home,” Oppenheim notes.

Home theater

(Realtor.com)

There’s also a fitness center, spa and dry sauna, massage table, and ice bath.

And the magnificent grounds really wow with a fire-pit lounge, full outdoor kitchen, and pool.

Oppenheim believes the property could be a vacation home for a buyer who lives in Los Angeles or Orange County.

“I think it will be someone who appreciates the real craftsmanship of the design,” he predicts, of the future owners. “I hope they are able to recognize just how timeless and authentic it is. It’s a rare person who will actually understand the thousands of decisions and thousands of hours spent creating the design of the home. It’s a home that will still look good in 100 years, that you will never need to remodel.”

Putting green

(Realtor.com)

Pool

(Realtor.com)

Source: realtor.com

Apache is functioning normally

A massive 17,602-square-foot home that sits on Highland Beach’s largest oceanfront lot has recently hit the market in Palm Beach County, Florida and has the potential to set a new real estate record.

The trophy property delivers over 150 feet of private manicured beachfront on nearly 2 acres in the ”Estate Section” of Byrd Beach, minutes away from Atlantic Avenue and Boca Raton.

It also sports a price tag worthy of its countless attributes: the mansion is listed for $59.9 million, making it the most expensive home for sale in Highland Beach and the priciest listing in the greater Boca Raton area.

Photo credit: LivingProof Real Estate Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty

If it sells anywhere near its asking price, the Ocean Blvd. property will become the most expensive home ever sold in the area.

RELATED: Florida’s most expensive house ever: Larry Ellison’s $173 million Gemini estate

“This estate is one of the nicest houses in Highland Beach,” says Coldwell Banker Realty agent Jonathan Postma, who holds the listing. “It’s a trophy property that is becoming increasingly hard to find in Florida, especially with two acres and 150 feet of private ocean frontage.”

Photo credit: LivingProof Real Estate Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty

Interestingly enough, the previous record holder is this very property. The same Ocean Blvd. home sold in April 2022 for a whopping $45 million, a deal that marked the highest sale in the Highland Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Gulf Stream, and Ocean Ridge area, per the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

The owner, identified by The Real Deal as an Omaha businessman, bought the property in 2022 in an off-market deal, and has since done extensive maintenance/repairs, while also revamping the interiors of the massive 17,602-square-foot mansion.

Photo credit: LivingProof Real Estate Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
Photo credit: LivingProof Real Estate Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
Photo credit: LivingProof Real Estate Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
Photo credit: LivingProof Real Estate Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty

Featuring modern French-Eclectic architecture, transitional interiors by Marc-Michaels, and fortress-like construction by Mark Timothy Luxury Homes, the $59.9 million Ocean Blvd. house is the epitome of luxury.

SEE ALSO: Serena Williams’ house in Florida has many unique features, but no living room

Photo credit: LivingProof Real Estate Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty

With 8 bedrooms, 10 full baths and 3 partial baths, the mansion has intricate details throughout, creatively blending an atmosphere of grand-scale entertaining and comfortable beach living.

Photo credit: LivingProof Real Estate Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty

Inside, some of the standout features of the privately gated estate include a gourmet kitchen with a large center island, double ovens and pantry; an oversized master bedroom with en suite and massive walk-in closet; a home theatre; and a fitness area, among others.

Photo credit: LivingProof Real Estate Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
Photo credit: LivingProof Real Estate Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
Photo credit: LivingProof Real Estate Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty

Adding to its beach living appeal, the Ocean Blvd. estate also features a heated pool/spa area with a cabana, outdoor shower, built-in grill, and summer kitchen.

Photo credit: LivingProof Real Estate Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty

Ultra-high-end real estate in Boca Raton, Florida is on a stratospheric rise, breaking record sale prices every year for five consecutive years. According to a CNBC report, mansions in the Boca Raton area are commanding Miami Beach prices, with the price per square foot of the area’s top-end homes now on par with Miami Beach pricing.

“People tend to think of Miami when the subject turns to high-end South Florida real estate,” Douglas Elliman real estate agent Senada Adzem told CNBC, “But Boca Raton is, without question, one of the region’s premier luxury residential markets.” And the spectacular $59.9 million Highland Beach mansion we covered today is clear proof of that.

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‘Cash me Outside’ girl Bhad Bhabie’s house, a $6.1M Boca Raton mansion

Source: fancypantshomes.com

Apache is functioning normally

Need easy access to a gym so you stay motivated to maintain your workout routine? Find a place to live with a fitness center built-in.

The best way to live an active lifestyle in Miami is to find an apartment community that includes a fitness center among its amenities. One of many of Miami’s secrets, this is a great way to stay in shape and save money on a gym membership.

Want help finding the best gyms in Miami? Look no further than the communities on our list.

Source: Rent. / Square Station

With Body Solid strength training equipment, CrossFit Boxes, and a row of cardio machines, the fully-equipped fitness center at Square Station is a great option. Floor-to-ceiling windows make the large space bright, and an 80-foot lap pool completes the workout facilities.

This Downtown Miami community is within walking distance of just about everything within the city center, making it easy to get those steps in each day. It also gives Square Station some amazing panoramic city views.

Source: Rent. / Flamingo Point

Three rows of cardio machines look through massive windows onto lush palm trees and greenery at Flamingo Point. This South Beach community has Precor fitness equipment and a steam room and salon for after your workout.

Embodying the laidback culture of the area, Flamingo Point also has a garden courtyard with local art installations, a dog park and pool with private cabanas. This all looks out on Biscayne Bay.

Source: Rent. / Panorama Tower

Even those thinking of living in the vibrant and eclectic Brickell neighborhood need access to the gym. At Panorama Tower, the sleek design of the fitness center, with its red carpet, creates a unique space. There’s a pilates studio, spin studio and main exercise area with a long row of treadmills and elliptical machines.

Living here you’ll have a gourmet market on site for healthy eating. Community amenities also include a children’s playroom, ocean and sunset view pools, a pet spa and hotel and three private movie theaters.

Source: Rent. / Strata Wynwood

An impressive gym with plenty of cardio machines and floor-to-ceiling windows, the fitness center at Strata Wynwood is pretty stocked. There’s also strength training equipment, a small climbing wall, a CrossFit Box and a boxing trainer. For those interested in spin classes or pilates, there’s a separate studio.

Located in the Wynwood Arts District, the entertainment and cultural center of Miami, Strata Wynwood has additional amenities that include a pool with a large deck and lounge areas, a library and a game room with billiards.

Source: Rent. / Cascade

Within the beautiful neighborhood of Golden Pines, you’ll find Cascade. This 37-story, smoke-free community is full of things to do. There’s a pool, playground, indoor children’s activity area and game room with ping pong tables.

When it’s time to exercise, you can shoot some hoops in the half-court basketball court and take advantage of the bright, well-stocked gym. With high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, there’s plenty of room to move around between the cardio and strength equipment. Windows look out onto the pool for a soothing view.

Source: Rent. / Watermarc at Biscayne Bay

In the quiet, waterfront community of Edgewater, you need a solid place to live. Watermarc at Biscayne Bay does not disappoint. The fitness center overlooks Biscayne Bay, which you can easily see through the gym’s floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s a nice variety of MATRIX exercise equipment as well as a yoga/spin studio and boxing trainer.

Watermarc at Biscayne Bay takes full advantage of the great view through its rooftop, resort-style pool (with cabanas) and rooftop outdoor social lounge.

Source: Rent. / Yacht Club at Brickell Apartments

Open 24 hours, the fitness center at the Yacht Club at Brickell Apartments includes rows of cardio machines that look out onto palm trees and the water. There’s also strength training equipment and a CrossFit Box. For some additional exercise options, the community features a racquetball court and an outdoor tennis court.

Also in Brickell, the Yacht Club at Brickell Apartments has an on-site convince store as well as a billiards room, pool and hot tub and playground.

Source: Rent. / Flamingo South Beach

For another option in South Beach, check out the upgraded fitness center at Flamingo South Beach. This gym has high ceilings and two-story windows. The space feels large, bright and airy. Cardio machines face out toward Biscayne Bay and there are plenty of other equipment options.

This pet-friendly, smoke-free community has a paradise swimming pool and hot tub and its own dog park on its amenity list.

Source: Rent. / WYND 27 & 28

A sporty theme dominates the fitness center at WYND 27 & 28. You can spring down the green straightaway in the center of the gym before using a variety of strength and cardio equipment. The long and narrow space keeps everything nicely organized.

Another community in the Wynward Arts District, living here gives you access to on-site dining and retail options, a courtyard with wall mural, private pods within a co-working lounge and more.

Source: Rent. / Camden Brickell

One more gem in the Brickell neighborhood, Camden Brickell is a gated, non-smoking community with street-level retail shops and a rooftop terrace.

The fitness center has a sleek and modern design with pops of grey and teal. A motivational, artistic message is up on the wall in this nicely-spaced gym. Overlooking the pool, you’ll find cardio and strength equipment, free weights and a CrossFit Box.

Grab a workout in one of the best gyms in Miami

It’s no secret that the cost of living in Miami is high, but this doesn’t mean you have to ditch your workout.

Skip paying for a gym membership and instead settle into an apartment that comes with a complete amenity package, including a nice fitness center. It will make Miami feel more affordable right from the start.

Featured image source: Rent. / Flamingo Point

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

Technology startups are considering whether or not it’s necessary to return to the office, and for those who think it is, they’re also rethinking what that office should look like.

Maria Gothsch, chief executive of Partnership Fund for New York City, told The Washington Post that many tech startups will decide that they want office space. She said many will decide against moving to a remote workforce on a permanent basis, even though companies like Twitter have already said they plan to do exactly that.

The thing is, the office serves as a place for people in their 20s and 30s to meet people.

“If you are not addressing that desire of that demographic—to give them a place to work—you are potentially impeding your ability to recruit those people,” Gotsch told the Post.

One tech startup that’s already reconsidering its office footprint is MikMak, an e-commerce software company. Its founder and CEO Rachel Tipograph recently broke her 18-month lease on a New York City office building at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and is now planning to sign a new lease once a vaccine has become widely available. She said her employees are free to move anywhere in the U.S. however, as the next lease she signs will be something more akin to an event space rather than a traditional office.

“I’m calling it a hub,” Tipograph told The Wall Street Journal. “You’ll do new employee onboarding, big team meetings, maybe fancy client presentations. But you don’t come there 9 to 5 every day to get work done.”

But while startups are re-imagining their offices spaces for the post-pandemic era, other more established companies are lining up more traditional office space in big cities. Facebook for example, recently signed a lease for 730,000 square feet of office space in the Farley Building on Manhattan’s West Side. Meanwhile, Amazon has said it plans to add 900,000 square feet of office space in Dallas, Denver, Detroit, New York City, Phoenix and San Diego.

Still, commercial office landlords are growing concerned, as more than 3 million square feet of office space in Manhattan alone was put up for rent during the third quarter. With so much space available, some landlords are now offering more flexible lease terms to attract companies back.

One such company is Two Trees Management, which operates several buildings in the New York area that house hundreds of startups. Faced with numerous startups that have deserted its offices in recent months, it’s now offering more flexible leases to startups that can be as short as just six months. Previously, its standard leases were offered for a minimum of three years.

Mike Wheatley is the senior editor at Realty Biz News. Got a real estate related news article you wish to share, contact Mike at [email protected]
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Source: realtybiznews.com