Market Spotlight: Stunning Ranches Bring Western Dreams to Life
From traditional cattle ranches in Canada to luxurious rural retreats in Utah and Montana, Engel & Völkers offers an exclusive selection of ranches throughout North America. Ever since the dramatic series Yellowstone, starring Kevin Costner as the owner of Montana’s largest ranch, became an international hit, demand from buyers to own a similar property amid the vastness of the American and Canadian West has remained high. In response to this growing lifestyle trend, Engel & Völkers Americas’ Land and Ranch division is ready to meet buyers’ demand for expansive, multifunctional properties that offer tranquility and potential as vast as the landscapes they’re in. The division specializes in brokering ranches for use as working farms, cattle operations, or secluded private retreats, Engel & Völkers’ extensive network of real estate advisors includes some of the most knowledgeable experts deeply rooted in ranch living. Meet four such experts in our new Land and Ranch mini documentary. Paul Benson leads more than 50 Engel & Völkers shops across seven Western states. “The price for a small patch of land can start in the five-digit range,” he says, “and reach anything up to many millions of US dollars for a luxurious retreat offering acreage and use as a recreational playground for hunting, snowmobiling, off-road adventures, fly fishing, horseback riding, and more.There is no limit on investment potential, lifestyle is simply priceless.” Here are five exclusive Engel & Völkers’ ranches for Yellowstone-inspired living. Live the Yellowstone dream on this ranch in the mountains of Utah for $26 million USD This ranch spans five secluded acres. The main home is 7,700 square feet, features five bedrooms, and an awe-inspiring living area with a fireplace. Rustic wooden beams and stone walls give the property a cozy, warm atmosphere throughout. Four Hearts Ranch, a 6,000-acre livestock farm in British Columbia for $20.8 million CAD Four Hearts Ranch comprises eight individual homes, a world-class equestrian center, and a well-established cattle operation with fenced pastures. This ranch’s crown jewel is its main house, a masterpiece of modern log cabin-style design boasting a naturally elegant interior and sweeping views of a dynamic landscape. Roll Tide Ranch in Utah for $12.4 million USD Completed in 2020, this property in the gated luxury Wolf Creek Ranch community spans 168 acres and offers 13,591 square feet of living space. It features eight bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, open-plan living and dining areas, and a high-end gourmet kitchen. Wellness is a key focus of this property: The wellness area, complete with a yoga studio, sauna, and steam room, offers an ideal place to relax. Exclusive rural living in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley for $8.5 million USD Nestled between the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains, this ranch is near the town of Hamilton. The turnkey main home is 7,881 square feet with five bedrooms and five bathrooms, a well-appointed chef’s kitchen with a large cooking island, and elegant living quarters featuring exposed beams. Highlights include a barn with five spacious horse stalls and a guesthouse. Timeless retreat near Whistler for $3.3 million CAD In British Columbia’s idyllic Pemberton Valley, this timeless country retreat has 4,404 square feet of custom living space, five bedrooms and bathrooms, and an expansive living area with a stone fireplace and adjoining kitchen. Light-flooded interiors throughout, numerous terraces, and extensive grazing areas for horses round out this 10-acre country retreat.
Expert Tips for Planning a Holiday Party at Home
Your home often provides the perfect backdrop for memorable gatherings, effortlessly reflecting your style, sentiment, and personality. This holiday season, Engel & Völkers is thrilled to partner with Bryan Rafanelli, founder and chief creative officer of Rafanelli Events, to bring you unparalleled insights on hosting unforgettable events at home. Homes often serve as the ideal backdrop and venue for special occasions, because a home already has the host’s style, flair, and sentiment built into it. As the founder and chief creative officer of Rafanelli Events, Bryan Rafanelli knows a thing or two about party planning — for show stopping gatherings ranging in size from 15 to 15,000 attendees to creating unforgettable guest experiences across the globe. Similar to Engel & Völkers, Rafanelli Events shares a commitment to delivering highly personalized, tailored, and bespoke experiences for their clients. With Rafanelli’s expertise in creating unforgettable events, and Engel & Völkers’ dedication to curating exceptional real estate experiences, it made sense for the brands to partner this holiday season to bring you tips for hosting the ideal at-home gathering all year long. This collaboration brings together a shared passion for elevated client service, a design-focused eye, and the utmost attention to detail. Just in time for the holidays and your 2025 hosting plans ahead. Rafanelli's Thanksgiving Spread Inspiration Weather Contingencies Have a backup plan for outdoor events, such as tents, portable heaters, or fans, to adapt to unexpected weather. Monitor weather forecasts leading up to your party to make adjustments as needed. Vendor Coordination Allocate space and resources for catering, entertainment, and other vendors, including setup areas for catering and staging areas for entertainment, if you’re having a performer or performers. Designate a setup area for catering, bar service, and any other vendor needing workspace. Plan Multiple ‘Wow’ Moments As a baseline, we like to have three to five ‘wow’ moments, special moments, at our events, no matter their size. Create special moments throughout your event, with something happening approximately every 20 minutes to keep guests engaged. Focus on First Impressions Make the initial impact count, but ensure it connects meaningfully to you as the host or the event's purpose — don't just do something flashy without meaning. Consider Sound and Music Carefully Comfort is another piece of the puzzle that people will walk away and remember and say, “I went to this event and it wasn't loud.” Keep music at a level at which guests can still have conversations while feeling the beat. Pay Attention to Scale and Variety When decorating, use items in different sizes to create visual interest and dimension. As demonstrated in Rafanelli Events’ Thanksgiving table example, using pumpkins of varying sizes creates dynamic visual interest. Don't Be Afraid to Transform Simple Items In Rafanelli’s book, “A Great Party: Designing the Perfect Celebration,” he talks about the idea of making something from nothing. Take basic items and make them special through creative transformation. Create Intimate Spaces Even in larger spaces, find ways to make the environment feel intimate and comfortable for guests through thoughtful design and layout. Tell a Story Make sure your event elements connect to tell a cohesive story or reflect something meaningful about the occasion or you as host. Plan the Flow Think about continually keeping somebody's mind moving through a 120-minute experience. Carefully think through every moment of your event from start to finish. Engage Multiple Senses Create an experience that engages all the senses, not just visual impact. Consider how elements like sound, lighting, comfort, and even temperature work together to create a complete sensory experience. About Rafanelli Events Rafanelli Events, founded by Bryan Rafanelli in 1996, is a premier event planning and design company known for its extraordinary experiences. With global reach and offices in New York City, Palm Beach, and Boston, it specializes in events ranging from intimate gatherings and weddings to destination events and non-profit fundraisers. Their dedicated team of professionals believes in creating unique celebrations for every occasion, blending innovation with personalized touches. With a clientele including Fortune 500 families and public figures, Rafanelli Events continues to set trends in the industry, redefining event planning worldwide.
Pamper Family, Friends With a Guest Bedroom That Evokes a Luxury Hotel
Transform your guest bedroom into a luxurious sanctuary that rivals a five-star hotel with thoughtful design and attention to detail. From high-quality linens and plush bedding to ambient lighting and elegant bathroom amenities, this guide offers practical tips to elevate your guest experience. Transforming your guest bedroom into a space that feels like a luxury hotel can make visiting family and friends feel truly pampered, comfortable, and at home in your home. Here’s how you can elevate the guest experience: Plush Bedding High-quality linens: Invest in crisp, high-thread-count sheets (like Egyptian cotton or sateen) and soft blankets. Stick with neutral colors (white, beige, soft gray) for a fresh, hotel-like feel. Layered bedding: Hotels often use layers for comfort and visual appeal. Use a duvet, coverlet, throw blanket, and plenty of pillows in various sizes and firmness to suit different sleep preferences. Memory foam mattress topper: A soft, supportive mattress is a must, but a memory foam topper can make any mattress feel luxurious. Elegant Lighting Ambient lighting: Install dimmable overhead lights to create the right mood. Bedside lamps: Matching lamps on each side of the bed add symmetry and a soft, cozy glow. Task lighting: A floor or reading lamp near a cozy chair invites guests to relax with a book or magazine. Hotel-Style Bathroom Amenities Plush towels and robes: Thick, high-quality bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths make guests feel pampered. A soft robe adds a luxurious touch. Toiletry essentials: Stock travel-size shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and lotions or upgrade to full-size premium products. Bath mat: Ensure a nonslip bath mat. Thoughtful Storage Closet space and hangers: Create empty closet space with hangers so guests can unpack and hang clothes. A luggage rack also is a nice touch. Dresser space: Make sure there’s room in a dresser or a small side table for guests’ belongings. Extra hooks: Add hooks behind the bedroom door for coats or towels, making the space more functional. Tech-Friendly Features Phone and device charging: A charging station with USB ports or wireless charging pads on each bedside table enables guests to keep their devices powered up. Smart TV or streaming access: Provide access to streaming services or a smart TV for personalized entertainment. Wi-Fi information: Print and frame Wi-Fi details and passwords to make it easy for guests to connect. Scent and Sound Experience Scented candles or diffusers: A subtle, calming fragrance like lavender or vanilla makes a room feel more inviting. White noise machine or fan: Help your guests relax and sleep better with a white noise machine or fan for comfort and temperature control. Comfortable Furniture Reading nook or chair: Place a cozy chair in the corner with a throw blanket and small table, providing guests a place to relax. Nightstand essentials: Keep nightstands stocked with water bottles, tissues, a small vase of fresh flowers, and perhaps a book or magazine. Personalized Touches Welcome note and treats: A handwritten welcome note and small tray of snacks or chocolates enhances warmth and hospitality. Local guides: Provide a guidebook or pamphlet with local recommendations for restaurants, cafes, or sightseeing. Neutral and Elegant Decor Minimalist and clean: Stick with neutral colors and simple designs for a calm, upscale feel. Avoid clutter and busy patterns. High-end art or mirrors: Large “statement” pieces of art or mirrors can add sophistication to the room. Natural elements: Add plants or flowers for freshness and warmth. Temperature Control Adjustable thermostat: Allow guests to control the temperature to their liking. Extra blankets and fans: Ensure extra blankets are easily accessible, as well as a fan if they like extra airflow. By implementing these suggestions, your guest bedroom will offer a five-star hotel experience, leaving your visitors impressed and comfortable—and hoping for another invitation soon.
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