What $6.5 Million Buys Right Now In 3 Luxury Housing Markets

How much a dollar goes in the high-end housing market can be significantly different from location to location. In this week’s look at luxury homes for sale, I took a look at prized properties in Spain’s coastal town of Dénia, the Hollywood Hills and the resort ski town of Vail, Colorado. From a modern mansion by the sea to an entertainer’s pad with a recording studio, here’s a look at what about $6.5 million buys in the three different real estate markets.

Las Rotas, Dénia, Alicante, Spain

This stark-white showplace by the sea is found within the Las Rotas development, an exclusive 12-home enclave in the coastal city of Dénia in the Alicante region of Spain. A modern tour de force, the villa-style home is defined by its clean lines, high-end materials and a range of amenities and smart-home features.

Features: Designed by noted architect Manuel Portaceli, the multi-level house was designed with a white-plaster exterior that accentuates the passing sun throughout the day. Set on a large stone foundation overlooking the sea, the four-bedroom, five-bathroom home includes a large living room was designed to connect with the pool area and takes in a south-facing view of Mount Montgó. The stonework was used outside also features prominently in the interior spaces.

Other perks: A rear terrace dotted with statues and artistic pieces surrounds the swimming pool area. Exterior patios and terraces were built at different heights to allow for different vantages for taking in the natural surroundings.

Price: EUR 5.7 million (US $6.4 million)

Represented by: Antonio Ribes Bas, Immobiliaria Rimontgo

Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, California

It doesn’t get more Hollywood than this updated estate, which sits just below the landmark Hollywood sign on nearly an acre of grounds. Formerly owned by Styx guitarist Tommy Shaw, the entertainment-primed house in Hollywood Hills is accompanied by a swimming pool, an outdoor kitchen, a guesthouse and a detached recording studio with a bar. The detached recording studio also holds a gym and spa.

Features: A recent renovation of the house introduced a new clean aesthetic complete with wide-plank walnut floors, chic light fixtures and walls of windows that take in city-light views. The kitchen area features a wealth of open-concept space that holds a massive island/bar, a breakfast nook and a family room. Lower-level decking, upper balconies and an intimate dining patio create space for entertaining outdoors.

Other perks: The estate’s three structures combine to offer five bedrooms, six bathrooms and approximately 6,200 square feet of living space. In the primary bedroom suite, there’s a separate sitting room and an updated bath. 

Price: $6.495 million

Represented by: Stephen Resnick and Jonathan Nash, Hilton & Hyland

Vail, Colorado

Designed by local architect Ned Gwathmey, this two-story home fit for a mayor takes in views of popular slope-side trails from its 1.2-acre perch bordering Forest Service Land. A heated stone pathway leads up to the four-bedroom, five-bedroom house, ascending to wrap-around decking along the front of the house. A private patio extends from the rear of the house and is enclosed by a cluster of mature trees.

Features: A refreshed eat-in kitchen features a dedicated workspace and an adjacent hearth room with a wood-burning fireplace. Designed with flexibility in mind, the home’s lower level features a wealth of open-concept space and a convenient kitchenette.

Other perks: The primary bedroom suite lies behind French doors in a separate wing and incorporates an office with built-ins, a modernized bathroom, a walk-in closet and a private deck.

Price: $6.495 million

Represented by: Donna Caynoski, Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate

Hilton & Hyland, Immobiliaria Rimontgo and Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate are exclusive members of Forbes Global Properties, a consumer marketplace and membership network of elite brokerages selling the world’s most luxurious homes.