River

Great Gardens of the Hudson River Valley

Filed under: Estates, Green, Books, Architecture & Design

Winter may be fast approaching but verdant greenery abounds in Gardens of the Hudson Valley, a new photographic portrait of the region's lush private landscapes. The luxurious volume chronicles 25 gardens chosen to give "a sense of place and convey the romance of the landscape" abutting the majestic Hudson River in New York state. Photographers Steve Gross and Susan Daley selected gardens from Yonkers up the river to the town of Hudson, including famous formal estate gardens like Kykuit, Boscobel, the Vanderbilt Mansion, and Olana, along with smaller, more naturalistic plots that combine sweeping views and lush plantings. Each of the gardens tells a story about the people who made them, and collectively they evoke "the grace and grandeur of the Hudson River landscape" underscoring the central role the Hudson Valley played in the birth of an American garden tradition.

Tags: books, coffee table books, estates, garden, gardens, Hudson Valley, New York, photography, river, Vanderbilt Mansion

The Great Fly-Fishing Rivers of the West

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Sports, Books

Originally released in 1994, Grant McClintock's classic angler's almanac Flywater: Fly-Fishing Rivers of the West documented his year-long journey visiting the creeks, springs and freestone rivers that make the West the world's premiere destination for fly fishing. Now Universe has issued an updated edition complete with new photographs from McClintock's collection, revealing new river finds full of trout and steelhead. The destinations pictured in more than 200 full-color photos include New Mexico, California, Colorado, Utah, Oregon, Washington, Montana and Wyoming; the cover shows picturesque Pelican Point on Montana's Missouri River. Interspersed with the photos, McClintock explains the complexities of fly fishing in each type of "flywater". The book also features a foreword by renowned newsman and fly fishing enthusiast Tom Brokaw, who notes that McClintock magnificently captures the sport's "sense of majesty and humility – majesty in the surroundings and the humility that comes with understanding that the fly-fishing angler is there on nature's terms."

Tags: books, coffee table books, Colorado, fishing, fly fishing, fly-fishing, nature, New Mexico, outdoor, river, sports, Tom Brokaw, water

Celebrating the Hudson River's Rich Heritage

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Art, Green, Books

A number of American artists and writers have contributed to Lives of the Hudson, a compelling new book on the artistic, literary, and environmental history of the Hudson River from Prestel. The site of stunning historic estates like Astor Courts and Marienruh, the river is much more than mere scenery. The companion volume to an exhibition of the same name staged at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, the book explores the river's complex history via sections entitled The Natural River, The Imagined River, The Human River, and The Working River. Along with important works by famed Hudson River School painters such as Albert Bierstadt and Thomas Cole, the book features literary contributions from the likes of Rick Moody, Carolyn Forche, Philip Lopate and others. Cultural artifacts provide a fascinating background of the river's many lives while contemporary artwork asks us to "reconsider our use of the river and our relationship with nature and history."

Tags: art, coffee table books, environment, exhibition, Hudson River, Hudson River School, museum, New York, Rick Moody, river, Saratoga Springs, Skidmore

Iconic NY Eatery Re-Opens After $1 Million Revamp

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Yachts & Sailing

Water's Edge, the iconic eatery on New York's East River with incredible panoramic views of Manhattan, recently reopened after a $1 million renovation with a brand new menu. Established in 1981 in Long Island City, with the recent revamp the restaurant is entering its third decade in real style. For patrons from Manhattan the Water's Edge dining experience begins with a cruise across the East River on the restaurant's private ferry departing from the East 23rd Street Pier/Skyport Marina. In addition to the elegant main dining room and bar, the restaurant offers riverside outdoor seating, a plush lounge with a fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony with breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and the Queensboro Bridge.

There's also a private event space as well as a 90-ft. luxury yacht docked in front of the restaurant available for cocktail parties and private functions. Highlights of the Eclectic American cuisine include Panko Crusted Oysters with Guacamole and a Red Pepper Reduction; Baby Artichoke Crusted Salmon with Baby Turnips, Spaghetti Squash and Saffron Broth; and Mushroom-Miso Crusted Rack of Lamb with Braised Bok Choy and Whipped Potatoes. The bar features signature drinks such as the Water's Edge Sunset Cocktail, made with Grey Goose vodka, Grand Marnier and fruit juice. In addition they host regular wine tastings and wine pairing dinners.

Tags: Long Island City, LongIslandCity, Manhattan, New York, NewYork, restaurant, river, seafood, Waters Edge, WatersEdge, yacht

Luxury Living on Roosevelt Island: Riverwalk Court & Riverwalk Crossing

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Real Estate Developments

In early May I crossed the East River from midtown Manhattan to Roosevelt Island, home to a number of new, luxury real estate developments. After just a few minutes on the F subway line (or you can take the famous tram), I met with two representatives from Related Companies, one of the country's premier real estate development groups, and had a personal tour of Riverwalk Court, the newest condo offering on the island.

About 10 years ago, Related, along with The Hudson Companies, Inc., won the NYC contract to develop Roosevelt Island. And they have a done a spectacular job with Riverwalk Court. The 18-story condominium building was designed by award-winning architectural firm Costas Kondylis and Partners, and every unit features huge, insulated windows; light, neutral colors; stainless steel appliances and black granite countertops; a washer/dryer; and the best part -- city or bridge views from every apartment. The building's amenities include an entertainment lounge for relaxing with other residents; a fitness center for cardio and yoga; a rooftop terrace; and a children's playroom. As I felt about another Related property I visited, the Caledonia, suddenly my pretty nice apartment and building seemed like a shack, and I wanted to pack up that night and move right into Riverwalk.

Residents of Riverwalk get more than a nice apartment, however. Related is known for its personalized service and concierge amenities (e.g., 24-hour concierge/doorman), and these 123 condominium residences, which range from 1BR - 3 BR with an equal number of baths in each home, offer all of that plus price tags lower than Manhattan for the same, if not better, quality. Plus, Roosevelt Island residents get more -- green space, river breezes, quiet days and nights, minimal traffic, no garbage trucks clanging and squealing in the middle of the night (the island has a Walt Disney World-like underground trash system) and even a 25-cent local bus to take you around the two-mile, 47-acre island if you don't want to walk in the rain or have groceries to carry.

For those who prefer to rent, there's Riverwalk Crossing, Roosevelt Island's only new luxury rental property. Also designed by Kondylis and part of the Related/Hudson portfolio, amenities include an entertainment lounge, bike room, fitness center, and lushly landscaped gardens with an outdoor sun deck, dining terrace, and barbeque grills. As part of the Related Rentals portfolio, Riverwalk Crossing offers its residents RelatedStyle Services, a suite of rewards and services that include the Related Personal Assistant, Move-In Coordination, Resident Service Specialist, as well as exclusive Equinox Fitness membership opportunities. Residents also will have the option to pay rent with a rewards-eligible credit cards.

After my sojourn to Roosevelt Island, I just may make it my next home. Or at least head back there this summer to enjoy all the activities and river air.

Take a look at the gallery for photos of these two communities.

Gallery: Riverwalk Court & Riverwalk Crossing

Tags: condos, Hudson, new york, new york city, NewYork, NewYorkCity, NYC, rela estate, RelaEstate, Related, rentals, river, Roosevelt Island, RooseveltIsland

Val Kilmer Asks $33 Million for New Mexico Ranch

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates

After failing to sell parcels of his 6,000-acre Pecos River ranch in New Mexico, actor Val Kilmer has now listed the entire estate for $33 million. The 49-year-old star, who recently announced that he may run for governor of New Mexico next year, says he's listing the property so that "someone who has the time and the finances" can maintain and preserve it, the Wall St. Journal reports. Back in 2006 my colleague Deirdre Woollard reported that Kilmer was offering an 1,800 acre parcel for $18 million.

The ranch, which features six miles of trout fishing, canyons, pine forests, a stable and a rock quarry, is about 25 miles southeast of Santa Fe. The main house is a 5,600-sq.-ft. log and stucco contemporary with four bedrooms. There are also two one bedroom guest houses and a two bedroom foreman's house. The star of The Doors and Batman Forever assembled the impressive property, which remains largely unspoiled, about 13 years ago.

Gallery: Val Kilmer's Pecos River Ranch

Tags: actor, celebrity, celebrity real estate, CelebrityRealEstate, fishing, New Mexico, NewMexico, ranch, river, Val Kilmer, ValKilmer

Terra Acqua Stone Vessel Sinks

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor

I've seen a lot of very pretty sinks in my surfings around the net, and I have to say this amber Rivenrock Terra Acqua Stone Vessel is one of my absolute favorites! Cut from boulders found in riverbeds in Yunnan each one is unique and beautiful in its own way. The full Montecito Stone collection includes vessels of all shapes, sizes, and colors created of stones from around the world. The Miramar basin of natural queen stone also strikes me, with varied bands of contrasting color streaking throughout. Priced at $1,195 and up.

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Tags: acqua, basin, basins, carve, carved, montecito, queen, rivenrock, river, sink, sinks, stone, stones, terra acqua, TerraAcqua, vessel, vessels

The Mini Inflatable Catamaran: The Ultimate in Boating Convenience

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets, Yachts & Sailing

When it comes to boating true luxury means of course an enormous yacht staffed with enough people to take of everything without bothering you for anything other than 'would you like another drink?' But sometimes it can be a real treat to do something on whim without all those other people around -- just you, the boat, and the water. And maybe a friend. Enter the Mini Inflatable Catamaran -- it fits in a bag and can easily be tossed in the backseat of your car!

This inflatable/unfoldable boat is one you can easily transport and handle yourself. It only weighs 40kg, sets up in about 30 minutes, supports up to 240kg, and can be used on lakes, rivers, or even the sea (although it's tiny so I'd be extra cautious on the open ocean!). $4500.

Via BornRich

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Tags: boat, boating, catamaran, inflatable, lake, lakes, mini, ocean, portable, river, rivers, travel, water

River Stone Gas Fire Pit

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Garden

A fire pit is one of the best outdoor accessories you can have on a cool night, whether you want to cozy up to it with a loved one or gather around it with friends. Pits that use real wood have an authentic feel to them, but the smell and smoke often keep people away, rather than inviting them in . The River Stone Gas Fire Pit has the look of a real wood-burning fire pit, but is powered by gas and turns on a roaring blaze (40,000 BTUs of heat) with the touch of a button. The aluminum frame and fiberglass body require no maintenance and make the fire pit safe for all types of yards, patios and decks. Price: $800.

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Tags: Fire Pit, garden, Gas, River, River Stone Gas Fire Pit, RiverStoneGasFirePit, Stone

Nestucca Sea Ranch, Estate of the Day

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates

Today's estate takes us to the scenic small town of Cloverdale on the Oregon coastline. It's a remote location but an incredibly scenic one. This home has lovely ocean views and sits up on a hill at the convergence of the Nestucca River and the Pacific Ocean. There are 26 acres total. The two-story home also has a three-story lighthouse tower. There is also a separate guest house and a fisherman's retreat. It is listed at $7.8885 million. After the jump, one window for the river and one for the ocean.

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Tags: cloverdale, estate of the day, luxury real estate, nestucca, oregon, river

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