A Look At Park-Like Estates For About $15 Million In Los Angeles, France And Vail Valley

When it comes to these homes, it’s all about location, location, location.

From a modern tour de force in Los Angeles to a sprawling villa in southeastern France, there’s no shortage of scenery with these world-class properties. Here’s a closer look at what about $15 million buys in the Bel-Air, Mougins and Vail Valley housing markets.

Avon, Colorado

Located a few miles west of Vail in Avon, the gated community of Mountain Star is a low-density, 1,300-acre enclave of 90 residences. Rolling meadows, sage hills and forested glades create a scenic backdrop for the community. Cross-country trails throughout provide residents with access to the mountain setting they call home.

The large-lot estates that comprise the community are cared for by a full-time, on-site caretaker. A “Ranch Central” building serves as a communal space for neighborhood gatherings. 

This contemporary mansion bordering U.S. Forest Service lands was designed by architect Robert Ziegelman and built in 2000.

Price: $14.995 million

Size: 10,250 square feet

Price per square foot: $1,463

Inside: To navigate community restrictions, Ziegelman used smaller framed panes of glass to create large expanses that bring in mountain and forest views in nearly every direction. The living space is divided between three separate pavilions connected by clusters of large pillars.

In the main pavilion, the open-concept space is anchored by a giant half-circle fireplace. The primary bedroom suite, which has its own kitchen and dining area, occupies another pavilion. The third contains guest quarters and a heated garage. The three pavilions combine to offer six bedrooms, four full bathrooms, three ¾ bathrooms and two half baths. 

Outdoor living space: Decking extends from the second level to create additional space outdoors. Locally sourced stone features prominently in the home’s exterior design. Set on more than four acres, the property also has a dining patio and an in-ground spa — the latter being a welcome addition on cold winter nights.

Represented by: Catherine Jones Coburn of Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate 

Bel-Air, Los Angeles

Stone Canyon Reservoir and the areas surrounding it are home to some of the most stunning views in not only Bel-Air but also the greater Los Angeles area. Known for its range of architecture, properties in this section of Bel-Air range from modern spec developments to classic Midcentury Modern residences to grand Revival-style estates of the early 1900s.

This modernist masterpiece was designed by David Tenneson Rich for basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain. The architect combed the Santa Monica Mountains by helicopter to find the two-plus-acre site, a former cold war missile location, for Chamberlain, and the house was built in 1971.

Price: $14.9 million

Size: 9,395 square feet

Price per square foot: $1,586

Inside: Renovated since Chamberlain’s days, the residence is defined by sculptural living spaces, 40-foot-high wood ceilings and walls of glass that blend indoor-outdoor spaces. At the heart of the house is a striking stone fireplace that evokes a cathedral. Built-in conversation pits surround the fireplace, while formal living and dining areas fill the space behind it.

Outside living space: Water features play a big role in the home’s design. Reflecting pools flank the front walkway to the house, while the swimming pool flows beneath a wall into part of the great room. At the edge of the property, steps descend down the hillside to a vantage overlooking the reservoir.

Represented by: Drew Fenton, Hilton & Hyland 

Mougins, France

Located near Cannes in the Maritime Alps region of southeastern France is the village of Mougins. A scenic area surrounded by forests of pine, olive and cypress trees, Mougins is known for its timeless architecture and 19th-century houses. Artists such as Pablo Picasso and Fernand Léger are among those to have called the area home.

This Italianate-style villa is surrounded by more than three acres of grounds dotted with mature trees and palms. The home’s vantage allows for panoramic views of Mougins and the countryside and mountains beyond Saint Paul de Vence.

Price: $14.56 million (€12 million)

Size: 9,500 (approximate)

Price per square foot: $1,532 (€1,263)

Inside: Two buildings connected by a covered walkway comprise the villa, which has a total of 20 rooms, 10 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. Formal living spaces feature generous proportions, broad archways and high ceilings. A two-way fireplace is shared by the living and dining rooms, while the kitchen is equipped with commercial-grade appliances. The home is offered furnished with 18th and early 19th-Century French and Italian Furnishings.

Outside living space: The park-like grounds unfold in layers with various patios, lawn and landscaping. The estate has two swimming pools and a tennis court. An apartment for guests or staff also lies on the property.

Represented by: Meta Looij, Groupe Mercure Fine French Properties