Luxury Living: Homes for holiday entertaining

Sunset Ridge’s setting can only be described as awe-inspiring — cliff-side, on a private peninsula with a breathtaking mountain panorama. Bold, linear architecture draws the visitor to a glass entryway topped with a clerestory, revealing a first hint of the refinement of finishes. The contemporary living spaces, with seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms, include a dining room with its own unique vantage of the Rocky Mountains and such eye-catching details as globe chandeliers and a three-sided glass fireplace, which provides a hint of the entertaining space beyond.

Monumental gates and a long, cobblestone drive set the stage for this faithfully recreated Italianate palace. At the entrance, a grand foyer features a dual bridal staircase (pictured top) adorned with hand-forged railings and gold accents. Adding to the splendour is a great room with a frescoed ceiling dome and a baroque-inspired dining room, ideal for formal banquets and festive occasions. Grand-scale entertaining is also accommodated in the full-service bar and wine-tasting room, which are housed on the lower level recreation floor. A gym, theatre, and 2.5 acres of grounds with a pool, tennis court, koi pond and formal gardens are among the lavish amenities.

With 8,500 square feet of interior space and 5,300 square feet of terraces, this chic hilltop villa between Cannes and Saint-Tropez is an entertainer’s dream both indoors and outdoors. The lower level features a Seventies-style nightclub, complete with music stage, cocktail bar, lounge, and dance floor with mirror ball and disco lights. The main living area is ideal for daytime soirées; a two-storey great room with adjacent dining area leads out to a terrace with an infinity pool, spa, pergola, and manicured lawn facing the Mediterranean Sea.

This hacienda-style residence on the shores of Eagle Mountain Lake in Forth Worth, Texas, is the perfect entertaining venue. The open-plan great room is lavishly appointed with a dining area, lounge with fireplace, and glass-enclosed open-air hot tub which flows into the outdoor pool. The outdoor kitchen and patio with fireplace overlook the lake, creating the perfect venue for an alfresco dinner party during the holidays. A three-car garage and private dock with boat slip are among the outstanding amenities.

This five-story mansion in the centre of Cascais is appointed with custom-designed furnishings and vivid Art Deco-inspired interior design which contrast with the alluring coastal views. The entertaining spaces include a living and dining area, bright-red ‘Ferrari’ kitchen, and a terrace. The home’s lower-level features two bars, a snooker hall, cinema, Turkish bath, gym, conference room, and office, which opens to serene gardens facing the sea. An opulent marble swimming pool, staff house, 20-vehicle motor court, garage, and car wash are additional highlights.