Property Insights: What Does US$5 Million Buy Around the World?

Location, lifestyle, and provenance are the hallmarks of value, particularly at the top end of the luxury residential real estate market.

In fact, those hallmarks often can be just as important as price, even when the price tag on that big ticket approaches US$5 million.

To be sure, price points vary across different markets around the world: Five million dollars will go much further in smaller markets, whereas in prime markets and apex resort destinations, buyers must spend more for comparable levels of luxury.

In this edition of Luxury Defined, we investigate the US$5 million dollar tier: Choose among a beautiful country estate in South Africa, a contemporary hillside villa in Spain, or a 55-acre riverfront escape in Montana’s Big Sky Country.

1. Elegant Country Estate in Franschhoek, South Africa 

This stately residence has a peaceful rural setting on 13 acres at the edge of the village of Franschhoek in South Africa’s Cape Winelands.

The grounds are an oasis of serenity with wild grasslands and formal gardens graced with towering sculptures by artist Dylan Lewis. A clay tennis court and a 65-foot-long heated lap pool with an adjoining spa are further highlights.

Accommodations include a principal suite, seven guest suites, and a two-bedroom cottage. A three-car garage, storerooms, a cellar, backup generator, and independent water supply are among the amenities.  

2. Heaven’s Gate in St John, United States Virgin Islands 

Heaven’s Gate on the island of St. John is aptly named. This striking, pastel–pink villa is built into a green hillside overlooking Virgin Islands National Park and the paradisal islands of the BVI.

The elegant, light-infused reception rooms and four private suites all have ethereal vistas of palm-lined tropical gardens and aquamarine waters. With a swimming pool and wraparound decks cooled by sea breezes, this is a home that epitomizes the luxury Caribbean lifestyle.  

3. Andalusian Villa in Benahavís, Marbella, Spain 

Cool contemporary lines and stylish indoor-outdoor spaces define this Andalusian-style villa in the private gated community of El Madroñal in Benahavís, Marbella.

The striking, three-story white-stucco residence is set like a jewel on a pine-clad hillside some 1,300 feet above sea level, providing unobstructed vistas of the Albaran Sea, the Strait of Gibraltar, and, on a clear day, the Moroccan coastline.

A gym, wine cellar, cinema, and lagoon-style pool and spa add to the resort-like ambience. Marina Puerto Banús and the beaches of the Costa del Sol are within a 15-minute drive. 

4. Provençal Villa in Mougins, Alpes-Maritimes, France 

Splendidly renovated, this south-facing Provençal villa encompasses 3,767 square feet of living space in the old village of Mougins, with a panoramic view over the Bay of Cannes.

The ground floor opens to the pool terrace and comprises a large reception room with fireplace, a dining room and a kitchen with a wine cellar.

A sinuous staircase curves up to the second level’s three bedrooms, including a large primary suite with dressing room and lavish bathroom. There’s also an independent guest apartment. The pool deck embraces the saltwater swimming pool, a beautiful summer dining space and—ah, Provence!—a petanque court. 

Related: Discover What You Can Get for US$2.5 Around the World

5. 55-Acre Riverfront Retreat in Bozeman, Montana 

This secluded wilderness retreat abides on 55 riverfront acres in Montana’s Gallatin Valley.

The property includes two waterfront parcels: a half-mile of frontage along Valley Ditch creek and a quarter-mile stretch of the West Gallatin River, renowned for its blue-ribbon trout fishing.

The main residence is a Modernist lodge-style home with three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, and a wraparound deck overlooking fenced, parklike grounds bounded by wilderness.

A self-contained upstairs apartment offers private accommodations for guests, extended family, or as a vacation rental. Below is a large garage with a workshop. Completing the picture are miles of private nature trails. 

6. Villa Paradiso in Phuket, Thailand 

The turnkey Villa Paradiso‘s sweeping, open-plan living and dining space looks out to panoramic views of the Andaman Sea across a sparkling infinity-edged pool through wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows.

A 10-seat dining room and breakfast bar provide effortless in-villa dining. The patio doors lead to terraced seating with sea vistas. The primary bedroom with en suite bathroom has a charcoal bathtub facing the pool. The four en suite guest bedrooms each have a balcony looking out to sea.

The media lounge and games room are designed in a retro, 1950s den style with pop art decor. The fitness and spa room has a glass wall that reveals the endless blue waters.   

7. Villa Petra Manna in Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, Italy 

Villa Petra Manna sits on a promontory above the emerald waters of Celvia Beach on Sardinia’s beautiful Costa Smeralda.

This casually elegant, fully furnished home is the creation of celebrated French-born architect Savin Couëlle. Extending to nearly 2,500 square feet, the residence includes seven bedrooms, three bathrooms, a kitchen, dinette, and living room with fireplace.

The grounds, which include a pool with separate bathing areas for adults and children, covered terraces, and fragrant Mediterranean maquis punctuated by boulders, provide utmost privacy.

A private path leads to the beaches of La Celvia, Capriccioli, and Cala di Volpe. Four private parking spaces and 24/7 security are also included.  

Related: Tour International Homes for US$1 Million

8. Contemporary Beach House in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 

This contemporary townhouse in Vancouver’s sought-after West Point Grey neighborhood has three floors of airy, open-plan living space with panoramic views across English Bay to the North Shore Mountains.

The 2,871-square-foot floor plan includes four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The primary suite is on the top floor for utmost privacy. The home has an array of lifestyle features, including an infrared yoga room, climate-controlled wine cellar, and two-bay garage with a car lift.

The highlight is the south-facing garden with its fire pit, sunken hot tub, and outdoor kitchen. Locarno Beach is a short walk away. 

9. Contemporary Country Estate in Friendswood, Texas 

Tucked away behind a private gated entry, a winding driveway leads to this bold contemporary home on 10 acres in the affluent Houston enclave of Friendswood, Texas.

The open floor plan was designed for family living, high-style entertaining, and relaxation. Reminiscent of a boutique resort, the suite of amenities includes a private sauna/steam room; yoga room; wine cellar, custom-built, ventilated cigar room; and outdoor pool with 24-seat spa, summer kitchen, and bar.

For the security conscious owner, the primary suite (one of six big bedrooms) is in a private wing with a keypad lock and bulletproof door. There’s also a tennis court and room enough for an equestrian complex and helipad. All this is within minutes of Hobby Airport and downtown Houston.