1. Donald Wexler’s mid-century residence is one of Palm Springs' crown jewels.
Deasy/Penner & Partners

The midcentury design giant Donald Wexler redefined modern living with his sleek and chic steel homes in Palm Springs and the surrounding Coachella Valley. Now, the seminal architect’s own desert abode is on the market for a relatively modest $1.75 million. Wexler built the post and beam home for his family in 1955 and helmed its expansion five years later. Spanning 2,424 square feet, the three-bedroom treasure was carefully restored in 2008 by the home’s current owners, who consulted with Wexler throughout the process. Boasting a “pinwheel” floor plan and expansive glass walls, the residence’s interior spaces flow effortlessly into the many outdoor terraces and beautifully landscaped grounds by William Kopelk and Marcello Villano. Set behind a privacy wall, the spectacular home features terrazzo floors, restored beams, magnificent period furnishings, a sumptuous master suite, and a saltwater pool. Click here to view the full listing.

2. Grand Upper East Side residence with a world class art pedigree.
Sotheby's International Realty

The magnificent Clarence Whitman Mansion was built in 1898 by the distinguished architectural firm of Parish & Schroeder. A paragon of Old World luxury, the residence was designed in the neo-Renaissance style and features a striking Italianate façade replete with rusticated limestone blocks, a delicate iron balcony and a clay tiled mansard roof. Once home to the legendary art dealer Sam Salz, the mansion’s current owners have carefully preserved the residence, ensuring that it retains many of its original details. The nine-bedroom abode features 14,000 square feet of living space spread across six magnificent floors, all serviced by an elevator, as well as soaring ceilings, a secret card room, a gym and a sun-filled penthouse floor with a solarium and terrace. Ideal for entertaining, the home also includes a professional grade catering kitchen as well as two en-suite staff rooms. The Upper East Side stunner, which is listed for $50 million, stands as a testament to the timeless elegance of a bygone era. Click here to view the full listing.

3. Living like a monk isn't so bad in this converted monastery.
Sotheby's International Realty

While monks are known for their ascetic lifestyle, this converted Capuchin monastery is anything but austere. Nestled on twenty-three acres overlooking the Severn River in Annapolis, Maryland, the massive property features a main brick residence as well as a nine-car garage, an infinity pool, a tennis court, a three-bedroom gate house, a tea house, and a six-slip private dock, which comes with 2,000 feet of river frontage. The main home, which dates back to 1922 and spans 26,000 square feet, boasts seven bedrooms, eleven fireplaces, a commercial size gourmet kitchen, an oversized ballroom, a conservatory, an indoor spa, a wine cellar, a catering kitchen, a roof garden and a secret vault. On the market for $28.8 million, this one-of-a-kind estate remains incredibly inviting despite its grand scale. Click here to view the full listing.

4. Historic grandeur gets a modern upgrade in this award-winning Cotswold property.

Sotheby's International Realty

This jaw-dropping property tucked away in the English countryside marries historic beauty with a decidedly modern aesthetic. Perched on four enchanting acres, the Grade II listed former hunting lodge features a contemporary dwelling as well as a listed castellated tower -- a truly exceptional architectural feature, that upon first glance, rises from the earth, disguising the luxurious residence beyond. Once inside the home, unique features are aplenty. The residence features a split helical staircase, subterranean living space, and full height sliding doors that retract and open onto a private courtyard made of natural slate, granite and English limestone. The idyllic property features 360 degree views across the countryside, including the breathtaking tower of Cirencester church in the distance; a swimming pool flanked by rolling grass lawns; and a spacious guest studio. The four-bedroom abode carries a $3.78 million price tag. Click here to view the full listing.

5. LA living at it's finest.
Hilton & Hyland

Designed by celebrated Hollywood architect Paul Williams in 1931, this Spanish-style property is perched on 1.8 acres in Los Angeles’ prestigious Bel Air neighborhood. The nine-bedroom home was renovated and expanded in 2007 and now features 15,727 square feet of luxurious living space. Open and airy, the residence is authentically detailed with exquisite craftsmanship, creating a peaceful and romantic atmosphere. Among the estate’s abundant amenities are a luxurious master suite with a private patio garden, a gym, a massage room, a two story family room, a theater, a library, a billiards room, and a wine cellar. Outside, the property features a majestic courtyard fountain, a fireplace, a tennis court, a hidden tea house, a pool, and two motor courts. This magnificent California estate is on the market for $34 million. Click here to view the full listing.