What do you have when you blend sophisticated architecture + fine art + design elements discovered while being inspired by traveling the world doing nature photography + building homes? You have a stunning collection of eclectic, artistic, & unique custom home developments known as Jewel Homes founded by a world-reknowned photographer by the name of Peter Lik. With most of my background in mixed & multi-media art & design, & an early interest in architecture – I truly resonated with this development. Not surprisingly, I am not the only one Jewel Homes made a lasting impression on….
This exciting adventure started when I stumbled upon Jewel in my search for homes for a lead referred to me by my team leader. So, as usual, I revved myself up to make a phone call (which is a large feat for me to overcome LOL), being out of practice, stumbled through an awkard introduction where on the other end of the line was a super nice & friendly voice (THANK GOD). As most people these days, this couple was on Zillow searching for their “Perfect Vegas Home”😉. However, they were not just looking for any home, they were looking for a luxury home with a contemporary design in the heart of the city close to the Strip & not far from the airport. The actual property they initially were interested was a gorgeous Blue Heron home located in a community named Midtown Modern not far from downtown Las Vegas. No doubt these homes are incredible. But after my visit to Jewel Homes to preview the property, I knew I needed them to see this extraordinary community & development. ESPECIALLY, one in Vegas where you wouldn’t normally think of a place you would find avant garde, artistically & sophisticated designed houses (which I’m coming to find is quite the opposite).
This particular community located an area of town one would not expect to find modern types of homes. I remember curiously driving through roads lined with large trees, huge lots of horse-properties, & older estate type homes eagerly looking for this architectural phenomenon I had only seen online. And there it was. Standing amid desert landscape, large-acre lots, trees, & single-story estate type homes built in the 1980’s was this towering Bauhaus styled anomaly that looks like it came straight out of Architectural Digest. Who knew that my love for architecture (my 1st career choice), would be sparked at this stage in my life…many decades later; my art roots dug deep into mixed media; and a much-needed transformative moment. To say I was intrigued is an under-statement.
Before my clients came to town, I really wanted to check this inspired eccentricity – so I set up a preview tour with the agent representing Jewel. The preview was more like touring a fine arts museum with the agent as my guide. She told stories of how Peter (the artist) found a huge piece of granite while traveling Italy & used it for a kitchen island & how he had insets carved into the walls specifically & perfectly designed to house a rustic kettle he found in Japan. It truly felt like a had discovered a magical fairy tale of a builder & his romance with nature & architecture.
PREFACE: I wanted to make sure it was obvious I got the last 3 images off of the Jewel Home website by actually posting the screen with the website on it. (Which I urge you to look at!)
Honestly, nothing I say or portray here will not do these 5000+ square foot highly-customized living spaces blending industrial finishes, with natural woods, stone elements, & artistic inspired.. EACH thing had a story behind it! It was seriously so cool. Ok, yes, I’m sure to maybe to an architect or anyone who is used to working with these levels of homes may be used to seeing this kind of thing. I probably sound a little overly-excited = luxury newbie = immature. But it’s a fact. I was blown away.
I believe searching for a home for the most part – a practical procedure which involves logical aspects such as financing, time-frame, location etc. In the end though, it’s a “feel” you get. You just know. To me, finding a home can be one of the most transformative phases in your life that should be guided by MORE than just practicality. In some ways, I find it almost magical. It’s called a “Dream Home” for a reason & why I call the process a “journey”. The experience I have had in this journey has been nothing short of being magical from the 1st phone call I made to my client to when I got to share the experience of Jewel Homes with them.
BTW, I realize the price point of these communities are not reachable to everyone – I know they aren’t for me LOL. But seeing them would definitely be akin to take a sightseeing tour! And I would be more than happy to be your personal tour guide 😉 !
