Aspen, US
Perks and quirks Although it no longer holds the world record for the longest single-stage gondola (which, for a time, belonged to the Silver Queen linking Aspen to Aspen mountain), the Colorado resort can claim the crown for snow-side culture: it has its own art museum, many galleries, a literary centre (Aspen Words), the Aspen Music Festival, the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and the Aspen Institute, which seeks to tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues, from climate change to the supply-chain crisis.
Known for... The most spectacular renaissance any town could hope for. Once a thriving silver-mining town, it slid into a decline that lasted four decades after the Panic of 1893, a period of economic depression in which the value of silver plummeted. In 1936, however, a group of entrepreneurs saw fresh opportunity in the snow and created a new ski area to meet America’s burgeoning passion for winter sports—and the rest is history.
Slope encounters Hollywood, Silicon Valley and Wall Street come together on the Aspen slopes—notably on Red Mountain, also known as Billionaire Mountain—with present and past skiers including Jeff Bezos, beauty entrepreneur Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer and actors such as Jack Nicholson, Kevin Costner, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell.
For sale
Sheltered by aspen and evergreen trees, this 5,272sq ft property makes the most of the leafy views towards Aspen mountain. The open-plan living and dining area has floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors that lead to a flagstone terrace. The house also has four spacious bedrooms and landscaped grounds with a water feature. $12.9 million (about £9.77 million), Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate.
Whistler, Canada
Perks and quirks Whistler has its very own ghost town. A former logging outpost dating from the 1920s, Parkhurst, on the edge of Green Lake, saw its fortunes plummet in the following decades and was eventually abandoned in 1966. A walk around it takes in fallen houses, old machinery and the spring that watered the settlement.
Known for... The Peak 2 Peak gondola linking Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, which broke not one but two Guinness World Records: it’s the highest cable car above the ground (at 1,430ft) and has the longest unsupported span between two aerial cable-car stations (at 1.879 miles). Although there’s no world record for this, it also has magnificent views.
Slope encounters Actors filming in Vancouver often make an escape to Whistler (including Aquaman star Jason Momoa). Bill Gates is also thought to be a regular visitor.
For sale
Situated in a cul de sac in Whistler main village, this 1,425sq ft, three-bedroom property is full of striking details, from the living room’s 15ft vaulted ceiling and fine fireplace to the granite worktops and bar in the kitchen and the solid wood doors throughout. Outside, the terrace comes with a hot tub. CAD$2.795 million (about £1.67m), Sotheby’s International Realty.
Credit: TopTenRealEstate
The Rose family's mega-mansion from 'Schitt's Creek' has come up for sale in Toronto
Playing itself in 'Schitt's Creek' as the hugely opulent home of the Rose family, La Belle Maison is currently on
-
The transformative renovation of a Grade II-listed property with an 'unusual footprint'Having inherited this fine London townhouse, the new owner asked Sims Hilditch to help refresh the interiors, resulting in a youthful, yet elegant kitchen.
-
‘One of the most effective pieces of propaganda ever made’: the Bayeux Tapestry heads to Britain for the first time in almost a millenniumA historic agreement between this country and France sees the 225ft-long tableau — which may have been made in Britain but has been in France since 1077 — arrive at the British Museum in Autumn 2026.
-
The Good Life 2025? A development promising 'Britain's greenest homes' blends zero carbon, organic allotments and a touch of luxury in the Kent countrysideHartdene Barns, sitting on a disused dairy farm in Kent, is a vision of what sustainable living one day mean for all of us.
-
Breathtaking views and gardens that run down to the water's edge at this delightful home in CornwallThe Garden House in Polruan sums up the appeal of waterside living. Penny Churchill steps inside.
-
A 500-acre estate that spent 11 centuries in the same family, for sale for only the second time in its historyIn the beautiful hills of north Wales the Garthewin estate has come up for sale, including a great country house once restored by the architect who created Portmeirion. Penny Churchill takes a closer look.
-
'The city has always held an important creative space within our design studio': A luxury townhouse in Tokyo, courtesy of Aston MartinA new four-storey property in the Omotesandō district is the first single home private residence by the British ultra-luxury performance brand.
-
The Mediterranean Magic of MaltaWith historic charm, picture-perfect beaches and a welcoming approach to newcomers, Malta represents an appealing option for Mediterranean property hunters. Holly Kirkwood reports.
-
Four country houses with their own tennis courts, as seen in Country LifeIf Wimbledon has put you in the mood for more tennis, Annunciata Elwes is here with a selection of homes with their own tennis courts.
-
The majestic New Forest estate formerly owned by a billionaire adventurer — famous for driving 'the world's fastest kettle' — has come up for saleGreat estates in the unspoilt setting of the New Forest are always a welcome sight on the market, and Newton Park is a wonderful example with a sad story to tell. Anna White tells more.
-
A Hampshire Manor for sale that dates back to the days of Alfred the Great, with the most beautiful staircase we've seen in yearsThe ten bedroom property features an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, spa complex and stables, and it was restored by the same architect who worked on Downing Street.
