Last week, it was announced that Christie’s International Real Estate Affiliate, Maui Estates International LLC, is marketing and selling a unique home, one of only five beachfront estates in the enclave of Kapalua, on Maui’s west shore. It is also featured on the cover of Christie’s International Real Estate Magazine, Issue Two, 2013. It is listed for $28M USD.
There is much to this beachfront estate, part of its worth lies in its location, on Kapalua Place, a gated community, where only five estates have been built on Oneloa Bay. The estate is entered through a Kapalua community gate, and then a private estate gate as well. Kapalua Place is the only private beachfront gated community on Maui. But there is more to this estate than its locale. There is a hint in the name: Hale Ali’i Kapalua – meaning both House of Kings or Kapalua Palace, both inferring profound commitment and balancing of location, culture, and interior design.
From where the owner stands or sits, the view of the ocean and the neighboring island of Molokai is just one exceptional sight: but there is another. Facing the sea is a popular ocean route for Humpback whales and dolphins – they can be seen, almost any time of year, from the master suites, lanais, living and dining rooms, almost anywhere in the home.
The estates interior living space is 7,475 sq. ft. but is actually closer to 10,000 ft under roof, and is on .70 acres. Gardens here include plumeria, gardenia and a variety of palm and coconut trees. Across the large courtyard and circular drive is the finished five-car garage designed to accommodate a second floor Ohana (a separate living space for a maid’s quarters or a mother-in-law residence.)
The home has four bedrooms, 5.5 baths, and a five-car garage. The fact that its address is 9 Kapalua Place is significant as well. The number 9 was once reserved from the Emperor of China and infers the idea of permanence and harmony. This estate, unlike most other estates we have heard of was actually blessed by Clifford Nae’old, a cultural advisor for the Ritz Carlton and Kapalua. He is a native Hawaiian, and explains that the Kapalua site itself is one of healing and truthfulness, and the five estates but there reflect that which is already on the site.
In addition, there is a consistent Feng Shui of the home design that was overseen by a renowned expert, Kanoe Marciel Merino of Maui Feng Shui by Kanoe. Speaking about this estate, he commented, “With an unsurpassed beauty, matched by its heartfelt energy, this retreat provides an openhearted embrace to anyone who steps foot onto the estate. Each element of nature can be found in balance here, which is greatly desirable for achieving a state of harmony that brings peace to any individual.”
According to Mr. Merino, Hale Ali’i Kapalua is the perfect example of many important Feng Shui principles.The first principle in Feng Shui begins with privacy and the natural survival instinct of protecting one’s back in order to feel secure. This oceanfront property is protected by the West Maui Mountains behind and Oneloa Bay in front.A further sense of protection is felt when one first enters through the main Kapalua Place gate and then through the estate’s second private gate. The sloped circular drive leads into a secluded area of palms and native greenery. This gradual slope and the organic shape of the drive are key components to effective Feng Shui.
The scale of the rooms and hallways add to a feeling of growing energy while maintaining a grounded sense of strength and balance with the large columns and stone floors.
Another important goal in Feng Shui, according to Mr. Merino, is to allow individuals to experience the feeling of what life was like before high rises, multiple lane highways and smog-filled air. Hale Ali’i Kapalua appears to demonstrate this principle, from enjoying the views, to experiencing the healing salt water infinity pool, and the outdoor shower made of Kapalua rock: the individual becomes part of nature, leaving the trappings of after-effects of civilization behind.
Finally, the interiors were designed by Mary Philpotts, a distinguished designer, accomplished fine artist and dedicated Hawaiian community leader. As a premier designer with a national and international reputation, her design aesthetic matches her deep commitment to the betterment of the locale. In her book, Hawaii: A Sense of Place, she details the evolution of island design from its cultural roots to now.
In this estate, the spacious first-floor living area and two of the second floor master suites feature floor-to-ceiling pocket doors opening onto lanais with expansive views of Oneloa Beach, the island of Molokai. The kitchen is finished in mahogany cabinetry, glass doors and shelves, granite counter-tops, and fully-fitted with top quality appliances including separate Sub-Zero Refrigerator and a Sub-Zero Freezer, two Sub-Zero Refrigerator Drawers, U-Line Ice-maker, Decor Double Oven, two Decor Warming Drawers, two Miele Dishwashers, Decor Gas Cook-top, Stainless Steel Cook-top Hood with lights, Decor Microwave and an island flora etched glass door into the walk-in pantry.
The media room is finished with mahogany cabinetry, glass doors and shelves, granite counter-tops, DVD and CD built-in storage, Wet-Bar with refrigerator, microwave and sink. It features full 7.1 surround sound and a 64” rear projection TV with 300 CD player, Blu-Ray DVD Player and Onkyo system. The media room also serves as an audio center for the speakers placed throughout the villa and lanai, and is the command center for the home’s “Smart House” features which include temperature control, indoor & outdoor lighting, sound & music, pool & spa equipment, and alarm security system.
Combining high-end design and technology with the most compelling principles of Feng Shui creates a truly uncommon and extraordinary DNA of this Maui estate.
www.mauiestatesinternational.com
