Privacy has become one of the most valuable property features since the impact of the pandemic. People want the exclusivity of their own private space to share with their chosen guests. It’s no wonder properties with a larger footage and territory are in high demand and on-trend. In 2021 two ranches became the biggest sales on the global real estate market surpassing California mansions and French chateaus, and indicating a trend toward multigenerational and compound living. Family compounds offer the ultimate exclusivity, and both residents and guests can relax, rest, and unwind in complete privacy, with resort-like luxuries as well as home comforts.
High-end compound living, defined
What defines a compound home? A real estate or family compound is a large property with several buildings in a single area. Multiple properties allow multiple people to enjoy the same luxurious comfort and beautiful surroundings, but with the privacy of their own private land. The difference between a home and a compound is the exceptional resort-like facilities such as private chefs and sports facilities that compound living provides. Many of the amenities offered are unique to the individual compound such as one-of-kind architecture and private beaches. The individual characteristics add to the exclusivity and elegance each property offers.
Top family compounds for sale
The popularity of compound living properties means there are many beautiful multi-family homes for sale worldwide. Whether you’re looking for glorious mountain views or private lake access, there are many beautiful family compounds for sale, including our selected twelve.
1. Family compound on Charleston Lake
Price: approx. $9,377,000
Location: Athens, Ontario, Canada
The destination on Charleston Lake delivers the high-end luxury of a Canadian waterside retreat. Living on the cusp of the lake affords the ultimate in exclusivity and the compound encompasses six individual villas and two boathouses. All villa features perfectly placed balconies and terraces to allow beautiful views across Charleston Lake and the uninhabited island just across the water. The ultimate in privacy and luxury combined.
2. Manchester villa, the Bahamas
Price: $24,500,000
Location: Lyford Cay, The Bahamas
Manchester Villa is a piece of Bahamian beauty situated on a beautiful spot on the canal front in Lyford Cay. With panoramic views of the marina and waterways, the property includes four separate living quarters: Main House, Carriage House, Captains Cottage and Guest Apartment. Tennis courts and beach volleyball courts allow for relaxed leisure time and the property is also walled and gated for private exclusivity and peace. The property also comes with over 840 feet of canal frontage and a boat lift.
3. The Residence at Parrot Cay
Price: $37,500,000
Location: Parrot Cay Resort, Turks and Caicos
The former family compound of Hollywood’s Bruce Willis, The Residence at Parrot Cay is a one of a kind property. The Residence includes three beautifully built hardwood-craft homes with twelve bedrooms and four separate pools. This multi family beachfront compound delivers exceptional island living and the private seclusion many people are looking for. It offers the chance to own a private island resort.
4. The Grace Mansion, Arizona
Price: $6,500,000
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Eleven Arches, also known as the Grace Mansion, is a little piece of American history as well as a beautiful family home. This Arizona compound was built as a winter residence for Louise N. Grace the heiress of shipping tycoon W.R. Grace. This beautiful sprawling property sits behind a gated wall. It incorporates every facility you could need, from office space to art studio and wine cellar to separate guest or staff quarters. Resort-like grounds combine with unrivalled city views.
5. Private 68-acre estate in Vermont
Price: $16,000,000
Location: Stowe, Vermont
Offering unparalleled beauty and a stunning private setting, this secluded Vermont compound is set in 68 acres of private land. The estate includes seven separate structures, including an art gallery and tennis pavilion. Incredible natural attributes make this Vermont estate stand out, with deep ponds, beautifully landscaped lawns and private forest paths. Further on-site activities include the luxury of a championship demi golf course, sunken hot tub and even an adventurous zipline.
6. Mountainside retreat in Wyoming
Price: $6,000,000
Location: Banner, Wyoming
A dramatically designed and architecturally charming contemporary home, this Wyoming estate is nestled away in the hills at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains. A true forest escape in the lap of luxury, the residence benefits from exceptional aesthetics and a wonderfully high-spec finish including leathered granite countertops in the kitchen and an exquisite espresso bar.
7. Ha’ikaua Point estate in Hawaii
Price: $27,750,000
Location: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
The estate at Ha’ikaua Point offers exceptional privacy and private space with views of the ocean. Six hundred feet of ocean frontage and four separate unique properties make up this estate and the property also incorporates a private peninsula on Hawaii’s Kona Coast. The properties boast both ocean and mountainside views with the chance to view wildlife at sea, with dolphins and even humpback whales often appearing on the horizon.
8. Swan Lake estate in Colorado
Price: approx. $7,500,000
Location: Greeley, Colorado
Swan Lake Estate is a beautiful waterfront estate sitting on 12 private acres and a combination of both indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces and venues. Once you head through its gated entrance, there is everything from a movie theatre to a business centre and the most elegant and high-end architectural finish. Perfectly private but also only one hour’s drive from the urban hubs of Boulder and Denver.
9. Tuscan compound with olive groves and vineyards
Price: approx. $16,501,ooo
Location: Tuscany, Italy
This beautiful European retreat offers 5000 acres of land and sits perfectly between Siena, Rome, Florence and Perugia. With unobstructed views of Siena and beautiful mountainous surroundings, this Tuscan escape is ideal for a truly private retreat in the Italian countryside. The land is complete with diversity, with woodlands, vineyards, and secluded olive groves to enjoy. The buildings across the land cover around 12,000 square metres, with a mix of beautifully finished properties and those just waiting to be restored, including a castle.
10. Hills of Cannes estate, French Riviera
Price: approx. $30,900,000
Location: Cannes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France
A luxury family compound on the French Riviera offers the ultimate in exquisite amenities and exceptional location. This beautiful estate is fully gated and private, with around 30 hectares of land, panoramic sea views, and a thoroughly modern finish. The unique and peaceful atmosphere of the hills of Saint-Jean de Cannes ensures a truly secluded and private retreat. Four independent houses are all within the estate, and there is also an on-site gym, tennis court and sauna.
11. Historic French chateau in Brittany
Price: approx. $33,540,000
Location: Quimper, Brittany, France
An ancient castle reimagined for the modern world, this Brittany compound offers up medieval French elegance and all mod cons. 98.8 acres of woodland come with the beautiful property, as well as several outbuildings including a large guesthouse. The castle has been brought up to the most modern standards yet still sensitively retains its original limestone structure. An elegant blend of the old and new, perfect as a luxurious French second home.
12. Authentic Portuguese quinta in the Algarve
Price: approx. $1,650,000
Location: Silves, Algarve, Portugal
Both near the coast and not far from town, this unique quinta benefits from a private waterfront location and an elegant finish to suit large families and their guests. As well as the main 5-bedroom property there is an additional guesthouse, warehouse and extensive land to explore and cultivate. Fruit tree plantations give this estate a unique selling point, as well as it’s beautiful Algarve location.
Conclusion
Family compounds must cater to everyone in the family, so the properties need to combine the most amazing sights and scenery with top-level amenities and activities. Waterfront and coastal properties rank amongst those popular for compound living and there are some truly exceptional properties out there. The chance to renovate and live in an authentic Italian castle or relax at the same poolside once enjoyed by Bruce Willis, could become reality with the right property investment.
