Sun. October 12, 2008; Posted: 06:21 AM More

By Kyra Kyles
RedEye More

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Not so long ago, being environmentally conscious seemed to be synonymous with minimalism.   With technological advances, a concentration on sustainable materials, and a greater desire of consumers to become eco-friendly, "going green" no longer has to mean huge sacrifice.  In fact, those used to the finer things in life are now demanding the finest things in green living to incorporate into their luxury lifestyle, pointing towards society’s growing environmental awareness. Modern luxury homes are at the forefront of the green movement.  One such example is a spectacular home in Boulder, Colorado dubbed "The Next West Home."  The groundbreaking Boulder luxury home is the first LEED platinum, Net Zero Carbon residence in America.  Utilizing the latest green technologies, the home features hybrid solar, geo-exchange heating and cooling, a direct plumbing system, closed cell foam super insulation and LED lighting.  Sustainable materials used in construction include FSC harvested wood, low and no VOC paints and 100-year-old recycled brick. The home beautifully combines its sustainability with a commitment to quality and luxury.  The top-of-the-line kitchen appliances are Energy Star rated, custom wood doors and floors are crafted from FSC certified American walnut, and the heated garage is pre-wired for an electric/rechargeable car. This landmark property shows what can be accomplished when luxury comes together with an emphasis on green building and renewable energy sources.  It is currently listed at $3,400,000 by Colorado Landmark, Realtors . More

Stop complaining and get up off your butt and create a real estate legacy. For the past two days I’ve attended NAR EAH (Employer Assisted Housing) program. I’ve identified yet another niche in real estate that can lead to an endless supply of buyer leads. What a great idea to work with employers in the communities that you service to help them retain and aide their employees with home buyer incentive programs. More

There’s a chill in the Chicago air and all around are signs of season change.  Browning leaves are tumbling to the ground and windows that had remained open the previous month are now sealed.  The cold of the tile floor in my bathroom penetrating the bottom of my feet this morning served as a reminder to break out the slippers and consider a change to the currently packed away warmer bed sheets. Maybe if my bed were covered with Charlotte Thomas Bespoke sheets , the thought of changing bedding would never enter my mind.  The luxurious ’Bespoke’ collection is handmade with 22 carat gold thread woven into the fabric.  Thousand-count Egyptian wool makes the sheets singular in their elegant feel and look.  Each order is made for the individual customer and can take 12 weeks to complete while the rare fabrics are collected.  The time it takes is certainly worth it, as the careful craftsmanship leads to luxury bedding that will be treasured in any climate at any time of year. More

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In 1825 Paul Coalson purchased 750 acres of land in Georgia for one dollar an acre.  This began a long and interesting history for the property, which is now the historic Coalson Plantation & Inn located in Thomasville, Georgia .  It is believed that Coalson built the original main house- which remains the core of the inn today.  After serving as a cotton plantation during the Civil War, the property was transformed into a hunting resort by new owner Howard Melville Hanna, a shipping-oil-steel magnate.  The property stayed in the Hanna family for years which saw the additions of the Pool House and The Showboat Theater, where the first private screening of the classic film Gone with the Wind was held . Today, the Coalson Plantation & Inn offers guests luxury that recalls the elegance of a past era.  Among the 33 rooms are truly unique accommodations including the Melrose Suite - the former bedroom of Howard Melville Hanna, the regal Winnstead Suite, and the romantic Hibernia Cottage.  Blended with the charms of the past are the amenities of today, with fine dining at the Coalson Restaurant, an indoor pool, tennis courts and fitness center.  Mr. Coalson’s $750 has certainly been stretched into a priceless luxury experience. More

Sept. 30, 2008 More

By ALAN ZIBEL 09.24.08, 1:22 PM ET More