I wish I sold that home

Sotheby's International Realty was founded in 1976 for clients of Sotheby's Auction House, to sell a property once its content had been auctioned. On the 12th of December 2003 Sotheby's International Realty and Sotheby's offered at auction the Farnsworth House in Plano, Illinois, designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1945, following his motto "less is more". The façade is made of floor-to-ceiling single panes of glass blending the owner’s lifestyle with nature. All the "ingredients" found in today's modern architecture are present: steel beams, glass and radiant heat. The sale was the final lot of the New York sale of important 20th Century Design. The property with its furnishings sold for $7,511,500 to The National Trust for Historic Preservation. Though designed at the end of World War Two, it is still in style, a perfect example of modern architecture! Many architects since the 40's have been inspired by Mies van der Rohe's designs.

Today's great architecture owes its origin to the geniuses of the architects of the beginning of the century, from those we call artists. On my desk, I keep the Sotheby's Preview Magazine which features the Farnsworth House on the cover. Every day that cover shines back at me subtly inspiring me to look for the Bay Area's best designs and when I market a well designed modern residence, that cover also reminds me that I am marketing an art piece stimulating my creativity. When I look at the pictures I wish I had sold that home. But I know that homes inspired by noted architects like Mies van der Rohe exist around me to discover and market! If you wish to receive the article about the Farnsworth House, do send me an email at Danielle.Chavanon@Sothebysrealty.com.