Solstice Continues to Shine Brightest Among Destination Clubs

Date: June 12, 2008

For the third time in four years, Robb Report has honored Solstice with a Best of the Best award, recognizing Solstice’s unique second home experience as a vacation category unto itself. The Solstice collection of hand crafted, treasured homes, has established the standard for those seeking the finest in luxury second home living. Accordingly, Robb Report has named Solstice the Best of the Best for 2008, writing "The Club’s boutique approach involves purchasing unique, often historic, homes that emphasize individual design over uniformity."

With fewer than 100 members enjoying 14 homes around the world as well as a 90-foot yacht, Solstice has carved a niche for those seeking homes away from home that are second to none. The Solstice Collection carries an average purchase price of $6.75 million per house with each home a masterpiece in its own right. As an example, Solstice’s Florence abode is the only private residence ever designed by Michelangelo.

The Solstice approach can all be summed up in one word – "Wow." That’s the word co-founders Graham Kos and Jeffrey Scult expect to elicit from their members when they walk through the door of any of Solstice’s homes. "It would be safe to generalize that our members’ primary residence is probably quite exceptional," according to Kos. "So it’s imperative that Solstice evoke a familiar feel of comfort throughout each residence. From the architecture, to the art, to the furnishings – it’s all designed to mirror the rarefied surroundings which our members are accustomed to in their primary residence."

The amenities that can be found at Solstice properties are also intended to reflect members’ home lifestyle as they enjoy their time away from their normally splendid environs. "We understand we are in the nuance business, and those that live a nuanced life appreciate the Solstice experience," says Scult. "So our homes are filled with subtle touches - some little, some not so little. There are soft surprises designed to make each Solstice home a memorable destination unto itself - no matter how spectacular the surrounding locale might be."

Scult sites the newly built Napa Valley Solstice residence as an example. The home, a reconstructed stone fort moved from Texas, sports the renowned Steinway Lyngdorf Model D Speaker System, also a Robb Report Best of the Best winner, which produces acoustically-perfect sound. And, members enjoy complimentary use of a new Lexus LS 600h hybrid vehicle that is sublime by even the most discriminating automobile aficionado’s standards.

The Club’s nuanced approach leads members to call Solstice homes their own and cements their connection with Solstice. They feel connected to the homes through a commonality of style and elegance with their primary residence. Families develop a connection with each other and Solstice through the shared memories created on each unique excursion into the Solstice Collection. The structure of the club itself connects members who may opt to participate in the potential rising value of their refundable membership deposit. The result is a membership community that takes an active role in shaping the Solstice experience as evidenced by the newly formed Members-Only Advisory Board, a group compiled to help steer the future of Solstice.

For those seeking unique homes and personalized experiences in the most exciting destinations around the world, Solstice continues to stand alone. As one Solstice member, Spencer Hosie, says, "Solstice has changed the way I vacation, the way I live."

About Solstice
Solstice is singular in its appeal to affluent individuals seeking an elegant club model alternative to traditional luxury second home ownership. With a growing collection of $6.75M hand crafted homes in the global elite travel markets, locations include Aspen, The Napa Valley, Florence, London, Paris, New York, Cabo San Lucas, St. Barth’s, Brazil and Telluride, along with a private 90-foot yacht that explores the Bahamas and The British Virgin Islands. Individuals may custom-craft their Solstice membership, with a choice of three unlimited usage plans based on travel demands, and two refundable deposit reimbursement models based on financial goals. In addition to Robb Report’s repeat honors as the world’s top rated second home club, Solstice has been named Best Internationally for three consecutive years by Business Britain.