Mansion Global interviews Pamela Liebman: Luxury Real Estate between the U.S. and Italy with Corcoran Magri Properties
In the world of luxury real estate, the rules are changing: today it’s no longer enough to simply own the largest villa, even in an iconic location. Buyers of exclusive homes are looking for privacy, comfort, authenticity, and well-being, favoring quality of life over ostentation. This approach, known as “Quiet Luxury,” places the personal living experience, understated design, and the harmony between indoor and outdoor spaces at the center.
Pamela Liebman, President and CEO of the Corcoran Group, one of the most influential luxury real estate firms in the United States, speaks about this shift. With decades of experience in the industry, she has witnessed the evolution of the most renowned markets – from Palm Beach to Aspen to Malibu – as well as the rise of new exclusive destinations.
Italy and Europe are now in the spotlight thanks to Corcoran Magri Properties, Corcoran’s first European affiliate and its sole presence in Italy. This partnership brings Corcoran’s expertise, reputation, and standard of excellence right into the heart of the Italian and continental European real estate markets, offering buyers and investors a wide array of new opportunities.
From the East to the West Coast of the U.S., and including new destinations like Asheville in North Carolina, Florida’s Panhandle, and New York’s Hudson Valley, Liebman highlights where buyers today are finding privacy, comfort, and value. In her view, luxury is no longer just a status symbol, but a genuine lifestyle focused on quality of life in spaces designed to inspire happiness.
The interview with Mansion Global provides insights into the world of luxury through the eyes of a woman who lives and breathes it daily: readers can discover the latest trends, emerging markets, and how the very concept of prestige real estate is evolving in Europe.
The Interview
Discreet Luxury: An Individual Definition Mansion Global: How would you define discreet luxury?
Pamela Liebman: “Luxury is probably a word that’s used far too often, but true luxury lies in the eye of the beholder … It’s what makes you feel alive and happy. And everyone perceives it in their own personal way: for me it might be a Ferrari, while for you it could be a Rolls-Royce.”
Mansion Global: What’s the difference between luxury and discreet luxury?
Pamela Liebman: “When it comes to a home, discreet luxury doesn’t mean having the biggest estate in the neighborhood. It can be a simple place that makes you happy because it has all your favorite details – like a porch where you can enjoy tea or a cocktail at the end of the day – instead of a huge mansion that everyone envies and wants to see. Discreet luxury is really the kind of luxury that makes you happy.”
Must-Haves for High-End Buyers
Mansion Global: What are the must-haves for luxury buyers in terms of design and comfort?
Pamela Liebman: “Priority number one is space: air, light, and layouts that blend indoor and outdoor living. Whether in Aspen or a warmer climate, buyers are looking for terraces, pools, large kitchens, and luxurious bathrooms. Increasingly, well-being is also taking center stage: filtered air and pool water, infrared saunas, and cold plunges.”
International “Insider” Destinations
Mansion Global: Which international “hidden gem” destinations are attracting luxury buyers right now?
Pamela Liebman: “Most people think of Milan and Tuscany in Italy, but Lake Garda is absolutely stunning. About 48% of the lakefront properties are villas, many priced above $10 million. It’s a truly beautiful and discreet location. When it comes to Quiet Luxury, Lake Garda is definitely trending. One of the most elegant hotels in the world is also located here: Villa Feltrinelli.
Then there’s Muskoka, often called the Hamptons of the North. It has long been a Canadian summer retreat with many lakefront estates. Around 40% of the waterfront market is priced above CAD 3 million (USD 2.2 million). Since the pandemic, the market has boomed and properties sell quickly. If you love lakefront living, it’s truly magical.
In Comporta, Portugal, demand for luxury properties is 18 times higher than supply. That makes it a real hot spot for those seeking exclusivity and tranquility.”
Emerging Markets in the U.S.
West Coast:
“For those drawn to the West Coast, Sonoma County is interesting. In Healdsburg, California, luxury sales are up 150% year over year, with 20% of homes receiving multiple offers.
Park City, Utah, is another growth market: beautiful in the summer and with Deer Valley in the winter. The international airport makes it more accessible than Aspen.”
East Coast:
“Lake Burton in Georgia and Asheville, North Carolina, are gaining popularity. Certain areas in South Carolina are also in high demand and usable year-round. In Florida, along 30A and in Naples, buyers from Georgia, the Midwest, and Canada are investing in white-sand beaches and modern homes. Naples recently saw a record sale of over $200 million.”
Hudson Valley, New York:
“The Hudson Valley has become very sought-after and chic: Malibu-style ranches, new Auberge projects like Wildflower Farms, and the Silo Ridge Field Club, which has been hugely successful as a community.”
Future Projects and Investment Opportunities
Mansion Global: Are there any real estate projects you find particularly exciting?
Pamela Liebman: “We’re currently working on redeveloping one of the largest hotels in the Catskills, New York. It will feature a five-star hotel brand, a world-class equestrian center, two golf courses, and private residences. In my opinion, this will become one of the next major luxury destinations.”
Missed Opportunities and Personal Memories
Mansion Global: Have you ever missed out on the chance to buy a property?
Pamela Liebman: “Yes, at the Yellowstone Club in Montana. I was there early in my career, and my husband and I thought: ‘We have to buy here.’ But with our kids still so young, it just felt too far away. That’s a decision I’ve always regretted.”
Mansion Global: What does your own home look like?
Pamela Liebman: “I live in Miami, right on the beach, with lots of outdoor space. My husband and I love being outside – cycling, skating, golfing. My home gym is my favorite spot, along with the golf course and my stereo system, which I absolutely love.”
The Experience of Living Matters Most
For Pamela Liebman, true luxury isn’t about the grandeur or fame of a property, but about the happiness and comfort it provides. From emerging markets in the U.S. to iconic destinations abroad, the philosophy of Quiet Luxury shows how luxury today is about emotions, well-being, and a deeply personal lifestyle.