Engel & Völkers La Cañada

A collaboration between Rafanelli Events and Engel & Völkers Americas In a world where personalization is paramount, more couples are turning toward a deeply meaningful trend: hosting their wedding at home or on a private estate. Whether it’s the family property where childhood memories were made, a recently purchased dream home, or a cherished retreat with sweeping views, the rise of the at-home wedding represents more than just a setting — it’s a statement. “When a celebration is set in a place rich with memory and meaning, it becomes more than just a beautiful event — it becomes a personal legacy,” says Bryan Rafanelli, CEO and Chief Creative Officer of Rafanelli Events. Known for orchestrating weddings and celebrations for the White House, celebrities, and discerning clients around the world, Rafanelli understands the power of place. Together with Engel & Völkers Americas we’re sharing our top tips for transforming your home into the ultimate private wedding venue. 1. Why Host at Home? Weddings at home offer unmatched intimacy and flexibility. Unlike traditional venues, private estates allow couples to shape the day around their personal story. There’s no need to work around existing décor, house rules, or timelines — you set the tone, and the space becomes a reflection of your style. “Designing a wedding at home means starting with emotion, not limitations,” Bryan explains. “It invites us to ask: what matters most to you, and how can we build an experience around that?” 2. Design Starts with the Property Image courtesy of Corbin Gurkin Before color palettes or floral concepts come into play, the landscape sets the foundation. Rafanelli Events begins every at-home project with a site walk to assess flow, logistics, and opportunity. Can guests move easily between the ceremony and the reception? Where will tenting or flooring be required? How can we highlight your home’s architecture or views? “We never design over a space — we design with it,” Bryan notes. “That means honoring the property’s natural beauty and letting it guide the experience.” 3. Invest in Infrastructure Private homes aren't built to function as event venues — yet. The right planning ensures they rise to the occasion. This includes: Temporary kitchens and catering prep zones Supplemental power and lighting Restroom trailers (beautiful ones do exist) Parking, valet services, and traffic flow Weather contingencies such as heating, cooling, and backup tenting A skilled planning team navigates these seamlessly, allowing the couple and their families to focus on celebration, not logistics. 4. Partner with the Right Experts An at-home celebration requires a village. From landscape designers to tent engineers, planners to security professionals — your event team should not only be experienced, but cohesive. Rafanelli Events assembles custom teams for each estate wedding, tailored to the location, vision, and guest count. And with clients ranging from global brands to private families, the approach is always bespoke. 5. Tell Your Story Through the Details Image courtesy of Liz Banfield 6. Prep the Property Like a Venue Treat your home like a five-star venue — because for the weekend, it is. A few things to keep in mind: Schedule landscaping upgrades or touch-ups months in advance Ensure pathways and entryways are safe and well-lit Consider tent permits and insurance policies early Establish boundaries if parts of the home are private Plan for setup and breakdown timelines before and after the wedding day 7. Think About the Guest Experience Comfort is key. High-end events should always prioritize the guest journey  —from first arrival to final farewell. At-home weddings allow for thoughtful touches that wouldn’t be possible at a commercial venue: Greet guests with refreshments on arrival Offer cozy lounge areas and shaded spaces Ensure signage and wayfinding is clear and elegant Include transportation support if parking is limited 8. From Home to Heirloom Image courtesy of Allison Hammond Creative A home wedding isn’t just a trend—it’s a timeless way to honor who you are and where you come from. “A wedding at home is a celebration of your history, your future, and the people who matter most. It’s personal, powerful, and unforgettable,” Bryan reflects. At Rafanelli Events and Engel & Völkers Americas, we understand the importance of home — not just as a place, but as a feeling. Together, we help bring that feeling to life in the most extraordinary ways.

Imagine merging the historic allure of medieval architecture with the breezy, light-infused elements of coastal design. This fusion, known as “Coastal Core Medieval,” is making waves in home decor, offering a unique blend of robust grandeur and serene oceanic vibes. Here we explore how you can incorporate this distinctive style into your home, highlighting some magnificent castle-like listings that embody this trend. The Appeal of Castle Core Medieval Design Coastal Core Medieval design marries the rustic charm of the Middle Ages with the clean, airy aspects of coastal living. This trend is perfect for those who appreciate history and fantasy, combined with a love for open, light spaces that echo the tranquility of the sea. Key elements include stonework and wood beams contrasted with expansive windows and soft, neutral color palettes. Bringing Castlecore Home: Easy Ways to Capture the Look Stone and wood touches: Style your home with pieces that feature limestone, granite, or reclaimed wood. Think stone fireplaces, rustic wood furniture, or accent tables to add a sense of medieval character without a full renovation. Arched motifs: You don’t need to rebuild doorways — incorporate arched mirrors, arched headboards, or curved furniture to echo the romantic architecture of castles in a subtle, livable way. Wrought iron accents: Add wrought iron lighting, candlesticks, or hardware (like cabinet pulls) to introduce historic charm while blending seamlessly with modern interiors. Rich, layered color palettes: Bring in jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, and deep burgundy through textiles — think velvet throw pillows, tapestries, or area rugs — balanced with soft coastal neutrals like whites, beiges, and ocean blues. Neutral and earthy tones: Stick to a color palette that reflects the coastal element, with soft whites, sandy beiges, and ocean blues, accented by the darker tones typical of medieval decor. To truly capture the essence of Coastal Core Medieval, consider these exemplary contemporary and venerable properties from the Engel & Völkers portfolio: A Château Inspired by the Palace of Versailles, Evergreen, CO This exclusive Colorado estate seamlessly marries French opulence with the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Each of the six lavish en suite bedrooms have their own washer and dryer. There’s a fully self-contained apartment for guests or staff and another flex space that could become a children's sanctuary or further staff accommodation. The meticulously designed estate boasts a fully equipped gym, heated pool, Jacuzzi, and an outdoor kitchen perfect for alfresco dining. The billiard room features an exquisite 1885 antique wooden bar, adding a  touch of historic charm to the entertainment space, and there’s a 1,500-bottle wine cellar/tasting room. Astonishing 270° panoramic views stretch across the Rocky Mountains, with direct sightlines to Mount Blue Sky (elevation: 14,265 feet) from every room. This estate is a sanctuary of privacy and luxury, offering a living experience like no other —  within 45 minutes of Denver, private airports, ski resorts, and Red Rocks parks and amphitheater. 1746 NW Wild Rye Circle, Bend, OR Step inside this remarkable home and be transported to Europe. Every corner tells a story of worldwide inspiration and craftsmanship from another era. With its meticulously curated design, this home offers an unparalleled sense of history and artistry. Perched above Awbrey Glen Golf Course, it boasts sweeping views of the Cascade Mountain Range. Inside you'll discover an expansive gourmet kitchen, complete with a butler's pantry, formal dining room, wine cellar, an executive office/library, game room with a pool table, shuffleboard court, and a movie theater. The heated tile balcony welcomes you with ample room for entertaining and savoring the sunsets. Each bedroom has access to the two-story balcony, offering elevated views. This exquisite residence is a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship. A home that must be experienced in person to fully appreciate its beauty and artistry. 17 White Pine Canyon Rd, Park City, UT Discover unparalleled mountain luxury with this ski-in/ski-out estate, nestled within the guard-gated community of The Colony at White Pine Canyon. Set on over 10 acres at a lower elevation (7,600 feet), this home enjoys one of the community's most coveted locations four  minutes from the gate. Offering breathtaking panoramic views, ultimate privacy, and direct ski access at the Harmony ski run. Designed for year-round mountain living, this home features exquisite finishes and imported materials from around the globe. The home's thoughtful design offers multiple family rooms, providing ample space for relaxation and connection, while an executive office serves as a private retreat for work or study. The expansive main suite is a true sanctuary, featuring a private library, a deck with breathtaking views, and elegant en suite bathroom. For entertainment, enjoy a climate-controlled 2,000-bottle wine room, movie theater, and an exercise room. A whole-home generator provides uninterrupted comfort and peace of mind in any season. For car enthusiasts, there’s an attached three-car garage and a detached four-car garage. A covered outdoor kitchen and a wood-burning pizza oven make alfresco dining a delight throughout the year. Located only 15 minutes from Park City's historic Main Street, known for its world-class dining and shopping, and just 40 minutes from two private FBOs (KSLC and KHCR) and Salt Lake City International Airport. Saint-Joachim, Québec, Canada Château Neuville, a unique property, awaits you to write the next chapter of its history. Imagine living in a majestic residence, a true masterpiece combining refinement and history. This splendid castle with impressive architecture is distinguished by its exceptional finishes, including its woodwork and handcrafted stained glass windows. With more than 30 spacious rooms, each tells a story and offers an unparalleled experience. Carefully renovated and preserved, this property combines modern comfort with old-world charm. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the river from the immense terrace, ideal for your events.  Hatley Canton, Québec, Canada The prestigious Château d’Hatley, built in 2009 with Avac Béton’s residential precast concrete, embodies the timeless elegance of the French Renaissance. Located on a 23-acre private estate with residential zoning, it boasts breathtaking views of Lake Massawippi and the picturesque village of North Hatley. With 11-foot ceilings, travertine flooring, four bedrooms, and four bathrooms, every detail reflects a harmonious blend of history and modernity. The luxurious interiors, bathed in natural light, create an unparalleled living experience, a true celebration of European elegance set in the heart of Québec’s natural beauty. Majestic living: Historic castle estate, Vienna, Austria This extraordinary castle estate, once belonging to the illustrious Bonaparte, Habsburg, and Liechtenstein families, features a private residence, expansive event spaces, elegant guest rooms and suites, and a magnificent park. With a usable space of approximately 51,000 square feet, it can serve as a private residence or an exclusive hotel. Rarely does a property offer its residents and guests such a true paradise of tranquility and privacy within a 74-acre park, while the cultural metropolis of Vienna — a city rich in history, culture, and charm — is nearby. Renowned artists such as Mozart, Salieri, and Beethoven composed music or designed architectural masterpieces for this exquisite estate. Furthermore, the new owner has the option to acquire nearly 250 acres of additional agricultural land and hunting grounds, further enhancing the estate’s grandeur. Exclusive property with private park, Brunate, Italy Situated in a privileged position in the municipality of Brunate, famous for its historic funicular railway connecting the village to the center of the city of Como, this charming property consists of several buildings. It’s surrounded by a century-old, approximately three-acre park and boasts a panoramic view over the Lombardy plain and its lakes, the Apennine Mountains, and the Alpine range. The approximately 5,400-square-foot manor house, built in the late 19th century for a Lombard noble family, is one of the first architectural masterpieces in Art Nouveau style.The ground-floor main entrance consists of a cloakroom, a large bathroom, two living rooms with a fireplace, a study, a bar, and a panoramic veranda; the lower floor houses a large kitchen and a beautiful wine cellar. The upper floor includes three bedrooms, all with en suite bathrooms and wardrobes, and the attic floor has two additional bedrooms with balconies, a bathroom, and a wardrobe. Magnificent lakefront historical estate, Blevio, Italy Villa Calvi, an extraordinary historic residence located on the shore of Lake Como, was built around 1840 by the Artaria family, music publishers of illustrious classical composers, including Haydn, Beethoven, Mozart, and Rossini. At the end of the 19th century Gerolamo Luigi Calvi, the new owner of the mansion, commissioned architect Citterio to expand the villa by adding new buildings. Today the residence includes the main villa, two other smaller villas, and a caretaker’s lodge, all in a large flat private park of about 62,000 square feet. After a complete and meticulous three-year restoration beginning in 2010, this magnificent and unique residence has returned to its former glory. Respecting its past, Villa Calvi maintains the linear and elegant layout of the original property while being transformed to a luxurious estate with every modern comfort. From the entrance gate, an avenue lined with majestic old trees leads to the residence. The main mansion’s ground floor features a triple living room with ornate high ceilings, French doors, and breathtaking views of the gardens and lake.  

If you aspire to, or already enjoy, life in the saddle, now is a great time to discover the ultimate in  luxury equestrian living with the help of Engel & Völkers Americas. Timing? It’s spring, and the first Saturday in May (the 3rd this year) brings the first of the three annual Triple Crown horse races, the Kentucky Derby. Known as the “Run for the Roses,” a field of three-year-old thoroughbreds will reach speeds up to 35 mph as they thunder around the mile-and-a-quarter track at Louisville’s historic Churchill Downs. The Kentucky Derby will be followed by the Preakness Stakes, May 17 at Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course, and the Belmont Stakes, June 7 at New York’s Saratoga Race Course. These stunning properties are either fully equipped for an equestrian lifestyle or offer ample space to create your own horse-friendly haven. Rancho Morera-Private Equestrian Ranch, San Miguel de Allende/San Gabriel, MX Just north of San Miguel, this beautiful hacienda-style ranch offers indoor/outdoor living. As you pass by alfalfa fields, you’ll see horses frolicking and at play; this property actually is a ranch for breeding horses, with various large corrals and five horse stalls. The property includes stables, corrals, bodega, office, service quarters, lush gardens, and a grove of olive trees. The main residence has two bedrooms en suite, a half-bath, a beautiful colonial style eat-in kitchen, and a heated pool. The property also includes a one-bedroom en suite bungalow that sits right near a lake. At the entrance, featuring a grove of mature trees, is a spacious cottage, complete with kitchenette, for the night watchman. Meadow Lake Ranch, Clinton, BC This historic cattle ranch covers 700 acres of grasslands, forests, and wetlands with four separate homes, a versatile range of shops, barns, support buildings, amenities, and infrastructure. The property is well suited to several potential uses: a destination resort, guest ranch, eco-lodge, corporate retreat, or private sanctuary. The structures, including the fully restored pre-Gold Rush era roadhouse, were custom-built on-site with local logs and timber. The ranch sits on an ancient volcanic plateau in the heart of south-central British Columbia between the Coast Mountains and the Rockies.This is cowboy country, a region of rivers, ranchlands, and ranges with inspiring views in every direction. Epic mountains and evergreen forests meet high desert and rolling grasslands where powerful rivers feed clean, clear lakes and vibrant wetlands. 55263 Logan, Charlo, MT This sprawling 160-acre property offers relaxed living, privacy, stunning views of the Mission Mountains, and more. With a spacious main house, caretaker's cottage, trophy house, and a well-appointed shop, this estate provides comfort and luxury in the heart of the gorgeous Flathead Valley. The main residence, a magnificent log home, has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. The kitchen features a large island, dual ovens, and a Sub Zero refrigerator. The main level also houses a spacious primary suite with a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, dual walk-in closets, and an attached bath with a custom-tiled jacuzzi tub and dual vanities. The walkout lower level features two additional bedrooms, another living room with a stone fireplace, a fitness room, and a temperature-controlled wine cellar. The caretaker's home features four bedrooms and one bath, providing a comfortable space for on-site management or guests. Completing the estate is a well-equipped shop featuring RV hookups.  168 Stevens Road, Lockeport, NS On a peaceful peninsula within Nova Scotia’s West Green Harbour, this 60-acre estate offers the perfect blend of coastal beauty, country living, and affluent lifestyle. The estate’s infrastructure is well-planned with multiple wired and plumbed outbuildings holding 10 box stalls for horses. The landscape is picturesque and secluded with over 8,200 feet (2.5 km) of oceanfront, sandy beaches, a freshwater pond, and extensive forested trails. The immaculately maintained grounds include formal gardens, orchards, miles of beautiful cedar fencing, and pristine pastures. The main home, a restored barn, is now a stately residence. Attached to the main residence is a fully insulated heated space with multiple access points and soaring ceilings that can accommodate cars, boats, horses, or goats. The charming guest house is the property’s original and historic farmhouse, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, and a private oceanfront deck.  Find Your Ultimate Equestrian Property With Engel & Völkers Our advisors, renowned for their specialized expertise in land and ranch properties, connect discerning buyers with extraordinary opportunities. From luxurious equestrian estates in Montana's Bitterroot Valley to sprawling Texas ranches ready for your cowboy lifestyle, our diverse portfolio offers something for everyone. Whether you seek historical properties with rich legacies, resort-style ranches with all modern amenities, or vast acres for sustainable living and outdoor adventures, our global reach and local insights help ensure you find the ideal property. If you’re ready to elevate your lifestyle and experience the best in luxury equestrian living, contact Engel & Völkers today to explore our premier properties.