Solstice was named Business Britain magazine’s Private Residence and Destination Club of the Year for 2005/2006. An exclusive, boutique club with a 42-member limit, Solstice offers 7 homes around the world (although none in England) and a private yacht.

We met with Jeff Scult, a partner at Solstice, who informed us that the club is entering its “final release” with less than ten memberships available. On June 1st, the membership deposit will increase from $775,000 to $825,000. The club characterizes the deposit as an “equity buy-in” since members can receive 80% of the current value of the deposit on resignation. Thus, a member who joined at the $775,000 rate should receive 80% of $825,000 instead of 80% of $775,000 if they were to leave the club.

Several clubs offer a similar model, although the terminology varies. In essence, the clubs are promising to share some of the upside if rates increase over time. Later this week, we’ll post a table listing the various refund rates of clubs.

Solstice homes average over $5.5 million and are lavishly elegant. A guest at their Cabo San Lucas home raved to us about the “10,000 thread count” Frette linens. Founder Graham Kos’ wife is the visionary behind the homes’ posh furnishings. We’ve reached out to hear more about the inspiration behind each home’s decor. Stay tuned for more insights.

Images courtesy http://www.solsticehomes.com.