Luxist http://www.luxist.com Luxist http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Luxist http://www.luxist.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Versace's Former Mansion Caught Up In Ponzi Schemer's Downfall]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/11/versaces-former-mansion-caught-up-in-ponzi-schemers-downfall/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/11/versaces-former-mansion-caught-up-in-ponzi-schemers-downfall/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/11/versaces-former-mansion-caught-up-in-ponzi-schemers-downfall/#commentsFiled under:

casa casuarinaEarlier I wrote about the Scott Rothstein Ponzi scheme in Florida but now another news story indicates that the fallout extends beyond just Rothstein's own properties. Casa Casuarina, Gianni Versace's South Beach mansion, is also caught in the crossfire. Rothstein, who is part owner of the property, has been accused of swindling investors in a Ponzi scheme which took in hundreds of millions of dollars.

Just a few weeks ago executive chef Wolfgang Birk moved from Washington D.C. to South Beach to take over the new Italian restaurant at Casa Casuarina but on Monday he was escorted out of the building by police along with the mansion's other employees. The restaurant was supposed to open this week. The employees are out of work and their payrolls will be hung up in court while Rothstein's complicated legal tangles are sorted out. Rothstein's Bova Group had taken over management of the entire property, including the hotel, restaurant, nightclub, and the private membership club. After Rothstein's illegal dealings were discovered Peter Loftin, Casa Casuarina's majority owner, asked that anything associated with Bova Group be taken out of the property in order to protect his property from anyone coming after Rothstein. An article on the Daily Pulp says that Loftin is looking into bringing in a new management company in order to reopen the property.

Rothstein had $1 million wedding at the property last year with Florida governor Charlie Crist in attendance. He has bought a small stake in the mansion and has left behind hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid bills relating to renovations for the restaurant and other areas.

Tony Bova, Rothstein's partner in the restaurant business also managed Bova Prime in Fort Lauderdale and was not part of the Ponzi schemer's machinations. The future of that restaurant is also uncertain and it could end up closing.

LuxistVersace's Former Mansion Caught Up In Ponzi Schemer's Downfall originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casa casuarinaCasaCasuarinaponzi schemeponzi schemerponzi schemesPonziSchemePonziSchemerPonziSchemesscott rothsteinScottRothsteinWed, 11 Nov 2009 03:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Florida Ponzi Schemer Loses His Toys]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/10/another-florida-ponzi-schemer-loses-his-toys/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/10/another-florida-ponzi-schemer-loses-his-toys/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/10/another-florida-ponzi-schemer-loses-his-toys/#commentsFiled under:

View more news videos at: http://www.nbcmiami.com/video.

Is Florida the home of the Ponzi scheme. NBC Miami brings in the story of yet another Florida Ponzi schemer who has had his toys seized by federal agents. Fort Lauderdale lawyer Scott Rothstein has not been arrested yet but the IRS has filed documents saying that he has been running a scheme since 2005, swindling hundreds of millions of dollars from investors. The filing says that Rothstein and others created false bank records and created legal settlements that did not exist. According to the Sun-Sentinel, the documents show that Rothstein's clients believed they were buying blocks of structured settlements derived from sexual harassment and labor-related cases in which confidential agreements had been reached. As with other Ponzi schemes new investor money was used to pay previous investors.

Federal agents visited Rothstein's $6.5 million mansion and hauled away his sports car collection and yacht and placed liens on several of his properties. The video from NBC Miami shows flatbed trucks taking away hisRolls-Royce Phantom and Bentley convertible. A red Ferrari was taken from his office and his 80-foot yacht Kimberly, named for his wife was sailed off to a collection agency. So far at least one lawsuit has been filed by investors seeking to get back some of the money they have lost.

LuxistAnother Florida Ponzi Schemer Loses His Toys originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fort lauderdaleFortLauderdalenbc miamiNbcMiamiponzi schemeponzi schemerponzi schemesPonziSchemePonziSchemerPonziSchemesscott rothsteinScottRothsteinTue, 10 Nov 2009 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Former F1 Driver David Coulthard gets a $33,000 Speeding Ticket]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/02/former-f1-driver-david-coulthard-gets-a-33-000-speeding-ticket/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/02/former-f1-driver-david-coulthard-gets-a-33-000-speeding-ticket/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/02/former-f1-driver-david-coulthard-gets-a-33-000-speeding-ticket/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The truly wealthy never seem to care about tickets. They park where they want and drive how they want, because the penalties never mean much more than pocket change to them. Well they might want to give that a second thought as one extremely wealthy motorist has received an unpredecentedly large speeding ticket in Mumbai.

The fine was imposed on one David Coulthard, one of the most successful Formula One drivers never to win a world title. The Scotsman recently retired from active duty, but still performs from time to time for the Red Bull Racing team he helped form. On a recent demonstration run for 50,000 fans in India, Coulthard reportedly hit a top speed of 162 miles per hour... in a 30 zone. The result was that the local officials withheld the $33,000 deposit put down for the team for the event. Which has to be the biggest speeding ticket ever issued.

Gallery: Red Bull Racing demonstration in Mumbai

LuxistFormer F1 Driver David Coulthard gets a $33,000 Speeding Ticket originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david coulthardDavidCoulthardformula oneFormulaOnemumbaispeeding ticketSpeedingTicketMon, 02 Nov 2009 23:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Madoff's Victims To Get $534+ Million in Payments]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/29/madoffs-victims-to-get-534-million-in-payments/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/29/madoffs-victims-to-get-534-million-in-payments/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/29/madoffs-victims-to-get-534-million-in-payments/#commentsFiled under: ,

bernie madoffThe latest in the Bernie Madoff saga is actually a bit of good news for his myriad victims. Reuters reports that they will receive more than $534 million in payouts, according to court-appointed trustee Irving Picard, who is trying to recover Madoff's assets.

The sum is less than one-eighth of the $4.44 billion of claims that Picard has so far deemed valid and is less than 3% of the $21.2 billion of losses suffered by holders of 2,335 Madoff accounts. These losses are up from the $13 billion the government estimated in June, when Madoff was sentenced to 150 years in prison.

Picard, a partner at the law firm Baker & Hostetler LLP, said he has reviewed 2,861 direct customer claims, allowing 1,558 and rejecting 1,303. He said 15,974 customer claims were submitted and noted that he has recovered $1.4 billion of Madoff assets, an amount that should reach $1.5 billion by year end.

Picard has filed lawsuits to recover $15 billion from Madoff investors he calls "net winners." Of the 4,903 accounts at Madoff's firm on December 11, 2008, when Madoff was arrested, 2,568 received more money than they deposited, he said.

Picard also said he will pursue the recovery of $7.2 billion from the estate of billionaire philanthropist Jeffry Picower, who recently drowned in a swimming pool at his Palm Beach, Fla., home following a heart attack.

The Securities Investor Protection Corp, a federally chartered agency that supervises the liquidation of brokerages, has been "the only source of distributed funds" to victims so far, agency president Stephen Harbeck said, adding that the $534.25 million of committed advances is more than in the SIPC's 321 combined prior liquidations since 1970. Federal law limits SIPC protection to $500,000.

LuxistMadoff's Victims To Get $534+ Million in Payments originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bernard MadoffBernardMadoffBernie MadoffBernieMadoffjusticeMadoffponzi schemePonziSchemeThu, 29 Oct 2009 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[South Florida's Latest Ponzi Schemer May Be The Most Brazen Yet]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/21/south-floridas-latest-ponzi-schemer-may-be-the-most-brazen-yet/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/21/south-floridas-latest-ponzi-schemer-may-be-the-most-brazen-yet/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/21/south-floridas-latest-ponzi-schemer-may-be-the-most-brazen-yet/#commentsFiled under:

NBC Miami tells the story of another alleged Ponzi schemer. Sean Healy is no Bernie Madoff but he may have walked off with $20 million from his clients most of which seems to have been spent on living an exceedingly lavish lifestyle. Healy and his wife, a former Hooters girl, lived in an extravagant $2.4 million mansion in Weston, Florida. A Ferrari, stretch limousine and several Lamborghinis (a pink-trimmed one for the wife) were parked in the garage and the pair also spent millions on jewelry and tricking out the home (once owned by former NFL quarterback Bernie Kosar, a man with his own financial woes) with a $500,000 home theater. According to a video shot by NBC Miami (embedded after the jump), Healy invested none of his clients money and spent it all on his belongings, inventing big returns out of pure thin air. He is currently under house arrest in New York.

View more news videos at: http://www.nbcmiami.com/video.

LuxistSouth Florida's Latest Ponzi Schemer May Be The Most Brazen Yet originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>floridainvestment fraudInvestmentFraudponzi schemerPonziSchemersean healySeanHealywestonWed, 21 Oct 2009 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Suspect Charged In Celebrity Break-Ins]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/20/suspect-charged-in-celebrity-break-ins/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/20/suspect-charged-in-celebrity-break-ins/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/20/suspect-charged-in-celebrity-break-ins/#commentsFiled under:

audrina patridgeLindsay Lohan and Audrina Patridge may have found their man, the man that robbed their houses that is. Nicholas Frank Prugo, an 18-year-old man from Calabasas, California ha been charged with two counts of residential burgulary in connection with the break-ins at the Hollywood Hills homes of reality TV star Audrina Patridge and actress Lindsay Lohan. The LA Times reports that Prugo allegedly stole more than $170,000 worth of jewelry and designer clothes. He had been arrested last month and could face up to six years in prison if convicted on all counts. He is scheduled to be arraigned on November 11. Video footage from both Lohan's home and Patridge's home was used to nab the suspect.

UPDATE: The suspects in this case were also linked to Paris Hilton's break-in. The LAPD were able to return her missing jewelry and other belongings.

LuxistSuspect Charged In Celebrity Break-Ins originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audrina patridgeAudrinaPatridgecelebrity break-insCelebrityBreak-inslindsay lohanLindsayLohanTue, 20 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kourtney Kardashian Latest Celebrity Burglary Victim]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/18/kourtney-kardashian-latest-celebrity-burglary-victim/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/18/kourtney-kardashian-latest-celebrity-burglary-victim/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/18/kourtney-kardashian-latest-celebrity-burglary-victim/#commentsFiled under:

kourtney kardashianSometimes it seems that young Hollywood has more than its fair share of robberies. Reality television star Kourtney Kardashian joins Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Orlando Bloom and others in an unenviable club, the burglarized. TMZ reports that Kardashian returned to her Calabasas home on Saturday night to find that hundreds of thousands of dollars in jewelry had been taken. Pieces missing include Cartier and Rolex watches, diamond earrings and vintage jewelry given to her by her late father, lawyer Robert Kardashian. Her townhome is located in a gated community.

Gallery: Jewels Gone Missing

Graff JewelersMonica BellucciAnn RomneyQueen LatifahParis Hilton

LuxistKourtney Kardashian Latest Celebrity Burglary Victim originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 18 Oct 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burglarycelebrity robberyCelebrityRobberykourney kardashianKourneyKardashianSun, 18 Oct 2009 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Madoff's Long Island Beach Home Fetches $9.41 million]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/17/madoff-s-long-island-beach-home-fetches-9-41-million/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/17/madoff-s-long-island-beach-home-fetches-9-41-million/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/17/madoff-s-long-island-beach-home-fetches-9-41-million/#commentsFiled under: ,

bernie madoffThe world's most accomplished Ponzi schemer -- right up until he got caught, that is -- finally lost his beach home. Bernie Madoff's Montauk house moved for $9.41 million, according to the U.S. Marshals Service, more than the $8.75 million for which it was listed. It sold on Friday, and the buyer is not being named. It only took a month to make the transaction happen.

Joseph Guccione, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of New York, calls this "another step forward for the government," and though he didn't mention anything about the victims, one assumes that it's progress for them, too. After all, it would be nice if they got even a taste of this cash.

Several bidders tried to get their hands on Madoff's former home, which measures 3,000 square feet and has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The losers can have another shot at Madoff glory, though, as properties in New York and Palm Beach, Florida, are listed. The former is on the market for $9.9 million, and the latter is listed for $8.49 million.

Madoff was unable to take a last walk through the halls of the Long Island residence, of course, because he's otherwise detained committed in Butner, North Carolina. But, he's adapting, having already thrown down on the block and earned himself some props.

LuxistMadoff's Long Island Beach Home Fetches $9.41 million originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bernardmadoffbernie madoffBernieMadoffbutnerfloridamadoffmadoffponzischememadoffscandalmontauknew yorknew york citynew york new yorkNewYorkNewYorkCityNewYorkNewYorknorth carolinaNorthCarolinapalm bay floridapalm beachPalmBayFloridaPalmBeachponziponzi schemePonziSchemeSat, 17 Oct 2009 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[The Battle To Sell Off Richard Scrushy's Many Toys]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/08/the-battle-to-sell-off-richard-scrushys-many-toys/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/08/the-battle-to-sell-off-richard-scrushys-many-toys/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/08/the-battle-to-sell-off-richard-scrushys-many-toys/#commentsFiled under: ,

richard scrushy Earlier this year former HealthSouth CEO Richard Scrushy was ordered to pay nearly $2.9 billion to shareholders, now his belongings are being divvied up in order to begin to help satisfy that ruling. As we've seen in the Madoff case, tracking down a rich man's holdings isn't always easy. Just how much money Scrushy has isn't clear but lawyers have been rounding up his many belongings and fighting Scrushy's legal team every step of the way.

HealthSouth shareholders had filed a lawsuit claiming Scrushy was involved in years of overstating the company's earnings and assets so that it looked like the company was meeting the Wall Street forecasts. He was acquitted in a federal criminal case over related charges and testified in the state civil case that he knew nothing about any fraud but is currently serving a sentence for a 2006 conviction in a separate state government bribery case. The Scrushy saga was also featured in the CNBC show American Greed.

One item up for potential sale is the 92-foot yacht, Chez Soiree. The yacht, which is currently anchored in North Palm Beach, Florida, is supposed to be up for sale this weekend. Scrushy has said he doesn't own the yacht but a Cayman Islands-based firm bearing his middle name, Marin Ltd., does. The Birmingham News says that the Tallapoosa County Sheriff's Department has a November 9 auction date planned for Scrushy's $5 million Lake Martin, Alabama home and all of the contents of it and a hangar on the property, a hoard of hundreds of items including a cigarette boat and jet skis. The Birmingham News has PDFs of the list of belongings up for sale complete with black and white shots of wicker chairs, television sets and bad art. Neighbors had referred to the 14,000 square foot home as "the world's largest La Quinta Inn"

Scrushy's cars, 19 seized vehicles in total, were sold at auction last month. The cars includes a Bentley Azure, a Rolls Royce Corniche, a Hummer and a Porsche 911 and brought in more than $850,000 total. Scrushy's team of lawyers had also tried to delay that sale.

LuxistThe Battle To Sell Off Richard Scrushy's Many Toys originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chez soireeChezSoireehealthsouthlake martinLakeMartinrichard scrushyRichardScrushyThu, 08 Oct 2009 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Estate Owner Puts Faux Church On The Market]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/02/estate-owner-puts-faux-church-on-the-market/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/02/estate-owner-puts-faux-church-on-the-market/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/02/estate-owner-puts-faux-church-on-the-market/#commentsFiled under: ,

This is not a church, but the owner tried to claim it was to avoid paying real estate taxes. The Chicago Tribune's Elite Street column brings in the story of a home in Lake Bluff, Illinois owned by a banker who tried to duck out of around $80,000 in property taxes because he said that parishioners had congregated in his home so that his disabled wife could worship without leaving the house. Neighbors debunked that claim, telling the Tribune they never saw services held at the mansion. Over the summer an independent state administrative law judge for the Illinois Department of Revenue reversed the ruling leaving the banker liable for the tax bill. Now the property has hit the market. The Armenian Church of Lake Bluff is now for sale for $12.5 million, a hefty rise over the $3 million paid for the property in 2004.

The five-acre property is listed through Michael Realty & Associates and has 265 feet of private beach with elevator lifts to the beach. Listing pics are tiny but they show an exercise room, a barbershop with a mural, indoor pool, home theater, and a 12-car heated garage. The property was renovated with a 15,000 square foot addition in 2005. The master suite has a private wet bar, walk-in his and her closets and outdoor balconies overlooking Lake Michigan and an indoor private balcony overlooking indoor pool. The first floor great room has vaulted ceilings with four rain sensored skylights, a full formal dining room with attached butler pantry, with warming drawers and dishwasher, along with fireplace and wet bar. There does not appear to be a chapel.

Gallery: This Is Not A Church

LuxistEstate Owner Puts Faux Church On The Market originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicagoillinoislake bluffLakeBluffproperty taxesPropertyTaxestaxesFri, 02 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[House's Wedding Rental Causes Controversy]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/29/house-wedding-rental-causes-controversy/http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/29/house-wedding-rental-causes-controversy/http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/29/house-wedding-rental-causes-controversy/#commentsFiled under:


If you have an estate and you need to make the rent one enterprising idea might be to rent it out for weddings. Just make sure the neighbors won't mind. The Daily Breeze has the story of a Palos Verdes Estates home which was rented out for weddings. Unfortunately neighbors in the elite Southern California community took issue with the streams of caterers and wedding guests pouring onto the estate each weekend. They complained about the noise repeatedly and city officials were brought in on the case. Now the home's owner could face up to two years in jail and a $4,000 fine in order to deter her from doing it again. The owner, Melahat Uzumcu was arraigned today on charges of violating the zoning code, creating a public nuisance and conducting a business without a license. The home is still listed online through HomeAway.com for 10,000-$12,000 per week or $2,000 per night and listing pictures show a charming large home with an ocean view.

Gallery: Chateau Del Mar

Living RoomSitting AreaKitchenHouse viewSitting Area

LuxistHouse's Wedding Rental Causes Controversy originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chateau del marChateauDelMarestatespalos verdes estatePalosVerdesEstaterentalweddingTue, 29 Sep 2009 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Dennis Kozlowski's Real Estate Sell-Off]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/28/dennis-kozlowskis-real-estate-sell-off/http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/28/dennis-kozlowskis-real-estate-sell-off/http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/28/dennis-kozlowskis-real-estate-sell-off/#commentsFiled under: ,

We've been watching disgraced Tyco CEO Dennis Kozlowski sell off his stuff for a long time. There was a lot of to sell, fine antiques, a classic sailing yacht and of course, some very tempting real estate. Problem is, the real estate isn't moving quite so quickly. Kozlowski's homes have sat on the market for a while despite their obvious charms. Meanwhile, Kozlowski himself sits in a jail cell, convicted in 2005 of crimes related to his receipt of over $80 million in purportedly unauthorized bonuses.

His Nantucket home is one of the island's best. The classic shingled home is a short walk from the beach and has perfect Atlantic views. Kozlowski had a talent for spending money and this home is done with the finest of finishes. The formal living room has a wood burning fireplace with marble surround and opens to casual living space with wet bar, entertainment center and a wall of rounded glass that slides open to the deck and path to beach. The dining room overlooks the deck and another wall of glass doors lead to the barbecue area and outdoor dining. There is both a catering kitchen and a regular kitchen as well as a wine cellar and two laundry rooms. The first floor bedroom suite has a fireplace and sitting area with sliding doors out to the deck and there are two other bedrooms on this floor. Upstairs there is a library with a fireplace and French doors out to the deck and the master suite has two fireplaces and a sitting area as well as a walk-in closet and a sumptuous marble bathroom. The property also includes a guest cottage and a garage that holds a home gym/fitness center with a second floor that has studio living space with a full bath and wet bar. The Wall Street Journal reported last year that the home had been reduced from the asking of $23 million to $16.45 million which is the number the listing still shows.

In my opinion, it's Kozlowski's Boca Raton, Florida place that will be the harder sell. The Real Estalker recently profiled this estate although South Florida Blockshopper shows it has been on the market since July. The eight-bedroom estate takes up a plush 1.6 acre spot in the elite community known at The Sanctuary and includes a tennis court, guest house, pool and over 600 feet of deepwater shoreline.

The Moroccan-inspired style includes long halls framed in pointed Gothic arches, plenty of beige, dark heavy wood, cooling tile floors and wrought iron. It's lovely but there's nothing particularly unique to recommend it except size and bland splendor. it is listed at $24.9 million putting it at the very top of the still-luxurious but sagging Boca Raton market.

My guesses as to final sale prices? I think each home will sell for around $15 million. Leave me your guess in the comments below.

Gallery: Dennis Kozlowski In Nantucket



Gallery: Dennis Kozlowksi In Boca Raton

Continue reading Dennis Kozlowski's Real Estate Sell-Off

LuxistDennis Kozlowski's Real Estate Sell-Off originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boca ratonBocaRatondennis kozlowskiDennisKozlowskinantucketreal esateRealEsatetycoMon, 28 Sep 2009 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Randy Quaid Arrested In Hotel Bill Nonpayment]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/25/randy-quaid-arrested-in-hotel-bill-nonpayment/http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/25/randy-quaid-arrested-in-hotel-bill-nonpayment/http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/25/randy-quaid-arrested-in-hotel-bill-nonpayment/#commentsFiled under:

Actor Randy Quaid and his wife Evi have run afoul of the law over an unpaid hotel bill. The couple were arrested in West Texas for allegedly failing to pay $10,000 for a luxury stay at a hotel in Santa Barbara, California. The AP reports that the pair was released from a West Texas jail after posting $20,000 bail each late Thursday. Presidio County Sheriff Danny Dominguez told The Associated Press that he drove the actor to a bank to obtain the bail money. The felony warrant for Quaid and his wife was for burglary, defrauding an innkeeper and conspiracy. Quaid is a native Texan and the older brother of actor Dennis Quaid. He's best known for roles in movies including "Independence Day" and "Kingpin."

LuxistRandy Quaid Arrested In Hotel Bill Nonpayment originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 05:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>evi quaidEviQuaidrandy quaidRandyQuaidsanta barbaraSantaBarbaraFri, 25 Sep 2009 05:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Allen Stanford's Sea Eagle Yacht For Sale]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/24/allen-stanfords-sea-eagle-yacht-for-sale/http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/24/allen-stanfords-sea-eagle-yacht-for-sale/http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/24/allen-stanfords-sea-eagle-yacht-for-sale/#commentsFiled under: ,

We've seen Madoff's yachts go up for sale now another fraudster's yacht has hit the block. The receiver in the SEC case against R. Allen Stanford has sought approval from a federal judge in order to sell Stanford's 112-foot yacht, Sea Eagle.

Stanford bought the yacht in 1998 for $3.9 million and the listing with Ardell yacht brokerage says that in September 2003 Sea Eagle was shipped to the builder (Hakvoort) for an extensive refit during which the length was extended, the interior layout was changed and new mahogany word replaced the original teak. The boat also got new engines, new generators, new galley, new AC, new electrical, new piping, and new electronics.

The receiver, Ralph Janvey is seeking to unload the boat because of the cost of regular upkeep. His lawyers also told the court that they have a "stalking horse" agreement to sell the 112-foot Sea Eagle as is to a buyer identified as "Neil Helliwell, Dubai, U.A.E." for $2.5 million. Ardell has it listed at $6.5 million so they are clearly hoping for better offers.

Stanford and his associates are accused of running a $7 billion fraud scheme that involved the sale of certificates of deposit through Antigua-based Stanford International Bank Ltd. He is being held without bail pending trial. Like Madoff and his Little Bull, Stanford also has Little Eagle, a smaller boat which Stanford's lawyers have argued should not be sold because it was bought before his alleged fraud activities.

Gallery: Sea Eagle

LuxistAllen Stanford's Sea Eagle Yacht For Sale originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Madoff's Beach House Sells for More Than Asking Price]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/17/madoffs-beach-house-sells-for-more-than-asking-price/http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/17/madoffs-beach-house-sells-for-more-than-asking-price/http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/17/madoffs-beach-house-sells-for-more-than-asking-price/#commentsFiled under: ,

Madoff's Beach House Sells for More Than Asking Price
Another tiny dent soon will been made in the repayment of the funds owed to those duped by Bernie Madoff. His 3,000-square-foot Montauk, N.Y., beach house sold this week in an all-cash deal for more than the $8.75 million asking price. Neither the buyer's name nor the exact amount of the sale has been released. The four-bedroom, three-bath home is located on 182 feet of prime beach property.

The house was only on the market a few weeks. See more about the house, and more photos, in this story my colleague Deidre did on September 1, and check out this New York Times slideshow.

LuxistMadoff's Beach House Sells for More Than Asking Price originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beachBernie MadoffBernieMadoffestateMadoffMontaukreal estateRealEstateThu, 17 Sep 2009 23:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Flavio Briatore's Race-Fixing Scandal]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/17/flavio-briatores-race-fixing-scandal/http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/17/flavio-briatores-race-fixing-scandal/http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/17/flavio-briatores-race-fixing-scandal/#commentsFiled under: ,

flavio briatoreMillionaire playboy and Formula One head Flavio Briatore is the center of major controversy today. Briatore, famous as much for his freespending and modelizing ways as his racing career, has stepped down as the head of the Renault team. Briatore told the Daily Mirror that he made the move for the good of the team amid allegations of race-fixing. Both Briatore and the team's executive director of engineering, Pat Symonds, left their posts after Renault refused to contest allegations that former Renault driver Nelson Piquet Jr. was asked to deliberately crash in last year's Singapore Grand Prix. His crash benefitted the team's other driver Fernando Alonso who went on to win the race.

Members of the Renault team are set to appear before the International Automobile Federation (FIA) in Paris on Monday and face the possibility of being expelled from competition. Now that Briatore and Symonds are no longer part of the team Renault may not be banned but will likely face a fine or some other action. Piquet has already testified that he was told by Briatore and Symonds when and where to crash .According to CNN, Renault's chief operating officer Patrick Peralta has said that Briatore and Symonds are solely responsible for the incident.

LuxistFlavio Briatore's Race-Fixing Scandal originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flavio briatoreFlavioBriatoreformula oneFormulaOnerenaultThu, 17 Sep 2009 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Wells Fargo Malibu Colony Party House Officially Listed]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/16/wells-fargo-malibu-colony-party-house-officially-listed/http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/16/wells-fargo-malibu-colony-party-house-officially-listed/http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/16/wells-fargo-malibu-colony-party-house-officially-listed/#commentsFiled under: ,


Remember the Wells Fargo Malibu Colony house we discussed a few days ago? It's the one where Wells Fargo senior vice president Cheronda Guyton moved in her family for a summer of fun weekend parties after the home was surrendered to the bank. At the time we had heard that the home was listed at around $12 million but Curbed LA alerts us to a shiny new listing and a groaner of a new price, $21.5 million. Hilton & Hyland agent Chad Rogers has the listing. Curbed asks why, given the scandal, Wells Fargo chose one of the showier stars in the Los Angeles real estate firmament. I suppose that the bank figures it many as well take advantage of the flurry of publicity and get the house sold.

Gallery: Malibu Colony Road

LuxistWells Fargo Malibu Colony Party House Officially Listed originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 04:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheronda guytoncherondaguytonmalibu colonyMalibuColonywells fargoWellsFargoWed, 16 Sep 2009 04:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Luxury Travel to Scotland: Affected by Lockerbie Bomber's Release?]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/04/luxury-travel-to-scotland-affected-by-lockerbie-bombers-releas/http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/04/luxury-travel-to-scotland-affected-by-lockerbie-bombers-releas/http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/04/luxury-travel-to-scotland-affected-by-lockerbie-bombers-releas/#commentsFiled under: ,

Alladale House Scotland

Last week, I was planning to write about Dream Escape, an exclusive luxury travel outfit that organizes completely customized tours of Scotland. (Says David Tobin, owner: "many companies offer "bespoke" travel, but I've gone the route of "couture". We start from scratch around what our client's want, whether it's a two-day trip for two people, or a six day trip for 200.") Even if you're arriving in Scotland without Tobin's incredibly hands-on service, which includes a UK cellphone pre-programmed, and should you desire, a photographer, or even a genealogist among other essentials, I've long maintained that Scotland is one of the best destinations to truly feel like you're a Master of the Universe.

There's something about Scotland's mix of castles, golf, whiskey, landscape and royal history that feels to me like getting wrapped in a cloak of wealth, power and prestige. Just one example, Royal Yacht Britannia -- decommissioned from royal use since 1997, now a tourist attraction in Edinburgh. Everyone can visit it for a tour, but once can arrange private access to the state apartments for events and be served to exacting royal protocol, which includes measuring the distance between cutlery with a ruler, among other measures designed to make anyone of royal descent or aspiration feel comfy. (For instance, sailors were made to use hand signals rather than shouting, to preserve royal tranquility. Effectively, apparently, since Her Majesty stated: "Britannia is the one place where I can truly relax".)

Dream Escape can arrange access to the Royal Yacht -- and to an endless number of luxey Scottish attractions, see the gallery for more -- but as I sat down to write about it last week, Scotland, made international headlines for its release of the only man convicted of the bombing of Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, Abdel Basset Ali al-Megrahi, who returned to Libya as a hero. I've heard talk of boycotting Scottish travel, and whiskey -- and it just felt strange to write enthusiastically about Scotland without addressing all this directly.

So yesterday, I chatted with David Tobin to see how it was affecting his business, considering that he brings anywhere between 100 and 300 visitors to Scotland each year. His answer, in a nutshell: not at all. "We haven't seen a downturn or have clients change their plans or anything like that," he says. "My clients want to go somewhere because they want to go, and they're suitably educated to understand that this is a murky area, surrounding [al-Megrahi's] release. This won't change my client's perception of Scotland, they love the country, but not necessarily the politicians." He doesn't expect any cancellations of bookings in the future.

Of course, Tobin's company is small, and very high end at that -- and it remains to be seen whether Scottish tourism as a whole will be affected by the bomber's release. Do you think luxury tourism to Scotland will be affected by current politics? Should it?

Gallery: Dream Escape Scotland

Night at Corrour Lodge, Modern Scottish CastleLuxury Suite at The Witchery in EdinburghOffroading at GleneaglesNot Your Average Rental CarAlladale Wilderness Lodge

LuxistLuxury Travel to Scotland: Affected by Lockerbie Bomber's Release? originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boycottcontroversyscotlandtouryachtFri, 04 Sep 2009 07:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Large Jewelry Store Robbery In Laguna Beach]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/08/27/large-jewelry-store-robbery-in-laguna-beach/http://www.luxist.com/2009/08/27/large-jewelry-store-robbery-in-laguna-beach/http://www.luxist.com/2009/08/27/large-jewelry-store-robbery-in-laguna-beach/#commentsFiled under:


The small seaside town of Laguna Beach, California has been the setting for a reality television show and boasts plenty of multi-million dollar homes. What it doesn't have is a lot of crime which makes the news of a big jewelry robbery in the small town quite surprising. The OC Register reports that three armed men robbed a local jewelry store and got away with more than a half-million dollars worth of jewelry. The three men showed up at the Joshi and Baca jewelry at closing time on Tuesday and held up an employee at gunpoint. Locals who passed by the store reported the crime and the police showed up and caught up with the robbers on a local road. The robbers ditched their car in a shopping plaza and ran away. Some of the jewels were recovered from the car. The police are following several leads.

Does it seem like there have been more robberies this year? The statistics from Jeweler's Security Alliance show that this year they have seen a total of $45.9 million stolen with 682 cases. Compare this to last year's total of $48.4 million with 713 cases and it looks like this year is trending to beat last year's numbers.

John Kennedy of Jeweler's Security Alliance says that while robberies are up, the total dollar losses from jewelry crime is steady to down. He says there may be a few more of what he calls the "most crude jewelry crimes, such as a grab and run or a window smashing" but that the big dollar and violent crimes are not subject to the ups and downs of the economy. According to Kennedy none of the studies indicate that the economy has a significant influence and that crime can rise in prosperous years. Because jewelry stores have stronger security measures than many other businesses they are always not targets of the suddenly desperate. One less thing to blame on the economy.

LuxistLarge Jewelry Store Robbery In Laguna Beach originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crimejewelrylaguna beachLagunaBeachrobberyThu, 27 Aug 2009 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Lindsay Lohan Robbed In Hollywood]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/08/24/lindsay-lohan-robbed-in-hollywood/http://www.luxist.com/2009/08/24/lindsay-lohan-robbed-in-hollywood/http://www.luxist.com/2009/08/24/lindsay-lohan-robbed-in-hollywood/#commentsFiled under:

lindsay lohanIt seems sometimes that trouble follows wherever Lindsay Lohan goes. The latest is that her Hollywood Hills home has been burglarized. Lohan's mother Dina says that a safe was ripped off the wall and that bags, shoes and jewelry were also missing. Lohan was already planning a move from the home. TMZ says that Lindsay Lohan's father Michael reported the break-in. He told TMZ that he believes the break-in was an inside job because people that were working for Lindsay did not turn on the alarm. In May, police were called over another attempted break-in. Lohan's home is equipped with security cameras.

Young Hollywood can be an easy target. Paris Hilton has had her home broken into more than once. Orlando Bloom saw his Hollywood Hills home burglarized last month. Some stars choose to live in gated communities for the added protection or hire security personnel to protect themselves and their homes.

LuxistLindsay Lohan Robbed In Hollywood originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>celebritylindsay lohanLindsayLohanrobberyMon, 24 Aug 2009 15:02:00 EST