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[Sunday Real Estate Round-Up, 11/15/09]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/15/sunday-real-estate-round-up-11-15-09/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/15/sunday-real-estate-round-up-11-15-09/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/15/sunday-real-estate-round-up-11-15-09/#commentsFiled under: ,

From the LA Times Hot Properties:
--Jason Winer, an executive producer and director of the ABC comedy "Modern Family," has listed his three-level Hollywood-area town house shown above for $599,000. Winer is selling because he is moving to a larger house in another Los Angeles neighborhood. He bought the town house in 2006 for $560,000. The listing is here.
--Annette Cook, the founder and chief executive of Barefoot Dreams, and her husband, Stan,have sold an ocean-view contemporary in Malibu for $3 million.
--Actor Conrad Bain has listed his longtime Brentwood home for sale at $3.175 million. The listing is here.
--Music industry executive Mark Mazzetti has sold his Hollywood Hills-area home for $1,089,000
--Actress Sandra Will Carradine has listed her beach house in Carpinteria's gated Rincon Point community for $4.29 million. The property website is here.

From Cityfile's Buyers and Sellers:
--Washington power lobbyists Tony and Heather Podesta have picked up a New York pied-à-terre, paying $3.247 million for an apartment at the Sohmer Piano Building at 170 Fifth Avenue.
--via the NY Observer, The Sloane mansion, which was once listed at $64 million, is now listed with a new broker and a new lower price, $39 million. The listing is here.

Gallery: Sloane Mansion


--via the NY Observer, a one-bedroom (plus library) apartment in the Sherry Netherland building has gone on sale for $9.5 million. The listing is here.

Gallery: Life at the Sherry-Netherland


--Actress Kristen Johnston has closed on the sale of her duplex at 296 West 10th Street. The two-bedroom apartment with a solarium and terrace was listed for $1.795 million and sold for $1.7 million to costume designers John Orberg and Janet Kuhl.

Gallery: Kristen Johnston in The West Village


--via Curbed, Armon Bar-Tur, a managing director at SafeHarbor Capital Partners, and his wife Rebecca, have found a buyer for their townhouse at 92 Charles Street. The four-bedroom home, which the couple bought for $6 million in 2006 and listed for $14.95 million in October, has gone into contract after less than a month on the market.
--Hedge funder Steve Stuart, who left Fortress Investment Group in 2007 has found a buyer for his 35th floor apartment at the Park Laurel on West 63rd Street. The four-bedroom condo, which Stuart bought for $5.4 million in 2004 and put on the market for $10.8 million in October 2008, sold this week to an unidentified buyer for $7.4 million.
--via the NY Post, real estate investor Michael Hirtenstein is the mystery buyer who has agreed to purchase financier Armon Bar-Tur's townhouse at 92 Charles Street for "about $13.5 million."
--via Curbed, Gigi Mahon, an interior decorator, author, and the wife of former Citicorp vice chairman Thomas Theobold, has put her two units at the Plaza on the market for $22.5 million. Mahon bought the two units separately for $3.66 million and $10.02 million back in 2007. The listing is here.
--via the NY Post, Mets outfielder Gary Sheffield and his wife have gone into contract to sell their home in Alpine, NJ. It had been listed for $5 million.

From Newsday's Real LI:
--Jamie Drake, the interior designer who counts Mayor Bloomberg as one of his clients, has put his East Hampton, New York home on the market for $2.9 million. The listing is here.

Gallery: Jamie Drake in East Hampton


A Matinecock, New York mansion will go up for auction on November 17 auction. The auction is being held by Grand Estates Auction and the home will be sold to the highest bidder, with no reserves and no minimums and buyers must present a $50,000 certified check in order to bid on the property. The 5.33-acre estate is appraised at $10 million.
--Lands End, the 13.35-acre Sands Point estate which may have been the inspiration for Daisy Buchanan's home in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "Great Gatsby," is back on the market with an approval for a five-lot subdivision and a price of $30 million. The property has a 25-room mansion was designed by Stanford White and built in 1902. The listing is here.
--Private eye Bo Dietl has gone into contract to sell his Manhasset home. The former cop and occasional TV commentator bought the home for $2.3 million in 2004, listed it for $3.295 million in August and is reportedly selling for "just over $3 million."


From ShelterPop:
--Ellen DeGeneras has purchased a horse ranch outside of Westlake Village, California.
--Lndsay Lohan and Sam Ronson both recently moved from their leased houses in the Beachwood Canyon area of Los Angeles and into leased condos at the very same West Hollywood high-rise building where Nicole Richie once owned multi-million dollar digs. Sam's previous place on Beachwood Canyon Drive iscurrently available for lease at $4,350 a month and Lindsay's former rental on El Contento Drive is also up for rent for $8,900 a month.

From AOL Real Estate:
--Check out a list of the most expensive homes on the market in the United States.

From the NY Post:
-- Liev Schreiber and Naomi Watts have been spotted checking out listings at 120 11th Ave.
--Louise Sunshine, is helping her son, broker Sam Sunshine, sell the One Beacon Court apartment owned by her husband, Martin Begun. The apartment is listed at $6.75 million.
--Singer Frankie Valli has been showing some interest in a $3.3 million, three-bedroom apartment at the Rushmore, a luxury condo development on the Upper West Side. The apartment is now listed as 'in contract.'

From the Wall Street Journal's Private Properties:
--Connie Chung and Maury Povich are in contract to buy a home listed for $8.98 million in the Embassy Row area of Washington. The couple, with their son, plan to move from New York in 2010 or 2011.
--Former Lehman Brothers president Joseph M. Gregory has gone into contract on his seven-acre Manchester, Vermont estate, which he listed for $2.48 million. He bought the seven-acre Vermont property for $675,000 in 1993. His 2.5-acre oceanfront estate in Bridgehampton, New York remains on the market with an asking price of $27.9 million.

Gallery: Joseph Gregory in the Hamptons



From the Real Estalker:
--Hollywood talent manager Jeff Kwatinetz has listed his four-bedroom Malibu home for $7.299 million. The listing is here.
--Sophia Loren's son Edoardo Ponti and his wife Sasha Alexander have listed their four-bedroom Los Angeles home for $2.135 million. The listing is here.
--Designer Max Azria has listed his home in Beverly Hills for $6.899 million. The listing is here.
--Celebrity hair stylist and reality television star Jonathan Antin has listed his four-bedroom home in Toluca Lake for $1.999 million. The listing is here.

From Zillow Blog:
--Curt Schilling has reduced the price of his Medfield, Massachusetts home again. It is now listed at $4.5 million down from an original $8 million.

Gallery: Curt Schilling's Estate

LuxistSunday Real Estate Round-Up, 11/15/09 originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bo dietlBoDietlcelebrity real estateCelebrityRealEstateedoardo pontiEdoardoPontijamie drakeJamieDrakejeff kwatinetzJeffKwatinetzjonathan antinJonathanAntinkristen johnstonKristenJohnstonliev schreiberLievSchreibermax azriaMaxAzrianaomi wattsNaomiWattssasha alexanderSashaAlexanderSun, 15 Nov 2009 09:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Samantha Harris In Westwood, Estate of the Day ]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/14/samantha-harris-in-westwood-estate-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/14/samantha-harris-in-westwood-estate-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/14/samantha-harris-in-westwood-estate-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under: ,

samantha harrisEntertainment journalist and Dancing with the Stars co-host Samantha Harris and her husband Mark Hess have listed their home in the Westwood area of Los Angeles, California home for $1.595 million. Records on Property Shark show that they bought the four-bedroom home for $1.6 million in 2007 and so the pair won't make any money on the deal.

The Spanish-style home has wood beamed ceilings, hardwood floors, a freshly remodeled kitchen and a master suite that includes a bathroom with an extra large shower with double shower heads. A pretty pink princess room is decorated for the couple's two-year-old daughter and there is also a multicolored playroom. The home has a private sundeck.

[via Move Trends, via Celebs Digs HQ]

Gallery: Samantha Harris In Westwood

Continue reading Samantha Harris In Westwood, Estate of the Day

LuxistSamantha Harris In Westwood, Estate of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>california real estateCaliforniaRealEstatecelebrity real estateCelebrityRealEstatedancing with the starsDancingWithTheStarsestate of the dayEstateOfTheDaysamantha harrisSamanthaHarriswestwoodSat, 14 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Hold A House Party at Temple Guiting Manor in the Cotswolds ]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/14/hold-a-house-party-at-temple-guiting-manor-in-the-cotswolds/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/14/hold-a-house-party-at-temple-guiting-manor-in-the-cotswolds/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/14/hold-a-house-party-at-temple-guiting-manor-in-the-cotswolds/#commentsFiled under: ,


Maybe you can't afford to buy a Luxist Estate of the Day, however you may enjoy living in in similar splendor for a week. In fact why not invite your friends and family to share a totally planned fun filled vacation, otherwise known as a House Party.

Sophie Conran, the daughter of the renowned British design guru Terrance Conran, has teamed up with Temple Guiting Manor to help visitors plan a bespoke country house party. A perfect way to celebrate a holiday, special occasion or just enjoy time away with family and friends, a house party allows for a quieter more relaxing level of conspicuous consumption. Ideally, even though you may be the host or hostess, that role exists for you in name only. Renting a manor house somewhere in the British Isles is a stress free way to entertain as if you were in your own luxury home but with none of the ensuing hassles.

Temple Guiting Manor, which has been privately owned since the 15th century, has been restored to the highest standards. Architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner stated that it is "one of the finest, if not the very best of the small Cotswold Tudor houses." While the house which sleeps 10 is available on a self-catering basis why not let Sophie and her team cater to your every whim for a true break. Not only do they provide you with all the normal amenities of a fine hotel but there are countless experts in every category imaginable to inspire you and your guests. Sophie's philosophy is "If you want to make something, then learn it from the best".

Examples include:
  • Executive chef Alan Bird, of the ever popular celebrity frequented The Ivy, will hold a master class.
  • Jim Murray proclaimed by the BBC as the "world guru of whiskey" will educate you on the process of making whiskey.
  • Knitting and crochet lessons from Clare Ward and Sarah Coates
  • Flower design workshop with talked about florist Nikki Tibbles whose clients include Gucci, Chanel and Ralph Lauren
  • Simon Stocken a former national bridge and poker player will teach you all the tricks you need to excel at the games

Favorite country pursuits such as golf, gliding, fishing, clay pigeon game shooting are also available.

The bespoke house party tradition has been updated for the modern lifestyle, and it is a unique experience to be able to relax in a rural retreat in a spectacular setting where every whim and need is accommodated by the most talented in the business.

Gallery: Temple Guiting Manor


LuxistHold A House Party at Temple Guiting Manor in the Cotswolds originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CotswoldsEnglandestate of the dayEstateOfTheDayhouse partyHousePartySophie ConranSophieConranTemple Guiting ManorTempleGuitingManorTerrance ConranTerranceConrantravelwintertravelwintertravel-pediaSat, 14 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA["Just Don't Call it Wolf's Lair," Estate of the Day ]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/13/just-dont-call-it-wolfs-lair-estate-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/13/just-dont-call-it-wolfs-lair-estate-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/13/just-dont-call-it-wolfs-lair-estate-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under:


What's not to love about a castle that sits under the Hollywood sign? Especially if the price has been chopped from $7.5 million (the price the house was listed for in June 2008) to $4.7 million?

TV personality Debbie Matenopoulos and her soon-to-be-ex-husband Lionsgate Entertainment music executive Jay Faires have re-listed their Norman-style castle, once known as Wolf's Lair. The couple reportedly bought in 2002 for $2.9 million. Because of the association with Hitler's bunker of the same name, plans are to change the name to something, well, more castle-y.

The turreted 5,485-square-foot castle that sits on 3.3 acres was built in the 1920s and includes a two-bedroom guest house designed by architect John Lautner. The main house was built by and named after L. Milton Wolf, the developer of Hollywoodland. In fact, the Hollywood sign that sits behind the home was put there by Wolf to advertise Hollywoodland. ( The original sign bore that name and was covered with 4,000 flashing electric light bulbs.) There is a heart-shaped black-bottom pool and eight bedrooms total on the property, which sits high above Los Angeles' Beachwood Canyon.

Lure about this property is legendary. Wolf, something of a ladies' man, reportedly installed a secret apartment under the gatehouse where he entertained, ahem, privately.

Bugsy Siegal's former castle -- the one Madonna owned subsequently -- is right up the road a piece. Castillo del Lago is listed at $9.95 million, making the former Wolf's Lair a relative bargain.

Ernie Carswell of Teles Properties, Beverly Hills, has the listing.



Gallery: Just Don't Call It 'Wolf's Lair'

Continue reading "Just Don't Call it Wolf's Lair," Estate of the Day

Luxist"Just Don't Call it Wolf's Lair," Estate of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugsy siegelBugsySiegelcastillo del lagoCastilloDelLagocelebrity real estateCelebrityRealEstatedebbie matenopoulosDebbieMatenopoulosestate of the dayEstateOfTheDayhollywoodjohn lautnerJohnLautnermadonnaFri, 13 Nov 2009 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Nicolas Cage's New Orleans Homes Go Back To The Bank]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/13/nicolas-cages-new-orleans-homes-go-back-to-the-bank/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/13/nicolas-cages-new-orleans-homes-go-back-to-the-bank/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/13/nicolas-cages-new-orleans-homes-go-back-to-the-bank/#commentsFiled under: ,

Inicolas caget's official, Nic Cage is no longer a homeowner in New Orleans. The Times-Picayune reports on the foreclosure auction which saw Cage losing both his French Quarter and Garden District homes. Cage's lender, Regions Bank, bought both homes back for a total of $4.5 million, which is two-thirds of the value that appraisers hired by the bank had determined they were worth. There were no other bids for the property. Cage did not attend the auction. The city will collect $151,729 in unpaid property taxes. Cage owed approximately $5.5 million on the homes. The bank is free to go after Hancock Park Real Estate Company, Cage's real estate holding company, for the other $1 million and can also try to sell the homes at market value to raise the money.

Cage bought his six-bedroom Garden District home in 2005 for $3.45 million and listed it for sale for $3.7 million. Cage's New Orleans other home, the haunted LaLaurie mansion was bought by Cage in 2006 for $3.45 million. He listed it for $3.9 million. He has blamed his former business manager, Sam Levin, for his recent financial woes including a $6 million IRS bill. He still has homes in Las Vegas, England, Rhode Island and the Bahamas either on the market or about to be sold.

Gallery: Another Nicolas Cage Home In New Orleans


Gallery: Nicolas Cage in New Orleans

LuxistNicolas Cage's New Orleans Homes Go Back To The Bank originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>new orleansNewOrleansnicolas cageNicolasCageFri, 13 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stevens Estate, Estate of the Day]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/12/the-stevens-estate-estate-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/12/the-stevens-estate-estate-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/12/the-stevens-estate-estate-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under:


Mark Ecko's Stronghold isn't the only lavish estate in Bernardsville, New Jersey. The area was once a summer colony for Wall Street financiers after the Civil War. The Stevens Estate is a 15-acre property which was originally the summer mansion of Robert Livingston Stevens, whose family was instrumental in the development of steam-powered boats & locomotives and founded Stevens Institute of Technology. Present owner Nat Conti and architect Jeffrey Beer took on the task of restoring and updating the home including the addition of an entire new wing and a main kitchen. The entertainment level replicates a Parisian street scene with a courtyard and a home theater complete with lobby, café, and candy counter. The grounds include formal gardens, a reflecting pool with ornamental water plants and a swimming pool pavilion with a center fountain and cherub fountains. This home is listed at $16.75 million.

Gallery: The Stevens Estate

Continue reading The Stevens Estate, Estate of the Day

LuxistThe Stevens Estate, Estate of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bernardsvilleestate of the dayEstateOfTheDaynew jerseyNewJerseystevens estateStevensEstateThu, 12 Nov 2009 13:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Nightingale House, Estate of the Day ]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/11/nightingale-house-estate-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/11/nightingale-house-estate-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/11/nightingale-house-estate-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under:


You have to love a home where a giant flatscreen television shares the same room with a suit of armor. Nightingale house in the Mayfair area of London is a classic home which has been given a recent renovation to make it elegantly livable. In its current condition it is cluttered but deliciously so, featuring fine antiques in many of the high-ceilinged reception rooms. Bedrooms, and even a bathroom, contain fireplaces with carved marble mantlepieces. The home has a roof terrace, four bedrooms but only garage enough for one large car. It is listed at a Freehold Guide price of £12,000,000.

Gallery: Nightingale House

Continue reading Nightingale House, Estate of the Day

LuxistNightingale House, Estate of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>estate of the dayEstateOfTheDaylondonmayfairnightingale houseNightingaleHouseWed, 11 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Alberto Gonzales Lists Virginia Home]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/10/alberto-gonzales-lists-virginia-home/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/10/alberto-gonzales-lists-virginia-home/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/10/alberto-gonzales-lists-virginia-home/#commentsFiled under: ,

alberto gonzalesFormer U.S. attorney general Alberto Gonzales is finally officially leaving Washington behind for good. He and his wife are selling their five-bedroom home in the McLean Hamlet area of McLean, Virginia. The Washington Post reports that Gonzales is moving his family closer to his job at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.

The home was bought in 2005 through a trust for $1.05 million. The center-entrance Colonial home has hardwood floors, a kitchen with granite countertops and a fully finished walk-out basement. What makes this home distinctive is the security. It has a video security system with four separate cameras. There is also a safe room behind a secure metal door off the master bedroom. The home is listed at $1.075 million meaning that Gonzales isn't making any money off this deal.

[via Berg Properties Big TIme Listings]

Gallery: Alberto Gonzales In McLean

LuxistAlberto Gonzales Lists Virginia Home originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alberto gonzalesAlbertoGonzalesmcleanreal estateRealEstatevirginiaTue, 10 Nov 2009 23:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Georgica Manor, Estate of the Day ]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/10/georgica-manor-estate-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/10/georgica-manor-estate-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/10/georgica-manor-estate-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under:

georgica manor
Today's home in East Hampton, New York is build as a designer's home but I haven't been able to find out the identity of the designer. The 14,000 square foot stone and stucco manor house on 1.3 acres overlooking a 17-acre meadow preserve minutes from the ocean. The home is beautifully turned out with a dramatic double-height entry hall with some sort of sculpture, a living room with coffered ceiling, formal dining room, large kitchen/family room, library and the coolest room in the house, a circular domed office. The master suite has a study and twin baths and there are four additional guest bedroom suites. The finished basement has a playroom, wine storage, gym and two staff bedrooms. The property includes a heated pool, stone pool house and a garage. The lovely designer furnishings are available separately. It's listed at $17 million.

Gallery: Georgica Manor

Continue reading Georgica Manor, Estate of the Day

LuxistGeorgica Manor, Estate of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>east hamptonEastHamptonestate of the dayEstateOfTheDaygeorgica pondGeorgicaPondhamptons real estateHamptonsRealEstateTue, 10 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Bill Wrigley Jr.'s Big Sell Off In Illinois, Estates of the Day]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/09/bill-wrigley-jr-s-big-sell-off-in-illinois-estates-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/09/bill-wrigley-jr-s-big-sell-off-in-illinois-estates-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/09/bill-wrigley-jr-s-big-sell-off-in-illinois-estates-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under:

bill wrigley jr.Usually when we are looking at raw space for a tremendous price it's a New York City apartment but in Chicago a massive penthouse just went on sale for $14 million making it the most expensive home on the market in the area. It is being sold by Bill Wrigley, Jr., the current chairman and former CEO of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company.

The space is over 11,000 square feet with two terraces (1,500 spare feet each) and six garage spaces. The penthouse is three units combined into one on the eighth floor of a limestone building at 65 E. Goethe St. It opens to all four exposures and has lake views. It comes with the architectural plans which Wrigley had commissioned. It is listed with Baird & Warner.

Gallery: Bill Wrigley Jr. In Chicago



The Chicago Tribune's Elite Street column also reports that Wrigley's beautiful home in Lake Forest, Illinois is also on the market. It was on the market for $16 million in a pocket listing previously but is now listed for $14.5 million with Ned Skae of Coldwell Banker. The seven-bedroom home was built in 1912 and designed by architect Howard Van Doren Shaw. Wrigley Jr. bought the home in 2003 for $9.9 million and it has been renovated and restored for gracious family living. The 3.1 acre property with lake views includes a pool and a terrace.

Where is Bill Wrigley Jr. headed? Crack real estate sleuth Bob Goldsborough found that Wrigley paid $11 million in April for a home in North Palm Beach, Florida and paid $11.53 million in May for property in Aspen, Colorado. Just last year Mars bought the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company in a transaction valued at $23 billion.

Given that both homes are of similar cost which would you choose if you had the money, the promise of a raw Chicago penthouse or the finished elegance of the Lake Forest mansion?

Gallery: Bill Wrigley Jr. in Lake Forest

Continue reading Bill Wrigley Jr.'s Big Sell Off In Illinois, Estates of the Day

LuxistBill Wrigley Jr.'s Big Sell Off In Illinois, Estates of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill wrigley jrBillWrigleyJrchicagoestate of the dayEstateOfTheDaylake forestLakeForestpenthousewrigleyMon, 09 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[The Classicist: Celebrating the English Country House]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/09/the-classicist-celebrating-the-english-country-house/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/09/the-classicist-celebrating-the-english-country-house/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/09/the-classicist-celebrating-the-english-country-house/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We have always been entranced by the history, both cultural and architectural, of the grand country houses of England. The London-based magazine Country Life has long been the essential chronicle of these iconic estates, having featured a different country house in each weekly issue since it was founded back in 1897 and advertised many hundreds more in its property pages. A stunning new book, The English Country House, by Mary Miers from Rizzoli is sourced from the magazine's incredible archives. More than 400 images, mostly in color, highlight 62 houses encompassing a range of architectural styles spanning seven centuries beginning with the medieval Stokesay Castle and also examining the decoration, gardens, and landscapes, settings that inspire a continuing tradition of sporting style via country pursuits pursued with panache such as hunting and shooting, as well as whole schools of interior design.

As a result of its famous series of beautifully illustrated and authoritative articles, Country Life amassed an "astonishing library of photography and scholarship that provides a fascinating record of changing tastes and approaches to the country house and its garden over the past century," Miers notes. The book is illustrated almost entirely with images from its famous picture library, many of them by leading photographers of their day. The focus is not on the world-famous palaces that have now become museums, but rather the sort of houses to which Country Life has had privileged access over the years, many of which are still private homes often occupied by descendants of the families that built them. In the gallery you can preview photos from the book of Parnham House in Dorset, Honington Hall in Warwickshire, Claydon House in Buckinghamshire, and Renishaw Hall in Derbyshire.

Gallery: The English Country House

Parnham House, DorsetHonington Hall, WarwickshireHonington Hall, WarwickshireClaydon House, BuckinghamshireRenishaw Hall, Derbyshire


Spanning more than seven centuries, these houses were nearly all built as an "expression of status at the center of a landed estate, many interpreting the mainstream architectural trends of the day with their own distinctive provincial character," Miers notes. "They celebrate that rich seam of English domestic architecture that reflects, through a variety of material and design, the diversity of the English landscape and its regional traditions of craftsmanship." Punctuating the book at intervals in the form of booklet inserts on rich, uncoated paper are six essays by leading British architectural historians that set the English country house into its social context and chart "the changing tastes in decorating and collecting, the development of ancillary buildings, gardens and landscapes, and finally, its influence in the United States" in our own magnates' mansions.

LuxistThe Classicist: Celebrating the English Country House originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>architecturecastlecountry houseCountry LifeCountryHouseCountryLifeEnglandgardenphotographyUKMon, 09 Nov 2009 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Kirk Hammett in San Francisco, Estate of the Day]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/08/kirk-hammett-in-san-francisco-estate-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/08/kirk-hammett-in-san-francisco-estate-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/08/kirk-hammett-in-san-francisco-estate-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under: ,


Today's San Francisco home isn't just a piece of celebrity real estate, it's a before and after. We first checked out the home of Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett in 2006 when it was listed at $12.5 million. At that time the Georgian home in Pacific Heights was so decked out in velvet and wine colors that one commenter called it the "Shady Rest Funeral Home." Even the kitchen was red. The home disappeared off the market but now as the Wall Street Journal's Private Properties column reports, it's back. And it's a whole lot brighter inside. Hammett has had this home for a while. He paid $2.56 million for the home in 1993. The home has eight bedrooms and a music studio and a billiard room with a bar in the basement. The renovation did not change any of the home's beautiful lines and vintage wood details, but those touches are showcased much better against a more neutral palette. The former music studio is now repurposed as a family recreation area and the listing states that the area would be perfect as a home theater. This home is now listed at $9 million.

Gallery: Kirk Hammett in San Francisco

Continue reading Kirk Hammett in San Francisco, Estate of the Day

LuxistKirk Hammett in San Francisco, Estate of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>celebrity real estateCelebrityRealEstateestate of the dayEstateOfTheDaykirk hammettKirkHammettmetallicasan franciscoSanFranciscoSun, 08 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Sunday Real Estate Round-Up, 11/08/09]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/08/sunday-real-estate-round-up-11-08-09/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/08/sunday-real-estate-round-up-11-08-09/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/08/sunday-real-estate-round-up-11-08-09/#commentsFiled under: ,


From the LA Times Hot Properties:
--The Beverly Hills home of the late DJ Adam " DJ AM" Goldstein has come on the market at $3.795 million. The listing for the midcentury one-story home, shown above, is here.
--Lakers player Sasha Vujacic will be among the first owners to call the W Hollywood Residences home when the building opens in mid-January. He has purchased a two-bedroom condo in the 15-story building.
--Author and screenwriter Brian Garfield has sold his Beverly Hills Post Office-area home for $1.795 million.
--The Antonio Moreno estate, a 1930 mansion named for the film star who lived in it until 1935, has sold for $4.2 million.
--Football great Joe Montana and his wife, Jennifer, have listed their 500-acre estate in Sonoma County's wine country for $49 million. The property website is here.

From the NY Post:
--A mysterious Asian real estate investor by the name of J. Lo has been renting a $100,000-a-month Park Imperial condo that belongs to Kobi Alexander, a former technology executive-turned-fugitive who's on the lam in Namibia. He has also signed a contract on a seven-bedroom condo at the Park Laurel building on West 63rd Street for close to its $28 million asking price. Lo also put a bid of close to $40 million on a Time Warner Center apartment owned by Internet pioneer Todd Wagner even though that residence isn't on the market. Lo also checked out a $31 million penthouse at Trump Park Avenue but has yet to make an offer there.
--Pharmaceutical mogul Richard Ullman has just sold his condo at One Central Park West for around $17 million.
Ullman also owns a condo at 15 Central Park West, which he bought for $23.5 million and then tried to sell for a sky-high $75 million price tag that found no takers.
--The new rental building at 808 Columbus Ave. has gotten some star power. Residents in the luxury building include Shannon Elizabeth and "Law & Order" actor Anthony Anderson.

From Cityfile's Buyers and Sellers:
--Thomas Renyi, who retired as chairman and CEO of the Bank of New York last year, has picked up an apartment at 920 Fifth Avenue for $7.55 million, $2.55 million less than what it was first listed for in April 2008.
--The Hampshire House apartment once owned by the late Wall Street titan Zalman Bernstein is back on the market at a discount. The 25th-floor residence first went on the market for $17.5 million in 2007 but is now priced at $11.5 million. The listing is here.
--Arlene Farkas, the ex-wife of real estate heir Bruce Farkas, has cut price of her 14-room duplex at the River House. The five-bedroom co-op first hit the market for $15 million last November and is now listed for $12.3 million.
--Retired Phillip Morris executive Murray Bring, and his wife, Kathleen, have sold their 14th-floor apartment at 935 Park Avenue for $3.625 million.
--via NYT, sculptor Louise Bourgeois has been identified as the buyer behind the purchase of costume designer William Ivey Long's townhouse on West 20th Street. Bourgeois' Easton Foundation picked up the building for $4.75 million and will use it as an exhibition space and archive.
--via Curbed, Christopher Nixon Cox, the grandson of Richard Nixon, has sold his two-bedroom apartment at 10 East 70th Street for $1.4 million.
--via NYT, hedge fund manager Steve Eisman, who took a loss on the sale of his old apartment at 1125 Park Avenue back in August, has bought a four-bedroom penthouse duplex at 1120 Park Avenue for $7.4 million, 36 percent less than the original asking price.
--Investor and philanthropist Ephraim Gildor has fond a buyer for his duplex penthouse at the Park Laurel. It was listed at $28 million.
--Victoria's Secret president Ed Razek has sold his one-bedroom co-op at 32 East 64th Street for $2.25 million.
--Deborah Doyle McWhinney, who was appointed as the head of Citi's Personal Wealth Management division this spring, has paid $2.88 million for a co-op at 25 East 86th Street.
--Hedge fund manager Paolo Pellegrini has closed on the purchase of a 3,500-square-foot apartment at 88 Central Park West. Pellegrini and his wife Henrietta paid $9 million for the co-op, down from the $10.995 million asking price that owners Ray Errol Fox and Jean Thomas were seeking.

From the NY Observer's Manhattan Transfers:
--Software mogul Marty Sprinzen has found a buyer for his apartment at 838 Fifth Avenue. He bought for the ninth-floor residence for $15.8 million in 2007 and put it on the market for $24.5 million in May.
--Abigail Disney, Walt Disney's grandniece, put her two 300 West End Avenue apartments on the market for a combined $13,445,000 in 2008. She had paid the singer Harry Belafonte just $10.75 million for them a year and a half before. Last month, she and her husband sold off the apartments for $7.2 million, $3.55 million less than they'd paid.

From the Chicago Tribune's Elite Street:
WBBM-Ch. 2 political editor Mike Flannery has listed his longtime 17-room mansion in Beverly for $1.25 million. The listing is here.
--An 11-room, red brick center-entry Colonial-style house in Kenilworth that served as actor Steve Martin's family home in the 1987 movie "Planes, Trains & Automobiles" has sold for $1.4 million after initially being listed in 2007 for $2.995 million.
--Tammy Walker, wife of the late Northwestern University football coach Randy Walker, has taken a big loss on the 13-room Colonial-style house in Wilmette that she and her husband purchased shortly before his death in 2006, selling it for $1.555 million.

From Homes and Property UK:
--Pete Townshend's ex-wife Karen has sold Tennyson House, the Twickenham mansion where she and Pete raised their three children. The three-story Georgian brick house sold for £5.5 million.
--Comedians Lenny Henry and Dawn French have dropped the price on Hyde End Farm, their six-bedroom Grade II-listed Georgian home near Newbury. It was listed at £3 million through Strutt & Parker but is now down to £2.25 million.

From the Real Estalker:
--Michael Bay has picked a large piece of land in Bel-Air. He paid $10.9 million for a 4.93 acre, 3-parcel property with beautiful views. The current main house measures 6,067 square feet and includes two bedrooms but Bay may be planning to tear the house down.
--Did CNN news anchor Anderson Cooper and his partner buy a firehouse on West Third Street in New York City's Greenwich Village?
--Lisa Marie Presley has listed at home in Hidden Hills, California for $8.95 million.
--Media heir Lachlan Murdoch and his wife Sarah have spend $23 million Australian on Le Manoir, an estate in the suburbs of Sydney, Australia. The mansion was sold at auction by the French Government who used the Bellevue Hill estate as their consulate.
--Rumors are swirling that Tom Cruise paid $18 million for a home in San Francisco's Sea Cliff neighborhood but the Real Estalker thinks the buyer could also be Larry Ellison.

From the Wall Street Journal's Private Properties:
--Casino mogul Steve Wynn has paid $7.5 million for a Sun Valley, Idaho home.
NBA player Allen Iverson has cut the price of his Villanova, Pennsylvania home again. It is now listed at $3.25 million. It was at $3.999 million when we checked it out as an estate of the day last year.

Gallery: Iverson in Villanova

LuxistSunday Real Estate Round-Up, 11/08/09 originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allen iversonAllenIversonanderson cooperAndersonCoopercelebrity real estateCelebrityRealEstatedawn frenchDawnFrenchdj amDjAmlachlan murdochLachlanMurdochlisa marie presleyLisaMariePresleysasha vujacicSashaVujacicsteve wynnSteveWynntom cruiseTomCruiseSun, 08 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Creek Road, Estate of the Day ]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/07/dark-creek-road-estate-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/07/dark-creek-road-estate-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/07/dark-creek-road-estate-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under:

Today's estate is located inside the tranquil Monte Nido community in increasingly celebrity friendly Calabasas, California. The home is on a five acre spread that features waterfalls and streams, a koi-pond; two guest houses and a private meditation room displaying a 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains. The main residence is designed in a Tuscan style with walnut wood flooring and antique terracotta tile flooring created from the roof tops of 19th century French stables as well as a variety of exquisitely crafted hand-painted tiles.

The home is over 10,000 square feet spread out over three levels. A grand living room and formal dining area offer plenty of space for entertaining. The home's two-story library has alder shelving complete with map drawers, a fireplace with Italian limestone mantle and a double helix walnut staircase that leads you to the library's second-level. The home's 12 seat movie theater has a custom designed alder bar; fabric panel walls and leather motion seating.

The master bedroom suite offers a private terrace and has designer closets with built-in hampers, jewelry storage, tie racks, and pull out shoe and shirt storage. There are two master baths which include steam showers and a whirlpool tub. There are six bedrooms total. Outside there is a pool and spa, expansive outdoor seating with a fireplace and grill area. This home is listed at $14.9 million.

Gallery: Dark Creek Road

Continue reading Dark Creek Road, Estate of the Day

LuxistDark Creek Road, Estate of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>calabasascalifornia real estateCaliforniaRealEstateestate of the dayEstateOfTheDaySat, 07 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Russell Brand In Hampstead, Estate of the Day]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/06/russell-brand-in-hampstead-estate-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/06/russell-brand-in-hampstead-estate-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/06/russell-brand-in-hampstead-estate-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under: ,

russell brandBritish comedian and actor Russell Brand has been in the news a bit lately. He's been increasing his profile in the United States with more acting roles (he's set to take on the Dudley Moore role in the remake of Arthur) and with his romance with Katy Perry. Perhaps Brand is considering a permanent move to the U.S. because the BrickWork blog reports that Brand's home in the Hampstead area of London is on the market.

The Victorian home has been renovated in a hiply goth style that reminds me of the vintagey creations of Douglas Little. The home has five levels and features dark flocked wallpaper, large televisions and modern furniture. An entire room is given over to Brand's love of yoga and the plush black and silver master bedroom is exactly what you might from this self-confessed sex addict. The home also includes a media room, outdoor hot tub and a top floor bedroom suite which currently serves as an office. It is listed at £2.5 million.

Gallery: Russell Brand In Hampstead

Continue reading Russell Brand In Hampstead, Estate of the Day

LuxistRussell Brand In Hampstead, Estate of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>englandestate of the dayEstateOfTheDayhampsteadlondonrussell brandRussellBrandFri, 06 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Reggie Bush In the Hollywood Hills, Estate of the Day ]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/05/reggie-bush-in-the-hollywood-hills-estate-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/05/reggie-bush-in-the-hollywood-hills-estate-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/05/reggie-bush-in-the-hollywood-hills-estate-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under: , ,


I'm not up to date on the on again and off again relationship between Kim Kardashian and Reggie Bush but it is significant that the curvy reality television star put her home on the market a few weeks ago and now Bush, a New Orleans Saints football player has listed his Hollywood Hills home. I also suspect these two might have had the same decorator. Either that or Kardashian had a major influence on the decor of Bush's tri-level home on a cul-de-sac overlooking the city.

The four-bedroom home has views all the way to the ocean with a glittering swath of city spread out below. It is filled with touches that seem Kardashian inspired including zebra print cushions in the living room and a master suite with an apricot-colored padded headboard. Masculine touches reassert themselves in sports jerseys mounted on the staircase, a pool table on one of the home's many terraces and a wonderful walk-in gentleman's closet. This home has one of the most makeout friendly home theaters I've ever seen. It's decked out in black and red velvet. The football star also seems to have a love of his own monogram, his initials appear throughout the house including in the velvety red elevator. This home is listed at $5.099 million. According to the LA Times Hot Property, Bush bought the home for $4.7 million in 2007 for use as his off-season home.

The main home of the Jenner- Kardashian clan also remains on the market. It was originally listed at $3.395 million but is now listed at $2.995 million.


Gallery: Reggie Bush in the Hollywood Hills



Gallery: Kim Kardashian In Los Angeles



Gallery: The Jenner-Kardashian Clan in Hidden HIlls

Continue reading Reggie Bush In the Hollywood Hills, Estate of the Day

LuxistReggie Bush In the Hollywood Hills, Estate of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>celebrity real estateCelebrityRealEstateestate of the dayEstateOfTheDayhollywood hillsHollywoodHillsreggie bushReggieBushThu, 05 Nov 2009 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Real Estate Guru Has High hopes For Greenwich Digs]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/05/real-estate-guru-has-high-hopes-for-greenwich-digs/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/05/real-estate-guru-has-high-hopes-for-greenwich-digs/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/05/real-estate-guru-has-high-hopes-for-greenwich-digs/#commentsFiled under:


Starwood Hotels & Resorts veteran Barry Sternlicht is looking for real estate to surge in Greenwich, Connecticut. The wealthy New York City suburb got spanked over the past year as the city's financial industry gurus saw their bonuses jobs disappear and flooded the market with ostentatious homes on the market at a time when buyers were few and far between. A year later, Sternlicht thinks this town is ready to stage a comeback.

Sternlicht just raised the asking price on his 5.8 acre estate in Greenwich to $5.95 million, even though the local market is about to finish its worst year in the past 30. Jean Ruggiero, Sternlicht's real estate broker, said he pushed up the asking price because "we felt like we were giving it away." People showed some interest in the home, and the fact that other sellers were cutting prices didn't mean that Sternlicht had to follow. "Just because people are lowering their price doesn't mean it's right, because he's not a desperate seller, "Ruggiero said of Sternlicht.

The new number is 8.3 percent higher than the $5.495 million Sternlicht previously asked, even though prices for single-family homes in Greenwhich dropped 40 percent year-to-date.

Originally, the home was put on the market at $8.25 million in June 2008, and it was cut three times from September 2008 to April 2009. It boasts a tennis and shuffleboard court, pool and guest house ... and is of course gated.

Even at $5.95 million, Sternlicht will come out ahead. He bought the place in November 1994 for a mere $2.93 million.

Gallery: Barry Sternlicht in Greenwich


LuxistReal Estate Guru Has High hopes For Greenwich Digs originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barry sternlichtBarrySternlichtconnecticutgreenwichgreenwich connecticutGreenwichConnecticutluxury real estateLuxuryRealEstatemansionmansionsreal estateRealEstateThu, 05 Nov 2009 06:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Robert Taylor Ranch, Estate of the Day ]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/04/robert-taylor-ranch-estate-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/04/robert-taylor-ranch-estate-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/04/robert-taylor-ranch-estate-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under:


I thought we were done talking about this one. After all I've been following the potential sale of the the Robert Taylor Ranch in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles since 2005. The ranch, which was built in 1956, is a prime chunk of land with 122 acres of trees and equestrian trails. The large 34-room main house designed by Robert Byrd has Western appeal and includes a study, master bedroom with dual baths and a spa room. The home's vintage appeal includes a wine cellar, bar, screening room, game room and more. There are four guest houses for a total of 17 bedrooms on the estate. The grounds include a pool, tennis court, and stables. We've seen it listed at a variety of prices, $35 million, then $40 million and up to $50 million in 2005. Then in 2007 we heard that it would be auctioned off following several notices of default in 2006. The ranch never sold and now it's back on the market with its highest price yet, $65 million. It can be divided into four large lots (in addition to the 11-acre lot where the ranch is located) but will that be enough to tempt a buyer in this market?

Gallery: Robert Taylor Ranch

Continue reading Robert Taylor Ranch, Estate of the Day

LuxistRobert Taylor Ranch, Estate of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brentwoodestate of the dayEstateOfTheDaylos angeles real estateLosAngelesRealEstaterobert taylor ranchRobertTaylorRanchWed, 04 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Aura Residence, Estate of the Day ]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/03/the-aura-residence-estate-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/03/the-aura-residence-estate-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/03/the-aura-residence-estate-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under:


The Aura residence is like nothing I've ever seen before. This unique home is located in Larnaca on the island of Cyprus a short drive from the Larnaca marina and the Cyprus international airport. The design was based on the Kanagawa wave of the famous Japanese artist "Hokusai" and features a unique ribbed roof. The luxurious home on Dekelia beach has six bedrooms, a hammam, media room, swimming pool with two Jacuzzis, yoga platform and more. It is listed at €12,500,000.

Gallery: The Aura Residence

Continue reading The Aura Residence, Estate of the Day

LuxistThe Aura Residence, Estate of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aura residenceAuraResidencecyprusdesign houseDesignHouseestate of the dayEstateOfTheDaylarnacaTue, 03 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Remarkable Residences, Through the Eye of an Earl]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/02/remarkable-residences-through-the-eye-of-an-earl/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/02/remarkable-residences-through-the-eye-of-an-earl/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/02/remarkable-residences-through-the-eye-of-an-earl/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The English aristocrat the 12th Earl of Drogheda, better known as Derry Moore to his friends, is an arbiter of taste and style but also an accomplished photographer for Architectural Digest and other magazines, as well as the the author of several books. His latest, In House, just published by Rizzoli, is a selection of interiors from what he considers to be some of the world's most remarkable residences photographed over the last 35 years. The 28 houses pictured within are richly diverse in style and period with a common thread of originality, eccentricity and aesthetic appeal. They range from an airy and colorful palace in Morocco to an "austere but whimsical" Scottish castle; an Art Deco masterpiece in Jodhpur to a cluttered apartment in Prague; and from the museum-like home of one of London's most macabre collectors to the "extravagant remnants of Madrid's aristocratic heritage." Each of the houses is accompanied by commentary from noted architecture and design writer Mitchell Owens, and is laid out with an eye to its unique character by award-winning graphic designer Jonathan Barnbrook.

LuxistRemarkable Residences, Through the Eye of an Earl originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Architectural DigestArchitecturalDigestaristocratcastleinterior designInteriorDesignphotographerphotographyUKMon, 02 Nov 2009 16:01:00 EST