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LaJolla

This Weekend's La Jolla Motor Car Classic features Rita Hayworth's Cadillac

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos



As if you needed another reason to go to the beach, or another reason to go the beach in La Jolla, this weekend provides: La Jolla Cove will again host this weekend's La Jolla Motor Car Classic. And while the gathering will be doing its best to honor the works of the hands of some guy by the name of Carroll Shelby (yes, that one), it the honor accorded to Rita Hayworth that you might truly be interested in.

Or at least, that of her Cadillac. Understandably taken with the charms of Lady H, Prince Ali Khan bought her a 1953 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe that was custom built by Carrozzeria Ghia. There are only two of them in the world, and only one of them was owned by the woman who helped Tim Robbins swim through a mile of you-know-what (hint: Shawshank). And yes, it's purple.

There will be other cars there from other lands so you can get your vintage on – British, Italian, German marques, horseless carriages, vintage motorcycles, et al. And there's always that Shelby guy. But come now, we all know that you go for Rita, and stay for the rest. The show begins Sunday, January 10th, at 9:00 a.m.

La Jolla Is The Most Expensive Real Estate Market

Filed under: Estates


Coldwell Banker has released their 2009 Coldwell Banker® Home Price Comparison Index (HPCI) and found that La Jolla, Calif., is the most expensive market. In fact there is an over $2 million gap between what they deem the most expensive and most affordable U.S. housing markets. The comparison of similar 2,200-square foot homes in 310 U.S. housing markets found that the average home price in La Jolla is $2.125 million while at the other end of the spectrum, Grayling, Mich., was the most affordable market in America, where a similarly sized home costs $112,675. California fared badly, 13 other California markets are on the most expensive list while Grayling was one of 20 Midwest communities on the most affordable list (others include Akron, Canton, Detroit and Wichita).

Looking at four-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath homes in the United States, thirty percent of the markets show this type of home to be below $200,000, while half of the markets surveyed showed an average price for this type of home to be less than $300,000 meaning there are deals out there. The cumulative average sales price of the four-bedroom homes surveyed in the 310 U.S. markets (including one in Puerto Rico) covered in the Coldwell Banker HPCI is $363,460.

The mention of La Jolla gave me a chance to check in on one of my favorite estates which happens to be in the seaside town. The Razor was once listed at $39 million, it was $32 million when I covered it in April and is now down to $28 million.

Gallery: The Razor

The Razor, Estate of the Day

Filed under: Estates


Architect Wallace E. Cunningham has been deemed one of Architectural Digest's Top 100 Designers and today's estate shows why he earned that title. The Razor in La Jolla, California is as perfect a slice of concrete and glass positioned for ideal ocean views. When Architectural Digest published a piece about this property last year the owner, Don Cooksey was quoted as saying :"I'll never have a collection better than that view," says the software designer and entrepreneur. "That's my art. That thing's alive."

The home offers a panorama revealed in a series of curved forms set into the cliffside. The soft angles keep the house from being simply another modern glass box. The 11,000-square-foot home has four bedroom including a master with a large swoop of a fireplace. There is also a two level guest house and features private access to Black's Beach. The home hit the market last July for $39 million but is now listed at $32 million.

UPDATE: As of September 2009 this house is listed at $28 million. Experience more lush living in luxury homes and mansions or see the stars living large with celebrity homes galleries at AOL Real Estate.

Gallery: The Razor

La Jolla Estate, Estate of the Day

Filed under: Estates


This house in La Jolla, California has the type of old-fashioned glamour that is often missing in newer homes with a similar style. This home which was built in the 1920s has an Old Hollywood feel even though it is a bit further down the California coast. The home has views of the Pacific Ocean and has undergone a renovation that includes an interactive computerized lighting system, home technology system and a security system with surveillance cameras (a touch of New Hollywood). Another Hollywood touch are the wrought iron railings and light fixtures purchased from the Jayne Mansfield estate and replicated by local artisans. My favorite detail is the mosaic dome. The home was recently reduced to $16.5 million.

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