Nashville

The $85,000 Custom Diamond & Alligator Guitar

Filed under: Gadgets

Rock Royalty, a new Nashville-based luxury design house that manufactures one-of-a-kind, custom guitars, is offering the ultimate in rock star decadence: an $85,000 custom alligator skin, diamond and sterling silver Fender Telecaster. The eye-popping instrument comes wrapped in exquisite natural black alligator skin from Louisiana, and features black diamond and sterling silver volume knobs, a selector switch set with rubies, and six handmade diamond tuning keys set in sterling silver. They also have a custom Gibson Les Paul for $125,000, set with almost 50 carats of black and white diamonds if that's too cheap. The company promises never to duplicate a design so that each piece remains totally unique. The Telecaster and Les Paul are two of nine original designs created for the brand's debut; other models come wrapped in stingray skin and various other exotic finishes. The only question is whether to play them or hang them over the fireplace.

[via JustLuxe]

Gallery: Rock Royalty Custom Guitars

Tags: alligator, alligator+guitar, alligatorguitar, custom, diamond, guitars, music, Nashville, Rock Royalty, sterling silver

Page Road, Estate of the Day

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates

Today's home is far and away the most expensive on the market in Nashville, Tennessee right now. The home was built in 1999 and is on six acres. The home itself has over 20,000 square feet of space. It was designed by Mark Harrison, built by Will Andrews with interior design by Mary Spalding. The six-bedroom home is rich with marbles, stones and woods from around the world with a recurring theme of vaulted wood ceilings and exposed brick. There is a wine cellar, pool, multiple outdoor fireplaces and more. This home is listed at $22.5 million.

Gallery: Page Road, Nashville

Tags: estate of the day, nashville, tennessee real estate

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Downtown Nashville's Hotel Indigo Files Chapter 11

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Bad news for one of Nashville's two Hotel Indigo properties. The Tennessean is reporting a default on a $17.5 million loan on the property for the Hotel Indigo on Union Street in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. The hotel property's owner, 315 Union Street Holdings LLC., and the owner of the hotel business itself, Union Street Plaza Operations LLC, each filed separate Chapter 11 petitions in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Nashville last week. They listed total combined debts of about $25.6 million against assets of about $14.1 million, which takes into account the $13.1 million value of the real estate. The article states that Branch Banking & Trust of Atlanta holds the $17.5 million loan and seeks to foreclose on the property.

Mark Lineberry, the president and majority stockholder of the two companies, said that the Chapter 11 filing was an effort to hold off foreclosure and work toward a possible restructuring. As is usual in these types of cases, the hotel remains open for business. Lineberry told the Tennessean that the hotel is doing well and making money. The other local Hotel Indigo, on West End Avenue, is not affected.

The Hotel Indigo on Union Street opened last fall in two historic buildings, 301 Union and 315 Union, which were combined. The 301 Union structure, built in 1909, was originally the American Trust Building; the other, built in 1926, was the Nashville Trust Co.

Tags: chapter 11, hotel indigo, hotels in trouble, nashville

Kelly Clarkson Lists Her Nashville Home

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates, Celebrity Shopping

The Real Estalker alerted us to the fact that Kelly Clarkson, the first American Idol winner, is on the move. Clarkson has listed the Nashville home she bought in 2007 for $1.49 million. The Real Estalker covered this home in April 2008 so we can do a little compare and contrast with the listing pictures. It looks like, given the current very staged decor, Clarkson has already moved on but not before she changed some of the landscaping, added white plantation shutters, darkened the hardwood floors and went a little crazy with the paint selections. Practically every room is a different vivid color. Clarkson also upgraded the kitchen with green cabinets and new stainless steel appliances. Clarkson has listed the home for $1.449 million which means she will take a loss on the home.

Gallery: Kelly Clarkson in Nashville

Tags: celebrity real estate, kelly clarkson, nashville, tennessee real estate

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Judge Finds Fisk University Cannot Sell A Share Of Its Art To Wal-Mart Museum

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Art

Earlier this month I wrote about the financial problems facing Tennessee's Fisk University. The university wanted to broker a deal to sell off a share of its collection of art donated by artist Georgia O'Keeffe but a Nashville judge has struck down a proposal to sell a 50 percent share of the collection for $30 million to the Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas. Crystal Bridges is the museum being built by Wal-Mart heiress Alice Walton. O'Keeffe donated the 101-piece collection of paintings, photographs, drawings and sculptures from her late husband, noted photographer Alfred Stieglitz to the school in 1949. The collection is housed in the Carl Van Vechten gallery and includes works by Picasso, Cezanne, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec, O'Keeffe, Demuth, Hartley, Dove and Walkowitz.

This decision could radically impact the future of the school. The university can no longer afford to meet the standards of care and exhibition stipulated by Georgia O'Keeffe in 1949 when she donated the works. A new plan has to be created by the start of October. In the ruling the judge said she understood the school's position and financial trouble but found that the attempt to sell a share of the work out of state would conclusively break with O'Keeffe's wishes for the future of the works. The ruling states that the university cannot "override, thwart, and dilute the purpose for which Ms. O'Keeffe made the gift."

The Chronicle of Higher Education has a comprehensive piece on the subject which shows some of the other possible angles the university could take as it works on its new plan. The purpose of the gift was to provide Nashvillians and Southerners access to the collection to promote the study of art." The terms of the gift also stated that the pieces not be sold and that they be displayed together. There is a possibility that Fisk could submit a modified agreement with Crystal Bridges that might get approval. Another option could be a sharing agreement with other local museums or transferring the entire collection to another organization in Nashville which could better honor O'Keeffe's wishes. The university has around 700 students and has already cut salaries and elicited two degree programs. Because of the dire nature of the situation, any potential decision may have to follow the spirit of O'Keeffe's requests rather than the exact stipulations because the money simply isn't available for Fisk to continue to support this collection.

Tags: fisk university, georgia okeeffe, nashville

Opryland Repairs Will Cost Millions

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

With the devastation of the oil spill in the Gulf dominating the news in the past few weeks, the story of the floods that occurred in Nashville, Tennessee have gotten a little bit lost. But hotel operator Gaylord Entertainment has revealed the total cost of rebuilding the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Grand Ole Opry and its other local properties damaged in the floods on May 2nd and 3rd..Colin Reed, chairman and chief executive officer of Gaylord Entertainment says that the total may run between $215 million and $225 million.

At Gaylord Opryland, the Cascades Lobby, Cascades Restaurant, sushi bar, and Cascades Terrace lobby bar will require complete renovation. The Garden Atrium, Volare's Restaurant and Jack Daniel's Restaurant will require renovation and will be redesigned to enhance the guest experience. Only 117 guest rooms were flooded and will require complete renovation but the ground floor exhibition space requires extensive cleaning. At the Grand Ole Opry the majority of the ground floor was damaged and items such as the stage, pews, the artists' dressing rooms and the retail store will need to be replaced.
The repairs are likely to take at least five months and so Gaylord has announced that it is releasing over 1,700 employees from their contracts as of June 12. The resort will be closed until the middle of November.

Tags: nashville, nashville flood, nashville flood relief, nashville floods, OprylandHotel, OprylandResort, tennessee

Bank-Owned Luxury Home Up For Auction

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates

One of the most luxurious homes in Nashville, Tennessee's Forest Hills community is headed for auction on June 5. The home was built in 2007 at a time when luxury homes in Tennessee were having a hard time selling. The home is now owned by Pinnacle Bank and has never had an owner. The five-bedroom home on 2.32 acres will be sold in an absolute auction meaning that it will sell regardless of price. The home has approximately 8,600 square feet, a master suite with a see-through fireplace, a home theater and a wine cellar. It is being auctioned off by McLemore Auction Company and the buyer must put down a ten percent deposit immediately after being named the high bidder with escrow closing by June 28.

UPDATE: This home sold for $1.1 million.

Tags: luxury home auction, nashville, real estate auction, tennessee

C.A.O. Cigars to Give Away Motorcycle

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars

Cigar company C.A.O. International is partnering with custom motorcycle builder Sucker Punch Sally's to put a lucky cigar smoker on the back of a new bike. The ride, which hasn't been created yet, will be inspired by C.A.O. cigars and should be a dream for anyone with a passion for sticks and speed. The design reaches back to the 1950s, with a minimalist approach and a shortened rear fender – from which the appellation "bobber" is derived.

So, which cigar inspired what will undoubtedly be a monument to manliness and power?

The C.A.O. America cigar is the culprit. It's a full-bodied smoke that is best consumed after you've had a meal (even if you normally enjoy heavier cigars. It's made in Honduras with two wrapper leaves: one's Connecticut shade, and the other is a chocolate brown broadleaf.

Before a lucky winner receives the motorcycle, it will be taken around the United States – to both bike rallies and cigar shops. If you're in Henderson, Nevada on June 4, look for it at the Tobacco Leaf. Finally, next spring, the bike will be given to a randomly selected winner at a party to be held at C.A.O. headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee.

Source

Tags: cigar, cigars, cigarshop, henderson, motorcycle, motorcycles, nashville, nashville tennessee, NashvilleTennesee, NashvilleTennessee, nevada, smoke, smoker, smokers, smoking, tennessee, tobacco

Hutton Hotel To Open In Nashville

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Nashville's newest place to stay is the Hutton Hotel, a new four-star independent luxury hotel set to open at the end of the month. The hotel is located at a central West End address near Vanderbilt University offering access to landmarks and attractions. The Hutton has 248 rooms including 54 suites. Room have flat panel televisions, granite baths and refreshment centers. The bells and whistles are saved for the two penthouse apartments, one of which is shown above, that have private balconies, steam showers, fireplaces, wet bars and more.

The 1808 Grille serves New American cuisine and also provides room service. The hotel has the green angle covered with bamboo flooring and furnishings in the lobby and other areas, card readers that disable guest room lighting when a guest leaves the room, dual flush toilets, laundry water recycling and other programs.

The Hutton is starting off with a Valentine's Day package that offers a night's stay, four-course dinner for two, champagne and candlelight turndown service and breakfast for two in bed or at 1808 Grille for $299 per night plus tax. A more lavish celebration in the Penthouse East room includes a Champagne toast for eight and a five course dinner served in the suite. A freshly-prepared breakfast for two waits the following morning in bed or at 1808 Grille. Rates start at $3.500.

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Tags: hutton hotel, HuttonHotel, nashville, tennessee

Michelle Branch in Tennessee, Estate of the Day

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates

There's nothing wrong with a cozy house and today's home, singer Michelle Branch's Nashville home is a great example. According to the Real Estalker, Michelle Brand and her husband Teddy Landua picked up the home earlier this year for $1.35 million. The four-bedroom home is in the desirable Belle Meade area of Nashville. The home is full of many lovely details includes vaulted wood ceilings, an eat-in kitchen, a large living room, chocolate-brown dining room and a large master suites. The home embraces a style that is both funky and comfortable. Although some of the details, such what looks to be a wine riddler in the dining room, seem a bit of a reach, overall the decor is very well done with excellent use of paint colors. It is listed at $1.285 million which means the pair are looking for less than they paid for the home.

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Gallery: Michelle Branch in Tennessee

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Tags: celebrity real estate, CelebrityRealEstate, estate of the day, EstateOfTheDay, michelle branch, MichelleBranch, nashville

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Toby Keith in Nashville, Estate of the Day

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates

Country singer Toby Keith is one of the many musicians with a place in Nashville. As the Real Estalker points out, this is not Keith's only residence, he and his wife Tricia have a large home in Norman, Oklahoma. It is likely that Keith bought this place in Nashville as more of a pied a terre. The home is part of a development and the listing shows it as having just two bedrooms. Keith bought the home in 2006 for $1.35 million.

The home is rendered in rich bronzy tones with heavy draperies around the large windows. A tiny backyard features an equally tiny pool and doesn't look like a great place to hang out. The same could be said of the galley kitchen crowned with a giant magazine rack. This home is listed at $1.595 million but I'm guessing Keith may end up settling for a number even closer to his original purchase price.

Experience more lush living in luxury homes and mansions or see the stars living large with celebrity homes galleries at AOL Real Estate.

Gallery: Toby Keith in Nashville

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Tags: celebrity real estate, CelebrityRealEstate, estate of the day, EstateOfTheDay, nashville, toby keith

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Mediterranean in Nashville, Estate of the Day

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates

Nashville, Tennessee is seeing a lot of lavish new builds. Today's estate is one of the most expensive new houses in the area. The Mediterranean-style home is 20,000 square feet positioned on 8.5 acres in the Bancroft area of Forest Hills. A lot of newer homes lack charm but this one with its beautiful hardwood floors and gracious lines is really something special. The kitchen is large enough to film a cooking show and looks like you could actually cook in it. There is an ample exercise room and a big garage which seems to currently serve as some sort of playroom. While the home theater is the usual study in boring beige there is a fantastic office that is open to the floor above. There are seven bedrooms total. It is listed at $6.9 million which is very high for the area but a big discount considering it was once listed at $8.99 million.

Gallery: Nashville, Tennessee

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Tags: estate of the day, EstateOfTheDay, luxury real estate, nashville, tennessee

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Keith Urban's Nashville Mansion, Estate of the Day

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates, Celebrity Shopping

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have put their Nashville home in a gated community on the market. The story, which I first spotted in Page Six and then People, is that Urban and Kidman aren't leaving Nashville, they are moving into a new home (reportedly they have bought land and are looking to build a farmhouse. The four-bedroom house was bought by Urban in 2005 for $1.7 million. It was built in 2004 and pretty much looks brand new. As the Real Estalker Mama astutely notes, this home is not too distinctive. There's a lot of beige and soft colors and nothing except the gleaming black piano and the plethora of fitness equipment that makes it recognizable as a celebrity home. For your $2.45 million you also get a celeb neighbor, LeeAnn Rimes lives in the neighborhood.

Gallery: Urban Nashville

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Tags: estate of the day, keith urban, KeithUrban, nashville, nicole kidman, tennessee

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Chickering Lane, Estate of the Day

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates

Today's estate home in Nashville, Tennessee has had the 1970s taken out of it. The brick home has had the exterior surface replaced with stucco and the entire home has been opened up and renovated. The five-bedroom home has a been given a Frenchified makeover with walnut floors, chandeliers, plenty of travertine marble, stainless steel appliances and all sorts of luxury amenities. There is a paneled elevator that travels to four floors. There is a nursery, a home theater, a study, an extensive master suite and a beamed upstairs family room. I wonder what this home looked like before. It is listed at $3.4 million. After the jump, check out the fireplace in the master bathroom.

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Tags: estate of the day, luxury real estate, nashville, pickering lane, PickeringLane, tennessee

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InterContinental Hotel Comes to Nashville

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

The best hotels in Nashville, Tennessee tend to be on the classic side. That's set to change when the InterContinental Nashville is completed. The new luxury hotel will be located on West End Avenue and there will also be an office tower, condos and retail space. The $250 million project will begin in June and the hotel is set to open in late 2008 or early 2009. The entire project will be two towers, one 23 stories tall and another 25 stories tall. The hotel will be at the bottom of the shorter tower with 70 condos above. Both towers will share a ground floor building with shops and restaurants.

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Tags: hotel, intercontinental, nashville, new hotels, tennessee

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