birmingham

7 Montagel, Estate of the Day

Filed under: Estates

I can't believe I hadn't seen this one before, but luckily a reader pointed out this expensive Frenchified chateau in the Shoal Creek community in Birmingham, Alabama. This one is just huge, the main structure alone has around 40,000 square feet of space that includes twin master suites on the main level, separate independent apartments on the second level and a total of 15 bedrooms. This is the sort of home where whole wings are given over to certain pursuits. There is an office wing, a large theater, wine cellar, and a library with a mural ceiling. The home opens with a grand foyer topped with a mural set in the dome.

The 27-acre property also has two pool cabana suites, servant/guest quarters, a six-stall barn with apartment, indoor/outdoor riding arenas, and four pastures. The view from above on this one is just amazing. It is listed at $17.9 million.

[Thanks, Billy!]

Gallery: 7 Montagel

Tags: alabama, birmingham, estate of the day, shoal creek

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The Classicist: Brit 'Big Shot' Westley Richards

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Sports, Men's Style, The Classicist

Birmingham gunmaker Westley Richards was established in 1812 - three years before the battle of Waterloo - by founder William Westley Richards. In less than 30 years he secured a royal appointment to Queen Victoria's consort Prince Albert, and a "continuous stream of technical innovations" put the Westley Richards name firmly on the map. In addition to beautiful craftsmanship, the company introduced notable improvements in breech loading, military gunmaking and ammunition, and a Westley detachable lock is still the trade standard for many modern shotguns.

Today the firm is thriving, having just moved into new $9 million headquarters in Birmingham's old Gun Quarter to house a revamped retail operation and an ever-expanding team of in-house craftsmen. The 21,000-sq.-ft. site, converted from 19th century brick warehouse buildings, is dedicated to all aspects of the gunmaker's craft. State-of-the-art workshops, a full tannery, engraving studios and an underground shooting range are complemented by an opulent new retail showroom, stocking sporting clothes and accessories, including bespoke leathergoods, books, art and ephemera. It's designed to be the "perfect blend of expert outfitters and enthusiasts den."

A new Westley Richards gun may take anywhere upwards of 600 hours to complete – 800 for a double rifle, "unbeaten in its ability to place two shots in rapid succession precisely on target" - depending on the level of engraving required. The gunroom creates an average of 30 pieces per year, with finished rifles and shotguns dispatched internationally. From consultation to delivery, a Westley Richards handmade double rifle or shotgun will be in production for up to two years; hence the maxim "Passion and patience go hand in hand for a Westley fan." They also stock a selection of second hand guns.

Gallery: Westley Richards