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Falling Prices In Franklin, Tennessee

Filed under: Estates, Celebrity Shopping

The blogosphere was abuzz today with the news that country singer and actress LeAnn Rimes has dropped the price on her custom-built home in Franklin, Tennessee. Rimes and her husband, backup dancer Dean Sheremet, bought a 5.21 acre hunk of property in the gated Avalon community in 2006. The couple then built a 13,380 square foot mansion which they put on the market in 2009 for $7.45 million. The home has had few price cuts and is now listed at $6.249 million.

The home has four bedrooms and includes public rooms on a grand scale including formal living and dining rooms, an expansive kitchen, large den, home theater and a second kitchen with a stone back wall which is shown in the listing pictures. Although the outside of the house has a faux English country look, the inside is modern and urban. The master suite is done in gray and white tones with a dark hardwood floor and the master bathroom features marble floors and a glass shower that looks out over the property. We don't have too many pictures but the home is also said to have a yoga room and wiring to allow a music studio to be installed.

Gallery: LeAnn Rimes in Tennessee

But the bigger story to my real-estate-loving eyes is the biggest property on the market in Franklin. Eagle's Nest Farm was listed at $33 million when it was our estate of the day in 2008 but it was later discounted to $29.5 million and now sits at a cool $27.5 million.

Tags: franklin, leann rimes, tennessee, tennessee real estate

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Justin Timberlake Re-Opens Eco-Friendly Golf Course

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Green, Celebrity Design

Justin Timberlake started the week in his home state of Tennessee. The multi-talented star was at his Mirimichi golf course in Millington, Tennessee for the ribbon cutting of the new Mirimichi Performance Center on Monday. The course had been closed in January for renovations. Mirimichi was once known as the Big Creek golf course; the name Mirimichi means "place of happy retreat." The par 72 golf course underwent an eco-friendly upgrade that added more wetlands and native plants. Timberlake wrote on Twitter that also the course had received the GEO (Golf Environmental Organization) Award for 1st certified "green" golf course, an honor he deemed as "pretty damn cool." The first phase of the project cost $16 million. At the opening Timberlake joked that he had invested in the golf course as a selfish way to have a place to play when he goes home to visit. Up next for Mirimichi is a campaign to get one of the major championships to play there. As Timberlake put it in an interview on My Fox Memphis: "we're going to wave our flag as high and proud as we can and hope that we can make some waves in that direction." Check out their video piece with Timberlake after the jump.

Tags: golf, justin timberlake, mirimichi golf course, tennessee, tennessee golf course

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Tennessee University Wants To Sell Art To Wal-Mart Museum

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Art

Should schools be allowed to sell donated art to raise money? We saw this earlier with Brandeis University's Rose Museum and now in Tennessee, Fisk University is interested in selling off a share of its collection of art donated by artist Georgia O'Keeffe. The university wants 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.

Lawyers for the state of Tennessee are trying to block the sale but Fisk University President Hazel O'Leary has testified that the school may be forced to close without the sale. The school believes the cash could lead to more donations helping Fisk raise the $150 million needed for its endowment. The state argued that the art was donated for students and local citizens and not to raise money and that the sale could actually discourage donations because it proves the school doesn't value the gifts it is given. The school has been monitored by an accreditation agency for its poor financial condition and has struggled to house and maintain the artwork.

Tags: fisk university, georgia okeeffe, tennessee

Villa Collina in Knoxville, Estate of the Day

by Laura Malesich (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates

I never pictured an Italian villa rising up among the lush green grasses of Knoxville, Tennessee but it is hard not to fall in love with Villa Collina the moment you set your eyes upon it. Almost 37,000 square feet boasting eight bedrooms, eleven bathrooms, more than three fireplaces and greater than five garage spaces it is certainly large enough. Not only is it a waterfront property but the Villa itself contains an outdoor pool and hot tub as well as an indoor pool. The expansive terrace is especially inviting. The home also comes with a doorman, library, wine cellar, fitness room, billiards room, guest house and staff quarters, and home theater. Located at 5628 Lyons View Pike this incredible property is listed for $21 million.

[Thanks, Gregg!]

Gallery: Villa Collina

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Tags: estate of the day, knoxville, tennessee, villa collina

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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

The New Plans For Graceland

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Although Elvis Presley has been gone for over 30 years he still has plenty of fans and many people make the pilgrimage to Graceland each year. A recent AP story says that the owners of the property, CKX Inc., are beginning to make moves on a redevelopment project for the 100 acres surrounding the Tennessee home. Robert Sillerman, owner of the "American Idol" franchise, bought controlling interest of Elvis Presley Enterprises in 2004, previously floated a $250 million redevelopment of the area several years ago that would include a demolition of the old visitors center and Heartbreak Hotel. He is planning a two-day session next month at Graceland to discuss the plans for a new vision for the popular landmark.

The meeting will not include government officials but they may be involved at a later date because improvements to city features like Elvis Presley Boulevard may be necessary. While now isn't the best time for starting projects given that banks are still holding tightly to the purse strings when it comes to loans, it seems like this is one project that is a bit of a sure thing. After all, Elvis continues to be on the list of top earning dead celebrities year after year.

Tags: elvis presley, ElvisPresley, graceland, tennessee, tourism

Sea Ray 540DA Sundancer, Controlled by Joystick

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing

Knoxville, Tennessee-based Sea Ray's new $1.6 million 540DA Sundancer features a state-of-the-art joystick-controlled drive system allowing it to turn on a dime and literally maneuver sideways. The 54-ft. yacht has two 600 hp Cummins MerCruiser Diesel motors; the Zeus pod drive system employs propellers that work independently of each other and rotate 360 degrees on their axes to allow feats of steering impossible with traditional propulsion systems. Coupled with a sleek, aggressive exterior and luxe interior he yacht is designed to compete with European models which are usually far more stylish. A GPS-controlled Skyhook system automatically keeps the craft stationary even in strong currents or heavy winds, while both the forward VIP and master staterooms have a queen bed, Bose sound system and full bath; the latter also has a flat-screen TV.

Tags: Sea Ray, SeaRay, Tennessee, yacht

Bella Luce, Estate of the Day

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates

Today's estate is a bit of Tuscany in Tennessee. Bella Luce is a gated 30-acre private estate in Franklin,Tennessee. The 11,143 square foot villa is on a higher elevation for beautiful views. The home's great room includes matching bookend fireplaces that rise 25 feet to meet the handcrafted Douglas fir trusses. The five-bedroom home has a kitchen with fireplace, a theater with stadium seating, billiards room and exercise room. One particularly nice feature is the tall lookout tower. The grounds also include a six-car garage and an infinity-edged pool. The new home is enhanced with older details including 150-year-old bricks and reclaimed walnut floors. Graceful arches and a secluded courtyard with a fountain enhance the tranquil style. More interior pics are available in a recent article in the Tennessean showing the wrapping room, outdoor kitchen and more. It is listed at $12.9 million.

[Thanks, Lee!]

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Gallery: Bella Luce

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Tags: estate of the day, EstateOfTheDay, tennessee

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Alan Jackson Lists His Tennessee Home For $38 Million

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates

For a while the Eagle's Nest property in Franklin, Tennessee was the most expensive property in the area (it was listed at $33 million last year but is now down to $29.5 million). But now the Real Estalker reveals that country singer Alan Jackson has topped the market in Franklin by putting his huge home up for sale. Jackson's palace is 19,000 square feet with six bedrooms on 135 acres of land. The property includes a stocked lake with a boat house, three ponds, a 20-car garage, separate gym, a two-bedroom log cabin and more. Jackson and his wife Denise built the home known as Sweetbriar which has a hotel-like feel. The main home has a huge home theater and a downstairs recreation area with a full bar.

An expansive virtual tour can be found here. The log cabin just might be the most charming part of this property. It's got a great balcony perched right over the Harpath river and a small kitchen stocked with vintage-looking appliances. The home is hugely impressive but the question is whether anyone needs a home of this size and scale anymore and if they will pay $38 million to live in Franklin, Tennessee. Given that Eagle's Nest has been on the market for around a year, I'm guessing we'll be seeing Jackson cut his price by at least $5 million within six months.

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Gallery: Alan Jackson in Franklin, Tennessee

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Tags: alan jackson, AlanJackson, estate of the day, EstateOfTheDay, franklin, tennessee

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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.

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

Steamboat Docks Permanently As Floating Hotel

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Yachts & Sailing

A former river cruise vessel is being docked permanently and will now be a floating hotel and lounge on the Tennessee River in Chattanooga.The Delta Queen is a 285-foot-long wooden steamboat which offered overnight river cruises for up to 176 passengers. Last fall the boat lost its exemption to provide cruises (fire safety concerns generally prohibit these boats from carrying more than 50 overnight passengers). The floating hotel will offer jazz brunches and will host weddings and meetings. There are 88 cabins including two outside master suites located on the bow of the sundeck.

The boat is a National Historic Landmark which once carried former President Jimmy Carter as a passenger. Its twin, the Delta King is a hotel and restaurant moored in Sacramento, California. The grand opening is scheduled for April 15 and overnight weekend accommodations range from $89 for simpler, smaller cabins up to $175 for lavish cabin suites.

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Tags: delta queen hotel, DeltaQueenHotel, riverboat, steamboat, tennessee

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

Crantzdorf Estate Uninsured Against Fire

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates

People have been commenting on the fire that hit the Crantzdorf estate in Tennessee, a former estate of the day, this weekend on the original post but I decided to repost when reader Susan led me to the article that says Steve and Ashley Grindstaff, the owners of the home, won't get any insurance money to repair the home. Steve Grindstaff is quoted in the Kingsport Times News as saying that he is self insured and "won't get one dime of insurance" for the estate which was listed at $28.5 million. The home was severely damaged in a fire after a lighting strike hit a copper beam in the turret of the castle-like home's tower. The copper beam conducted the lightning through the top floor of the house and striking the water main. The top floor has fire damage and the lower floors were soaked with water. The Grindstaffs, who own several car dealerships, reportedly were finally set to close on the house this week. They plan to rebuild as quickly as possible.

Gallery: Crantzdorf Estate

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Tags: crantzdorf estate, CrantzdorfEstate, grindstaff, tennessee

Crantzdorf Estate, Estate of the Day

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates

Today's estate is one of those elaborate fairy tale homes that requires a lot of money and a certain type of buyer. This castle-style home in East Tennessee took over 10 years to create. It is over 20,000+ sq. ft. with 21 rooms including nine bedrooms. The rooms keep the theme of the exterior combining both antique pieces and new furniture on a grand scale. The fountain and doors and fireplaces are antique as well and the home includes handcast moldings, Italian marble floors and stained glass. There is a large home theater, indoor basketball court, large pool and a replica of the Bristol Motor Speedway complete with six cars. The home sits on 13 acres on Boone Lake and has lake access containing a boat house and gazebo. It is listed at $28.5 million.

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UPDATE: This home caught fire on January 10 and suffered major damage.

[Thanks, Rob C!]

Gallery: Crantzdorf Estate

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Tags: crantzdorf estate, CrantzdorfEstate, estate of the day, EstateOfTheDay, johnson city, JohnsonCity, tennessee

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