Showing posts with label Real Estate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Real Estate. Show all posts

Friday, May 11, 2007

"Rich Lifestyle" articles of Note 02



Pictured: The 'Waterworld' Hotel - One of the Future/ Concept hotels in the excellent article featured on Born Rich. This is probably the best article they have ever posted. It reminds me of one of my old posts...

Friday, May 04, 2007

Lakshmi Mittal’s House – The most expensive residential real estate deal ever done.

Earlier we reported about Updown Court, the world’s most expensive house and Donald Trump’s Florida Mansion, the most expensive house in the USA. Although these two mansions have the titles of being the most expensive houses, they still have to be sold. No body has ever paid that much ($139 million and $125 million respectively) for a residential building. Then who was the person that forked over the most amount of money in a residential real estate transaction?

The answer is Lakshmi Mittal, the Indian steel tycoon and the world’s fifth richest billionaire. His London residence at 18-19 Kensington Palace Gardens was bought from Formula One Boss Bernie Ecclestone in 2004 for a staggering $114.89 million (£62.7 million). And for while the house held the Guinness World Record for the world’s most expensive house. The Mittal/ Ecclestone deal still hold the record as the biggest of its kind.


Another interesting fact: Prince Talal Bin Waleed's palace racked up a construction bill of over $200 million when it was build in the late 80’s. But the palace belongs to his country and not to him per se, so his residence cannot be counted as a “private residential house”.

Sunday, February 04, 2007

The World Islands, Dubai – My Ultimate Fantasy Spend

If I had a coupla million dollars to discard on a whim, this is what I’d buy: A Private Island in The World, Dubai’s world-shaped, man-made archipelago. Don’t you know what I’m talking about? Watch this video clip, then you’d understand why I am so keen…




See what I mean? This is probably one of mankind’s most ambitious ventures. The end result will be Utopia. My ultimate ambition is to own my own private island with a mega villa on it, but for now, I’d settle for an apartment in Oqyana.

Oqyana


Oqyana will comprise of 19 islands of The World, covering the islands of Australasia (Australia and New Zealand). This will be the closest island grouping to mainland Dubai, and is said to be the first to be finished. It is expected to house about 10,000 people and will comprise of more than 1,650 sea-view apartments and penthouses, a few mansions, 90 ocean front homes, about 170 canal front homes, and two up-market hotels, including a spa resort.

Construction

This section will have absolutely nothing to do with this blog’s theme, but definitely fascinates me. I have searched the web in search of more literature about how they create these islands, and have discovered these pictures:


Above: A vessel pumps sand from the ocean floor and deposits in on a heap. The sand is then mixed with fertile ground to keep the sand from washing back into the ocean. A while after vegetation has been added to the soil, they can start with laying the foundations of the buildings.


Above: Google Earth picture of how The World, Dubai is looking right now. As you zoom in, note at the bottom: The ship that sprays the sand!

Friday, December 08, 2006

More expensive homes - Donald Trump had to do it

Blog Exclusive:

The most expensive home in the USA

It came as no surprise to me when I heard that the most Expensive Home in the US was owned by Donald Trump. The mogal bought the Florida house as an investment and is selling it of for a price of $125 million. Please watch the
video clip of the most expensive house in the USA and judge for yourself if the house is worth that amount. At only $12 million less than Updown court (entry below), you would think that the Trump would have been selling a way more impressive home! But that is purely my opinion. Updown Court has all the extras, but this Florida Home has the view and has the benefit of having the three most important Real Estate value factors: 1) Location; 2) Location and 3) Location.

The Four most expensive homes in the USA

I found this gem, while the copywriters were researching Updown Court. It highlights the
four most expensive homes in the USA. All three looks quite impressive, but it's the Portebello Estate in Southern California's Carona Del Mar the excites me. At $75 million, it is the third most expensive home in the US. To me it offers just so much more than any of the other three houses in this clip.

Australia's Best Cribs

The video might not be as professionally done as the previous two, but that takes nothing away from the splendour of the Fabulous Canal Homes Mooloolaba Australia. Just have a look at the clip below!

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Updown Court - Most expensive home in the world

In this week’s entry we take a look at the current most expensive home in the world, priced at $139 million! The house is phenomenal and if you ever dreamt of living in a palace or castle, then Updown Court will amaze you with every square foot….


Updown Court – $139 million



The epitome of luxury! Updown Court is situated only 25 miles from London, and through a pair of large sophisticated iron gates, one can see a palatial construction of immense scale and beauty. The main house consists of four floors; each with its own magnificence. There are also two guest houses which consist of nine bedroom/bathroom suites in total, a security lodge located next to the main house, as well as an underground garage with enough space for a small collection of luxury cars. On a heated marble driveway, one can take a ride up to the house, where a creation with 22 bedrooms awaits you.



First impressions last! When you first open the doors to the main house, marble floors stretch from wall to wall, with staircases leading you to a world of luxury. The house has over 100 rooms, with 58 acres of open space to poise its elegance. Some of the surrounding neighbors include Elton John and also the duchess of York, but its Updown Court and its décor, such as the gold foil floor in one of the rooms, which stands out from the crowd. Updown Court is also known for the high level of security it offers. There is the security lodge and gatehouse for 24 hour safety, but it is the walk in safe and windowless “panic suite” with a steel door, which provides residents with the ultimate in security features.



Pools galore! Most people would only settle for one pool, but not when you’re living at Updown Court! There are a total of five swimming pools; two are located in closed areas of the landscaped gardens, and the third outside pool is an “infinity pool” located on the roof, with spectacular views across the countryside. There are a further two indoor pools, one reached by its own private lift, which also has its own sauna, a beauty salon and dressing room. The other, a large pool located in the eastern wing. Most of the pool areas even have their own Jacuzzi as well!



An entertainer’s playground! Updown Court is an entertainer’s best asset, since it hosts an array of spaces that present guests with elegance, relaxation and fun. In the basement there is the squash court, built in a glass box so that spectators can watch. For those up for a challenge, there’s the two lane bowling alley and the snooker room, but it’s the 50-seat cinema with a private bar that truly offers guests the best relaxation and entertainment. For formal evenings, Updown Court has a banqueting hall with two powder rooms…

Most of us will never own a house such as Updown Court, but know that you’ve made it if you ever get invited to an evening for dinner and snooker, at the most expensive home in the world.


Friday, September 29, 2006

Living in the Rich's Modern Castles

This week’s entry is about the most exclusive and luxurious gated communities in the U.S. If living in privacy with a secluded golf course, polo garden or even a personal concierge suits your needs, you might want to have a look at these properties…


Star Island, Miami Beach – $50 million


Precious privacy is what you want! Situated in the Bay of Biscayne, Star Island has become the sanctuary for the wealthy and famous. Behind a guarded gate, residents appreciate an ocean view and roam their mansions, equipped with the latest luxuries. The enormous home shown here has a total of 13 bedrooms as well as a 10,000 bottle wine cellar. The outside is just as impressive, which features an outdoor air conditioning system and swimming pool. Star Island is renowned for its celebrity residents and if you ever planned on moving here, you might just share a conversation with the likes of Shaquille O’Neal, when collecting mail or going for a jog.


Seminole Landing, North Palm Beach – $36.5 million


An imperial ocean retreat! With 17,000 square feet of living space and a six acre view of the Atlantic Ocean, Palazzo Serena is one of the most elegant estates within the Seminole landing community. The Tuscan-style estate features a fusion between new and old styles; from the decorative bold indoors to the playful outdoors. Outside, residents enjoy the freedom of their own tennis court, beach house and even 2 guest cottages, and not to forget the waterfall and spa. Palazzo Serene is a fortress of extravagance that offers a private lifestyle for those want the most out of their home.


Beverly Park, LA – $30 million


Would you like to be neighbors with Eddie Murphy? Beverly Park is one of the gated communities where top Hollywood actors spend their time away from the spotlight. The home in the picture is just one of the estates anchored in the park, which offers home owners a golf course and canyon views. Resembling a small hotel with 25,000 square feet of living space, the estate has 5 luxury bedrooms, an elevator, a gym and even a tennis court. With 1.8 acres of privacy it’s no wonder people are flocking to get their own haven of comfort in the Park.


Brentwood Country Estates, LA – $29.5 million


Privacy in the serene Santa Monica Hills! A soft sea breeze, a view of the Queens Necklace and a 1-acre flat pad for horses aren’t the only attractions of this Brentwood Country estate. With a 10,000 square-foot house, lagoon pool, vineyard and theatre, you know you’re living in luxury. Arnold Zwartzenegger has also found residence here and it is no mystery; Brentwood is close to everything and just about away from everything else. Equestrian types can even access trails that run all the way to Malibu.

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Beach Rentals of the Rich - More than just Sandcastles

Grab your swimsuit for this week’s entry is all about some of the most luxurious beachfront rentals.

Golden Conch 5-Star home, Kapalua - $6000 per night



Sleeps 12 guests, 6 bedrooms, 5 marble baths, 2 half baths

This is luxury! Overlooking a quarter mile of crystal white beach, The Golden Conch is an amazing beachfront estate that celebrates every moment of summer. The house even features an LED lighting system that can adapt to the atmosphere at the press of a button and is situated close to 3 world renowned golf courses. Some of the houses luxuries include a sixty-foot long beachfront infinity-edge pool with 24-carat gold accents, 3 beachfront spas and media room with a world class entertainment system and high speed wireless Internet. There’s no doubt that his estate certainly makes summer look exotic…


Thousand Waves 5-Star home, Ka'anapali Beach – $6000 per night




8+ bedrooms, 9½ baths Beachfront Compound on Maui's famed Ka'anapali Beach

Tranquility best describes the Thousand Waves beachfront estate. With its tropical gardens, exotic Indonesian accents and heated pools it serves as a true harmonious place, where the bright green hills of West Maui convene with the breaking waves of the sea. Thousand Waves is a mere walking distance from the best swimming, snorkeling and Whaler's Village shops and restaurants and has includes the luxury of Jacuzzi in master bedroom, indoor gym, billiard room with library and bar, multiple phone lines, Fax, Answering Machine, Computer with email access and big screen entertainment room. Remarkable!


Heavenly Abode 5-Star Estate, Kapalua Resort - $3500 per night




Sleeps 8 guests. 4 bedrooms , 5½ baths

Four acres of tropical paradise! Set in gardens of fruit, Heavenly Abode is a beachfront deluxe situated in the Kapalua Resort. Guests of the resort enjoy a free shuttle service which hosts an abundance of activities. Fine dining, shopping areas as well as a golf academy and tennis club is what you can expect, but the most precious would be the dazzling view at Heavenly Abode. Every sunset is a story waiting to be told. The estate also captures the imagination with two swimming pools, Italian glass-tiled 10-ft. poolside Jacuzzi and central air conditioning. Another breathtaking pastime would be the seasonal whale watching.


Reflections 5-Star luxury, Oceanfront Napili area - $3500 per night



Sleeps 8 guests, 5 bedrooms, 5 baths in waterfront luxury

A sumptuous manifestation of luxury! Reflections is a 11 million dollars seaside estate that mesmerizes each and every guest with its immense tropical splendor. Not only do you experience the wind, the sea and the sunsets, but also 5000 squares of gorgeous views. Every room catches a glimpse of the ocean which includes an office for the business man, a waterfront spa, and infinity pool as well as media room and Jacuzzi. For those that want to feel the healing effect of tranquility, the Reflections Estate even has awaterfall and Zen garden that truly reflects its name…

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