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.

The rich always have the best time

Hi, Timepieces have always amazed me, and some of them truly become iconic in their own right. So, this week we’re decided to show you some of the watches that have become legendary as well as a watch that is destined to becoming a collector’s item. That is Jay-Z’s limited edition range of course…


Tour de l’Ile, Vacheron Constantin - $1,500,000

Only seven of these were ever made! To mark its 250th anniversary, the Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin created one of the most expensive watches ever made. They watch became an instant collector’s item, not only for of its exceptional price tag, but also because the name of these watches refer to one of the historical sites of the admired company, located on the Quai de l’Ile. The limited edition Tour de l’Ile is also one of the most complicated double-face watches(7,834 components), and is made with combination of astronomical indications, including a second time zone, sunset time as well as a minute repeater.


Patek Philippe Graves - Sold for $11,003,500

The Patek Phillip Graves, which featured 24 complications (mechanical features), was a result of a long-standing competition between 2 American tycoons. Both attempted to own a timepiece with the most number of complications and at the end, The Graves watch came out on top. In 1953 it was sold to The Time Museum in Rockford, but when it closed down, The Graves went up for auction and was sold for the astonishing amount of 11 million dollars. To this day it is one of the most sought after watches in the world, and those that ever dream of being the proud owner of The Graves will need to have a wallet just as enthusiastic.


L'Esprit des Cabinotiers - $1,783,000

With the traditions of 19th century timepieces and harmonious symbolism, the L'Esprit des Cabinotiers can only be described as being majestic. Its golden sphere engraved by hand is only one element which makes it phenomenal and when set in motion, the sphere opens up like a lotus flower to reveal the articulate mechanisms that makes it work. The indications are framed by hand with an engraved minute circle, itself surrounded by a circular zone that is perhaps the most angelic feature of all.


Jay-Z and Audemars Piguet Watch Line - Between $23,000 and $69,000

A legend in the making! Recently American Recording Artist, Jay-Z announced the launch of his limited edition high-end timepieces with Swiss watch maker, Audemars Piguet. Only 100 were produced, in honor of Jay-Z’s 10th anniversary in the music industry. Those lucky enough to own one will be able to choose whether their watch needs to be in stainless steel, a rose gold or platinum casing. To make the occasion even more remarkable, Jay-Z included a customized iPod that will come with the package.

The Rich's Luxurious Thingamajigs

Last week we showed you what you could buy with half a million dollars, and I guess you’ll all agree that most of the items were really fascinating. So, this week we decided to show you even more of the most extraordinary gadgets on the market. And you won’t believe that the majority of these items are actually the most expensive around!


GoldVish Illusion cell phone - estimated at $1 million

Mobile luxury to the extreme! Forget any top of the range phone you’ve ever seen before, the GoldVish Illusion has arrived! At 1 million dollars the Illusion is by no doubt the most exclusive phone ever made! Encrusted with tiny diamonds, the phone comes with a sapphire glass display and you even have a choice whether the casing needs to be in solid platinum white, or 18ct yellow or rose gold. The phone comes nothing short of the latest technological features, and those that seek alternative methods to conceal valuables, the Illusion even has a secret compartment! The back of the phone is equally mesmerizing and delicately finished in Crocodile or Stingray leather.


Kaleidoscape Movie Server - $27,000

Compact entertainment that saves space! If you’ve got stacks of DVD’s and music CD’s, but have no idea where to store them, then the Kaleidoscape is what you need. The Kaleidoscape is a multimedia server which allows you to convert all those discs to digital form, letting you access them at the push of a button. You can even access your collection from any player you can set up around your house! If you haven’t got an exceptionally large collection, but wish to own one, then you can pre-order your Kaleidoscape with some of the best titles around.


Sphaeron Excalibur Speaker - $325,000

Speakers with horns? They might look like speaker sculptures, but in fact the Excalibur is setting new standards. Equally fascinating for being the most expensive speakers in the world, with a Guinness Record to prove it, these speakers reproduce music three-dimensional, thus making the sound so crisp and clear you’ll feel as if your part of an orchestra. Those willing to pay the bulky asking price can get their speakers in a unique color of their choice to blend with the surroundings.


iPod Presidential MP3 - $45,000

The most expensive MP3 player in the world! With the MP3 market completely over crowded, iPod decided to launch a new Presidential range to set them apart from the rest for good! Claiming to be the king of MP3 players, the Presidential range allows music fanatics to decorate their iPod in tiny diamonds, which are positioned according to their taste, as well as pick from a variety of exclusive colors. We are unaware of the specific features, but can imagine that for 45,000 dollars you should be able to load as many songs and video clips as you best well desire.