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.

The First Class Cabin on Etihad Airways

Blog Exclusive:

If you have the exposable cash; fly first class. From this insert you can see a shot of the whole first class cabin on an Etihad Airways flight, en-route to New York.

The cabin is well laid out and has a relaxing cream-colored cabin filled with large LCDs, privacy pannels, to well equiped hidden compartments stocked with all the essentials.

Notice: The image on the LCD screen is actually a real-time feed from external cameras on the plane's nose! You are seeing what the pilots are looking at!

First class luxury - Comparing the top airlines

In this enty we take a look at first-class flying, and realized it’s something all people, from celebrities to businessmen aspire to. The luxurious treatment is definitely extraordinary, and a lot better than flying in economy class. So this week we take a look at some of the airlines that really go out to make their passengers feel like royalty.


Cathy Pacific - approx. $13,000 for long distance flights

Take a nap next to a calming indoor water feature! Cathy Pacific has long been one of the best first-class carriers, and even has their own rice cooker on board (That would be a person, not a utencil). There are only 12 seats per first-class cabin, which are fully reclining seats with. Passengers can order food as many times as they like and for the extra long business trips, Cathay Pacific has also included a shower in the first-class cabin. On board entertainment include television screens, high-speed Internet connections as well as audio and video selections.


Emirates – approx. $10,000 for long distance flights

Service that make long distance flights seem like a stay at a hotel! Flying to more than 70 global destinations, Emirates is well known for their impeccable service, and you can expect nothing less from their first-class service. Their package includes a chauffeured limousine transfer to and from the airport, and once you get onboard the plane; every first-class passenger can enjoy on-demand seven course meals and a personal video system in the comfort of their own enclosed first-class suite, equipped with flat beds and closing doors.


Gulf Air - $5,000 – $10,000 for long distance flights

The most exclusive cabin in the world! With only eight passengers per cabin, the first-class cabin is a luxurious experience with cabin service managers, chefs, nannies and flights attendants standing ready the minute your BMW 7 Series drops you at the VIP terminal. Once on board, passengers are welcomed with a variety of European and Middle Eastern dishes as well as a great selection of vintage wines. To make your flight as comfortable as possible; you can recline your chair and relax, or make use of your own private entertainment system.


Lufthansa – approx. $10,000 for long distance flights

The roomiest first class seat! If it is space you want, then the Lufthansa first-class seats are some of the roomiest you’ll find. The head and shoulder rests are adjustable, and each passenger has their own entertainment system. Passengers flying from Frankfurt can enjoy the private first-class terminal, which has its own cigar lounge and bakery. When you arrive at the airport, the concierge checks your luggage for you, as a Porsche Cayenne drops you right at the plane, on the tarmac. On board cuisine includes caviar and Scottish smoked salmon.

An Ode to Expensive cars

Blog exclusive:

For this entry I thought we should break the norm and go multi-media. I enjoyed this, and I believe you would to: This is a slide show of expensive cars in the UAE. The city of Dubai is said to encompass all that is extravigant and opulent and here is a great example of it.

Untamed Luxury - Hit the open road in an uber expensive bike

There is always a thrill in speed, and an adrenalin rush at every bend! This entry takes a look at a couple of motorcycles that scream with individuality. You never know, you might be the next in line to own a motorcycle that screams with untamed luxury…

Lincoln Mark LT Bike – $300,000

Ever thought that prestige could roar? Built by Orange County Choppers, the Lincoln Mark LT is the result of mimicked key design features of the Lincoln truck. If you ever thought what a truck would look like if it were a motorcycle, then the LT Bike is most definitely the best example we could find! Growling with precision and detail, the motorcycle demands attention whether parked, or screaming down the street. For $300,000 this is 100% sophisticated muscle, and an extremely unique possession since it was fabricated by the masters of chopper design at Orange County Choppers.


BMW Bruiser MK 2 Concept – Price unknown



A look at the future of the two wheel thrill! This year revealed many extraordinary concept designs, but we felt that the BMW Bruiser MK 2 truly captures our imagination. Elements like the twin headlights and futuristic design bring old to new with lots of curves and chrome to amplify the retro concept. We’re uncertain about the specifications of the Bruiser MK 2, but never the less we want one since its design certainly goes beyond the norm, and leaves a great level of excitement within you.


1926 Harley Davidson Peashooter – Estimated $1 million


The classics always remain! It has no brakes, clutch or transmission, but that’s no problem; its how it was meant to be. In the late 20’s the Peashooter raced in many different factory races and could reach speeds of 100mph. Similar to the production series, but with phenomenal weight reduction been done, it is a timeless classic that lead most of the standings while racing in its heyday. Today, the Peashooter is still remembered by those that recognize it as one of the most sought after collectibles, which still looks, feels, and sounds like a Harley, with the only difference being that it has become exceptionally valuable and rare. Certainly, the Peashooter will never be forgotten

MTT Turbine Superbike - $150,000

227mph of pure adrenalin! The MTT Turbine Superbike is the worlds first turbine powered motorcycle in its class, and has already been recognized by Guinness World Records as the “Most powerful motorcycle ever to enter production” and the “Most expensive production motorcycle”. Jay Leno was the proud owner of the very first one, and it is no surprise that it also made its movie debut in Torque. The motorcycle is phenomenal and features a rear mounted camera with an LCD color display, a forward and rear-looking radar detector, and a one touch “Smart Start” ignition. With only 5 being produced each year, the MTT is certainly the most exhilarating 2-wheel adventure available.

Sweet Indulgence - When the Rich has a sweet tooth...

This entry is all abaout luxurious treats. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then you’ll love these…


Chocolate Sundae – $1,000

Grand Opulence! If you ever thought of taking a drive and going for a cold Sundae on a hot day, be sure to stop at the New York Serendipity Restaurant. This sundae is the grand supreme of all sundaes and is even served with an 18K gold spoon. Every bite of the sundae is sweet luxury and is made with 5 scoops of Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream, then topped with Amedei Porceleana ice cream, which is then covered with chunks of Chuao chocolate. The highlight of the decoration must be the 23K edible gold leave, which beautifully boasts its elegance and the tasting sensation you’re about to experience.


Noka Vintage Collection – $850 per pound

Quality time with your taste buds! The Noka Vintage Collection is the dark chocolate fan’s most priced chocolate fantasy, and that’s no wonder since it’s made from a fusion of dark chocolate which have been sourced from select plantations in Venezuela, Trinidad, Cote d’Ivoire and Ecuador. With 75% of pure cacao and 0% artificial additives, the Noka Vintage Collection is also one of the most expensive chocolates in the world, but those who are crazy for dark chocolate wont mind the price in this case; its true value will melt in your mouth.


Chocopologie by Knipschildt – over $2,000 per pound

Multi-layered luxury! Truffles are one of the world’s most popular treats, and the chocolatiers at Knipschildt (Norwalk, Connecticut) are clearly very serious about their truffles. With French black truffle on the inside and using 70% Valrhona cacao blended into creamy ganache to create the truffles, the Chocopologie range is a sweet delicacy. You won’t necessarily find these in stores, and will have to preorder to introduce your taste buds to perhaps the most expensive truffles available.

The world's most expensive PEZ Dispenser – $32,000

Candy with value! Known as the 1982 Astronaut B, this PEZ dispenser never made it into production and is believed to be 1 of only 2 Astronaut dispensers to have ever been created. PEZ fans went crazy when the PEZ dispenser went up for auction on eBay, and recently sold for over $30,000. The other Astronaut dispenser that never saw the shelves has a blue stem and we’re quite interested to see just how much that one will sell for.

When the Rich wants to Get Away from the Rumble

I decided to devote this week’s theme to all the ladies, and the guys will agree that they too wouldn’t mind a relaxing trip to the spa…

Cing Mondes Spa, Lausanne Switzerland – $1,660 for two nights

A haven of relaxation! Hidden behind the Alps in a garden of natural settings, overlooking Lake Leman, The Beau Rivage Palace is home to the famous Cinq Mondes Spa. Richard Gere and Rod Stewart have once stayed here, but that was long before the Cinq Mondes Spa offered a variety of traditional treatments like Japanese oil flower petal baths and Papaya body scrubs as well as full-body Balinese massages, which have become some of the main attractions among the rich and famous. With 39 Cinq Mondes beauty treatments taken from all over the world, Cinq Mondes aims to relax body and mind, and even features a private suit with its own Hammam (Turkish bath) where guests can soak in the best luxuries available.


Earth Spa by Six Senses, Evason Hideaway, Thailand – $500+ dollars per night

Traditional Thai to balance your energy! Surrounded by tranquil ponds that make buildings seem as if they float, The Earth Spa by Six Senses is a place of meditation and natural healing. Most of the ingredients used in treatments are grown at Evason Hideaway, and ensure that guests feel naturally refreshed. The Spa consists of four treatment rooms with a private outdoor Jacuzzi, a meditation cave and 2 steam rooms. Outdoors activities like snorkeling, windsurfing and fishing are also on offer, for a most relaxing experience.

Evian Bathing Experience – $5,000

The most expensive bath in the world! Relaxation comes in many forms, and last year introduced a more extreme, yet luxurious alternative. Serena Williams was the first to bathe in pure Evian water, and the whole experience is most definitely one to remember. Together with illuminating candles, Champagne and caviar, guests of a prestige hotel in Miami are able to indulge in absolute lavishness. The service is by far unique, and one can only imagine what a thrill it must be to bath in purity.

Future Luxury That Turns Dreams Into Reality

Have you ever wondered what luxuries the near future holds? This entry takes a look at what’s to be expected, and some of them are dream come true experiences, that turn fantasy into reality…


Poseidon Underwater Resort – From $1,500 per night

The world’s first undersea luxury resort! Fantasy movies and our fascination with ocean life; have long manifested a dream within every person to experience what it’s like to live under water. That is about to become a reality! Just off the coast of a private island in Fiji, Submarine engineers are constructing the world's first permanent sea floor resort that will truly capture the imagination of millions of people. The Poseidon Underwater Resort expects to open in a few years, and offers 6-star luxury suites with extraordinaire reef views and a chance to relax in the calmest place on earth.


Virgin Galactic Space Trip – $1.74 million

Another dream comes true! Imagine being shot 63 miles into space, floating weightlessly, and getting a most spectacular view of earth? This sounds impossible, right? Well, forget about becoming an astronaut to go to space, space travel is launching much sooner than you think. In 2008 Virgin will debut its galactic space trips, so that any ordinary person can get a glimpse of the most sought after view in the galaxy. Apparently, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have already signed up for the 2008 launch, which will be the first. You can only imagine their anticipation!


Z-Island Kitchen – Price Unknown
Designed by Zaha Hadid

A look at the future! Although this kitchen might look as if it’s from a movie scene, set in the far distant future, it is actually a contemporary design of what kitchens aspire to becoming. Designed by Zaha Hadid, the Z-Island Kitchen represents an ultramodern and luxurious creation that truly captures the imagination. With kitchens like this, the excitement is ever growing to see what kitchen designs it will influence, and inspire.