Celebrity Properties: Has any celebrity ever remained as popular for as long as Madonna? Leave it to the Material Girl to turn buying a house in to public relations extravaganza. The New York Post is reporting that Madonna purchased a 13 bedroom, 14 bathroom four-story townhouse in the Upper Eastside for $40 million. It is rumored that the London-based diva is planning a return to NYC.
The Georgian-style 26-room mansion between 3rd and Lexington is going to be renovated extensively, as it currently is not in movie-in condition. It was reported that passing subway cars make the residence vibrate. Security upgrades also are planned before Madonna movies in.
Colorado Luxury Properties: Apparently, Winter Park, Colo., is one of Mother Nature's exclusive fantasy landscape programs. How else do you explain this undisturbed enclave for nature lovers? Winter Park offers the sights and four-seasonal recreational activities that are the finest of the great outdoors. This is the mother lode of Colorado's great outdoors. Winter Park is part of Grand County, which is home to the state's largest body of water, Grand Lake.
Luxury Real Estate: Perched atop a hill on four protected acres on Block Island, Swede Hill House takes in grand panoramas of Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. The 3,000-square foot home is among the first in Rhode Island to register under the LEED for Homes program and is seeking silver certification from the United States Green Building Council.
Newport, Rhode Island based design+build firm Aquidneck Fine Properties and award-winning architects Estes/Twombly collaborated on the project that promises to stand as a shining example of sophisticated coastal living. The low-profile four-bedroom home and separate guest suite with rooftop solar panels boast elegant spaces complemented by pristine natural surroundings. Clad in white cedar shingles, indigenous stone and copper, Swede Hill House draws inspiration from the traditional New England farmhouse vernacular and features connected sheds and a barn wrapped around a courtyard. The living room, dining room and gourmet kitchen invite casual living and stylish entertaining.
Green Real Estate: The First LEED Gold Certified Building in the East Village is on track to be the newly developed luxury building 311 E 11: Village Green.
Built by Michael and Izak Namer, the Namer Brothers took into consideration the changing way people are looking at the environment, by building using a combination of sustainable and renewable materials and an innovative philosophy.
Not only is the building in keeping with its surroundings, it is also easier on the wallet than similar green dwellings, but spares nothing in the way of modern luxury living.
"In these times, we are making sure that environmental issues don't have to take a backseat to financial concerns," said developer Michael Namer. "We expect to open at prices 30% lower than the average apartment price in the East Village last year. At 311 East 11th Street a little green can go a long way."
Many energy-efficient technologies have gone into the building, including:
Harnessing wind power to generate sustainable and renewable electricity
Water-conserving fixtures throughout the building
A green roof will be installed to provide natural insulation and reduce the "heat island effect"
Special drains have been installed to recover rainwater to reduce potable water required to irrigate gardens in the building's outdoor spaces
Energy Star appliances (some made of 100% recyclable materials)
Low emission paints, sealants, coolants, and coatings are to be used throughout the building
Built-in recycling centers in the kitchen to make recycling easy
Lighting controls to reduce energy consumption in common areas during off-peak hours
Biothermal A/C and heating for the lobby and wellness center
Energy efficient insulation and sealants
Bicycle storage
Discount parking for hybrid vehicles at a nearby parking garage
Luxury touches haven't been forgotten either. The homes range from spacious 730 one bedrooms to 2,000 square feet penthouses and include:
FSC-certified, sustainable 4"-wide white oak wood floors
Custom Italian doors
Quartzite counters
Energy efficient appliances from Bosch and Liebherr
Custom made zero-VOC cabinets from Euromobil Italia in the spacious, gourmet kitchens
Deep soaking tubs in the master baths
Persian green marble countertops
White crystallized glass walls
Euromobil Italia vanity
Contemporary Toto Ethos faucets for the sink, shower, and bath help conserve water
Other luxury features of 311 E 11: Village Green include the Wellness Center, a fully-equipped gym with a spa space which includes a sauna, private massage room, pool table and Wi-Fi.
The garden duplexes are enhanced by a backyard, while the triplex penthouse has a 2,000 square foot finished terrace with expansive views.
Located in the heart of the East Village, 311 E 11: Village Green is surrounded by parks, organic stores, eateries, and farmers markets.
Real Estate: Located in the exclusive Los Angeles celebrity enclave known as the Hollywood Hills, the "Le Dome" Villa is an impressive Italian-style castle complete with a signature 4-story bell tower and its own private park and is now for sale.
The "Le Dome" Villa has only had two owners, the most recent of which remodeled the exclusive property. Sitting on an almost 1 acre(apx) park that took over a decade to create, the "Le Dome" Villa offers amazing accommodations on a truly grand scale.
The 7800 sf(apx) estate contains gracious reception & living rooms, an entire floor master suite, 3 additional bedroom suites, a professional theater room w/balcony, a state of the art gymnasium as well as staff quarters.
On the expansive park-like grounds, you will find a number of unique features, which include a custom swimming pool, Roman grotto, koi pond reflecting pool, terraced gardens w/ fruit orchard, a natural stream, beautiful architectural archways and pathways.
The recent remodeling was to the highest international design standards. The home includes the only known scale reproduction of the famous Roman Pantheon "Dome" to be found in any private residence, making it an architectural wonder.
Located only moments from the exciting Sunset Strip and Beverly Hills, the "Le Dome" Villa provides a "Town & Country" lifestyle in one of Los Angeles' most select neighborhoods.
Celebrity Real Estate News: Properties that have proper names like people or pets generally also have accompanying high price tags! According to the L.A. Times, Candy Spelling recently listed her Holmby Hills mansion, the Manor, at $150 million, making it the most expensive residential listing in the U.S. It supplants the Fleur de Lys, a property in the same neighborhood, which is for sale at $125 million.
Los Angeles County now boasts the two highest residential listings in the U.S. A nearby mansion, the Fleur de Lys, is listed at $125 million. The property has been on the market since spring 2007. Joyce Rey of Coldwell Banker Previews International is the listing agent for this listing.
The Fleur de Lys sets on five acres of land with 54,000 square feet of living space, including 12 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms. According to NME News, super-size diva extraordinaire Mariah Carey and actor/singer Nick Cannon recently submitted a purchase offer. Maybe they will check out the Manor and submit an offer there, too?
Celebrity Properties: The home of the late producer Aaron Spelling has been placed on the market for a whopping $150 million by widow, Candy Spelling. The French chateau-style mansion, located in the exclusive Holmby Hills neighborhood, is the largest residential property in Los Angeles County, coming in at 56,500 square feet. The three-story mansion, built in 1991, is set on more than 4.6 acres and neighbors the Playboy Mansion and the Los Angeles Country Club.
The "Manor" has been reported to have more than 100 rooms, however neither Spelling or her Coldwell Banker agent, Sally Forster Jones could confirm the total number of rooms as the mansion has continued to evolve over the years.
With literally more rooms than one could count, the mansion features a bowling alley, a media and projection room, a wine cellar and tasting room, a library, a gym, a humidity-controlled silver storage room, among many others. Even the 17,000-square-foot attic is lavishly equipped with both a barber shop and a beauty salon.
Also on the grounds is a tennis court, 16 car ports, a pool and spa, a reflection pool with an adjoining pool house and kitchen, several fountains and waterfalls, a rooftop garden, a citrus orchard and an exquisite 18th Century-style garden.
According to the Associated Press, Spelling plans on moving into her two-story Los Angeles condominium, which she purchased last year with a considerably less price tag of $47 million.
Luxury Real Estate: The highest priced high-rise condominium sold in the city of Philadelphia is located on the 46th floor of the Residences Two Liberty Place. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported the exact amount of the sale at $7.678 million.
While a spokesperson of Residences at Two Liberty Place indicated that company policy is to not divulge the names of any of its affluent residents, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer article, the buyer of the 5,850-square-foot condo is media magnate H. Chase Lenfest, chairman and CEO of Lenfest Enterprises and son of renowned philanthropist H.F. "Gerry" Lenfest.
The current most expensive condo in Philly features a 2,000-plus-square foot balcony and a large area indoors for entertaining. There are four bedrooms. The bathroom of the cavernous master bedroom includes a Jacuzzi and a steam shower. The unit also offers a full-gourmet kitchen. Flooring throughout the dwelling is hand-finished walnut.
Celebrity Residents of Two Liberty Place
The biggest or most famous celebrity residents of Residences at Two Liberty Place are Bon Jovi's lead guitarist Richie Sambora and the 2008 World Series MVP and Philadelphia Phillies' ace pitcher Cole Hamels. Originally, there were 90 luxury residences on the floor plan at Two Liberty Place. However, since some buyers purchased more than one unit and merged those into super-sized single units, there are 80 residences at the high-rise luxury condominium in the center of Philadelphia.
With sales of other units on the same floor, it is unlikely the transaction?s record will last. Another transaction soon to close is already reported to being sold at a higher amount. Penthouse units on the 56th floor are expected to sell for more than $15 million. Two Liberty Place residents enjoy views from the highest point in the city along with unparalleled luxury amenities and great proximity to all the finest attractions and offerings of the City of Brotherly Love.
Luxury condominiums begin at $1.1 million. For more information, visit twoliberty.com.
Celebrity Properties: The Los Angeles Times is reporting that Playboy founder Hugh Hefner's mansion is for sale at $27.995 million. This is not the storied Playboy Mansion every red-blooded man in the world fantasizes visiting. It is the one next door, a neighboring two-story English manor-style residence that sets on 2.3 acres and backs up to the Los Angeles Country Club.
The listing, which is being handled by Joyce Rey and Stacy Gottula of Coldwell Bankers Previews International, is so fresh that it is not yet posted on the company's Web site.
The gated 7,300-square-foot mansion features five bedrooms, seven bedrooms and two dining rooms; a formal living room, a library, and a family room. It also includes a morning room with a remodeled kitchen, a butler's pantry, two staff rooms, and a swimming pool.
The Los Angeles Times also reported that Hugh and Kimberly Hefner, who purchased the 80-year-old residence in 1998, are selling it because their two sons are heading off to college. After all, why have two mansions when one will do? Kimberly Hefner, who Hugh met at the office, is the January 1988 centerfold model and the 1989 Playmate of the Year.
Luxury Vacation Homes: Punta Leona, Costa Rica, is more than an exotic destination rich with indigenous fauna and floral; year-round tropical weather; and long stretches of white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. It is a state of mind that rests somewhere between idyllic and blissful. The area is a very desirable destination known by savvy travelers worldwide. Imagine owning a vacation home with a cornucopia of luxurious amenities in a secluded community with towering waterfalls, jungle as far as the eye can see, and three inviting beaches. Welcome to Costa Rica's Tranquilo.
If you know the way to San Jose, Costa Rica, that is, Punta Leona is not too far away. It is southwest of the nation's most popular city and capital. There is a new highway under construction that will connect the two cities. Punta Leona is made up of the last remaining rainforests of the southwest and the dry forests of the northwest of Costa Rica. Owners will be transported by helicopter or private shuttle to and fro. All-inclusive concierge service also will be available.
What makes Tranquilo so attractive to many visitors is that approximately 90 percent of the land surrounding the luxury-latent 15-acre gated community is undeveloped. Visitors are just as likely to encounter macaws and monkeys as they are to spot vacationing A-list celebrities and VIPs of all walks.
Tranquilo presents a panacea of enjoyable recreation within the confines of the private community. For those who like to adventure along with the ever-present tranquility, there is a zip-line tour of the jungle that runs from canopy to canopy along with plentiful biking and hiking trails. Additionally, a scenically rich butterfly farm and three Blue Flag-rated beaches along the Nicoya Gulf fill out the onsite activities swimmingly. One of the beaches on the premises is the only Four-Star designated beach of Costa Rica.
Other amenities include housekeeping services, a spa, a fitness center, meditation decks, and a community center for adults and children. There also will be a lounge, a bar, and, upon request, a private chef for in-home meals.
One-quarter share memberships of deeded residential properties with floor-to-ceiling windows are being sold with floor plans on residences ranging from 750-square foot studios to 4,500-square foot penthouses. Unlike a timeshare, owners have full autonomy over their property, including renting it through Tranquilo's innovative rental-management program.
The developers of Tranquilo are making every effort to ensure that the development is as ecologically correct as it is stunningly attractive with its usage of sustainable materials. Even the paper used for marketing purposes is recyclable.
One-quarter ownership shares of Tranquilo begin at $70,000. For more information, visit www.TranquiloLife.com.
Private Luxury Islands: It is no easy task to build a luxury resort from the ground up, but the Isla Viveros has managed to do just that when the first guests arrive in May of this year.
Located in an untapped region free from hurricanes and earthquakes and located approximately 45 miles west of Panama City, Panama, Isla Viveros is set to become the pinnacle of luxury travel.
According to Maxime Navarre, general manager of Grupo Viveros, the company behind the development of the luxury resort, Isla Viveros has some very unique features, unlike any other luxury resort. These are:
All properties are in front of the ocean, with island views all around (Viveros island is located in the middle of an archipelago)
All amenities are five-star with the golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus himself, the marina is based in one of the world's best fishing and boating areas, and it is also an area where whales visit for three months a year. The International Private Airport maintains jet capacity and our guests can clear customs in the island. The resort will also feature a boutique hotel, guest residences and a wide array of gourmet options.
Viveros is located in a safe country, where you find all international brands like Christina Herrera, Chanel, Cartier etc.
Maxime also says that in addition to the 1500 acres of island that Viveros Resort occupies, the company also purchased 25 additional hectares in Isla del Rey, the main island of the archipelago, located at 200 meters from Viveros, where guests can also enjoy horseback riding, rainforest hikes, river activities and more.
The Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course is an environmentally friendly course, which seeks to preserve the natural area. Maxime explains, "The difficulty, when you do a golf course, is to preserve environment. To keep the grass quality you have to use pesticides, and to do a fairway, you have to clear the trees. Our group decided to conquer the challenges around those two main points. To clear all the trees, we move and replant them in a better area. Each time it is an environmentalist expert who supervises the clearing. Of course, when I say trees, I should say all vegetation that needs to be preserved."
"The Viveros golf course also has a perimeter drainage system; we collect all the water coming from the golf course. Water is then centralizing in different ponds, treated and re-used for our irrigation system. Thanks to this system we have no ocean contamination from any pesticides. The water treatment in the island also uses natural organic systems."
In addition to the amazing golf course and 5-star hotel, the island is also an excellent place to retire. Maxime says, "People who have a property at Viveros Resort are between 35 to 70 years old. This mixed generation makes this destination special, as retired people don't have to feel like they're retired. There are also incredible tax breaks for owners."
In the way of the homes on Viveros, "Everything is possible! Let the imagination of the homeowner have no limit. This is what we want to offer. Of course, all people can choose between our five-model houses, made by the famous Panamanian architect, Ignacio Mallol. They can also customize their design and use their own architect. We will always pay attention to the style, in order to respect the resort spirit, but we do encourage creativity as you can find all you need in term of construction products and furniture in Panama.
To conclude I will say our model houses are delivered fully furnished; you just have to bring your bed and lounge chair."
"I would like to add that having a property in Viveros' Resort is a very good investment, especially since being close to a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course is a guaranty. These days, it is very important to make this precision. Luxury clientele have to come and discover that Viveros Resort will simply become the place to be in the very near future."
Safety has also been taken into account. Maxime explains that in addition to having the best in entertainment, the island also emphasizes security, privacy and technology:
"Thanks to the fact the resort is on the full island, we control all access. Nobody will come if they
Luxury Real Estate: Kelowna is the largest city in the Okanagan, and in fact it is also the largest in the interior of the province. It also holds the title of having the most millionaires, per capita, of any city in the country.
Accordingly, luxury real estate in Kelowna includes a vast range of choices for anyone looking for such property. The most popular, and expensive, areas continue to be those which border Okanagan Lake. Generally these houses are large, multi-storied affairs with outdoor or indoor swimming pools and all the little luxuries one could ask for. Upscale living in Kelowna is also found in the Village of Kettle Valley, slightly outside of the busy life of the city.
Fans of winter fun might also want to check out Kelowna real estate opportunities available at the local ski resorts. Kelowna boasts proximity to three internationally renowned resorts; Big White, Silver Star, and Apex/Alpine. All three of these ski hills include some of the most beautiful chalets, condominiums, and stand alone homes to be found anywhere in the interior and indeed anywhere in the province; many rival the finest homes in Whistler in terms of sheer magnificence.
As for recreational attractions, Kelowna includes a wide variety. Tourism is the main economic sector of the city (although technology and health services run a close second) and as you may expect this means the options the city offers are vast. High class golf courses include Predator Ridge, Kelowna Springs, Sunset Ranch, and several others. All of these courses have condos available on course and most include surrounding upscale neighbourhoods as well. Within the city are a handful of five star restaurants; the clubhouse at Harvest Golf Course has one of these. The Fixx Cafe is also noted for its fine food and atmosphere; Bouchon's on Sunset Drive has a touch of Parisian style as well.
And of course, the big attraction for many as far as Kelowna living are the many lakes that dot the region. We mentioned Okanagan Lake above, and there are several other lakes that host upscale neighbourhoods within city limits. Some of these waterfront neighbourhoods include the aptly named Lakeshore, Crawford Estates, and Uplands.
Article by Waterfront West
Sharleen Kneeland Founder
JustLuxe Contributor
JustLuxe is a luxury Web publication providing objective analysis and information to affluent consumers to assist with their decision making, decisions such as charting a yacht, purchasing a jet membership card, booking a luxury hotel, traveling to a specific destination, or buying real estate. Our writers conduct interviews with industry executives and leaders in their fields, analyze product offerings and review the Web sites of leading companies to ensure our readers have up-to-date data to make informed decisions. Consumers can find purveyors of fine luxury goods, services and travel solutions throughout the pages of JustLuxe via content or with our advertising partners. See our Best of Luxury High end Brands and partners.
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Celebrity Properties: Has any celebrity ever remained as popular for as long as Madonna? Leave it to the Material Girl to turn buying a house in to public relations extravaganza. The New York Post is reporting that Madonna purchased a 13 bedroom, 14 bathroom four-story townhouse in the Upper Eastside for $40 million. It is rumored that the London-based diva is planning a return to NYC.
Colorado Luxury Properties: Apparently, Winter Park, Colo., is one of Mother Nature's exclusive fantasy landscape programs. How else do you explain this undisturbed enclave for nature lovers? Winter Park offers the sights and four-seasonal recreational activities that are the finest of the great outdoors. This is the mother lode of Colorado's great outdoors. Winter Park is part of Grand County, which is home to the state's largest body of water, Grand Lake.
Luxury Real Estate: Perched atop a hill on four protected acres on Block Island, Swede Hill House takes in grand panoramas of Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. The 3,000-square foot home is among the first in Rhode Island to register under the LEED for Homes program and is seeking silver certification from the United States Green Building Council.
Green Real Estate: The First LEED Gold Certified Building in the East Village is on track to be the newly developed luxury building 311 E 11: Village Green.
Real Estate: Located in the exclusive Los Angeles celebrity enclave known as the Hollywood Hills, the "Le Dome" Villa is an impressive Italian-style castle complete with a signature 4-story bell tower and its own private park and is now for sale.
Celebrity Real Estate News: Properties that have proper names like people or pets generally also have accompanying high price tags! According to the L.A. Times, Candy Spelling recently listed her Holmby Hills mansion, the Manor, at $150 million, making it the most expensive residential listing in the U.S. It supplants the Fleur de Lys, a property in the same neighborhood, which is for sale at $125 million.
Celebrity Properties: The home of the late producer Aaron Spelling has been placed on the market for a whopping $150 million by widow, Candy Spelling. The French chateau-style mansion, located in the exclusive Holmby Hills neighborhood, is the largest residential property in Los Angeles County, coming in at 56,500 square feet. The three-story mansion, built in 1991, is set on more than 4.6 acres and neighbors the Playboy Mansion and the Los Angeles Country Club. 
Luxury Real Estate: The highest priced high-rise condominium sold in the city of Philadelphia is located on the 46th floor of the Residences Two Liberty Place. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported the exact amount of the sale at $7.678 million. 
Celebrity Properties: The Los Angeles Times is reporting that Playboy founder Hugh Hefner's mansion is for sale at $27.995 million. This is not the storied Playboy Mansion every red-blooded man in the world fantasizes visiting. It is the one next door, a neighboring two-story English manor-style residence that sets on 2.3 acres and backs up to the Los Angeles Country Club. 
Luxury Vacation Homes: Punta Leona, Costa Rica, is more than an exotic destination rich with indigenous fauna and floral; year-round tropical weather; and long stretches of white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. It is a state of mind that rests somewhere between idyllic and blissful. The area is a very desirable destination known by savvy travelers worldwide. Imagine owning a vacation home with a cornucopia of luxurious amenities in a secluded community with towering waterfalls, jungle as far as the eye can see, and three inviting beaches. Welcome to Costa Rica's Tranquilo.
Private Luxury Islands: It is no easy task to build a luxury resort from the ground up, but the Isla Viveros has managed to do just that when the first guests arrive in May of this year.
Luxury Real Estate: Kelowna is the largest city in the Okanagan, and in fact it is also the largest in the interior of the province. It also holds the title of having the most millionaires, per capita, of any city in the country.
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