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PRINCETON, N.J. — A helipad, private vineyard, two bowling alleys, 341,175 square feet, 123 bedrooms, 146 bathrooms, 80-plus horse stalls and a traditional Turkish spa. This is just a sampling of what you would get if you purchased each of the 11 most expensive homes for sale in the U.S., according to Ultimate Homes, an annual publication that ranks the country’s priciest residential real estate offerings.
The 2009 Ultimate Homes list begins with the $150 million Spelling estate in Holmby Hills, Calif. The prestigious “Top 10” list includes 11 properties this year because of a tie at “the bottom,” with four properties listed at $75 million. It would take more than $1 billion to buy each of the 11 top offerings at list price.
“The homes at the Ultimate level are not subject to normal market fluctuations,” said Publisher Rick Goodwin. “This is our fifth edition of Ultimate Homes — in 2005, $75 million topped the list. This year, there are seven properties more expensive than that.”
Ultimate Homes will be available on June 23. It is published within the June/July issue of Unique Homes magazine. Editors identified 314 homes for sale in the U.S. for $20 million or more. These are featured in the print edition. The entire list of more than 1,000 properties, down to $10.5 million, is available here, in the digital version of the magazine. To view our exclusive video tour of the Top properties, click here.
Here’s a look at this year’s Top 11:
1. Candy Spelling, widow to the late producer Aaron Spelling, has put her Holmby Hills, Calif., estate on the market for $150 million. Known as The Manor, this French-style mansion rests on approximately 4.7 acres and offers roughly 56,500 square feet of luxurious living. Built in 1991, the home features a bowling alley, wine cellar/tasting room, a flower-cutting room and a silver storage room. Represented by Sally Forster Jones of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, and Jeff Hyland and Rick Hilton of Hilton & Hyland Real Estate, the property boasts a swimming pool, a citrus orchard and a tennis court.
2. Also in Holmby Hills, the $125 million Fleur de Lys is represented by Joyce Rey of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, and Robert Kass of Hilton & Hyland Real Estate. The 45,000-square-foot mansion lies on 5 acres boasting a pool house, a three-bedroom manager’s house, a nine-car garage and living quarters for 10 staff. The owner, Suzanne Saperstein, is the recently divorced wife of Texas millionaire David I. Saperstein. Fine touches such as gold-leaf crown molding, gold-embossed leather wall coverings, Italian marble walls and French limestone floors reportedly embellish the main house, which is modeled after France’s Versailles palace.
3. Sequestered in a pine and aspen forest on 210 magical acres of seclusion, Tranquility is one of the largest private landholdings at Lake Tahoe, Nev. The centerpiece of the property is Lake Tranquility, a serene private lake stocked with brown trout. Complementing the grand main residence, with more than 20,000 square feet of elegance, is a replica of the grand staircase built in the S.S.Titanic. Offered for $100 million by Shari Chase and Susan Lowe of Chase International, the estate’s furnishings, sumptuous textiles, distinctive porcelains, antiques and oil paintings in their original carved-wood frames are included in the sale.
4. Encompassing an unheard-of 12.5-acre parcel in prestigious Newport Beach, Calif., Villa del Lago is a world unto itself. The main residence brings pleasing Classical lines to the traditional Italian villa, featuring approximately 18,000 square feet of casually elegant living and enjoying ocean, canyon and city light views. The luxurious estate also boasts garaging for 20 cars, a private lake, guesthouse, guard house, stables and dressage arena, tennis compound and vineyard. Villa del Lago is presented by John McMonigle of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage at an asking price of $87 million.
7. Along 396 feet of oceanfront, this gated residence in Del Mar, Calif., overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Built in 1937, the two-story home—listed by Brian D. Guiltinan, Prudential California Realty—offers nine bedrooms and six baths. Take in panoramic views from the stone patio or plunge into the shimmering pool. On more than 5.5 acres, there is plenty of space to make additions to the current home or build a second residence. Offered at $76 million, this magnificent, secluded estate is within a close proximity to Del Mar Village and the shops of Solana Beach.
9. The Hummingbird Nest Ranch, located in Simi Valley, Calif., was built on 123 acres in 2004 and is currently on the market for $75 million. Listed by Brooke Knapp and Drew Mandile of Sotheby’s International Realty, this world-class equestrian estate features a Mission Revival-style mansion of approximately 17,000 square feet, six guesthouses, 10 staff houses and hunter-jumper equestrian facilities. A grand prix arena, rubber and sand mixed ring, a derby grass field, a large main barn and a mare barn round out the grounds. A helipad provides easy access to the property.
10. With a listing price of $75 million, the Portabello Estate—meaning “beautiful door” in Italian—offers five-star luxury across three oceanfront lots. The magnificent estate in Cameo Shores, Corona del Mar, Calif., offers 30,000 square feet of pure opulence, including breathtaking water views from almost every room. Entertain within the bowling alley or the Art Deco theater. A multi-tier grotto with a pool, two spas and a swim-up bar help to characterize the charm of the Portabello Estate. Sengdao Vongruksukdi of Starlight Realty is currently marketing this magnificent beachfront property.
11. Iron gates open to the ultimate of all great estates in Greenwich, Conn. This 40-acre property listed by David Ogilvy of David Ogilvy & Associates, Inc., features an unforgettable Jacobean manor and a fabulous winter garden. On the market for $75 million, the home’s interior is defined by a library with a 15th-century fireplace mantel, a glass-walled music room, a wine cellar, a 52-foot indoor pool and a dining room that leads to a solarium. Custom materials are found throughout the residence, including marble flooring, carved stone and woodwork, and tracery ceilings.
Unique Homes is visiting Barbados to tour new luxury real estate opportunities. This is the third blog from our press trip:
It is said that rum has been produced on the island of Barbados since 1663. A legal deed provides evidence that Tyrell field—today known as Mount Gay—had in its possession the necessary equipment to make rum from 1703. The equipment included stone windmills, a boiling house with seven coppers, one curing house and a still house.
For more than 300 years, Mount Gay Rum has been producing fine spirits for Barbadians and more than 60 countries worldwide. Today, Unique Homes Luxury Media got a special tour of Mount Gay Rum and learned about the rum process and the alcohols served in the country’s popular, local rum shops.
Between the months of February and June sugar cane is harvested on the island of Barbados. The cane takes 12-18 months to mature and is then taken to the sugar refinery where the fermentation process takes places. During fermentation, juice is squeezed from the cane fibers and boiled. The residue that remains after boiling is molasses—a thick, black syrup that is combined with Barbados water and slowly transformed into alcohol.
The molasses is transported to Mount Gay where a process of distillation, aging and maturation and blending result in four quality rum products. Mount Gay offers two distillation processes: single and double distillation. In a single distillate, alcohol is made through a continuous fractional distillation in a Coffey Still; 97 percent alcohol by volume. During double distillation, pot stills, which are copper stills that date back to the 1700s, are used to produce an alcohol that offers more flavor and is 86 percent alcohol by volume.
The aging and maturation stage takes place next. Here, the distillates are stored away for several years in while-oak barrels. The barrels give the alcohol a smoky flavor and a dark coloration.
Last, the single and double distillates are blended by Mount Gay’s master blender. The blends differ in age, taste and aromas.
Rum and sugar cane are only two products that keep Barbados’ economy booming. The country’s real estate market, tourism board and sporting events also lend to its stability. In our final blog we will report on Barbados’ luxury real estate market.
—Lauren Varga
Unique Homes is visiting Barbados to tour new luxury real estate opportunities. This is the second blog from our press trip:
Gullies—formed when large water deposits rush through soil creating divots and waterways that lead into a larger body of water, or after a cave collapses and leaves a sizable sink hole—serve as conservation areas and eco-friendly environs for Barbados. Unique Homes toured two gullies today and got a taste of the adventurous and historic side of the island.
The first gully we toured was located in St. Thomas, Barbados and is known as Jack In The Box Gully. A series of seven ziplines carries a rider across tree tops high above the eco-system of the gully. At each of the eight platforms reached, two tour guides provide background on the island, its eco-system and the natural habitat of the gully. Our guides, Richard and Lucas, ensured that the entire experience was exhilarating and educational.
A lesson learned in the Jack In The Box Gully: Don’t brake too quickly; speed is key on the zipline. Barbados’ name originates from the Portuguese. When the Portuguese came to the island they found Bearded Fig Trees, which are still in existence inside the gully. The tree grows vines from its trunk that hang down as if the tree is sporting a long beard. Because of this, the Portuguese decided that Los Barbad—meaning bearded man—was an appropriate name. When the English gained control of the island, the name changed to Barbados.
Later in the day, Unique Homes took a tour of Hunte’s Gardens, a gully created by horticulturalist Anthony Hunte. Mr. Hunte said that the gardens contain more plant specimens than he can even imagine. In fact, he could not even give a ballpark number.
We lost ourselves along stone pathways and found a hidden retreat. Benches and resting areas were positioned within the garden to sit, relax and take in all the different serene feelings of the environment. While taking in the sites, calming classical music pipes from Mr. Hunte’s home, located at the top of the gully.
With true Bajan hospitality, Mr. Hunte invited us into his home, where we tried his exceptional punch and some coconut water, a local’s beverage of choice.
Tomorrow, Unique Homes will report on the process of rum making after a visit to Mount Gay Visitor Center.
—Lauren Varga
As a follow up to Unique Homes magazine’s April 7 blog posting "Luxuryrealestate.com to Honor Shari Chase, Host Mary Whipple":
RENO, Nev. (May 1, 2009)—A respected real estate powerhouse for more than two decades, Shari Chase, president and CEO of Chase International, was recently awarded the Luxury Real Estate Lifetime Achievement Award at the LuxuryRealEstate.com Spring Conference in Las Vegas.
The award is based on peer recognition, hard work and acknowledgement. This prestigious award is given twice annually to the Luxury Real Estate member who has set an example for the real estate industry and displayed excellence throughout his/her career.
“No list would be complete without this Tahoe broker, who always has been ahead of the rest,” states Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, the awarding organization. “In the mid-1990s, when a $10 million or $12 million residence was considered the ultra high-end, Shari Chase had landmark sales of $30 million and $50 million. A record that would stand for nearly 10 years.”
“I’m thrilled to be recognized by my many esteemed peers in luxury real estate,” Chase notes.
In founding Chase International 23 years ago, Shari Chase established the notion of finding exceptional property for exceptional people. “Satisfying people’s needs is easy; we listen to our clients and use the most effective resources for marketing luxury properties.”
Shari Chase has created one of the most respected luxury real estate brands in the nation. Her vision and reputation as a trendsetter influences the way luxury properties are marketed today. The company is known for its cutting edge approach to real estate. Chase incorporates new ideas into all facets of her business, whether it’s implementing high tech innovations, social media networking or bundling services for asset solutions.
As CEO of Chase International, her leadership has attracted some of the finest professionals in the business. “Known for high-profile properties and clientele, her firm continues as one of the industry’s pacesetters,” states Brian Losh, of the awarding organization. “What others talk about – Chase does.”
Headquartered in Lake Tahoe, Nev., since 1986, with eight offices in the region (Zephyr Cove, Glenbrook, Incline Village, Tahoe City, Squaw Valley, Truckee, South Lake Tahoe and Reno) and one in London, England, Chase International and its exclusive affiliations handles a large share of the United States’ property. A recognized leader in the world of real estate, Chase International has once again taken the reins of cutting edge technology by launching www.ChaseNation.com, the first interactive social networking Web site created by a real estate brokerage as a vehicle for direct interaction with consumers online.
With more than 160 professional Realtors® boasting an array of industry certifications and the highest volume per sales agent in the area, Chase International successfully represents homes at all price levels.
For more information about Chase International visit www.chaseinternational.com.
Sarasota, Fla.
In the most significant sale of its type since August 2008, an 18th-floor penthouse above the Ritz-Carlton Hotel—located at 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive—sold on Monday, March 9th for $3.3 million. Listed on January 26th for $3.995 million, the condominium sold for 90 percent of its original list price and was bound to contract in a mere 16 days. Representing the seller was Linda Driggs of the Main Street office of Michael Saunders & Company. The buyer was represented by Prudential Palms Realty.
– Sarah Binder
Undeveloped, exotic areas such as Costa Rica and Azerbaijan are attracting developers who are creating uber exclusive residences.
In Guanacaste, Costa Rica, resorts such as Rosewood and Ritz-Carlton are in the early stages of development, meaning there is still time to purchase your piece of tranquility.
On Zira Island—located off of Azerbaijan within the Caspian Sea—plans have begun on one of the world’s largest eco-developments. The project will mirror the seven peaks of Azerbaijan, the Bjarke Ingels Group (architect) tells the New York Times.
—Lauren Varga
The National Auctioneers Association, the nation’s leading association of auction professionals, recently released its 2008 industry survey, which found real estate auctions saw a growth of 1.1 percent from 2007.
"The results of the industry survey are consistent with what we continually hear from auctioneers across the country," said NAA President Randy Wells. "While some sectors of the industry have been impacted by the economy, other have grown or held strong."
Gross receipts from real estate auctions have increased every year since 2003 when the NAA began tracking the industry.
On Sunday, April 19, Sheldon Good & Company Auctions Northeast, a real estate auction company, will be auctioning off 16 band-new, one- and two-bedroom condos at the Hyatt Regency Jersey City Hudson 2 Exchange Place.
Located within The Aristocrat, a luxury condominium in Weehawken, N.J., is positioned for easy access into Manhattan.
"These residences are absolutely stunning inside and out, with an ideal location, plenty of garage parking and amenities throughout," said Lawrence Samberg, managing director of Sheldon Good & Company Auctions, Northeast. "The Aristocrat Condominiums, situated only one block from the ferry into Manhattan, were designed to appeal to those who want the ultimate in luxury with close proximity to Manhattan."
Ranging from 865 to 1,161 square feet in size, the one- and two-bedroom condos were originally priced from $378,900 to $683,900. Suggested opening bids will begin at $150,000. A certified or cashier’s check in amounts from $15,000 is required to buy.
"The development community throughout the United States is increasingly utilizing the real estate auction marketing program as an alternative marketing tool to accelerate the sales of finished and to-be-built residential inventory," said Executive Managing Director of Sheldon Good & Company Auctions, Northeast Jeffrey L. hubbard. "This is truly a win/win scenario for seller and purchaser alike.”
—Lauren Varga
ASID and Hospitality Design Magazine Contest Extended to March 15, 2009
The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and Hospitality Design magazine invite interior designers, architects and manufacturers to enter the second annual Earth-Minded Awards (EMAs). Created by ASID and Hospitality Design to recognize exceptional sustainable design, this year’s EMAs include a new category for interior design and architectural students: The Earth-Minded Award for Tomorrow.
“With the new Tomorrow award, we will recognize students and their earth-minded design solutions, getting a glimpse into the future of sustainable hospitality design,” said Michael Alin, Hon. FASID, ASID Executive Director. “There was an explosion of sustainable designs and products in 2008, as well as an increased interest in creating built environments with a reduced carbon footprint. We look forward to recognizing the best of the best ‘earth-minded’ designs, products and ideas of 2008.”
Projects and products should be environmentally innovative, aesthetically pleasing, promote sustainability, gone through a careful materials selection process, integrate efficiency and incorporate recycling and waste management. Only completed projects and manufactured products will be considered.
"There continues to be an intense dedication to sustainability in hospitality design. Its practices are embedded in almost every project we see, and last year’s entries were a heartening testimony to its growing influence, “said Michael Adams, Editor in Chief of Hospitality Design. “I look forward with great enthusiasm to this year’s submissions."
For complete eligibility guidelines and to download the entry form, visit www.hdmag.com <http://www.hdmag.com> . Send the completed form, project or product description (not to exceed 1000 words), and entry fee made payable to Hospitality Design, with project photos and floor plan or product samples (print and electronic materials will be accepted) by March 15, 2009 to:
Hospitality Design
Attn: Jana Schiowitz
770 Broadway
7th Floor
New York, NY 10003
Please send electronic submissions to kcline@asid.org <http://kcline@asid.org>
The Earth-Minded Awards will be presented at Hospitality Design’s Green Day in Las Vegas on May 13, 2009.
About ASID: The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) is a community of people—designers, industry representatives, educators and students—committed to interior design. Through education, knowledge sharing, advocacy, community building and outreach, the Society strives to advance the interior design profession and, in the process, to demonstrate and celebrate the power of design to positively change people’s lives. Its more than 40,000 members engage in a variety of professional programs and activities through a network of 48 chapters throughout the United States and Canada. www.asid.org <http:// www.asid.org> ASID is the Founding Sponsor of InformeDesign (www.informedesign.umn.edu <http://www.informedesign.umn.edu> ), a searchable database that enables designers to engage in evidence-based design by using Research Summaries focused on design and human behavior, created and operated by the University of Minnesota.
From sleek yachts, to private jets, to customized sports cars, high-end collectibles never cease to amaze. Perhaps it’s time to add one more to the list of high-tech luxury toys.
With more than 10 years in the business of constructing underwater craft, Hawkes Ocean Technologies has built vehicles for researchers and moviemakers. It only seems fitting that they go one step further.
For those interested in a deep sea adventure, Hawkes Ocean Technologies may offer the perfect solution to tour the depths with its Deep Flight Super Falcon. The sleek craft, with its thin body, two seats, two sets of wings and two tail fins, is said to be extremely agile, allowing barrel-rolls with dolphins while traveling at speeds faster than other private submarines. The craft can also stay underwater for up to 5 hours, travel up to 6 knots and can dive as deep as 1,500 feet below the water’s surface
Pricing varies depending on model of submersible—anywhere from $350,000 to $1 million plus.
Check out the CNN Technology page for the full story. For more on other unique underwater craft, check out Hawkes Ocean Technologies Deep Flight Submersibles site.
—Robert Burke
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