PROPERTY

2009-04-12T16:40:00.008+07:00

Property for your future

Property Fu Ya Chai is a single-storey, three-bedroom villa, complete with a private pool The style is simple and minimalist, presenting clean lines, fresh décor and privacy with a chocolate and coffee color scheme and crisp white walls displaying a variety of local artwork. The artwork includes antique sculptures lovingly collected by the owner from the East Nusa Tenggara islands of Indonesia. Wait you to booking and learn more with Property Fu Ya Chai.

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Donald Trump sells Luxury Palm Beach Mansion - At last

2009-04-11T16:06:00.001+07:00

Donald Trump has managed to sell his $100 million Palm beach mansion at last. Thank goodness for the soft dollar I hear you cry.

Mr. Trump19 apparently managed to achieve this price after the property languished on the books for some time. Plus a drop of $25 million from the original asking price.

The property has changed hands a number of times over the years, and despite Mr. Trump’s claim that it is “the best piece of land anywhere,” it never seems to stay in the same hands for any length of time. Mr. Trump purchased the property back in 2004 for the paltry sum of $41.35 million. He then lavished an untold amount of money refurbishing the buildings, and according to the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office, the current yearly tax bill is close to $1 million, so the profit margin is not quite as impressive as one might first think.

What I hear is, the new owner agrees with my assessment of the renovations and interior design – and plans to tear the thing down.

Property

Luxury Real Estate - Castles

2009-04-11T15:50:00.001+07:00

By any one’s definition, owning your own castle must be considered the ultimate in luxury real estate. A few attempts have been made to build castles over the last few years, but the prohibitive costs are such that one tends to see over-sized villas or high-rises instead. So, this article deals with what I consider to be genuine castles. Most of them are extremely old and the running costs are such that they could only appeal to a genuinely wealthy individual. By genuinely wealthy, I mean bottomless pockets or you already own a country. (Or an oil company). Most of these are for sale, or available to rent, although some are just fascinating.

Eilean Donan, Scotland

This first one is Eilean Donan castle in Scotland, situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, and surrounded by some pretty dramatic scenery, particularly in winter.

Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland

Available to rent on a by-the-day basis, although the owners suggest hiring it during the winter if you want to avoid crowds of tourists. Originally built in the 13th century, the castle has been demolished and rebuilt several times over the years and the current incarnation has starred in many films, including Highlander and James Bond - The World is not Enough. Larger versions of the photos here are available for download at the castle’s website.

Dracula’s Castle, Romania

The next castle is often referred to as Dracula’s castle, although the real name is Bran castle.

Bran Castle, Romania

Perched on a cliff near Brasov in central Romania, it is a major tourist attraction, largely because of its ties to Prince Vlad the Impaler, the warlord who inspired Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel, “Dracula.” Legend has it that Vlad spent one night at the castle in the 1400s . The castle was returned to it’s “rightful” owners, the Habsburg family after the fall of communism. Arch Duke Dominic Habsburg immediately offered the castle back to the Romanian government for $80 million but the offer was rejected. It then went on the open market, and I understand it is still available. Baytree Capital, the firm representing the family are of the opinion that the castle will eventually sell for $135 million, although I feel this is a little ambitious - especially with Romanian lawyers still fighting over the the decision to return it to the family in the first place. Time will tell.

Castello di Mazzè, Turin, Italy

This beautiful castle in Turin is available for hire to cater wedding parties at around 2,500-5,500 Euros a day and for sale at around 15 million Euros. (Negotiable). Notable visitors in the past include: King Vittorio Emanuele II di Savoia, Count of Cavour, Zar Nicola II, Count Brunetta d’Usseaux, Francesco De Sanctis and Benito Mussolini. Originally constructed in the 12th century and rebuilt in the 15th, the founder of the Italian Olympic movement, Count Eugenio Brunetta d’Usseax also lived here.

Castello di Mazze, Torino

Many more castles and photos after the jump

Castle website with more details and photos.33

Castello di Casole, Italy

This is another castle in Italy. Lovingly restored along with 30 farmhouses on the largest privately-owned piece of land in Italy. For sale as fractional ownerships, although I believe some of the farmhouses are available as complete sales.

Castello di Casole.40

Bled Castle, Slovenia

Perched atop a cliff seems to be a popular position, and this next castle dates back to 1004, making it one of the oldest in Slovenia. The oldest part of the castle is the Romanesque tower, although additions have been made over the years. During the Middle Ages more towers were built and other buildings were added during the Baroque period. The chapel in the upper courtyard was built in the 16th century, and renovated around 1700, when it was painted with illusionist frescoes. This one is not currently for sale or rent, but is a popular tourist destination.

Bled Castle viewed from Bled Lake

For more superb photographs, visit - cut-bled.com46

Biniés Castle, Huesca, Spain

This next one is interesting because currently being used as a residence and the owners have spent some considerable time and effort renovating. Originally constructed in the 11th century, Biniés Castle is perched above the village with spectacular views of the valley. For Sale by owner47, price on application, although, I think they could do with a new camera.

Biniés Castle, Huesca, Spain

Walton Castle, Somerset, England

This castle was originally built for Lord Poulett, a Somerset member of Parliament, back in the days when only the landed gentry were allowed to run for office, although, as I think about it, things haven’t really changed in that regard - Now you need to have been to the right university and have friends with money behind you. Walton castle has been completely restored by the current owner and is for sale for £4.5 million, although I understand that the price is negotiable and if you want to “try it on for size” available for short-term rental.

Walton Castle, England

Full details at the castle’s website - Walton castle58

Nakatso-Jo Castle, Nakatsu, Oita Prefecture, Japan

Current Owner Masayuki Okudaira, placed the castle up for sale recently for the sum of $3 million. This seems like a bargain, but the horrendous cost of maintaining the building means that is not necessarily the case. The city of Nakatsu is deciding whether or not to buy the local tourist attraction, where visitors can also view heirlooms from local governing families of past eras exhibited inside. Originally constructed around 1587, the current five-tiered castle was rebuilt in 1964 after being destroyed by fire in the 1877 Satsuma Rebellion.

Nakatsu-Jo Castle, Oita Prefecture, Japan

Photo courtesy 全国城郭管理者協議会加盟48城60 The following photos are a random sample from their fantastic collection. Pay them a visit to see more.

Villa Castiglione, Capri, Italy

Now this is the sort of price I would expect to have to pay for genuine luxury real estate. The Villa Castiglione in Capri is for sale at $38 million. Now we’re talking - eight double bedrooms, five bathrooms with fittings of the finest Italian marble and gold taps, several rooms for entertaining and a rich history including a brief spell as a British naval base during the Napoleonic wars. And unlike its Scottish brethren, you won’t need a small forest of wood to keep the building heated during the winter.

Villa Castiglione, Capri, Italy

Photos courtesy the agents, Capri Real Estate74

Mock Castles

Not all castles are fortified, and during the Gothic Revival in architecture, many “castles” were built. These castles had no defensive capabilities, but used elements of earlier castles, such as castellation and towers for purely decorative purposes. These features were personified in the Scottish Baronial style and many of them were country houses. These “mock castles” were particularly common in the UK and Ireland, Belfast Castle and Castle Oliver being two such examples. Famous revival castles in other countries include Neuschwanstein in Germany, Miramare in Italy, and Castillo de Chapultepec in Mexico. The castle in the photograph below is Neuschwanstein in Germany and this photo was voted one of wikipedia’s finest images75. Click on the image to see a large version. Beautiful subject and photography.

Castle Neuschwanstein at Schwangau, Bavaria, Germany

French Chateaux

I think it is fair to include French chateaux as mock castles, and there are a large number of them for sale, varying in size and quality. More importantly though is the condition. Many of the old French castles are in a horrible state of repair. These next few have all been renovated recently.

Aquitaine, France

Chateau Aquitaine

According to the listing agents, “the castle is tucked away on a property of 25 hectares park with secular trees, rose bushes and shrubs. The outbuildings consist of a beautiful guardian house, guesthouses and conference rooms. Furthermore there are a swimming pool and a tennis court. This imposing property is ideal for a luxurious hotel or large family house.” Price on Application. Agent.

This next one is a 16th century stronghold house that was redesigned and added to in the 18th century. Described as “small,” it has a surface area of 1,722 square feet with a 600+ square foot conservatory. A bargain at 1.1 million Euros.

Castle for sale Ile de France

Agent’s website.91 Unlike most sites purporting to sell castles, this agent does not have a medieval website to go with the property, which is more than I can say for the last in this series.

Vichy, France

This next one is described by the selling agents as a “Four Star Castle-Hotel.” Currently fitted out as a hotel, it is 2400 square meters on 4 levels, sits in 15 hectares of land and there is a “natural mineral gas water production place,” included, which I feel may have been lost in translation. Price - $9 million. Agents site.92

Castle/Hotel for sale in France

Modern Castles

Singer Castle (formerly Jorstadt Castle,) Chippewa Bay, St. Lawrence Thousand Island Seaway, New York

Jorstadt Island was designed at the turn of the century by famous Beaux-Arts architect Ernest Flagg as a summer residence and hunting lodge for the president of Singer Sewing Machine Co. and inspired by Sir Walter Scott’s Woodstock Castle. Set amid 7 acres of lush landscaped gardens and terraces, it stands just north of the St. Lawrence Seaway complete with dungeons, turrets, towers, secret passageways, and subterranean labyrinths.

The 28-room, 5-story granite masterpiece has a Chapel with Gothic windows on 3 sides, a paneled library, elegant drawing room loggia, sun room, wine cellar, private offices, 17 bedrooms and 10 baths. The Great Hall boasts massive arched stone pillars, spiral stone stairways with hand-carved balustrades, and one of the castle’s 10 magnificent fireplaces. It was recently renamed “Singer Castle,” and is for sale at $9.5 million.

Singer Castle, New York

Aerial view of Singer Castle

Singer Castle website96

I am not sure this last one counts as a “mock castle” because it was built recently and looks pretty defensible. I didn’t realise anyone built castles any more, but this company, Castle Magic97, apparently still does. This particular castle is in Idaho and according to the builder’s website was “Built in 1999 as a snowy mountain retreat, the two foot thick stone castle walls were built by laying up double walls of split ashlar rock to create a permanent formwork for the hidden steel reinforced concrete core and layers of waterproof insulation. Hydronic floor heat hidden in the stone and hardwood floors throughout the castle keep the interior toasty warm in addition to two stone fireplaces. Stone arched handcrafted walnut windows,stained glass, torches, and hand forged light fixtures. Includes 4-car garage, indoor pool, 3 towers, and real stone & carved hardwoods. You can ski in & out to the chairlifts from the castle.” Luxury real estate indeed Price - $2,632,000.

Castle for sale, Idaho

If you have enjoyed this look at castles, you may also enjoy these articles:

Luxury real estate swimming pools99

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Most Expensive Luxury Interiors101

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Private Islands103

104

Private Islands

Luxury Property

2009-04-11T07:18:00.001+07:00

Mega-Mansions to start selling again? Most expensive properties in the U.S

Following Donald Trump’s sale of his luxury Palm beach mansion as the most expensive knock-down in the history of knock-downs, I wonder if this bears good tidings for the other mega-priced mansions currently still on sale in the U.S?

Despite a price drop of $25million, the sale price was still a substantial one for a piece of luxury real estate in Florida18, and there are several other mansions still available in this price range.

Top of the price list is still the Hearst Mansion

19Once owned by William Randolf Hearst, the Jacobean Manor house on 40 acres in San Simeon, California, this property is available for $165 million. I don’t think this one bears knocking down though.

The Hearst Mansion was originally constructed on a 40,000 acre ranch that William Randolph Hearst’s father, George Hearst, purchased in 1865. Hearst jnr grew to love this site during many childhood family camping trips. He inherited the ranch, which had grown to 250,000 acres from his mother, Phoebe Apperson Hearst, upon her death in 1919. He began building that year and continued through to 1947, when he stopped living at the estate due to ill health. San Francisco architect Julia Morgan designed most of the buildings. Hearst was never 100% satisfied and would tear down structures and rebuild them at a whim, so the estate was never completed in his lifetime. Containing 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, 19 sitting rooms, 127 acres of gardens, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, a movie theater, an airfield, and the world’s largest private zoo. Zebras and other exotic animals still roam the grounds. Morgan, an accomplished civil engineer, devised a gravity-based water delivery system from a nearby mountain. One highlight of the estate is the Neptune Pool, which features an expansive vista of the mountains, ocean and the main house.

Photo Credit - Jim Epler 28

A little further down the price scale, the Portabello estate, a 30,000 square feet property in Corona Del Mar still begs to be knocked down and turned into something a little more attractive. Even with 8 bedrooms and an “interesting,” design, the proximity of a busy road and public beach make this one unlikely to reach it’s current $75 million price tag. The real estate agents have also gone to the touble of creating a website entireley devoted to the Portabello estate29 . And the luxury brokers30, have even made a special aerial shot of the property with a big red arrow pointing out the “interesting,” design - just in case you failed to see it. Although, if that is the case, I doubt you will be able to appreciate the view

Jumping back up the price scale again is the Tranquility mansion, Lake Tahoe.

Situated on the tax-free side of the lake, “Tranquility,” sits on 210 acres of prime real estate. The main house covers more than 20,000 square feet and is built in the California-Faux-Northern-European-mansion style. 9 bedrooms, 14 full bathrooms and a 3,000+ bottle wine cellar with a bronze carved door that was previously owned by none other than William Randolph Hearst. Small world. Currently owned by Joel Horowitz, co-founder of Tommy Hilfiger we will see if Mr. Trump’s sales success will be followed by any of these in the near future.

With or without the 20% discount? Comments welcome.

Monte Carlo still most expensive property market in the world

2009-04-11T07:12:00.000+07:00

Monte Carlo still the most expensive market in the world

Monte Carlo is the most expensive property market in the world for the second year in a row, according to an annual report.

A shortage of space and its status as a tax haven as well as its glamour and nightlife puts it on top of the annual survey of real estate markets published by Global Property Guide.

Average prices in Monte Carlo are $4,420 per square foot, more than double that of second placed Moscow with $1,937 per square foot and third placed London at $1,928 per square foot.

'Monte Carlo is a city of the rich, small and concentrated,' said Matthew Montagu-Pollock, publisher of the online real estate research firm's report. 'The primary reasons for such high prices are related to a shortage of space and tax havens,' he added.

Moscow's move up one place was propelled by strong economic growth, partly a result of recent high oil prices, and a rise in residential real estate prices in the first three quarters of the year, according to the report.

The effect of the global credit crunch saw New York fall from number two to sixth place but growth in Asian markets pushed Hong Kong into fourth place and Tokyo into fifth place. Paris is in seventh followed by Singapore, Italy and then Mumbai.

But for those who don't want to, or cannot afford to pay such high prices the report also indicates where the world's cheapest real estate can be found.

Right down at the bottom of the list of 112 cities is Cairo in Egypt. The second least expensive is Bangalore in India and then Concepcion in Chile.

South America features highly at the bottom end with Quito in Ecuador, Managua in Nicaragua, Lima in Peru and Santiago in Chile, all in the bottom ten.

Three Asian cities are included in the 10 cheapest, all located in rapidly growing and heavily populated countries, Bangalore in India, Chengdu in China and Jakarta in Indonesia.

Club Rooms

2009-04-10T17:34:00.001+07:00

The Club Floor, comprised of 71 rooms and suites, offering an extra level of privacy and superior service for discerning guests.

A Club Concierge is available to assist guests with their needs to ensure that their stay is memorable.
The Club Lounge features complimentary five food and beverage presentations daily.
Breakfast: 7:00-10:30
Lunch: 11:00-14:00
Afternoon tea: 14:30-16:30
Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres: 17:00-19:30
Chocolates and cordials: 20:00-23:00
Complimentary drinks at The Club Lounge include coffee, tea, soft drink, sprits, house wine and cocktails.

Other Benefits for Club Guests

Unlimited use of the 18-hole golf putting course
Unlimited use of Tennis pavilion
Two pieces of pressing service daily and four pieces of free laundry per room during the entire guest stay

* To preserve the tranquility of the Club Lounge for all guests, please be advised that we are unable to accommodate children under 12 years of age.
* The club rooms are located in a section of 3rd floor and entire 4th floor of the east wing.

Property

2009-04-10T17:23:00.000+07:00

The ultra-luxurious three bedroom AYANA Villa, named after a "place of refuge" in Sanskrit, occupies three thousand sq. m. of landscaped garden in a quiet corner of the resort affording the most stunning cliff-top views on the island. The private driveway leading to the four hundreds and twenty sq. m. villa brings you to an illuminant, terraced water feature reminiscent of Bali’s famed rice fields, with fountains that gently flow towards the carved Balinese doors leading into the property.

Three bedroom villa with uninterrupted view of the Indian Ocean
Private Spa treatment room
Private Gym
Private Yoga and meditation classes are available
Lounge area with 60-inch Plasma television
One hundred and five sq. m. pool with heated whirlpool
24-hour in villa butler service

* Please contact the hotel directly at Property for the room rate of AYANA Villa.

AYANA Wedding

2009-04-10T17:04:00.000+07:00

Choose the most spectacular wedding venue against a magnificent vista of blue skies and a shimmering ocean, where couples can exchange vows right on the cliff’s edge under the four-pillar timber Ayana Wedding Gazebo located within the villa grounds and accessed through a traditional Candi Bentar split gateway.
Ayana Wedding package option is dreamily designed for those looking for a magnificent and magical intimate wedding.

Ayana

Named after a "place of refuge" in Sanskrit, the three-bedroom, 420 square meter Ayana Villa is located on 3,000 square meters of landscaped gardens overlooking Jimbaran Bay. Its chic, modern design is enhanced by Balinese water features and stone sculptures, and facilities include a large infinity-edged pool and Jacuzzi, Bose home electronics in every room, and gym, sauna and double massage room for personalized spa treatments.

Two Nights stay at the Ayana Villa
Elegant traditional Balinese or Contemporary decorations
Marriage Celebrant
Commemorative Ceremonial Certificate
Stylish tropical or fragrant bridal bouquet and grooms boutonniere
Romantic Balinese Bamboo “Rindik” accompaniment
Elegantly attired traditional Balinese Flower Girl Attendants x 6
Exclusive Wedding Gift
Fragrant Rose Petal Flower Cascade
Balinese "Beleganjur" Procession
Royal Horse & Carriage
100 "Glow of Love" decorative garden candles
Spectacular Fireworks Show (subject to approval from local authorities)

Property

Sunset Promise Wedding

2009-04-10T17:01:00.000+07:00

Feel like Cinderella and Prince Charming as you take your vows in a stunning state of the art glass paneled Wedding Pavilion that poses in ethereal beauty against a majestic Indian Ocean horizon. Set on the towering cliffs of Jimbaran Bay, shimmering sunsets and stunning vistas offer picture perfect backdrops to this stylish and contemporary location.

The dramatically illuminated unique Wedding Pavilion features a see-through glass aisle with a flowing stone lined river underneath that leads to a magnificent glass altar. With seating for up to 40 people inside, full air-conditioning, private driveway and porte-cochere it provides the perfect venue for breathtaking and extraordinary wedding ceremonies. The Sunset Promises Weddings is ideal for couples looking for a sleek, stylish and contemporary tropical option.

Tresna

Tresna Wedding Chapel is a dramatically-illuminated, state-of-the-art, purpose-built structure that majestically towers above the Indian Ocean. It features a see-through glass aisle with a flowing, stone-lined river underneath that leads to a magnificent glass altar.

Astina

Surrounded by water features and offering stunning Indian Ocean views, the glass-sided, indoor Astina Wedding Chapel is defined by its striking Asian Modern design.

Exclusive hire of Tresna or Astina Wedding Pavilion including Designer Decorations
Exclusive 2 hours usage of Bridal Villa pre Ceremony
* The Bridal Villa is an exclusively built pre wedding facility providing the ultimate venue for the Bride, Groom and wedding entourage to prepare, relax and enjoy their special day. The Bridal Villa provides direct access to the stunning Wedding Pavilion and is beautifully located overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Stylish tropical or fragrant bridal bouquet and grooms boutonniere
Marriage Celebrant
Romantic Serenades by Acapella Choralists throughout Ceremony
Commemorative Ceremonial Certificate
100 "Glow of Love" decorative garden candles
Signature designed AYANA Royal Champagne cocktail for Bridal Couple
Fragrant Rose Petal Flower Cascade

Property

Wedding

2009-04-10T16:42:00.001+07:00

Asmara

The outdoor venue is beautifully distinguished by its decorative 350 year old "joglo" – a ceremonial pavilion featured in the palaces of royalty in central Java.

Bale Kencana

The Bale Kencana is surrounded by tropical gardens and privately ensconced behind ornate volcanic and limestone walls. Featuring 180-degree ocean views and a raised lotus pond pavilion for the bridal couple, this traditional venue is flanked by natural stone flooring and provides more private, theatre-style seating.

Choice of Bale Kencana, or Asmara cliffside garden locations
* All venues are located cliffside to take full advantage of spectacular views over the majestic Indian Ocean and to provide bridal couples and guests with an unforgettable backdrop for wedding photos and videos.
Elegant traditional Balinese or Contemporary decorations
Complimentary 2 hour usage of Guest Room prior to Ceremony
* Applicable for guests not staying at AYANA Resort and Spa
Marriage Celebrant
Commemorative Ceremonial Certificate
Stylish tropical or fragrant bridal bouquet and grooms boutonniere
Romantic Balinese Bamboo “Rindik” accompaniment
Signature designed AYANA Royal Champagne cocktail for Bridal Couple
Exclusive Wedding Gift
Fragrant Rose Petal Flower Cascade

Property

Bali Villa

2009-03-20T23:43:00.012+07:00

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PROPERTY

PROPERTY

Donald Trump sells Luxury Palm Beach Mansion - At last

Luxury Real Estate - Castles

Luxury real estate swimming pools99

Most Expensive Luxury Interiors101

Private Islands103

Luxury Property

Monte Carlo still most expensive property market in the world

Club Rooms

Other Benefits for Club Guests

AYANA Wedding

Ayana

Sunset Promise Wedding

Tresna

Astina

Wedding

Asmara

Bale Kencana

Bali Villa