Tag Archives: luxury homes

Dinosaur skeletons are the new pièce de résistance for your home

If you are ever looking for new home decor for that wow factor, then why not consider a dinosaur skeleton to be your new pièce de résistance.

Because just recently, Paris held an exclusive auction for avid collectors for two huge dinosaur skeletons,  an allosaurus and a diplodocus, along with 87 other lots of natural artefacts.

“The fossil market is no longer just for scientists,” said Iacopo Briano of Binoche et Giquello, the auction house for the two dinosaurs.

The Italian expert claims that they have become “real objects of decoration, like paintings”, citing Hollywood actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Nicolas Cage as fans of such ornaments.

Expected to cost around £480,000 for the diplodocus and £650,000 for the allosaurus, these dinosaur skeletons are some of the first few to arrive in the market for collectors this year.

In an upcoming auction in June, there will be another huge skeleton of a theropod, expected to auction for up to 1.5 million euros.

While the rarity, verification and completeness of these collections are common determinants of the price they fetch, there are a few more that affect the auction.

Carnivores such as the allosaurus fetch more than herbivores such as the diplodocus due to their prominent sharp teeth. Consider the price of the allosaurus that is considered “small” at 3.8 metres long compared to its fellow auction member diplodocus that stands at thrice the size at 12 metres long.

With an increasing fan base notably the Chinese, these new bidders are now competing against multinational corporations, the “typical” buyers of dinosaur skeletons. In 1997, McDonald’s and Walt Disney were among donors who contributed to the €6.75 million to buy Sue – the most complete and best-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex – for the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. ‘Millions of people come to see it, it’s incredible publicity for companies,’ said Eric Mickeler, a natural history expert.

Around five dinosaur skeletons go to auction around the world each year.

What You Can Buy with USD10 Million Everywhere

What sort of home can you purchase with a budget of USD10 million around the globe?

In the age of rapid globalisation, buying luxury real estate abroad is becoming more lucrative than ever, with bespoke properties in unique destinations offering promises of investment benefits, often not found domestically.

An old saying goes that the grass is always greener on the other side and the saying may be even more true when it comes to investing in luxury real estate around the world. Whether investing in luxury properties as seasonal resort destinations, home-away-from-home respites or properties for other people to enjoy, understanding the selling features of each property is important to get the best tangible and intangible returns on an investment. The features that characterise a luxury property differ from locale to locale, with high-end buyers requiring more and more from their investments.

A price tag alone does not define a property as a worthy investment; a property has to be unique and exclusive, with access to luxury activities and unique features for which buyers would be willing to pay a premium.

When buying luxury real estate, buyers, inevitably, are also buying a lifestyle. Whether a buyer’s preference is a rural retreat, an urban enclave, or a tropical haven, we offer a look at six global destinations that unveil unique luxury assets and distinct benefits suitable for different lifestyles.

Geneva, Switzerland
5 bedroom villa, USD8.8 million
Tel: +44 20 7861 1109
www.knightfrank.com

A home to the most billionaires in Switzerland, Geneva has been a base to some of the world’s most distinguished businesses in trading, shipping and finance. With a population hovering around a half-million, the city’s name resonates abroad for more than its economical and political stability, with its unparalleled quality of life and a reputation for being one of Europe’s most scenic and cosmopolitan cities. Surrounded by two mountain chains, the Alps and the Jura, and positioned next to Lake Leman, Geneva has no lack of natural beauty that stuns, even during wintertime. A gateway to the Alps, the European headquarters for the United Nations and a national heritage site, the city beacons with its unique charisma that attracts new residents looking for an exceptional quality of life every year.

One of Geneva’s most prized communes, Collogne-Bellerive, delivers the best of the city and the scenery around it by offering elegant and understated living between town and country. Among the properties in the commune is a spacious residence standing on a 33,000 sq. ft. picturesque plot of land, ideal for lovers of nature with its large garden, several terraces and a heated swimming pool for relaxation in the sun or under the stars. “While the Cologny hillside offers the views, this area is swiftly becoming a target for many international families due to the ease of access to Geneva, the flat topology allowing for larger and more usable gardens and houses with direct access to the lake”, says Alex Koch de Gooreynd, Partner at Knight Frank.

Hong Kong
7 bedroom mansion, USD8.8 million
Tel: +203 253 0441
www.christiesrealestate.com

A city of extremes in many ways, Hong Kong is an international business hub and a world-class city with a distinct East meets West vibe. While dominated by skyscrapers, an outdoor escape to a beach or a mountain is always a short drive away, making the city attractive to seasoned urban dwellers and families alike. From the Mid-Levels with the always buzzing SoHo and Lan Kwai Fong, to the beach life in Repulse Bay and Stanley, to Jardine’s Lookout offering spectacular views over Happy Valley, the city reveals almost infinite possibilities with its changing landscape fit to suit any lifestyle.

One of the popular neighbourhoods for expatriate families, Pokfulam, situated on the southwestern side of Hong Kong Island, combines a pleasant environment with convenient location to central Hong Kong, all the while providing sweeping vistas of the South China Sea. In a tranquil location in Pokfulam, known for its luxury residences and open views of quaint green hills, verdant woods and the sea, charming low-rise townhouses offer a respite from the busy Hong Kong city life. Among the property offerings, the esteemed Mount Davis Village development provides townhouses with a split-level living and dining areas, floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping terraces, with the development’s location enjoying easy access to upscale malls, restaurants and prestigious schools, including University of
Hong Kong.

Greenwich, Connecticut
7 bedroom mansion, USD9.5 million
Tel: +203 253 0441
www.christiesrealestate.com

7-bedroom Georgian mansion in Greenwich, Connecticut

Known as “the richest town per capita in the world” in the 1920s, Greenwich, Connecticut still lives up to its aristocratic reputation of yesteryear by attracting some of America’s biggest hedge fund tycoons, corporate executives, actors and sports personalities. While decisively pastoral, Greenwich is easily accessible via a short commute from New York City, making the suburban town an in-demand locale for residents working in the Big Apple. The town’s architecture, indicative of its stately past, unveils a picturesque landscape of mid-country Georgian mansions situated on secluded and beautifully landscaped plots of land, offering a bucolic connection to nature in a close proximity to fine dining spots, exclusive shopping and some of the best private and public schools in the country.

A poster child for a quintessential Greenwich home, an award winning estate in the Sabine Farm Association in Greenwich embraces the charm of the town with a Georgian aesthetic that brings focus to architectural details and materials. With spacious amenities that include a dramatic two-storey family room, a three-car garage, exercise room, wine cellar and an expansive 430 sq. ft. outdoor terrace overlooking the rear garden and pool, the property offers a mix of indoor and outdoor luxuries to a buyer with a penchant for semi-rural luxury living.

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
4 bedroom hillside villa, USD9.7 million
Tel: +55 21 3138 6000
www.christiesrealestate.com

4-bedroom hillside villa in Sao Conrado, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

With Brazil rising as one of the emerging economies in the world, Rio de Janeiro has been reaping the benefits of the economic growth by transforming into one of the premiere travel destinations in South America. With the help of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics, the city has been flourishing with new construction projects and renovations of old historical buildings and palaces. Upscale neighbourhoods like Leblon and Ipanema continue to allure with their offerings, like luxury boutiques and fine dining restaurants, while the culture, history and beauty of the city uphold Rio’s mythical charm as the destination for indulgence in every way.

In the prestigious neighbourhood of São Conrado, residential properties draw interest with spectacular views to the ocean, the surrounding mountains and the islands beyond. One particular São Conrado property, while open to nature, is ideally positioned within Rio and its energetic pulse. The property benefits from plenty of space with two open verandas, internal and external gardens, a terrace and an infinity pool deck to take in all the beauty of nature. Says Frederico Judice Araujo of Judice & Araujo Imoveis, affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, “Located between Barra da Tijuca and Leblon, São Conrado is famous for the beach, which is good for surfing and body boarding, its golf course and hang gliding, while also offering sophisticated residential buildings, nightclubs and elegant restaurants”.

Phuket, Thailand
4 to 8 bedroom villa, USD9.8 million
Tel: +66 89 625 7878
www.avadinahills.com

Phuket has long been a well-known holiday island for international crowds looking for an exotic getaway during the holiday season. Among the more exclusive destinations and far from the crowds, Phuket’s less explored but far more refined locales demand a discerning consideration for property investment. Offering celebrity-chef restaurants, deluxe beach bars, designer boutiques and other cosmopolitan diversions, the island has raised the bar for luxury living in the recent years, with some of the best beachfront views in Asia and, quite possibly, the world.
Overlooking the bay of Bangtao on the West coast of Phuket, the luxurious development of Avadina Hills offers some of Phuket’s best villas, set in the lush green surroundings for maximum privacy. With the development designed by architectural firm Sakakura Associates and renowned landscape architect James Hyatt, each villa has been masterminded to maximise the views to Layan Beach and the surrounding private gardens. A true escape from the ordinary, Avadina Hills is a retreat of natural indulgence, secluded and exclusive, with the finest that Phuket has to offer located conveniently nearby.

Tangier, Morocco
5 bedroom coastline architect villa, USD10.7 million
Tel: +212 66155 0905
www.christiesrealestate.com

Holding some of Morocco’s most interesting history, the charming town of Tangier traces its roots back to the Roman and Byzantine Empires, with the French, Spanish, British, Italian and Portuguese forces subsequently laying claims to the area at various times in history and making it a truly international zone. Overlooking Cape Trafalgar, Tangier is a showcase city, with a dramatic corniche and a marina at the base of the city built by the king of Morocco in hopes to turn Tangier into a second Monaco. With old and new architecture mixing together gracefully and a laid-back small coastal town charm, Tangier is an expat heaven, shrouded in rich history
and culture.

Among the properties on the Tangier coastline, Villa Putman stretches our budget at USD 10.7 million, but is an exquisite and fortuitous find that maximises the views to the sea with its six levels and expansive outdoor spaces. Designed by the renowned interior designer Andrée Putman, famous for her work for Yves Saint Laurent and Thierry Mugler, this luxury villa offers a flowing floor plan and features like a jacuzzi and infinity pool.

Words by Olga Romaniuk.

From: Palace #18.

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5 Floating Home Concepts That Are Straight Out of a Sci-Fi Movie

Photo: Dymitr Malcew

Coastal or seaside residences have a certain allure that allow you to enjoy a view that is worth every pretty penny. However, we have discovered something that offers much more than a scenic view of the ocean far out in the distance. Since 2015, architectural firms have teased us with the designs of floating homes that give a whole new meaning to “right on the water” and with this new venture, your dreams may just be a reality. The idea of floating residences has long been a concept explored by design firms. With the recent interest of these buoyant babies, we take a look at five of the most promising ventures in the pipelines!

1.BMT Asia Pacific (BMT) SeaScape

The first on our list is the SeaScape, which is a floating villa conceptualised by BMT Asia Pacific. Unlike your usual oblong shaped villas, the SeaScapes take on a triangular platform base provides you with the perfect opportunity to attach several of the 700-square-foot units together for a larger villa to suit your needs. By combining multiple units, you can look forward to  sundecks and pools to lounge in, on top of a stunning underwater master bedroom. This state of the art modular design could allow owners to transform their villas into a variety of styles such as a floating bar with a submarine lounge.

For more information, do visit BMT.

2. Dubai’s Floating Seahorse Villas

One of the many unique designs to have garnered an immense amount of hype recently happens to be the Floating Seahorse Villas. A truly unique luxury experience, the Floating Seahorse is a three-story villa, with one submerged story. The first edition has been completely snapped up and it’s easy to see why. The underwater portion features a master bedroom and bathroom, with a spectacular coral garden right outside the walls. What’s better is an upcoming “Signature Edition” Villa designed for larger groups. With these $12 million dollar upgrades, you will be able to add your own personal touch to the villas. The new edition will be fully customizable to your personal style — bringing a whole new meaning to the term “signature”.

For more information, do visit The Heart of Europe.

3. The Floating House

Designed by Singapore based architect Dymitr Malcew, The Floating House is an imaginative project that is based on the idea of living on the water. This house is a picture perfect example of serenity for those who enjoy having nature right at their doorstep. With floor to ceiling glass walls, the house celebrates the feeling of freedom and openness, the main goal of the architect is to complement the houses’ surroundings. With nature being the underlying theme, most of the interior is made from wood. An engine can even be installed upon request to cater to the wanderlust of homeowners!

For more information, do visit Dymitr Malcew.

4. Unidentified Floating Object 2.0 (UFO)

This ultra-futuristic floating home is like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. The UFO 2.0 spans nearly 4,000 square feet and consists of three levels. The various levels include a living space, a kitchen and — you guessed it — an underwater bedroom. Made almost entirely out of fiberglass, this incredible villa was created by Italian design firm Jet Capsule, and is the second of its kind. The floating villa is equipped with two 80-hp electric engines, which are able to move the structure at a maximum speed of nine knots.

For more information, do visit Jet Capsule.

5. Amillarah Private Islands

What’s better than having a whole floating home to yourself? Why it’s having an entire floating island abode!  With the Amillarah Private Islands, not only are these residences fully customizable, you can also choose the location of your home. Each villa comes with a private beach, natural greenery as well as a jetty. Designed with its owner’s absolute privacy in mind, the Amillarah Private Islands are truly a chance for you to create your own exclusive paradise.

Words by Teri Chong. From: Luxuo. For more information, visit Amillarah.

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924 Bel Air Road in Los Angeles is the Most Expensive Home in America

To call 924 Bel Air Road a house seems inaccurate. Even describing it a mansion is somehow amiss. The colossal spec-home, which is currently on the market for USD 250 million floats on the hillside above Elizabeth Taylor’s former residence like an oversized yacht. The property is all blues and whites and greens with pools and terraces and a water feature that runs along the parameter. In the evening, it glows like a hilltop citadel.

Built by luxury developer Bruce Makowsky, who made his fortune in handbags and leather goods, it is the most expensive home ever listed in the United States and it joins a wave of American spec-homes being built to satisfy the whims of the super-rich. Last year, properties priced upwards of USD 100 million were listed in California, Florida, New York and Nevada. Recently, Nile Niami, an LA-based film producer-turned-developer announced he is building a mansion he plans to sell for USD 500 million.

As the spec-home trend gains momentum, developers continue to raise the stakes. 924 Bel Air Road come with 150 pieces of original artwork, around USD 30 million worth of classic cars, a dozen high-performance motorcycles and a deactivated helicopter.

“The house comes with a lot of great toys”, Mr. Makowsky grants as we begin our tour on the ground floor, passing a car gallery, a four-lane bowling alley, custom-made glass ping-pong and pool tables and a wall-mounted candy dispenser. Showpieces certainly abound. Also on this floor is a champagne pinball machine, a chrome-plated machine gun sculpture and diamond encrusted Fender guitar.

“There are five bars in the property”, Mr. Makowsky tells me as we round the corner and ascend to the next level, but I quickly lose count. There are wine and champagne cellars, televisions at every turn, including a giant outdoor hydraulic screen that rises up behind the infinity pool. If that’s not enough to entertain, there’s a 40-seat Dolby home theatre with surround sound that shakes my plush leather armchair.

Makowsky loves leather, marble, and polished steel. Occasionally he also likes wood, evidenced in a giant teak accent wall on the second floor. He also likes vintage cars, airplane parts, antique meat cutters, helicopters and boats. When it comes to furniture, he tends toward Italian design, though he also has a soft spot for Hermès and German hardware for the bathrooms.

What doesn’t he like? Imperfections. These are scarcely found across 38,000 sq. ft. of carefully curated living space. And if they appear, they don’t last long. When the wind sweeps tree pollen in through the retractable glass walls, Mr. Makowsky snatches up the tiny brown pods from the buffed marble floor before I can tread on them. When we pass the third floor lounge area, he notes a minute smudge on the blue Potrana Frau chairs like an eagle might spy the tail of a mouse in a mountain valley. To keep up appearances, the house comes with seven full time staff. They follow our tour, offering water, popcorn and candy, and I imagine, sweep up in the wake of our footsteps.

Those who toss around the phrase “attention to detail” casually haven’t met Mr. Makowsky. He supervised every last detail of the property down to the door handles and tapped into his wide-reaching network of luxury tastemakers to get the crème de la crème. After extensive negotiating he paid USD 250,000 for a large purple crystal he had his sights on, and had it carved into a sink for the powder room. When he saw a sculpture of a Leica camera he was keen on, he commissioned artist Yibai Liao to create another one and placed the oversized model, made from polished stainless steel at the bottom of the free-floating staircase.

Nothing is accidental here, and nothing is lacking, except perhaps a sense of organic comfort – the home isn’t exactly cozy. But then, that isn’t really the point. The property is meant to offer up every imaginable detail for its future magnate owners to have a good time. And according to Mr. Makowsky, they’ll be willing to pay for it.

“Until now, the ultra-luxury market was void of homes that even came close to matching the level of mega-yachts and private jets that billionaires spend millions of dollars on every year”, he says. “There are hundreds of new billionaires created each year and they are increasingly setting their sights on this coveted enclave of California for everything the state has to offer”.

Special Features

The home includes a massage studio and wellness spa, a Technogym fitness centre, 85-foot glass tile infinity swimming pool, 40-seat 4K Dolby Atmos Theater, a four-lane bowling alley, an auto gallery with cars valued at more than USD 30 million, seven full time staff, over 100 curated art installations, an outdoor hydraulic pop-up theater, two fully-stocked champagne/wine cellars, two commercial elevators and 270-degree views of Los Angeles.

Buyer Information:

Size: 38,0000 sq. ft.
Outdoors: 17,000 sq. ft.
Levels: 4
Bedrooms: 12
Bathrooms: 21
Kitchens: 3
Bars: 5 Price:
USD250,000,000

From: Palace #19.

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Resort Style Living is at Its Finest at Angsana Beachfront Residences by Bang Tao, Phuket

Resort-style living takes on a new dimension with Phuket’s latest luxury condominiums by the Banyan Tree Group. The Angsana Beachfront Residences are situated right on Bang Tao beach, within the world renown Laguna Phuket integrated resort on Phuket’s preferred west coast and comprises 30 exclusive units over five individual low-rise beachfront condominium buildings in a unique Thai contemporary style. All three-storey buildings contain only two apartments per floor, each equipped with a private pool at the fringes of a broad outdoor patio.

The development offers a selection of two to three-bedroom residences ranging from 2,303 square feet to 3,378 square feet with spacious ground floor garden units, as well as penthouse units with a private rooftop pool and entertaining area are also attractive options. One unique aspect of this project is the ability for owners to have their property managed by Angsana Laguna Phuket, through either an investment or lifestyle option. The investment initiative allows buyers to have their property operated full-time by the resort, whilst the lifestyle choice enables owners to reside in their property on a part or full-time basis and have their property exclusively rented out by the resort either short or long term.

With the ownership of a Beachfront Residence, residents will receive privileged access to the Sanctuary Club, a global network with more than 40 resorts and hotels and over 60 spas and 80 retail galleries; and membership to the championship Laguna Phuket Golf Club voted “Thailand’s Best” in the World Golf Awards. In addition to enjoying the range of facilities and infrastructure within Phuket’s largest resort, the area also boasts modern shopping centres and art galleries, international schools and world-class hospitals. Owners may enjoy all the lifestyle benefits and activities living by the Andaman Sea as well as the highlight of having a white sandy beach on their doorstep.

PRICE ON APPLICATION

From: Palace #19