More stories

  • in

    Home of the Week: Inside the $20 Million NYC Townhouse of Movie Power Couple Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin

    Elvis was in the building. Well, a least on the top floor. It was here, in his fifth floor “creative studio”, that Oscar-winning writer and director Baz Luhrmann is said to have penned the script for his upcoming film Elvis, starring Tom Hanks.

    It’s also Elvis who’s partly to blame for Luhrmann and his wife, four-time Oscar-winning set and costume designer Catherine Martin’s decision to put their beloved New York City townhouse on the market, with a $19.995 million asking price. Seems Covid travel restrictions in and out of the couple’s native Australia, where Elvis was filmed, have kept them away from NYC for the past couple of years, leaving the landmark property empty. Add to that, the couple’s two children are said to have reached college age, prompting the difficult decision to sell.

    “Homes like this come along once in a lifetime,” Steve Gold, listing agent with the Corcoran Group tells Robb Report. “It is a true unicorn in terms of New York townhouses. Its proportions and grandeur are just exceptional.”

    The exterior 

    Nina Poon/MW Studio for The Corcoran Group

    Luhrmann, who wrote and directed films like Moulin Rouge, The Great Gatsby and Romeo + Juliet, purchased this elegant Anglo-Italian brownstone back in 2017, paying a reported $13.5 million.
    Built by a Brooklyn-based merchant in 1850, the home is unique in that its frontage spans 28 feet, making for exceptionally spacious rooms. Corcoran’s Gold says it’s a rarity among New York townhouses. The exterior design only adds to the grandeur, with its full-width second-floor Juliet balcony featuring a delicate, cast-iron railing, lovely arched windows and an imposing front entrance with arched stonework.

    The living area 

    Nina Poon/MW Studio for The Corcoran Group

    Add to that the home’s tony location on East 17th Street overlooking Stuyvesant Square Park in Manhattan’s coveted Gramercy neighborhood, within strolling distance of bustling Union Square. “Stuyvesant Square is one of New York’s oldest parks, and the home faces it almost centerline. It’s also on the north side of the street so has a southern exposure. Almost all of the rooms are flooded with light,” says Gold.
    After Luhrmann and Martin bought the home, the couple immediately jumped into a massive, top-to-bottom renovation, converting the former three-family home into a single residence. The complete makeover also reflected the couple’s passion for theatrical design. As featured in the pages of Elle Decor and Vogue Australia magazines, the multitude of rooms are decorated in rich colors and wild-patterned wall coverings, most designed by Martin.

    The grand staircase (there’s also an elevator) 

    Nina Poon/MW Studio for The Corcoran Group

    Spread across those five levels are six bedrooms, five baths and a couple of powder rooms. The highlight here is the second floor’s stark-white parlor, with its soaring 16-foot-high ceilings, floating curved staircase and floor-to-ceiling doors leading out onto the balcony. Through a high-arched door is the adjoining music room where, at least on the listing photos, the couple’s Oscars are lined-up on a shelf.
    The decoration for the striking green and ruby red family-room-cum-dining room is said to have been inspired by the green tiles surrounding the original fireplace. That boldly patterned emerald wallpaper is also one of Martin’s own designs. The set designer’s theatrical decorating skills are also on show in the home’s entry hallway, with its blood-red carpeting, black paintwork and wild geometric wall covering.

    The kitchen 

    Nina Poon/MW Studio for The Corcoran Group

    On this level there’s also the oversized Clive Christian-designed kitchen with its professional-grade Viking and Sub-Zero appliances, white marble countertops and huge walk-in pantry.
    Take the stairs, or elevator (itself a work of art), down to the cellar level to find a media room with an overstuffed red velvet sofa, plus a studio that could be converted to another bedroom. From there there’s access to the home’s coveted, roughly 1,500-square-foot garden.

    The master bedroom 

    Nina Poon/MW Studio for The Corcoran Group

    Way up on the fifth floor is Luhrmann’s space, which currently features a living room, bar, gym, bedroom and bathroom. For a number of years, the floor was home to renowned jazz tenor saxophonist Sandy Johnson and his wife.
    “This entire top floor would make a perfect self-contained primary suite, replacing the current one on the second floor. The owners did have plans to add stairs up to the roof and create a private roof deck. The views from up would be incredible,” adds Gold.
    Check out more photos of the townhouse below:

    Another view of the parlor 

    Nina Poon/MW Studio for The Corcoran Group

    Another living area 

    Nina Poon/MW Studio for The Corcoran Group

    A bathroom 

    Nina Poon/MW Studio for The Corcoran Group

    The piano room 

    Nina Poon/MW Studio for The Corcoran Group More

  • in

    Cindy Crawford’s Former Malibu Beach Home Hits the Market for $99.5 Million

    Fans of indoor-outdoor living, get your wallets ready. Cindy Crawford’s former beachside abode in California just listed, and it’s a dream for lovers of both nature and design.

    With an asking price of $99.5 million, the listing is currently one of LA’s most expensive places on the market. The two-story home sits on three acres of land above the El Sol Beach in Malibu, and offers up to 7,450 square feet of living space to roam. Its Mediterranean-style exterior gives way to four beds and five full baths, an expansive wraparound deck with a fire pit and an outdoor pool area with cabanas and a fireplace. For exercise, you’ll be able to hit the property’s indoor gym or take a short walk down the driveway to its tennis court. A spa is also accessible for designated downtime.

    A close-up aerial shot of the beach house. 

    Adrian Anz

    Designed with an open-air flow, the villa features floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and a great room that combines the living room, den, dining area and gourmet kitchen. In addition, your new primary suite will include a fireplace and sitting area, as well as dual spa-like bathrooms and a walk-in closet. Retired hedge-fund manager Adam Weiss told The Wall Street Journal he purchased the house for $45 million in 2018 from Crawford and her husband, Rande Gerber. He and his wife, Yellowstone actress Barret Swatek, are now selling the home because they recently purchased another estate in Maui, Hawaii, for the same price.

    Inside the open-air interior of the home. 

    Adrian Anz

    Weiss, co-founder of New York-based Scout Capital Management (which shut down in 2014), told WSJ he was drawn to the property for its “energy” and the proximity to nature and wildlife. “You wake up in the morning and you can see dolphins out the window,” he says. Sounds quite peaceful, right? Even better, you can follow the private walkway to the beach, which is almost like your own personal beach because there’s no easy public access point nearby. A popular bird habitat also sits on a small canyon to the south of the property and serves as protection from the coastal breeze, in-turn creating what feels like the house’s own microclimate.

    The outdoor pool and deck with a fireplace. 

    Adrian Anz

    Light renovations have been made to the home over the past few years. This includes a reworking of the landscaping, removal of the concrete used for parking to create a grassy meadow and revamping the interiors. Weiss is waiting on his twin daughters to graduate high school before they relocate but doesn’t see the point of holding onto the home if the family won’t be spending time there, of course. “It’s a major property, so it’s about the ratio of the amount of work and time that has to go into really caring for it, versus how much time you’re going to spend there,” he explains.

    For information on the Malibu listing, contact Jade Mills of Coldwell Banker Real Estate. Check out more images below.

    Adrian Anz

    Adrian Anz

    Adrian Anz

    Adrian Anz

    Adrian Anz

    Adrian Anz

    Adrian Anz

    Adrian Anz

    Adrian Anz More

  • in

    Home of the Week: Racing Legend Tony Stewart’s $30 Million Indiana Ranch Features the Ultimate Man Cave

    It’s been described as a cross between a Bass Pro Shops and a Cabela’s. But the massive log cabin-style Indiana ranch, owned by racing legend Tony Stewart, is arguably way more authentic.

    Take the roughly 415 acres of land it sits on. It’s stocked to the brim with elk, deer and wild turkey. In front of the ranch is a nine-acre lake teeming with trophy bass just waiting to be hooked.

    The ranch itself, known as Hidden Hollow, was built with lodge pole pine trucked in from the northern Rockies. The floors are made of white oak, red hardwood and stone imported from Texas. Indiana bedrock was used to build the two-level fireplace. “It is truly a unique, one-of-a-kind property that you simply don’t find here in Indiana. Its sheer size is remarkable,” Carrie Holle, listing agent with Compass Realty tells Robb Report.

    The entry takes you over a stream fed by two waterfalls. 

    Courtesy Brock Childs/The Home Aesthetic

    For the uninitiated, Tony Stewart is a NASCAR Hall of Famer, winner of three NASCAR Cup series championships and the only driver in history to have won championships in both IndyCar and NASCAR. He’s a legend. And while the 50-year-old, nicknamed “Smoke”, officially hung up his helmet in 2016, he’s co-owner of the Stewart Haas Racing NASCAR team, and still races stock cars in his Superstar Racing Experience series.
    Stewart, who grew up in nearby Columbia, Indiana, bought his sprawling property back in 2009, demolished the house sitting on it and spent three years building his dream ranch. “This is truly my dream home,” he says in a statement. “This became my place to get away and relax with my family and friends. We’ve enjoyed every square inch of the land. The best part is that there is always something to do here. The land is great for hunting and fishing, off-roading or just sitting on the porch and enjoying the stars at night. It is the perfect blend of entertainment and relaxation.”

    The game room 

    Courtesy Brock Childs/The Home Aesthetic

    And he certainly has the “entertainment” part covered. The home comes with a massive 8,500-square-foot lower level that you could only describe as a “man cavern”. It comes with a full-service bar, gaming tables, a two-lane bowling alley, a gym, virtual golf room and stunning carved-wood pool table.
    Taking pride of place at one end of the basement is Stewart’s collection of 200-plus racing helmets, plus a genuine IndyCar single-seat racer bolted to the wall. Nearby is the driver’s collection of vintage gas pumps and pinball machines. (And no, they don’t come with the home.)

    Arguably even more jaw-dropping than the man-cavern is the rightly named Great Room. From the front entry, you walk over an actual wooden bridge spanning a koi-filled stream fed by a two-story waterfall. The rocks at its base are as big as most Buicks.

    The massive aquarium 

    Courtesy Brock Childs/The Home Aesthetic

    Taking pride of place in the living room is an 8,700-gallon freshwater aquarium filled with largemouth bass, carp, gar, perch and crappie. The tank is so big the maintenance guy has to don scuba gear to clean the bottom.
    In total there are six ensuite bedrooms, eight full baths and a master suite as expansive as you’d expect. Don’t worry about window treatments—it’s all lake and woodlands as far as you can see. Need more space for guests? Close by is a separate, nearly 3,500-square-foot guest house that’s currently home to the ranch’s full-time games-keeper.

    The kitchen 

    Courtesy Brock Childs/The Home Aesthetic

    As for garaging, the listing talks about a six-car garage, which sounds a little on the small side for a confirmed car guy. Compass’ Holle explains that one of those huge, nondescript standalone buildings on the property is home to the Tony Stewart Collection. “We don’t publicize it because right now it’s his private space with lots of his prized cars and memorabilia. But it is huge.”
    Who’s going to buy this, the most expensive listing in Indiana history? Holle points to the fact that the ranch is a licensed hunting preserve and is even zoned for use as a bed and breakfast, so has multiple-use possibilities.

    A bedroom 

    Courtesy Brock Childs/The Home Aesthetic

    “Much of the appeal has to be its location. The ranch is only an hour’s drive from Indianapolis International Airport and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. And while it looks from the photographs to be in the middle of nowhere, there’s a Starbucks five minutes away.”
    According to Holle, Stewart is selling because non-stop travel commitments keep him and his new wife, top drag racer, Leah Pruett, from spending enough time there.
    Check out more photos of the estate below:

    The bowling alley 

    Courtesy Brock Childs/The Home Aesthetic

    A living area 

    Courtesy Brock Childs/The Home Aesthetic

    A bathroom 

    Courtesy Brock Childs/The Home Aesthetic

    The property is licensed for hunting 

    Courtesy Brock Childs/The Home Aesthetic More

  • in

    DJ Calvin Harris Is Spinning Off His $25 Million Beverly Hills Estate

    DJ Calvin Harris must “feel so close” to $25 million after listing his Beverly Hills compound last month. The hitmaker first purchased the then-brand-new property in 2014 and after extensive renovations, is officially parting with the property.

    The property has five structures. 

    Christopher Amitrano/Douglas Elliman Realty

    From the exterior, the home looks more traditional than one might expect from a global A-list DJ, with nods to an East Coast Hamptons estate. However, the interiors reflect Harris’ worldly taste, accented by high-end imported materials, modern amenities and bright, airy rooms. It’s also located on a secluded, celebrity-studded street, perfect for privacy-seeking entertainers like Harris. The gated property, located at 9779 Oak Pass Road in Beverly Hills, has an elongated, tree-lined driveway and is spread over 2.7 acres. 

    The pool 

    Christopher Amitrano/Douglas Elliman Realty

    There are five structures on the property, including a main residence, two-story guest house, five-car garage (with elevator access), a security office for a live-in body guard and a standalone gym. Expansive lawns and winding  pathways connect each structure. As you might imagine, the place has all the bells and whistles one could want and need, including that state-of-the-art home gym and a basketball court, movie theater and an epic backyard.

    A living room 

    Christopher Amitrano/Douglas Elliman Realty

    It feels natural that a professional entertainer would have a fabulous space to host guests, and the extravagant backyard is just such a space, with a large pool, spa, fire pit and lounge and a barbecue under a custom pergola. There’s also a vegetable garden, outdoor ping-pong table and plenty of outdoor lounging and dining spaces to enjoy.
    Due to the nature of his career, Harris transformed the guest home into two full recording studios, one on each floor. While the everyday buyer might not have much use for the studios, a fellow entertainer might find them quite useful. 

    The wet bar 

    Christopher Amitrano/Douglas Elliman Realty

    In total, there are 10 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms. The primary suite is located in the main residence and has vaulted  beamed ceilings, a fireplace, ensuite dual bathrooms with walk-in closets, a fireplace and direct outdoor access. Other bedrooms are also spacious with ample closet space.”

    The gourmet kitchen also has a wine cellar. 

    Christopher Amitrano/Douglas Elliman Realty

    The home is both cozy and bright, with large windows that let in natural light and emphasize the open-plan living spaces. Key features include a grand stone staircase, herringbone flooring throughout and soaring coffered ceilings that make each room feel even more spacious. There are several fireplaces throughout, as well as a full bar, exposed brick in the living room, skylights and a solar dome. There is also a glass-paneled, walk-in wine cellar off the kitchen.

    The home is listed by the Altman Brothers of Douglas Elliman. 
    Check out more photos of the property below:

    The home’s grand stone staircase. 

    Christopher Amitrano/Douglas Elliman Realty

    The primary suite 

    Christopher Amitrano/Douglas Elliman Realty

    Harris’ awards 

    Christopher Amitrano/Douglas Elliman Realty

    Movie theater 

    Christopher Amitrano/Douglas Elliman Realty

    Recording studio 

    Christopher Amitrano/Douglas Elliman Realty

    The gym 

    Christopher Amitrano/Douglas Elliman Realty

    Basketball court 

    Christopher Amitrano/Douglas Elliman Realty

    Another recording studio 

    Christopher Amitrano/Douglas Elliman Realty More

  • in

    Buy Hard: This $37.5 Million Turks and Caicos Estate Was Once Owned by Bruce Willis

    Die-hard fans of Bruce Willis now have a chance to live like the legendary American actor. A sprawling Caribbean compound formerly owned by Willis himself has just hit the market for $37.5 million.

    The property in question, known simply as the Residence, is nestled amid the exclusive Turks and Caicos archipelago on the picturesque private island of Parrot Cay. The eight-acre plot was first purchased by the 66-year-old leading man—known for films such as Die Hard, Pulp Fiction and The Sixth Sense, to name but a few—back in 2000, after which he spent the next four years building his dream home on the secluded, sunset-facing bay.

    Fit for an A-Lister, the beachfront estate comprises three stately hardwood-clad homes that collectively offer a total of 35,000 square feet of living space, along with 12 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms. The six-bedroom main house, which was treated to a full re-design in 2020, is geared toward entertaining family and friends. The entire upper level has been transformed into a “children’s dream space,” while the main level comes fitted with a lavish lounge and an epic cinema to catch up on Willis’s latest flicks.

    The beachfront property comes with three separate houses and four pools. 

    Provo Pictures for Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty

    To the north of the main house, there is a villa dedicated to the luxurious primary suite and a separate guest villa to accommodate fellow stars. Both villas are set a good distance from the main house and come with their own large pool. Speaking of pools, the property has four in total, as well as 1,100 feet of immaculate beach.
    Elsewhere outdoors, there is 18,000 square feet of decking for alfresco entertaining, along with a yoga pavilion and a children’s playground that boasts its own full-size wooden pirate ship.

    The main home offers six bedrooms and plenty of space for entertaining. 

    Provo Pictures for Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty

    The estate itself is part of the ritzy COMO Parrot Cay resort, which is owned by Singaporean hotelier Christina Ong. As such, it is serviced by a dedicated staff and supplemented by COMO management. If the property is sold at the asking price, it will set a record for the island nation and result in a nice profit for the current owners (the billionaire founders of Goosehead Insurance), who bought the place from Willis for $27 million back in 2019.
    “The property elicits beachfront fun, precious family time and restoration amidst a pristine white sandy bay and lush green gardens that make up this exceptional compound,” listing agent Nina Siegenthaler of Turks and Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty told Robb Report.

    Not to mention, it was built by the one and only John McClane.
    Check out more photos below:

    Provo Pictures for Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty

    Provo Pictures for Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty

    Provo Pictures for Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty

    Provo Pictures for Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty

    Provo Pictures for Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty

    Provo Pictures for Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty

    Provo Pictures for Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty

    Provo Pictures for Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty

    Provo Pictures for Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty

    Provo Pictures for Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty More