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      in Luxury

      War of the Rosés? Brad Pitt Is Suing Angelina Jolie for Selling Her Stake in Their French Vineyard

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      Brad Pitt is suing ex-wife Angelina Jolie for selling her stake in a French vineyard that they owned together.

      The former Hollywood megawatt couple bought controlling interest in Chateau Miraval in 2008 for $25 million, according to a PA Media report published by Bloomberg. The estate, which includes a 35-room manor and the vineyard, is located in the village of Correns in southeastern France.  In 2014, the couple married on the grounds of the vineyard before divorcing two years later. Both had agreed to never sell their respective interests in the property without the other’s consent, according to the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles on Thursday. Pitt now claims that Jolie sold her stake in the property to a Luxembourg-based spirits manufacturer that’s controlled by Russian oligarch Yuri Shefler, without his approval.

      For her part, Jolie disputes that claim. The Oscar-winning actress says that she “informed Pitt in writing” of her decision in January 2021, according to the BBC. In the lawsuit, she claims that she had reached the “painful decision, with a heavy heart” and no longer wanted to own an alcohol business because of her personal objections. Legal documents obtained by PA Media show that Pitt contributed 60 percent to its purchase, and Jolie paid the remaining 40 percent.

      The Miraval estate in southern France. 

      Lionel Cironneau/AP Images

      Pitt’s lawyers say the move to sell was intended to cause “gratuitous harm” to the Oscar-winning actor, who had “poured money and sweat equity into the wine business.” The suit claims that, under his stewardship, the vineyard has grown into a “multimillion-dollar international success story.” The complaint goes on to allege that “[Jolie] sold her interest with the knowledge and intention that Shefler and his affiliates would seek to control the business to which Pitt had devoted himself and to undermine Pitt’s investment in Miraval.”
      As for the buyer, Shefler is the 54-year-old owner of SPI Group, which produces and sells alcohol in 170 countries. The company’s best-known brand is Stolichnaya vodka, which he bought for $285,000 in 1997. According to Forbes, the Russian businessman has a current net worth of $2.5 billion. Those credentials clearly don’t matter much to Pitt, who calls the vineyard his “passion” in the lawsuit. Indeed, the actor has been productive at the estate. In 2020, after five years of research and testing, he launched Fleur de Miraval, the only Champagne house devoted to Rosé. Meanwhile, the label’s Côtes de Provence Rosé 2020 has been both a critical and market hit.

      While a settlement between the two parties could still be in the offing, as of now lawyers for Pitt have requested a trial by jury. Stay tuned. More

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      in Luxury

      Richard Gere Lists His Idyllic 50-Acre Hudson Valley Estate for $28 Million

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      Richard Gere has listed the sprawling upstate New York compound he’s owned for more than 20 years. 

      The actor first purchased the property in 1986 and, over the years, created multiple structures on the 48.7 acres. The main New England-style residence is the largest at 11,658 square feet, and houses eight bedrooms, nine bathrooms and two half-baths. Located in picturesque Pound Ridge, New York, just 50 miles (or about an hour) from New York City, the property has been listed for $28 million by Muffin Dowdle of Ginnel Real Estate. 

      The living room of the main house 

      Ginnel Real Estate

      Even those not in the public eye will relish in the privacy of the property. It’s all but completely shielded from the outside world, as 4,300 acres of protected land border the grounds. With its expansive lawns and ample space, the bucolic estate is ideal for equestrians and those who enjoy spending time outdoors; it’s particularly idyllic as a summer escape, as it’s a quieter, if not more beautiful, alternative to the Hamptons.

      The kitchen 

      Ginnel Real Estate

      Outdoor enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the rolling hills, perfect for horseback riding; the hidden soccer field; the mature weeping willows; the vegetable garden; the pool; and the private lake with a sandy beach and island. Elsewhere on the estate are stables and five other structures, including secondary residences, a barn and a shed.  

      The view from the terrace 

      Ginnel Real Estate

      The main residence has three stories and plenty of colonial-style charm, but with updated furnishings, appliances and technology. Natural light spills into all 19 rooms for a bright and airy vibe, whether you’re enjoying a cup of tea and a book in the formal living room or jamming out in the music room.
      Gere and his wife, Alejandra Silva, who married in 2018, recently moved to nearby town North Salem, where they purchased a property last year for around $9.8 million. The Pretty Woman actor and his wife moved to the new home after welcoming children.
      Check out more images of the estate below:

      One of the bedrooms 

      Ginnel Real Estate

      One of nine bathrooms 

      Ginnel Real Estate

      The pool 

      Ginnel Real Estate

      The music room 

      Ginnel Real Estate

      The barn 

      Ginnel Real Estate

      An aerial shot of the estate 

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      in Luxury

      The Weeknd Lists His Los Angeles Penthouse, Dubbed the ‘Mogul,’ for $22.5 Million

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      Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, the musical powerhouse better known as the Weeknd, has decided to sell his lavish LA penthouse a mere two years after buying it.

      The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter behind such hits as “Blinding Lights” and “Can’t Feel My Face” purchased the full-floor Westwood condo for $21 million back in 2019, in what was one of the priciest deals ever recorded in Los Angeles County. Ready for an upgrade, the R&B star put the sprawling 7,950-square-foot pad on the market for $22.5 million on Tuesday, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. It comes shortly after he shelled out $70 million for a Bel Air mega-mansion last August.

      The glitzy apartment is located in a boutique high-rise called Beverly West, which spans 22 stories and offers 35 luxury condos. The Weeknd’s crib, dubbed the “Mogul,” comes complete with no less than four balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows for views across the Los Angeles Country Club, the Pacific Ocean and Downtown.

      The entertainment bar with a TV wall of four 65-inch screens. 

      Beverly Hills Estates

      With direct elevator access, the elegant abode features four bedrooms and seven bathrooms. Fit for music royalty, the generous primary suite is complemented by a spacious ensuite with two vanities, a steam shower and soaking tub. Elsewhere, there’s a state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen designed by famed industrial designer Antonio Citterio, a high-tech gym, a wine vault and an entertainment bar with a TV wall composed four 65-inch screens. You can also expect high-end Italian furniture, stone floors and hand-knotted rugs. On top of that, the building’s shared amenities include a saltwater swimming pool, rooftop helipad and 24-hour concierge.
      If the Weeknd manages to land a buyer, it’ll be the second residence the budding real estate mogul has offloaded in as many years. He also sold his 12,500-square-foot Hidden Hills mansion to Madonna last April for $19.3 million.
      Angel Salvador of the Beverly Hills Estates holds the listing. He did not immediately respond to Robb Report’s requests for comment.
      Check out more photos below:

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      in Luxury

      Actor David Spade’s Sleek, ’70s Beverly Hills Home Can Be Yours for $20 Million

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      After two decades of ownership, David Spade is officially ready to part ways with his stylish Beverly Hills abode.

      Built in 1978, the Saturday Night Live alum’s home sits on three-quarters of an acre in the Trousdale Estates community. Its modern layout was designed by prolific architect Edward Fickett and includes 6,426 square feet of space containing four bedrooms, seven bathrooms and three fireplaces. The sunken great room in the home features 20-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors that open to a patio.

      The sunken great room 

      Tyler Hogan

      “The house is just like, window city,” the comedian told The Wall Street Journal in an interview. “It’s like, ‘Come over and bring Windex.’” In addition to becoming neighbors with actors Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox, the home’s new owners will enjoy property amenities like a motor court, three-car garage, pool and tennis court.
      The Bachelor in Paradise host first viewed an aerial shot of the property back in 1990, and immediately knew he wanted to purchase it. “It looked so cool, it was the old ‘70s style and I wanted it right way,” he said in the WSJ interview.

      The pool and outdoor patio with scenic views 

      Tyler Hogan

      Unfortunately, negotiations fell through with the seller at that time and Spade wasn’t able to purchase the house until three years later for roughly $4 million. It’s now being listed for $19.995 million.
      That price jump reflects some improvements to the property, as the actor says he “gussied up” the residence little by little over the years. He started by replacing the Spanish-style, red-tile roof with sleek metal parapet and installing gray hardwood floors throughout the home. He eventually went on to upgrade the kitchen and his-and-hers primary bathrooms and expand the TV room by tacking on a bar.
      The all-new kitchen
      Although Spade initially bought the house because of its “good vibe,” the 57-year-old believes he is ready for a change—but “could easily still be there.” To get the ball rolling, he purchased a new home for $13.85 million this past fall in the famous Hollywood Hills. The new residence reportedly also has a modern design, but it’s far larger than the Beverly Hills home, with a span of about 11,300 square feet. It even has a theater which he will potentially use to record podcasts.

      The listing is currently held by Stuart Vetterick of Hilton & Hyland. To learn more about the property visit MLS.com. Check out more images below:

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      in Luxury

      This Controversial Bel Air Mansion Has Sold for $5 Million—and Now It Has to Be Torn Down

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      One of LA’s most epic real estate sagas is finally coming to a close.

      After half a decade of legal disputes, Mohamed Hadid’s hotly contested Bel Air mansion has sold for $5 million at auction and is set to be demolished within the next nine months, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
      The luxury developer, who is the father of supermodels Gigi and Bella, first purchased the sprawling 1.2 acre property back in 2011. He promptly set about constructing a 30,000-square-foot mansion on the estate, which was both bigger and taller than city code allowed, according to the Times. The plans also called for a 70-seat IMAX theater, a gigantic wine cellar and a number of bedrooms and decks that were never approved by the city.

      Hadid’s half-finished Bel Air mansion will be demolished within nine months. 

      Damian Dovarganes/AP

      Neighbors expressed concern that the four-story manse, nicknamed “the Starship Enterprise,” could destabilize the hillside and put the properties below at risk. After Hadid was accused of illegally building the colossal abode on Strada Vecchia Road, he plead no contest to criminal charges in 2017, and was ordered to do community service, pay fines and present a plan to stabilize the structure. That same year, Hadid defiantly defended the property in the press.
      “Demolish this house? Never!” he told Town and Country Magazine. “This house will last forever. Bel Air will fall before this will.”
      In 2018, Hadid was hit with a civil lawsuit from his neighbors for not sticking to the terms of his plea deal and flouting repeated orders to halt construction. They demanded Hadid tear down the unfinished home. In 2019, a court ordered the mansion to be demolished, with Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Craig D. Karlan deeming it a “danger to the public.”

      The manse, nicknamed the Starship Enterprise, spans an imposing 30,000 square feet. 

      Damian Dovarganes/AP

      Hadid tried to stop the destruction by declaring bankruptcy, but was eventually forced to put it on the market for $8.5 million. With no willing buyers, the price was slashed to $5.5 million before the property was finally auctioned for $5 million by Premiere Estates Auction Co. The buyer, local developer Sahara Construction Co., must pay to have Hadid’s half-finished creation demolished within the next nine months.
      It seems the Starship Enterprise will die on the rarefied hills of Bel-Air. More

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      in Luxury

      Stevie Wonder Just Snapped Up This $14 Million Bel Air Mansion From a Saudi Prince

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      Ooh, baby! Stevie Wonder has signed, sealed and delivered himself to “Higher Ground” in Bel Air, where records reveal he’s dropped nearly $14 million on an elephantine hillside mansion. With views over the rugged surrounding mountains and shadowy canyons, the Mediterranean-style house is located in Bel Air Crest, the exclusive guard-gated community where other current and former residents have included NBA star Anthony Davis, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and Kim Kardashian and Kanye West.

      Astute real estate watchers and Wonder fans may recall that the 71-year-old music icon is not new to the Bel Air Crest community. For the last several years, he and wife Tomeeka Bracy have been leasing another huge mansion in the same enclave—a house that happens to sit right next door to the main L.A. residence of one Gordon Ramsay. The Bracy-Wonders frequently stop by to sample their neighbor’s cooking, according to Ramsay himself.
      While Wonder’s newly purchased mansion is further away from Ramsay, it’s still within walking distance of a world-class meal. And with nearly 20,000 square feet of living space, it will certainly require enough walking to work up a healthy appetite. There are 11 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms, plus attached staff quarters and a 2,550-bottle wine cellar. Though the place was built in 2009, its yellowish-beige stucco exterior harks back to a distinctly ’90s, suburban sort of vintage.

      In 2012, the massive home was sold for $13.3 million to HH Prince Mohammed bin Faisal bin Saud Al Saud, a son of Princess Etab bint Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and a maternal grandson of Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, who was crown prince of Saudi Arabia from 2005-2011. His Highness bought the house as a single man, though in 2013 he married Princess Madawi bint Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The couple apparently didn’t spend much time in Bel Air—over the last few years, the giant house has been leased out, most recently at a princely monthly rate of $75,000, per listings.
      Here’s a virtual spin through the Wonder-ful house, which is one of the largest and likely one of the most lavish homes in Bel Air Crest.

      The front of the property. 

      Zillow

      Positioned at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, the Tuscan-influenced house stands tall behind iron gates. There’s a front-facing three-car garage and additional driveway space for a couple more vehicles.

      Views within the home’s entrance. 

      Zillow

      Inside, the double front doors open into a hanger-sized foyer that soars two—or possibly three—stories tall, and it topped by skylights for a more ethereal vibe.

      The living room. 

      Zillow

      Linestone flooring extends to the multiple lounge areas and sitting rooms. This living room is serviced by a mahogany wet bar.

      The luxe formal dining room. 

      Zillow

      There’s also a formal dining room with two chandeliers and seating for 12.

      The office/library space. 

      Zillow

      The library/executive office is also beige, though it additionally sports intricate wood paneling and lavish built-in bookcases.

      The spacious family room. 

      Zillow

      The family room, which offers a large fireplace.

      The kitchen. 

      Zillow

      The oversized kitchen is capable of catering large events and features high-quality stainless appliances and an island with beige granite countertops.

      Views from one of the home’s terraces. 

      Zillow

      Numerous terraces and loggias offer shady space for dining and lounging.

      A hallway with wooden panels inside the mansion. 

      Zillow

      The wood-paneled interiors go for an antique, vaguely museum-like appearance. 

      The primary bathroom. 

      Zillow

      The primary bathroom features a central soaking tub — grandly raised with steps up, naturally — underneath a giant glass skylight.

      Views from the master suite terrace. 

      Zillow

      The master suite also has a private terrace with enough room for intimate dinner parties and views over undeveloped hills.

      A hallway with the home’s elevated shown. 

      Zillow

      For convenience, a wood-clad elevator services all of the home’s three levels.

      The pool. 

      Zillow

      The infinity-edged pool features an inset spa. While the property spans more than a half-acre, the house takes up a substantial part of the lot. Still, there are plenty of grassy play areas and a park-like collection of beautifully mature trees.

      A look at the backyard of the home. 

      Zillow

      Emanouel Ourshano of Platinum Estates held the listing; Nick Segal and Rick Ojeda of Avenue 8 repped the buyer.

      The pool light up at night. 

      Zillow

      In addition to his new Bel Air digs, Wonder’s sizable property portfolio still includes commercial property in L.A.’s San Fernando Valley, two houses in the Hollywood Hills and an estate in Alpine, New Jersey. More

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      Formula 1 Star Lewis Hamilton Gets $50 Million for One of His Two NYC Apartments

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      Almost as soon as he bought the Manhattan triplex penthouse in early 2017, for a scorching $44 million, front-of-the-pack Formula One racecar driver Lewis Hamilton, one of the wealthiest sportsmen in the world, with an annual haul estimated at close to $50 million, caught a classic case of the Real Estate Fickle.

      The recently knighted 36-year-old Brit, who won the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last week and will start this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in the coveted pole position as the odds-on favorite, never even moved into the 8,900-square-foot Tribeca aerie before he splashed out with the purchase of another insanely expensive penthouse just a block away and flipped the unwanted triplex back on the market just over two years ago for $57 million.

      With no takers at the sky-high price, the ask was chopped to $52 million before some Richie Rich came along and paid $49.5 million for the six-bedroom and six-full-and-two-half-bath spread, to date the highest price paid this year for a downtown condo. As noted by the New York Post, the buyer’s identity is shielded behind an LLC with a Seattle address and there’s plenty of unsubstantiated speculation racing around the celebrity gossip grapevine the new owner is a big tech heavy hitter like Bill Gates or Jeff Bezos. (If you know, let us know!)

      Inside the light-filled triplex with excessive space. 

      StreetEasy

      An elevator opens directly into the foyer and a separate elevator services the penthouse’s three floors, while the double-height corner living room showcases exposed wood support beams and a 20-foot ceiling. Configured around a huge island with two dishwashers, the separate kitchen sports high-end finishes and all the culinary bells and whistles $50 million can buy.
      Floor plans show there are three and potentially four guest bedrooms on the second level, along with a primary suite that consists of a private study, a morning bar and a walk-in closet. The main bedroom’s clean-lined bathroom is lavish though windowless. A den just off the main floor living room has an attached bath that makes it easily convertible to a sixth bedroom.
      The top floor is devoted to a spacious lounge complete with wet bar and powder room. The lounge spills out through walls of accordion-fold glass doors to a pair of terraces, the larger a massive wrap around affair with sweeping city and river views. Marketing materials indicate there’s a plunge pool, though it’s not clear it’s been installed, and the unit transfers with two deeded parking spaces in the secured, on-site garage.

      A view of the skyline and neighborhood from the home’s interior. 

      StreetEasy

      It’s unlikely the mystery buyer took out a standard mortgage but had they, the monthly costs for the penthouse (mortgage, taxes and building fees) would tally up to more than a quarter million bucks. Nick Gavin at Compass represented both Hamilton and the buyer.
      Converted from a 19th-century book binding factory, the handsome, low-rise red-brick building has had massive appeal to high-profile people looking to come and go without being peeped by the public or snapped by paparazzi. The building has an enclosed motor court that allows that. There’s also a courtyard garden, a gym and a spectacular indoor swimming pool. A short list of the many celebs who own (or have owned) units in the building include Mike Myers, Rebel Wilson, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel, Meg Ryan, Jake Gylenhaal and Harry Styles.
      The Formula One star’s other Tribeca penthouse was acquired in late 2018 for just over $40.7 million, and online records indicate it sprawls across more than 6,500 square feet with four bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms. Lewis, whose primary residence is in Monaco, is reported to also maintain homes in Geneva and London.
      Check out more images of the property below.

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      Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers Just Bought This $14 Million Beverly Hills Compound

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      Michael “Flea” Balzary already owns two enviable homes in the Los Angeles area, a $7.5 million cottage in the Malibu Colony gated community and a funky $4.25 million compound in the La Crescenta foothills. The Red Hot Chili Pepper has always done well in real estate—last year, he sold a spicy oceanfront Malibu estate for $20 million to hedge fund manager Ross Laser, more than double what Balzary originally paid for the place—so he’s bolstering his real estate portfolio yet again, this time doling out an impressive $14 million for a 1.38-acre Mulholland Drive spread.

      Though the house has a coveted 90210 zip code, it’s technically located in the steep mountains above LA’s Studio City neighborhood. Built way back in 1948, but completely renovated in the early 2000s by LA architect Aleks Istanbullu, the three-story architectural estate sold to Flea and his fashion designer wife Melody Ehsani for a nearly $2 million discount off the original $16.9 million ask. The sellers were former Paramount chief Adam Goodman and his wife Jessica, who acquired the formerly ranch-style estate in 2010 for $4.2 million from Emmy-winning animator Gábor Csupó of “Rugrats” fame. Before that, the property had been owned in the ’90s by Blue Note Records president Don Was.

      The interior of the light-filled mansion. 

      Realtor.com

      Out of sight from the street and resting beyond a long gated driveway, the private residence is secluded amid resort-like grounds and surrounded by famous neighbors — directly across the street is Jack Nicholson’s longtime main residence; also nearby are Warren Beatty’s massive mansion and Lana Del Rey’s multimillion-dollar compound.
      Trimmed in green steel and redwood, the heavily modified architectural structure includes seven bedrooms and eight baths in over 7,300 square feet of living space. There are skylights and hardwood floors throughout, and glitzy amenities include a state-of-the-art Bel Air Circuit movie theater with a 15-foot screen and soda machine, plus an underground wine room — climate-controlled, naturally.

      The home’s movie theater with a 15-foot screen. 

      Realtor.com

      The front door opens into a double-height living room ideal for entertaining, complete with walls of glass spilling out to an al fresco dining deck. Back inside, a set of steps leads past a library and up to a dining room, which in turn abuts a sleekly contemporary kitchen outfitted with luxe stainless appliances. Overlooking the living room is a mezzanine level holding a family room with its own cantilevered balcony; the home’s entire third level encompasses a sumptuous master suite with a sitting room, copper-faced fireplace, gym, steam shower, sauna and two rooftop decks offering up mountain views. A spa-like bath is equipped with a concrete soaking tub set beneath a big window.

      Outside are lush, ultra-private grounds laden with custom amenities. A kitchen and wood-burning fireplace are great for outdoor catering, a firepit lounge area is perfect for s’mores, and a hepatica leaf-shaped pool boasts an “underwater viewing room.” Kids will love the trio of whimsical treehouses, which are connected by a suspension bridge. Adults may favor the putting green and the detached four-car garage. There are also guest quarters and an “art cabin,” per the listing.

      The outdoor bar next to the hepatica leaf-shaped pool. 

      Realtor.com

      Born in Australia but bred in New York, Flea remains best known as a founding member and bassist of L.A.-based rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, whose recordings have garnered them six Grammy awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The 59-year-old has also dabbled in acting, with roles in more than 20 films and TV shows including “Suburbia,” “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” and “The Big Lebowski.” Flea cofounded the Silverlake Conservatory of Music, a nonprofit music education organization for underprivileged children; in 2019, he published “Acid for the Children,” a memoir of his early life.
      Josh Altman and Matt Altman of the Altman Brothers Team at Douglas Elliman were the listing agents; Sherri Rogers and Anthony Stellini of Compass repped the buyer.
      Check out more images of the property below.

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