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      in Luxury

      Roman Abramovich’s French Riviera Mansion Was Just Seized by Authorities

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      Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich is hemorrhaging assets amid the Russia-Ukraine war.

      The reputed Vladimir Putin ally, who was sanctioned by the UK, the EU and Canada in March in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has just had 12 of his prized Gallic properties seized by French authorities. Among them is an historic villa situated in one of the most prestigious parts of the French Riviera.

      Dating back to 1926, the storied Château de la Croë once belonged to the former King of England Edward VIII and American socialite Wallis Simpson. Fit for royalty—the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, specifically—the palatial abode sits on 12 lush acres just a few feet from the Mediterranean sea. Inside, it offers 12 bedrooms, eight bathrooms and a spate of royally good amenities.

      Château de la Croë was once owned by the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. 

      Leslie Priest/AP

      Abramovich purchased the château from an unknown party in 2001, before spending a reported $40 million on renovations to add a rooftop swimming pool, gym and cinema. The lavish pad is reportedly now estimated to be worth around $117 million.
      French authorities have also seized the oligarch’s estate on St. Barts, condos in Paris and villas in Nice. The total value of his seized properties is in the ballpark of $340 million, according to Forbes.

      Abramovich reportedly spent $40 million renovating the French château. 

      Wikimedia Commons

      The move was part of a major operation that has seen more than $26 billion worth of cash, properties, yachts, helicopters and other assets belonging to sanctioned Russians confiscated or frozen in recent weeks, according to France’s Economy and Finance Ministry.
      Abramovich, who is believe to be a confidant of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been a major target of Western sanctions. So far, he has been forced to sell his London soccer team Chelsea and has sent his two prized superyachts to the Mediterranean to avoid seizure. Not to mention, the island nation of Jersey, part of the Channel Islands, froze $7 billion worth of his assets this week. More

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

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      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

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

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      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

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    • 225 Shares129 Views

      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 

      Ginnel Real Estate More

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      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:

      Beverly Hills Estates

      Beverly Hills Estates

      Beverly Hills Estates

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      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:

      Tyler Hogan

      Tyler Hogan

      Tyler Hogan

      Tyler Hogan

      Tyler Hogan

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      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