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      in Vacation Homes

      This $100 Million Private Island in the Bahamas Comes Fully Furnished and Move-In Ready

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      Why own a vacation home when you can have a whole island? Those looking to really get away from it all this winter are in luck, as Little Pipe Cay, a private island in the Bahamas, has hit the market once again for $100 million. No small price, and $15 million more than the property was going for when it was first listed in 2018.

      What justifies the uptick in price? Simply put, owning an island is now more appealing than ever. Many left major cities behind for more far-flung locales last year during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, and that interest doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. Little Pipe Cay has some geographical advantages compared to other isles too, as it’s located in the 350-island Exumas archipelago. So it’s not far from Miami, should you ever want to hop over to the city for a long weekend.

      One of the residences 

      Photo: Lifestyle Production Group

      The 40-acre island is more built out than most others on the market, too, instead of just being an undeveloped piece of land: Six of the structures come fully furnished and are move-in ready. The main residence, for instance, is 5,300 square feet and has a primary bedroom with dual bathrooms and walk-in closets. Nearby is a separate structure for entertaining, which features a dining area, a pub, a spa and a gym. There are four guest houses on the property, plus storehouses and staff quarters. The island’s current infrastructure can be credited to investor and businessman Michael Dingman, who previously owned the property, according to The Wall Street Journal. 

      A living room 

      Photo: Brett Davis

      Of course, as incredible as a property like this one is, upkeep doesn’t come cheap. Running costs total about $1.5 million, though there’s room to turn it into a money-making venture. The future owner could transform the place into a resort, similar to Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island, and turn a profit.

      Homes on the island combine indoor and outdoor living 

      Photo: Brett Davis

      Or you can keep it to yourself. The area’s crystalline waters and scenic vistas are certainly worth having access to year-round.
      Fredrik Eklund and John Gomes of Douglas Elliman hold the listing. Check out more photos of the island below:

      One of the bedrooms 

      Photo: Brett Davis

      A lounge area 

      Photo: Brett Davis

      The pool 

      Photo: Lifestyle Production Group

      One of the beaches 

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    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Luxury

      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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    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Vacation Homes

      The Lavish Lake Como Villa from ‘House of Gucci’ Is Coming to Airbnb—for One Lucky Guest

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      “House of Gucci” hits theaters today, and if you want to live like Patrizia Reggiani and Maurizio Gucci (played by Lady Gaga and Adam Driver, respectively), you’re in luck: One of the family homes featured in the film is now available for an overnight stay via Airbnb for $1,125—but only for one lucky booker.

      The grand Lake Como residence stars as Aldo Gucci’s home in the film. Gucci was the chairman of the fashion house from 1953 to 1986; he was the eldest son of founder Guccio Gucci. A wide shot of the home’s facade appears within the first 15 seconds of the trailer.

      The living room 

      Photo: Bruno Erhs

      Outside of the Ridley Scott drama, the mansion is known as Villa Balbiano. According to the Airbnb listing, it’s one of the largest private residences on Lake Como. It was originally built for Tolomeo Gallio, an Italian cardinal, at the end of the 16th century. Angelo Maria Durini, another cardinal, took over the property a century later and used it as a party pad where he hosted many lavish festivals and banquets.

      Many of the art and antiques found in the home were sourced from Christie’s and Sotheby’s. 

      Photo: Bruno Erhs

      Today the home is still a remarkable place to live (or to throw an over-the-top party). There are frescoes on the wall that date back to the 17th century by brothers Giovanni Battista Recchi and Giovanni Paolo Recchi, as well as ones by Agostino Silva. Many of the collectible furnishings and artworks that decorate the residence were sourced from Christie’s and Sotheby’s. 

      One of the bedrooms 

      Photo: Bruno Erhs

      The home has six suites altogether, and each was designed by revered French architect Jacques Garcia. Outside there’s a pool, plus a private pier and boathouse for those who want to spend time out on Lake Como’s picturesque waters.

      One of the bathrooms 

      Photo: Bruno Erhs

      The catch? You’ll only be able to book the place for one night. The Airbnb host is making the Italian villa available on March 30, 2022, for one guest and a plus one to spend the night in the primary suite. Bookings open on December 6 at 12 pm EST, so if you see “House of Gucci” between now and then and have your heart set on the home, best mark your calendar.

      Check out more photos of the villa below: More

    • 213 Shares189 Views

      in Luxury

      Madonna’s Former Miami Mansion Has Been Listed for $31.7 Million by a Wealthy Dog (Yes, a Dog)

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      Well, every dog has its day.

      A German shepherd is reportedly selling a Miami home for $31.7 million. The wealthy pooch is known as Gunther VI and currently holds a fortune originally inherited by the late Gunther III, who was left millions of dollars when his owner, German countess Karlotta Liebenstein, passed away in 1992. Gunther IV then allegedly purchased the home from Madonna for $7.5 million about 20 years ago, so its current asking price would turn a tidy profit.

      How exactly a dog can own and sell a house is a matter of some debate: The New York Post has argued that the pampered canine isn’t really involved with the deal all. There’s even speculation that Liebenstein was entirely made up.

      The entryway 

      LPG for The Assouline Team at Compass

      Regardless of Gunther’s involvement (or lack thereof), the home itself is still for sale and could appeal to Northeastern snowbirds. It’s an 8,400-square-foot mansion altogether, with nine bedrooms and eight and a half bathrooms. It’s located on a coveted lot with 100 feet of water frontage and a dock.

      The kitchen 

      LPG for The Assouline Team at Compass

      The home’s architecture has clear Mediterranean influences, and the property sits on a 51,000-square-foot parcel of land. Outside there’s a pool with stone fountains plus a surrounding pavilion for lounging and entertaining. Gunther reportedly spends most of his days lounging in the primary bedroom, which has views of Biscayne Bay.

      Gunther VI 

      LPG for The Assouline Team at Compass

      Madonna caught wind of the listing, and that a dog might be selling it, and shared her thoughts on the matter on Instagram last week. She posted an image of Gunther and the residence on her Instagram story and said, “When you find out a dog is selling your old house for 3 times the amount you sold it for!” Her statement was followed by home and crying emojis.

      The dining room 

      LPG for The Assouline Team at Compass

      It is true that Florida real estate has become much more sought-after since the Queen of Pop parted with it all those years ago. Miami Beach ranked No. 5 in Property Shark’s annual ranking of most expensive zip codes in the US, so expect listings to continue rising in price in the area—although many may just end up tearing their new digs down and starting anew.
      Check out more photos of the listing below: More

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      in Luxury

      Elon Musk Vowed to ‘Own No House.’ Now He’s Reportedly Sold His $32 Million San Francisco Home.

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      Elon Musk seems to be making good on his promise to “own no house.”

      Last year, the SpaceX CEO tweeted out that he would sell all of his real estate in an effort to offload “almost all physical possessions.” By the end of the year, he had ditched four of his Bel Air residences for a combined $62 million. Now Musk is reportedly on the cusp of parting with the last piece of property in his portfolio: A San Francisco–area mansion that was last listed for $32 million.

      One of the living areas 

      Photo: Bernard Andre

      Musk initially listed the 16,000-square-foot home last year for $35 million, a number that would net a significant profit, as he originally paid $23.3 million for the place in 2017, according to property records. It’s been on and off the market in the months following his initial announcement to ditch all owned assets.

      A hallway 

      Photo: Bernard Andre

      The historic residence was originally built circa 1912; it was designed by architecture firm Bliss & Faville. It’s since been renovated to suit contemporary standards—the grand ballroom, dining room and kitchens were all revamped.

      The dining room 

      Photo: Bernard Andre

      It’s a seven-bed, seven-bath parcel altogether, sitting on a spacious, 47-acre lot. In the dining area there’s a “hidden” cocktail room that’s accessible via a retractable wall of library shelves. Other perks include wine and whiskey cellars in the basement, as well as a separate space dedicated to flower arranging. The primary suite, meanwhile, has its own fireplace, two walk-in closets and two full baths—one with a free-standing tub. Outside there’s a pool and a pavilion for entertaining, plus a separate three-car garage.

      The home combines indoor and outdoor living 

      Photo: Bernard Andre

      At the moment, the property is pending a contingent offer, which means that Musk has accepted a buyer’s initial proposal, according to the New York Post. All to say there’s a chance the deal could still fall through, in which case the billionaire’s last big piece of real estate would still be up for grabs.

      The lounge 

      Photo: Bernard Andre

      So where is Musk living now? He tweeted in June that he’s currently residing at a rental worth approximately $50,000 in Boca Chica, near SpaceX’s campus. Talk about living below your means.
      Check out more photos of the San Francisco–area residence below:

      One of the bedrooms 

      Photo: Bernard Andre More

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      in Luxury

      Inside Penn Badgley’s New $1.8 Million Brooklyn Apartment

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      Not only is Penn Badgley’s serial killer character Joe making a change on the home front in season three of the Netflix thriller series “You,” moving from Los Angeles to an upscale Bay Area suburb with his wife Love and their newborn son Forty, but the actor’s also got himself a new house in real life. Per records, Badgley and his doula/musician wife Domino Kirke have doled out just above $1.8 million—exactly $100,000 over the asking price—for an apartment in Brooklyn’s family-friendly, albeit pricey, Park Slope neighborhood.

      Tucked away on the fifth floor of a circa-1936 building designed by architect Martyn N. Weinstein and often referred to as the “Art-Deco Building”—just a short jaunt away from the 526-acre Prospect Park, and popular 7th Avenue shopping and dining district—Badgley’s new flat is described in marketing materials as a “gracefully proportioned gem,” and includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms. There are attractive parquet floors throughout, plus numerous windows offering up treetop views from different vantage points.

      The living room inside the home. 

      Realtor.com

      A spacious foyer flows under an archway and into a combo dining/living room flooded with natural light. Other features include a windowed gallery-style kitchen sporting updated stainless appliances and quartzite stone countertops, plus a modestly sized primary bedroom outfitted with a duo of closets and a modernized ensuite bath. There also are two additional bedrooms, including one with a built-in wall unit that’s currently used as an office/study.
      The star’s rare corner unit also comes with $2,364 in monthly maintenance fees, which allows for amenities like a 24-hour doorman, an elevator attendant, a couple of landscaped courtyards and a children’s playroom that can also be reserved for special events.

      The modestly sized bedroom. 

      Realtor.com

      Badgley, 34, first achieved recognition for playing Phillip Chancellor IV on the soap opera “The Young and the Restless” in the early 2000s. He went on to appear in the comedy films “John Tucker Must Die” and “Drive-Thru,” but his breakout role was as Dan Humphrey in The CW teen drama “Gossip Girl,” for which he received six Teen Choice Award nominations. In addition to acting, Badgley performs as lead singer for the Brooklyn-based indie pop band Mothxr.

      The listing was held by Michael Petrosino and Janice Cimberg of Brown Harris Stevens. Check out more images below. 

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    • 175 Shares189 Views

      in Luxury

      KISS It Goodbye: Gene Simmons Lists His Contemporary Las Vegas Home for $15 Million

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      Earlier this year, KISS rocker Gene Simmons bet big on Las Vegas and dropped $10.8 million on a home there. Now he’s cashing out.

      The musician and his family spent very little time at the luxe digs, according to The Wall Street Journal, because the weather in Sin City was too warm for their liking. So the 11,000-square-foot home is up for grabs once again—yours if you’ve got a spare $15 million.

      It’s a sprawling mansion located in Ascaya, a tony community close to the buzzy Vegas Strip. Visitors enter via the private courtyard and walk through the “floating” pathway, which sits atop a koi pond. Spending time inside isn’t too different from lounging out-of-doors, as many of the living areas have massive glass walls that merge interior and exterior lifestyles.

      The living room 

      Photo: Courtesy of The Ivan Sher Group

      The home has six bedrooms and eight bathrooms, so there’s certainly room for another family to move in here. Naturally, since it’s in such a big party town, there’s entertaining space aplenty too. Downstairs there’s an 11-seat theater, a bar area and a 1,200-gallon saltwater aquarium. The infinity pool outside is another great perk for those who want to bring guests around.

      The kitchen 

      Photo: Courtesy of The Ivan Sher Group

      One of the listing’s most unexpected aspects is its garden. Simmons bought another, smaller piece of land to add on to the nearly-one-acre parcel and quickly had 130 trees added to the area. This all happened over the course of two days, so the next owner won’t have to fuss over landscaping.

      The upper level 

      Photo: Courtesy of The Ivan Sher Group

      Simmons has made quite a few real-estate moves this year. He sold his family home in Benedict Canyon in Los Angeles for $16 million after first asking for $22 million in October and then relisting it at $25 million in April. The rocker also just closed on a different residence in the City of Angels: a contemporary build in Beverly Hills that was last listed with Compass agent Tomer Fridman for $11.5 million.

      The tree garden 

      Photo: Courtesy of The Ivan Sher Group

      Simmons isn’t leaving Vegas forever: KISS is returning for a 12-show residency this December, which will run through February. Ironically, it’s touring that prevented the singer from putting down roots in his Sin City digs in the first place.
      The home is co-listed with Evangelina Duke-Petroni and Ivan Sher of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Nevada Properties. Check out more photos below:

      The pool 

      Photo: Courtesy of The Ivan Sher Group

      A lounge area 

      Photo: Courtesy of The Ivan Sher Group

      The deck 

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    • 175 Shares139 Views

      in Luxury

      The Creator of ‘Bob’s Burgers’ Just Snapped Up This Historic $5 Million Pasadena Estate

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      After decades in the same family, this 110-year-old Pasadena home hit the block this summer, asking just under $5 million. A bidding war pushed the final sale price up to $5.3 million—a lot of money, but still arguably a decent deal for a 1.6-acre estate in a prestigious area of Pasadena. And this house has a very special architectural pedigree courtesy of Myron Hunt, who also designed the Rose Bowl and Pasadena’s Langham Huntington hotel.

      The estate’s new owner is veteran Hollywood producer Loren Bouchard, creator and/or executive producer of many animated sitcoms (Bob’s Burgers, Central Park and The Great North, to name a few). Presumably Bouchard and his longtime wife Holly Kretschmar will put their own personal design stamp on the property, though whatever changes they plan to make remain a mystery—for now. But “the possibilities are endless and exciting,” says the listing, which notes that one could remodel the home, add a pool or build an additional home on the property.

      Still, the place is great just as is. Set privately at the very end of a hidden lane and directly overlooking Pasadena’s park-like Arroyo Seco, it’s essentially neighbor-free. A long blacktopped driveway winds up to the main house, which has seven bedrooms and five bathrooms in 4,800 square feet. Also on the premises are a three-car garage and separate carriage house/guesthouse with one bedroom, one bathroom and a kitchenette.

      David Davidson of Compass jointly held the listing with Rita Whitney of The Agency; David Lao of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties repped the buyer.

      The front of the property with a winding driveway. 

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      The estate is sell well above the street, behind a winding driveway. A double-trunk sycamore tree shades the main house, offering relief from the occasionally blistering San Gabriel Valley heat.

      The front yard of home featuring a beautiful garden. 

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      With grounds reminiscent of an English garden, the place feels rather like a countryside escape than just another mansion in suburban Los Angeles.

      Front door to the Pasadena estate. 

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      The front door opens into a long corridor featuring a wooden staircase—original to the house—and hardwood floors.

      The entrance corridor showcasing hardwood floors and fixtures. 

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      The various rooms are wallpapered, many of them with a floral theme. The grand formal dining room overlooks the gardens and boasts a brass chandelier.

      The dining room inside the home. 

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      There’s also a wood-paneled library, plus a fireplace-equipped living room with charmingly dated decor.

      The wood-paneled library. 

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      Both vintage and modern, the wallpapered kitchen has stainless appliances and an antique range.

      The eye-catching kitchen. 

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      Upstairs, the master suite includes an oversized fireplace, sitting area and separate window seat with leafy tree views.

      The spacious bedroom. 

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      Ultra-dated but almost shockingly well maintained, the retro master bath includes a built-in soaking tub and dual vanities.

      The maintained bathroom. 

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      While the property does not currently have a swimming pool, there are vast patios, balconies and loggia with ample space for large-scale al fresco entertaining.

      The spacious backyard patio. 

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      Grassy lawns and mature oak trees surround the gorgeous estate.

      The backyard lawn of the Pasadena home. 

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      Born in New York but raised in Massachusetts, Bouchard worked as a bartender before striking it rich in Tinseltown. The 52-year-old now lives primarily in Los Angeles but still owns his longtime Victorian-style San Francisco condo, which served as inspiration for the juggernaut that is now Bob’s Burgers.
      Check out more images of the property below.

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