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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:

      Tyler Hogan

      Tyler Hogan

      Tyler Hogan

      Tyler Hogan

      Tyler Hogan

      Tyler Hogan

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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

      You Can Call Bing Crosby’s Former Coachella Valley Estate Your Own for $4.5 Million

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      In need of an oasis? Look no further than the late superstar Bing Crosby’s former desert estate in Rancho Mirage, California.

      Having been listed on and off the market for over a decade, the midcentury modern home has a new asking price of $4.5 million. Sitting on roughly 1.5 acres in a gated community called Thunderbird Heights, the 6,700 square-foot home was built by the “White Christmas” singer in the 1950s. It includes five bedrooms, a home theater, a double-oven kitchen, an outdoor patio and jaw-dropping views of the Coachella Valley. Of course, the desert utopia also comes with its own pool, spa, putting green and an entire guest wing (with two bedrooms) for when company comes to stay.

      The front yard of the home. 

      Kristofer Magenheim

      The current owner, Robert Teller, first listed the property for $3.495 million in 2010. David Emerson and Alexandra Trejo of Compass now share the listing, and believe the strong local real-estate market will pull in attractive offers, according to The Wall Street Journal. For context, the median sale price in Rancho Mirage was up 32.4% in the third quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2021, according to data from Miller Samuel Real Estate Appraisers & Consultants. “Our market is on fire,” Emerson tells the WSJ. “We’ve been in double-digit increases annually for the past several years.”

      Back in 2005, Teller, a former ice cream industry entrepreneur and a real estate investor, bought the house for $2.625 million. According to reports, he said he bought it because his late wife, who was battling cancer at the time, wanted a home in the desert. The businessman was also drawn to the estate himself, as he shared an appreciation for Crosby with his father growing up. When his wife passed, Teller began listing the property—having found that he’s not as big a fan of the desert as his is of the entertainer.

      The living room. 

      Kristofer Magenheim

      Harry Lillis “Bing” Crosby Jr. is one of the most popular entertainers of all time, known for both his singing and acting success from 1926 to 1977. In 1931, he launched his first radio show, and later went on to host the hugely popular “The Bing Crosby Show for Chesterfield” on CBS Radio. The actor starred in over 70 motion pictures including classics like “Road to Bali” and “High Society.” He went on to become an Oscar and Grammy award-winner before his death.

      Outdoor patio with seating. 

      Kristofer Magenheim

      For more information on Crosby’s Rancho Mirage estate, head over to Compass.com. Check out more images of the property below.

      The home’s entrance. 

      Kristofer Magenheim

      The kitchen. 

      Kristofer Magenheim

      Views from the kitchen. 

      Kristofer Magenheim

      Indoor seating with a view. 

      Kristofer Magenheim

      One of the bedrooms. 

      Kristofer Magenheim

      Master bathroom. 

      Kristofer Magenheim

      A guest wing bedroom. 

      Kristofer Magenheim

      The guest living room and kitchen. 

      Kristofer Magenheim

      The pool at night. 

      Kristofer Magenheim

      The backyard. 

      Kristofer Magenheim

      Aerial view. 

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    • 188 Shares159 Views

      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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      in Luxury

      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.

      StreetEasy

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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 

      Photo: Lifestyle Production Group More

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      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.

      Realtor.com

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      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