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      in Luxury

      Willem Dafoe Seeks $1.3 Million for a Bucolic Getaway in Upstate New York

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      Willem Dafoe, one of Hollywood’s most versatile and accomplished actors, has put his longtime getaway in Upstate New York on the market for $1.275 million. The Hudson Valley property is listed by Christopher Pomeroy and Nancy Falcetto of Brown Harris Stevens.

      Tax records indicate the four-time Oscar nominee, whose last Oscar nom came in 2019 for At Eternity’s Gate and who appeared earlier this year in Wes Anderson’s characteristically quirky ensemble film Asteroid City, ponied up not quite $400,000 for a one-acre country estate in New York’s Hudson River Valley in 2008. About five years later, records show he shelled out another $60,000 for an undeveloped neighboring parcel of 4.7 acres.

      The densely wooded acreage, about 90 miles north of Manhattan, on the outskirts of the tiny hamlet of High Falls, where painter Marc Chagall took refuge for a few years after he fled Europe during WWII, includes a 1920s farmhouse that marries period details with contemporary accents, a vintage red barn, and a charming writer’s cabin.

      The 1920s farmhouse marries vintage details with contemporary accents.

      Chase Pierson for Brown Harris Stevens

      All but hidden behind a thicket of trees and foliage on a picturesque country lane, the carefully restored and artfully renovated three-bedroom and two-and-a-half-bath residence measures roughly 1,800 square feet, much of it outfitted with radiant heated hardwood flooring. Beyond the slender front porch, a minimalist fireplace warms the spacious living room. Sash windows provide ample light and sylvan views, while French doors swing open to a heated sunroom overlooking the backyard. 

      The up-to-date kitchen, with polished concrete countertops, two sinks, and designer appliances, is configured around a center island alongside a casual dining area. Nearby is a screened porch with a concrete floor and an oversized utility sink.

      The country estate’s three buildings are set in a grassy clearing surrounded by dense woodlands.

      Chase Pierson for Brown Harris Stevens

      Upstairs, two guest bedrooms share a bathroom fitted with a classic claw-footed tub, and the ample primary bedroom offers lots of custom closet space and a compartmentalized bathroom with a floating two-sink poured concrete vanity and a deep soaking tub set into a windowed corner.

      The property’s trio of buildings are sprinkled along the wooded edge of a sunny clearing where a rolling expanse of grass is broken by a sinuous, stacked stone wall. The red barn stands beneath the branches of a huge apple tree, and the simple writer’s cabin, the roof dotted with several skylights, is set on a high point with a view toward the house and barn.

      Records show that the Platoon star and his wife, Italian actress Giada Colagrande, also maintain a two-bedroom residence in Manhattan’s West Village that was purchased almost a decade ago for almost $3.9 million.

      Click here for more photos of Willem Dafoe’s Upstate New York home.

      Chase Pierson for Brown Harris Stevens More

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      in Luxury

      A London Townhouse Once Owned by the Manager of The Beatles Just Listed for $10.6 Million

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      Not only did Brian Epstein launch The Beatles into superstardom, he also offered up his home in London as a hideout for the Fab Four to escape their hordes of screaming fans. Fast forward to today, and the late manager’s Mayfair townhouse has hit the market for £8.75 million (or roughly $10.7 million).

      The Grade II-listed Georgian dwelling measures 3,800 square feet and features five bedrooms plus an adjoining mews house. The latter is connected to the main house through the basement and is where Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr used to hang. It’s also believed to be the place where they worked on their eighth studio album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

      Originally built in the 1750s, Epstein acquired the swank abode in the 1960s as his private residence. He later turned the townhouse into an early version of the Apple Corps headquarters before he died of an accidental overdose in 1967. Following Epstein’s passing, the residence was purchased by author and politician Norman St John-Stevas, Lord St John of Fawsley, a close advisor to Margaret Thatcher.

      The Beatles used to hide out and hang out in the home’s adjoining mews house.

      Wetherell

      “This Charles Street townhouse and mews was the Mayfair base of two famous showmen, firstly Beatles manager Brian Epstein, who allowed the Fab Four to use the mews as their bolthole, and later Norman St John-Stevas, one of British politics’ most colorful characters,” explains Peter Wetherell, founder and executive chairman of Wetherell, in a press statement. 

      The Charles Street townhouse dates to the 1750s.

      Wetherell

      The 18th-century pad spans six floors and was designed by master carpenter John Phillips. On the outside, you’ll find tons of period details like a slate roof, sash windows, and wrought-iron railings. Internally, the reception spaces are decked out with parquet flooring, fireplaces, plaster paneling, and gilded ceiling motifs. The various living and entertaining spaces include a drawing room, a home office, a modern kitchen, and a roof terrace. Fun fact: Lennon once tagged the kitchen tiles with graffiti, but they were later removed and sold at auction. 

      “It is extremely rare to find a Grade II listed townhouse in the heart of Mayfair that has not only retained so many wonderful traditional Georgian features but comes with its original mews house intact and several private outdoor spaces,” adds Wetherell. 

      Click here to see all the photos of Brian Epstein’s Charles Street townhouse. 

      Wetherell More

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      in Luxury

      Ellen DeGeneres Puts Her Palatial Montecito Estate Up for Grabs at $46 Million

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      Ellen DeGeneres has always preferred to update historic estates rather than buying land and building anew. Over the years, the former talk show host has remodeled numerous homes, and now she’s got the often challenging process honed to a science. Witness this spectacular estate in Montecito, which she and Portia de Rossi bought this June. In just four months, the couple and their skilled team have already given the 8-acre property a complete renovation and hoisted it back up for sale.

      That expertise won’t come cheap; the asking price is $46.5 million, more than double the $22.5 million DeGeneres and de Rossi originally paid. But the scale and historical nature of the estate ranks it among the grandest in all of Montecito.

      Built in 1919 and known as Pompeiian Court, the house and its grounds are hidden behind an enormous iron gate and a quarter-mile-long driveway that ends in a circular motorcourt surrounded by olive trees. Described as a “classic Roman courtyard residence” in the listing, the palatial main structure was fully remodeled circa 2000 before being re-transformed by DeGeneres into a minimalist and soothingly neutral retreat that embodies the current trend of quiet luxury.

      Quiet, refined luxury is now Pompeiian Court’s ethos.

      Jason Rick / Blake Bronstad

      In contrast to many of Montecito’s other historic mansions, Pompeiian Court is a rare single-story manor, with all of its rooms opening to a central courtyard laced with Roman columns and warmed by an outdoor fireplace. In addition to the main house, there are four ancillary structures scattered around the 8-acre property: two guesthouses, a poolside cabana and a petite art studio.

      The exquisitely manicured grounds include formal hedgerows and lawns, mature Italian cypresses, ancient oaks and eucalyptus trees. Both the swimming pool and full-size tennis court are privately tucked well away from the main house, and there are several large fountains and walking paths on the premises. There’s also a chardonnay vineyard.

      Robert Riskin at Riskin Partners Group holds the listing.

      Click here for more photos of Ellen DeGeneres’ latest residential project. More

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      in Luxury

       Comcast’s CEO Just Snagged a $9 Million Penthouse at One of L.A.’s Most Exclusive Buildings

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      Over the summer, Brian Roberts picked up a tidy sum of cash when he sold a John Elgin Woolf-designed home in Beverly Hills to art collectors Bill and Maria Bell—the couple who recently transferred their ocean-view Malibu mansion to Beyoncé and Jay-Z for a whopping $190 million.

      The off-market deal netted the chairman and CEO of Philadelphia-based Comcast just over $20 million. So, it’s not surprising that he’s decided to reinvest some of those profits into an upscale residence at the fairly new Olson Kundig-designed 8899 Beverly residential tower.

      Records show the 64-year-old media mogul doled out just under $9 million for the two-bedroom, four-bath condo, adding to an already hefty property portfolio that includes homes in Philadelphia, as well as on Martha’s Vineyard and in North Palm Beach, Fla. 

      The fifth-floor corner unit’s open-concept floor plan features almost 3,200 square feet of Gary Hutton-designed living space adorned throughout with imported wood floors, high ceilings and a custom lighting system. Victrocsa sliding glass walls also open to several terraces providing sweeping views of the surrounding hills and city lights.

      Other highlights include a light-filled great room holding a combination living and dining area, plus a gourmet kitchen outfitted with white oak-lined maple cabinetry, Calacatta Gold marble countertops, and top-tier Gaggenau, Miele and Sub-Zero appliances. There’s also a dedicated media room, and a grand master retreat boasting leather-upholstered walls, antique silver-leafed wallpaper, a built-in office space, dual walk-in closets and a luxe travertine-clad bath.

      As for the HOA dues, Roberts will pay a hefty $5,336 per month for the privilege of living at his new building, where amenities include a 24-hour concierge, fitness center and yoga studio, private auto stable for two vehicles, and an expansive outdoor space hosting a pool and spa, fireplaces and a covered dining area. The onsite Italian restaurant Stella West Hollywood also is scheduled to open this winter.

      The listing was held by Ginger Glass of Compass. More

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Luxury

      Lil Uzi Vert Spins Glassy California Mansion Back on the Market for $6 Million

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      Flash back two-and-a-half years ago, and Symere Woods had just purchased this contemporary mansion in the 1,700-acre gated Bell Canyon community due north of Calabasas in Ventura County for $4.4 million. Now the 28-year-old Philly rapper, singer and songwriter—best known to their cult-like fan base as Lil Uzi Vert—has decided to return the glass-wrapped residence to the market with a nearly $6 million ask, as first announced by The Hollywood Reporter.

      Nestled on almost 1.4 acres of land resting atop a promontory, and tucked securely up a meandering gated driveway, the all-white stucco structure is sited within a celeb-studded enclave that’s also been home through the years to the likes of Chrissy Metz, Joe Rogan, Niecy Nash, Trey Songz, Alyssa Milano, Jhené Aiko, Holly Marie Combs and Shaquille O’Neal.

      The gourmet kitchen boasts gleaming white countertops and brass accents.

      Ryan Lahiff

      Built in 2017, and naturally customized to the rapper’s personal tastes during their tenure, the place features five bedrooms and six baths sprawled across a little more than 7,000 square feet of stylish living space rife with hardwood floors soaring ceilings and designer lighting. Expansive walls of glass overlook picturesque canyon and hillside vistas.

      A spacious motorcourt flanked by a three-car garage fronts the two-story house, which opens into a main level highlighted by a massive great room holding a fireside living room with glass doors spilling out to a terrace. There’s also a dining area, as well as a gourmet kitchen outfitted with high-end stainless appliances, and an eat-in island incorporating a marble table and banquette seating.

      An especially large primary bedroom comes complete with a stone fireplace and access to a balcony.

      Ryan Lahiff

      Also standing out is a sumptuous upstairs master retreat, which is decked out with a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, sitting area, private balcony and walk-in closet, plus a luxe bath sporting herringbone-pattern tile floors, dual vanities, a soaking tub and an oversized shower.

      Additional amenities can be found outdoors, where the grounds hold a partially covered pool and spa, kitchen and bar setup, and plenty of spots ideally suited to al fresco lounging and entertaining.

      A turf-clad lounge area is the perfect spot to take in the surrounding views.

      Ryan Lahiff

      Lastly, a $285-per-month HOA fee also provides the new owner with access to Bell Canyon amenities, including more than 70 miles of hiking trails, tennis courts, a private 5-acre park and Cliff May-designed equestrian center.

      The listing is held by Carl Gambino of Compass.

      Click here for more photos of Lil Uzi Vert’s house.

      Ryan Lahiff More

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      in Luxury

      Travis Kelce Just Dropped $6 Million a Kansas City Hideaway Because of Taylor Swift

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      Apparently, Travis Kelce knows places where he and Taylor Swift can hide.  

      The Chiefs tight end just scored a $6 million Kansas City mansion after Swifties allegedly began flocking to his former abode, according to TMZ. The 34-year-old was reportedly uneasy with how accessible his former home was to fans and paparazzi, so he bought his own fortress of solitude in a gated community in Leawood to hopefully shake them off. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the NFL star paid for the pad in all cash. Perhaps he’s picked up a thing or two from his real estate mogul-slash-musician girlfriend. 

      Travis Kelce just bought a $6 million mansion in Kansas City, Missouri for more privacy amid his relationship with Taylor Swift.

      Gotham/GC Images

      The athlete’s swanky estate measures nearly 17,000 square feet and includes six bedrooms and six bathrooms. According to the listing, the three-acre spread was originally built in 1998 and has undergone a massive renovation thanks to Wolfgang Trost Architects and builder Harry Roth. The current house has tons of sporty amenities like a lighted tennis and pickleball court, a mini golf course and a practice green, plus a swimming pool. There’s also a waterfall, wine cellar, and a garage where the Ohio native will presumably store his 1970 Chevelle 408 Stroker convertible—the now famous getaway car.  

      The property sits on over three acres and measures a whopping 17,000 square feet.

      Google Earth

      Kelce, who was drafted by the Chiefs in 2013, has added a few properties to his portfolio in the years since. According to the New York Post, the two-time Super Bowl champ scooped up his former Kansas City home in 2019 in the affluent Briarcliff West neighborhood. At the time, Kelce paid a cool $995,000 for the 10,000-square-foot crib, which features five bedrooms, two baths, a fitness room, a movie theater, and a swimming pool. That same year, he snagged a condo in Orlando, Florida for $355,000. As for Swift, the only thing more impressive than her Eras Tour earnings is the pop star’s $150 million worth of property investments.   More

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      in Vacation Homes

      Forget Aspen. Buyers Are Avoiding Crowds and Snapping Up Luxury Homes in Boulder Instead.

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      While Aspen and Vail are arguably the country’s most famous destinations for skiers, Boulder is quickly becoming one of Colorado’s hottest spots for high-end real estate.  

      New homes are popping up on the market and Boulderites are snapping them up at a rapid rate, according to Mansion Global. In 2022, only 10 properties priced over $5 million were sold while there were absolutely zero takers in the $10 million or more range. However, this year, at least 14 homes over $5 million have closed and there have been four homes that sold for over $10 million.  

      Homebuyers are flocking to Boulder, Colorado instead of famous ski towns like Aspen and Vail.

      George Rose/Getty Images

      “In Boulder, we’ve always had extremely luxurious homes, they’ve just never come to market before,” Compass agent Patrick Brown explained to the listing site. “Now that we’re starting to get a luxury market here, people are willing to settle and they’re willing to invest in the extremely high-end market. In the luxury market, we’re stronger than we were last year despite other parts of the market having stabilized or have slowed down a bit.” 

      Due to the increase in demand and an overall lack of inventory, the average price for a luxury home in Boulder spiked from $5.89 million to more than $8 million. Plus, the average construction cost has grown from $500 per square foot to $700 and sometimes $800 per square foot over the past five years, which has turned buyers attention towards modern, newly built homes rather than ones they’ll have to renovate.

      Luxury homes in Boulder are now commanding over $8 million.

      Glenn Asakawa/Getty Images

      “Our luxury market is extremely strong. We got exponentially more expensive between 2020 and 2022, and we’re definitely a lifestyle destination,” Mile Hi Modern broker Jennifer Egbert told Mansion Global. “It was surprising at first to see high-dollar houses move at a rapid rate, but that’s what this market has turned into. There’s almost not enough high-end inventory.” 

      Of course, there are still options if you’re looking to own a prime piece of ski country real estate. In Old North Boulder, a $6.3 million hillside manse is currently in the building phase but is slated for completion in spring 2024. On the other hand, this renovated Edwardian-style home in Mapleton Hill can be scooped up right now for $4.2 million. At the tippy top of the market is a $13 million glass and stone estate that appears to be the most expensive home in Boulder County.  More

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      in Luxury

      Tommy Hilfiger’s Former Connecticut Estate Hits the Market for $9.7 Million

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      Tommy Hilfiger has racked up quite the real estate portfolio, and now a Connecticut estate formerly owned by the fashion mogul has hit the market. 

      The palatial pad sits on over five sprawling acres in Greenwich, tucked away on a private country lane. Asking just shy of $9.7 million, the English manor-style home dates back to 1932 and has undergone significant updates since, including a slew of renovations in 2014 by its present owners. Altogether, the extensive spread comprises a 7,438-square-foot main house, a guest apartment above the garage, and a poolside cabana. There’s also a professional tennis court where former owner, Wojciech Fibak, and eight-time Grand Slam champ Ivan Lendl used to play—so you know it’s legit. 

      Tommy Hilfiger’s former home in Greenwich, Connecticut is up for sale.

      Kyle Norton

      Inside, the brick-and-stucco abode is decked out with tons of period details like wood floors, high ceilings, preserved moldings, and decorative wainscoting. Other highlights include its four fireplaces, multiple patios, and arched doorways.

      While nearly all the rooms are impressive, the study is definitely a showstopper with its fancy plaster tracery ceiling. Elsewhere, the first floor holds formal living and dining rooms, a spacious family room with a bar, and a large chef’s kitchen. The latter feels super bright and airy thanks to all-white cabinets and countertops, and nearby is a beautifully detailed breakfast nook with parquet floors.  The second floor is where you’ll find all six bedrooms, with the primary suite occupying its own private wing with a sitting room, a cozy fireplace, a dressing room, and dual baths.

      The English manor-style home was originally built in the 1930s and has since been renovated.

      Realty Plans

      The manicured grounds are tough to beat, designed by Southampton-based landscape architect Perry Guillott, while the charming pool house, entered via a wisteria-covered terrace that sports two hanging swings, boasts two baths, a kitchenette, and a game area.

      Ellen Mosher and Julie Church of Houlihan Lawrence have the listing. 

      Click here to see all the photos of Tommy Hilfiger’s former Greenwich estate.

      Kyle Norton More