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      in Luxury

      ‘Euphoria’ Star Hunter Schafer Bought a Modernist Gem by Architect A. Quincy Jones

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      It’s no secret that the luxury real estate market is currently sluggish, particularly in Los Angeles, but the right vintage house can still win over the hearts of buyers. Witness this 1950 structure in the affluent Brentwood neighborhood, which sports less than 2,100 square feet of living space but still generated a multimillion-dollar bidding war.

      The winning bidder was “Euphoria” actress and prolific model Hunter Schafer, born nearly 50 years after the modernist structure came to life. Schafer paid almost $3.9 million for the 2,100-square-foot house, nearly $200,000 over the property’s last asking price and a hefty $1,847 per square foot.

      But it’s not hard to see the attraction. Constructed as part of Brentwood’s novel housing co-op known as the Mutual Housing Association, the home was co-designed by acclaimed modernist architect A. Quincy Jones and his occasional collaborator Whitney R. Smith. Situated on a narrow and semi-remote road high in the Brentwood hills, the property is hidden well out of sight from passersby, down a long and curving driveway far below street level.

      Classic midcentury hallmarks about, including exposed concrete blocks and terrazzo-like tile floors.

      Cameron Carothers

      Over the past few decades, neglect and a series of bad remodels left the Jones-Smith design a pale shell of its former self. Enter HabHouse, a real estate development firm committed to restoring architectural gems; the firm purchased the property last year, paying $2.3 million, and subsequently transformed it into magazine-worthy showstopper complete with midcentury hallmarks such as Douglas fir built-in cabinetry, redwood tongue-and-groove siding and exposed concrete blocks.

      The sloped-roof structure is fronted by an attached carport and an adjacent parking space that can accommodate two vehicles. Inside, an entry foyer steps down into a den that features a massive wood-burning brick fireplace as its focal point, and an adjacent living and dining area connects to a galley kitchen outfitted with an eat-in island and vintage-style appliances. Expansive walls of glass open to patios from almost every room, while framing treetop and mountain views.

      The open floorplan marries the Douglas fir-clad kitchen with the living and dining rooms.

      Cameron Carothers

      Sequestered in a wing by itself is a primary suite holding a closet and shower-equipped bath, plus two additional bedrooms that share a bath. Elsewhere in the house is another bath and a laundry room; and outdoors, the fenced backyard hosts a grassy lawn flanked by a sprawling patio ideal for al fresco lounging and dining, with a hot tub notched right into the middle. Per the listing, there’s also plenty of room to add a swimming pool. More

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      in Luxury

      Two Decades After His Death, Actor Douglas Fairbanks Jr.’s Park Avenue Apartment Finally Surfaces on the Market

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      More than two decades after he passed away at age 90. the onetime Upper East Side outpost of actor, producer and decorated WWII naval officer Douglas Fairbanks Jr. has popped up for sale. Found in Park Avenue’s 1920s Beekman building, just minutes from Central Park, it’s now available with a $1.75 million price tag.

      Resting on the sixth floor of the George F. Pelham-designed complex—and described as an “iconic residence reflecting a bygone era of glamor and sophistication” in the listing held by Pamela Marcus and Amy Goldberger of Compass—the apartment is currently owned by Fairbanks Jr.’s widow Vera Shelton, and features three bedrooms and an equal number of baths in 2,100 square feet of colorfully hued living space spread across two combined units.

      Photographs recall Fairbanks Jr.’s time spent with various celebrities.

      Niko Strbac, Real Estate Production Network

      Renovated during Fairbanks Jr.’s tenure by architect Benjamin Huntington and English designer Jane Churchill, the premises are accessed via a high-ceilinged entry foyer adorned with herringbone wood floors. From there, a living room bathed in yellow hearkens to year’s past when the film legend was said to have entertained the likes of Sir Laurence Olivier, Rex Harrison, Bobby Short and the Duke of Wellington.

      From left to right: a dining nook and the primary bath.

      Niko Strbac, Real Estate Production Network

      Other highlights include a green bookshelf-clad library that has pocket doors leading to an adjacent room sporting a marble fireplace imported from England, Sisal carpet, built-in cabinetry, “tilt-and-turn” windows and an adjoining bath, as well as a kitchen with newer appliances and plenty of storage. Sequestered in its own wing is the primary bedroom suite, which offers plenty of room for a desk and cozy sitting area, plus dual walk-in closets and a windowed bath.

      The light-filled primary bedroom suite features dual walk-in closets and a windowed bath.

      Niko Strbac, Real Estate Production Network

      The new owner will pay a hefty $9,369 monthly maintenance fee for building amenities, which include a 24-hour doorman, concierge, new fitness center, housekeeping services and two storage cages. Subletting also is permitted, with an assessment fee of $1,103 ending in January 2024.

      The only son of silent-screen swashbuckling hero Douglas Fairbanks and Anna Beth Sully, the daughter of wealthy industrialist Daniel J. Sully, the New York native was probably best known for starring in films such as The Prisoner of Zenda, Gunga Din and The Corsican Brothers. He made his final 1981 movie appearance alongside Fred Astaire in Ghost Story. More

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      in Luxury

      Weeks After Buying It, a Chicago Investor Is Selling This Never-Lived-in Malibu Mansion for $38 million

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      In late August, two years after it debuted on the market with a whopping $74.8 million price tag, an extravagant Malibu property widely known as “The Kaizen Home” (kai meaning change and zen meaning good) officially sold via Concierge Auctions for the heavily slashed sum of $26.5 million. Now, less than two months later, the place is already back on the market. This time, the asking price is a smidge under $38 million.

      Property records indicate the buyer and speedy seller is longtime Chicago-area investor Matt Coleman, the founder and former owner of The Good Feet store chain, which he sold in 2020 for an undisclosed sum. Coleman also owns several other extravagant homes across the country—a main residence in Wisconsin and several properties in Del Mar, Calif.—including Jenny Craig’s former estate, which he bought in 2019 for $22 million—as well as a vacation spot in Montana’s expensive Big Sky community.

      Tucked away behind a gated driveway in the far western reaches of Malibu, across Pacific Coast Highway from County Line Beach in what’s technically considered Ventura County, the modern home was built on spec by Kris Halliday of MKH Developments in 2022. Per The Real Deal, Halliday paid an LLC tied to Bling Empire cast members Christine and Dr. Gabriel Chiu $5.4 million for the then-vacant property in late 2018.

      The living area is spotlighted by a massive aquarium housing exotic fish.

      Juwan Li

      Spanning two stories, the reinforced concrete, composite wood, travertine and carved stone structure features six bedrooms and 10 baths in 20,000 square feet of feng shui-inspired living space boasting European floor-to-ceiling motorized frameless glass walls providing sweeping ocean views. There’s also hand-carved stone and wood walls, as well as living green walls, plus a 2,000-gallon exotic aquarium and 20,000-gallon koi pond.

      Among the main-level highlights: a striking courtyard entryway that opens into a double-height foyer topped by a 30-foot-wide skylight. An expansive, glass-lined living space sports a linear fireplace, seated wet bar and temperature-controlled wine cellar, while a formal dining room seats up to 14, and a kitchen outfitted with a pair of waterfall-edge marble eat-in islands and stainless appliances links to a “hidden” ancillary kitchen.

      The relaxing backyard holds a lengthy infinity pool armed with a spa, Baja shelf and sunken fire-pit lounge.

      Juwan Li

      Upstairs, two primary bedroom suites come complete with private balconies, walk-in closets, and spa-like baths equipped with bespoke tubs and stone-clad showers. Elsewhere in the house is an office, a gym, multi-purpose recreation room and Dolby Atmos movie theater; and outdoors, the resort-inspired backyard is laced with Zen-style gardens and water features, and hosts a kitchen and an al fresco dining setup, along with a grassy lawn flanked by a 95-foot tiled infinity pool with a spa, Baja shelf and sunken fire-pit lounge. Rounding it all out: two four-car garages equipped with electric car-charging stations.

      The listing was jointly held by Aaron Kirman and Daniel Milstein of AKG | Christie’s International Real Estate, and Rayni Williams, Branden Williams and Tony Barsocchini of The Beverly Hills Estates; the home is currently being offered by Estel Hilton and Rayni Williams of The Beverly Hills Estates.

      Click here for more photos of The Kaizen Home.

      Juwan Li More

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      in Luxury

      Amid Divorce, Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann List Their Extravagant Georgia Estate for $6 Million

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      Don’t be tardy for this fire sale! Kim Zolciak-Biermann and Kroy Biermann have officially listed their marital home amid a messy divorce and financial struggles.

      As first reported by TMZ, “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” alum and former NFL player’s elaborate stone and brick mansion in a gated community within the suburban city of Milton, about 30 miles north of Atlanta, just hit the market for exactly $6 million. Originally offered for $3.2 million earlier this month, the property was purchased by the estranged couple for a mere $880,000 back in 2012, about a year after they were married.

      Per TMZ, the home was set to enter foreclosure next month—“so Kim and Kroy are getting ahead of the auction in attempting to sell it themselves.” The outlet also said Kroy Biermann had previously filed documents asking a judge to allow the sale of the home to help pay off the pair’s various debts.

      Built in 2008, the two-story structure rests on almost 2 acres of gated land overlooking a lake and the 18th fairway of The Manor Golf & Country Club, and features seven bedrooms and 11 baths in roughly 9,000 square feet of living space on two levels tricked out with soaring ceilings, designer chandeliers and lots of other bling-bling. There’s also a porte-cochère and six-car garage with room for lifts to store up to eight vehicles, plus a separate area atop the garage sporting a two-station salon and bath.

      In addition to a double-height entry foyer displaying a curving staircase lined with elaborate ironwork, the main level also hosts a wood-paneled study spotlighted by a coffered ceiling and fireplace flanked by custom built-ins, and the family room adjoins a gourmet kitchen outfitted with custom cabinetry, an eat-in island, Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, and a circular breakfast nook.

      Other highlights include a wet bar-equipped entertainment space, formal living and dining rooms, and a primary bedroom suite flaunting a fireplace, sitting area, two-story walk-in closet, and luxe bath with dual vanities and a soaking tub.

      Four more en-suite bedrooms, a landing-area bonus room, playroom and domed circular sitting area can be found upstairs; and relaxation is the name of the game on the terrace level, where you’ll find another family room, as well as a movie theater, 500-bottle wine cellar and gym, along with dedicated billiard, arcade and massage rooms. An in-law suite on this floor has its own kitchen and sitting area; and outdoors, the grounds come complete with a covered veranda overlooking a vanishing-edge pool and spa, sport court and an in-ground trampoline.

      Lastly, if they have a lot of spare change in their pocket, the new owners can also enjoy private member-only access to The Manor, which includes a variety of dining options, an 18-hole Tom Watson championship golf course, and swim and tennis facilities.

      During her time on RHOA, on and off from 2008 to 2012, 45-year-old Zolciak was reportedly hauling in around $2 million per season, ranking her among the highest paid of Bravo’s housewives. She’s also appeared in another spinoff reality show, Don’t Be Tardy (previously Don’t Be Tardy for the Wedding), and was a contestant on Season 21 of Dancing With the Stars.

      As for Biermann, 38, he was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL draft and played as an outside linebacker with the team from 2009 until 2015.

      The listing is held by Jenny Doyle of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International. More

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      in Luxury

      Allison Holker Snaps Up an All-New Modern Farmhouse in L.A. for $5 Million

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      Not long after Allison Holker’s longtime husband and fellow dancer Stephen “tWitch” Boss died tragically by suicide at age 40 this past December, she honored the beloved DJ of The Ellen DeGeneres Show by launching the Move with Kindness foundation to support mental health initiatives.

      She also began sharing dance videos with her many social media followers once again—something the couple often did together during their 10-year marriage. “Truly felt so good to dance again,” the dancer and choreographer said in an Instagram post. “I was overwhelmed with so many emotions. I was both scared and excited. But dance has always been there for me … even now and I am so grateful for that.” 

      Now Holker—probably most known for appearing alongside tWitch in Season seven of So You Think You Can Dance back in 2010—has taken strides toward a fresh residential start, having listed the couple’s Encino marital home and doled out nearly $5 million for a modern farmhouse-style spread in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Studio City.

      Newly built in 2023, the two-story home boasts six bedrooms and seven baths a little more than 5,800 square feet of living space adorned throughout with hardwood floors, high ceilings, designer lighting and glass doors offering seamless indoor-outdoor environs. Amenities include a movie theater, fitness room and an office, as well as a separate guest house sporting a kitchenette and full bath.

      Holker’s recently acquired property sits on a walled and gated parcel spanning almost a half-acre of land, with a circular driveway and an attached two-car garage fronting the two-tone and wood-accented structure. Once inside, an entry foyer flows to a fireside living room flanked by a formal dining room nestled alongside a wine display.

      Additional main-level highlights include a spacious family room spotlighted by a fireplace and access to a covered patio that’s ideal for al fresco dining. An adjoining gourmet kitchen is outfitted with custom cabinetry, quartzite countertops, dual islands and sinks, a service bar with double-sided seating, wine fridge, Thermador appliances and an accompanying breakfast nook.

      A curving metal-clad staircase heads upstairs, where the plush master retreat comes complete with a fireplace, private balcony, showroom-style closet, and spa-inspired bath decked out with dual vanities, a dressing area, soaking tub and large glass-encased shower; and outdoors, the grounds host a pool with a Baja shelf and waterfall-fed spa, along with a fire-pit, built-in barbecue and seated bar.

      The listing was held by Zeev Perez of Equity Union; Anthony Paradise of Sotheby’s International Realty repped Holker. More

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      in Luxury

      Reese Witherspoon Just Spent $17 Million on a Sumptuous L.A. Estate

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      Reese Witherspoon might not yet be a billionaire, but she’s currently the world’s richest actress, per Forbes, with a net worth widely reported to be north of $400 million. So it’s no surprise that while the media maven continues to reside mainly in Tennessee, she’s also now splashed out $17.5 million for a house in prime Los Angeles, on the Pacific Palisades Riviera.

      Designed by noted architecture firm Morgan, Walls & Clements, the same company behind the design of L.A.’s El Capitan theater, the roughly 7,500-square-foot traditional home was completed in 1933 for film writer/director Oliver H. P. Garrett and once owned by acclaimed TV producer Steven Bochco. Enveloped by towering eucalyptus trees and verdant hedges, the nearly 1.1-acre property is supremely private and suitable for a major celebrity.

      From the street, past a meandering brick pathway, guests are welcomed to the home via a teal front door and double-height foyer. Seamlessly connected to that space is a notably oversized great room with a brick fireplace and access via French doors to the backyard; branch off from the great room and you’ll find a chef’s kitchen equipped with its commercial-grade appliances and breakfast nook, plus a den equipped with its own wet bar and fireplace.

      Built in the 1930s, the multi-winged house has been renovated and modernized in the decades since.

      Google Earth

      Three of the home’s six bedrooms are located upstairs, but the spacious master retreat is actually located on the ground floor, where it flaunts a spa-style bathroom, walk-in closet and fireplace. Also on tap is a finished basement level equipped with a large games room and another bar area.

      Out back, the a sparkling pool is surrounded by a well-watered lawn, and there are multiple seating areas overlooking tree-shaded canyon views. The property is also only a short jog from the Riviera Country Club, where initiation dues reportedly top $300,000 and members include Larry David, Adam Sandler and Ari Emanuel.

      Witherspoon is known as something of a real estate maven, frequently buying and selling expensive homes in Nashville and on the posh Westside of Los Angeles. Thus, while her holdings are always subject to change, her property portfolio currently includes several Nashville properties, including her main residence — an $18 million compound in the Belle Meade area — and a $5 million home in L.A.’s Brentwood neighborhood. More

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      in Vacation Homes

      Thinking of Buying a Home in Portugal? The Government Just Made It More Expensive

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      Portugal has long been popular among travelers, and in recent years, it’s become a hotspot for foreign, high-net-worth homebuyers, too. But that’s about to change.

      This month, the Portuguese government announced its plans to end its special tax regime for non-habitual residents starting in 2024. Under the current NHR program, qualifying individuals who live in the country at least part-time enjoy tax exemptions for up to 10 years on income earned in Portugal and are also exempt from paying taxes on their global earnings. Additionally, in February, Portugal also said it would be pulling the plug on its golden visa program over concerns that wealthy expats were causing property prices to rise.  

      “We already have clients that are looking to reconsider their plans,” Alex Ingrim, a private wealth manager and senior investment analyst at Chase Buchanan, told Business Insider. “I think it’s caused a lot of people to reconsider why they were moving to Portugal if it’s not going to be as easy as they first thought.” The good news is that Americans and other foreigners who are already living in Portugal will still keep their tax benefits through the duration of their 10-year term.

      Portugal announced that in 2024 it will be ending its Non-Habitual Residency tax regime for new entrants.

      Unsplash/Louis Droege

      As of 2022, there were approximately 10,000 Americans living in Portugal. Per the New York Times, that’s a whopping 239 percent increase since 2017. According to a recent report from the Property-Market Index, home values throughout the country spiked 6.5 percent over the last year due to the country’s inability to keep up with demand.  

      In the Algarve region specifically, prices rose 15 percent in the same period, with cities like Lisbon experiencing similar surges. At Quinta do Lago, a golf community on the Algarve coast, prices have jumped over 28 percent since 2020, and the research firm estimated that values will climb by 19 percent by 2025.

      “It’s causing people to take a step back and go, ‘Okay, Portugal was the easy answer, and now there’s no other easy answer out there. France, Italy, or Spain might be back on the table,’” Ingrim told Insider. More

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      in Luxury

      Menswear Mogul Mortimer Levitt’s Manhattan Townhouse Hits the Market for $12.5 Million

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      Fashion businessman Mortimer Levitt built a menswear empire, so it’s no surprise his former Manhattan townhouse is bursting with style.  

      The home of the late clothier has been hoisted onto the market, listed for $12.5 million with Ian Slater and Alex Antigua of Compass. The palatial Upper East Side pad sits down the block from the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Central Park. Originally built in 1910, the 113-year-old property spans five stories and measures a whopping 5,737 square feet. In case you were looking for something bigger (and taller), the spread also comes with an extra 2,200 square feet of unused air rights—so the sky’s really the limit. 

      The late Mortimer Levitt’s New York City townhouse is up for sale.

      Michael Parks / DD-reps

      Altogether, the abode comprises six or potentially seven bedrooms, five bathrooms, and two powder rooms. Everything about the place feels inviting, from its soaring 12-foot ceilings, arched windows, and stately fireplaces. On the garden level, you’ll find a large chef’s kitchen, a butler’s pantry, and a formal dining room. One of the standout perks here is that you’ll have access to a private garden. Upstairs, the parlor floor is flooded with sunlight and would be perfect for throwing a chic soirée. In fact, according to the Washington Post, Levitt and his wife, Mimi, used to host musicals at this very townhouse. 

      The five-story townhouse was originally built in 1910 and features arched windows and stately fireplaces.

      Michael Parks / DD-reps

      Levitt, who established the Custom Shop in 1937, died in 2005 at the age of 98 at his home in Connecticut. The business had over 60 branches before he sold it in 1997 and was best known for creating made-to-measure shirts that were sported by celebs, business execs, and political figures alike. In addition to having a passion for fashion, Levitt was also the founder of the Manhattan Theatre Club and chairman of the board of Young Concert Artists for over 25 years. 

      Click here to see all the photos of Mortimer Levitt’s former Manhattan townhouse.  

      Michael Parks / DD-reps More