Looking for an Escape? Try this Gilded Age Mansion in Tuxedo Park

Tuxedo Park is as close as one gets to Lake Como in America. The three square mile guard gated community just 40 miles from Manhattan, was founded by Pierre Lorilland IV in 1885. Lorilland had grown tired of vacationing in Newport, and craved a community where he and other members of America’s elite could enjoy the best of hunting and fishing. What developed from a humble hunting retreat, soon grew into a gilded age paradise that gave its first name to the most common iteration of formal menswear.

Among the community’s many gilded age mansions, is Chastellux a 24,000 square foot spread constructed in 1929 to a design by McKim Mead and White. The 16 fireplace mansion was built for Ruth Hill Beard Lorillard Heideseck. The home, which sits prominently on 8.2 acres above Tuxedo Lake, is the ideal weekend retreat for a New York City based family with 9 family bedrooms and 4+ staff bedrooms along with 11.5 bathrooms. Interiors of the residence were designed by renowned American interior decoration firm, McMillen.

For sale for the very first time in decades, this 10.9 million dollar mansion, which was recently listed for sale by Tuxedo Hudson Realty represents some of the finest value in American classical real estate. Chatellux’s landscape design was carried out by none other than the Olmsted Brothers, and takes perfect advantage of the estate’s glorious position overlooking the lake. Inside the home, gilded age details transport you back in time within a residence that is both classical and fresh.

Chastellux offers its owner the ability to enjoy grand scale living, as well as hiking, swimming, golfing, and boating surrounded by over 70,000 acres of forest and parkland. With both the Ramapo Mountains and the Hudson River to the west, there are few comparable spaces to enjoy the best of New York’s natural beauty. Tuxedo Park’s prestigious members only club offers ‘golf, tennis, sailing, rowing, racquet sports and sunset dining overlooking the lake.’

For more information on Chastellux, please visit: Tuxedo Hudson Realty

Images courtesy of Francine Liza of Tuxedo Hudson Realty

An Idyllic East Hampton Escape Brought to Life by Mojo Stumer

One of design firm Mojo Stumer’s latest projects is this idyllic getaway in East Hampton. Designed in a traditional shingle style and paired with modern interiors typical of Long Island, Stumer’s team created an airy atmosphere perfect for weekend or summer getaways.

Located in Georgica Pond, East Hampton, this particular residence boasts a massive living room, ample natural lighting, and an outdoor entertaining area that rivals nearby resorts. By stepping into the 1,000+ square foot living room, visitors are greeted by a high ceiling and a surrounding balcony, the room’s design is complimented by 3 Hervé Van Der Straeten chandeliers, which add a touch of splendor. “It was important to our clients that we created a space with a clean, modern design but also [for it to] be a comfortable space for the family to sit around. Our team further enhanced the design by selecting exquisite furnishings, contemporary yet modern and added a “pop of color” to the final design.” A custom wool area rug, Bassano table, and DDC chairs complete the space.

Some of the residence’s most stunning aspects are the outdoor entertaining spaces made up of a stone porch, pool area, and elegant gardens. Crafted of mahogany angled ceiling Tongue & Groove boards, the porch is understated and inviting. The area, partially enclosed by a myriad collection of windows provides a space that is warm and flooded in natural light. Here a Plexi Tate Bench by Hudson Furniture is the perfect space to catch up on reading.

Finally, the home’s study and master bedroom are characterized by warm tones and modern furnishings. In the study, walls of custom cerused oak shelving are complimented by a white painted backsplash. A Herman Miller Collection desk chair and coffee table, end tables, and a desk from Dennis Miller Associates’ French Series complete the space. In the master bedroom high ceilings are a particular highlight, here a seating nook and subtle color palette allows for the furniture collection to take center stage. The bed, dresser, bench, night stands, and Ecume chair by Christian Liaigre pair beautifully with the Ralph Pucci chandelier and Viola Table Lamp by Fuse.

For more information on Mojo Stumer’s design work, please visit: mojostumer.com

Image credit: Mark Stumer, provided courtesy of Quinn PR

Too Many Cars and Not Enough Space? Gordon McCall has the Perfect Solution!

Do you suffer from the all too common problem of having too many cars and not enough garage space? We’ll, a garage condo at Gordon McCall’s 90,000 square foot Monterey Motorsport Park might be just the solution for you. Whether you own a residence on the coveted Monterey Peninsula or are an annual car week pilgrim, there are few comparable options to store your prized exotic cars, vintage automobiles, or cherished motorcycles than your very own garage condo steps from the Monterey Airport and Jet Center.

Not only does Central California pay host to the annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the area also offers enthusiasts one of the world’s most spectacular stretches of coastal roads. With units at the complex ranging in size from nearly 18 by 30 to 50 by 64 feet, space is generous to say the least. Aside from easy access to a joy ride down to Big Sur, Monterey Motorsports Park offers “24-Hour Gated Entry, Proactive Remote Guarding, Easy Drive-In or Walk-In Access, Wall and Roof Insulation, and Unique Mezzanines [perfect for entertaining.]”

Speaking on the subject of Monterey Motorsport Park, one of the developments’ partners Gordon McCall told The Extravagant “Every unit has a mezzanine in it, so every [space] has the ability to have a getaway office, a satellite office, home office, whatever you want to call it. We have been approved [for] multiple business uses. For instance, wholesale and retail dealer licenses have been approved by the State, which is a big deal. [The units] range [in size] from 600 square feet up to about 2700 square feet. It’s a great opportunity, it really is. So many people around [the Monterey Peninsula] have storage units tucked away. They’ve got Wifi, they’ve got their car collection, but they’re in a storage unit. It’s like ‘you pay your rent, you go month to month and there you are.’ Well, here’s your chance to own a place and actually have a nice address that goes along with it.”

Roll-up truck doors of 14′ x 14’ or 12’ x 14’, 26 foot high ceiling, and mezzanines along with the potential to install a private restroom and kitchen make units entirely unique and luxurious. With well over 75% of the 86 unit complexes’ condos already spoken for, it’s the perfect time to invest in that extra space for your cherished automobiles. 686 square foot units are priced from $242,000 USD.

Image Credit: Chase Woodward (CodyCreek), images provided courtesy of: Monterey Motorsport Park

Belmond reopens their Italian hotels in a truly Nostalgic Fashion

Following Italy’s challenges with Covid-19, Belmond has announced the reopening of their 6 properties from Venice to Portofino with a short film by director Francesco Carrozzini. The film, which is romantic, nostalgic, and entirely captivating, enlivens our senses and makes us dream of our next escape to Italy.

The film commissioned by Belmond is appropriately titled ‘My Love Letter to Italy’. In a press release, parent organization LVMH states “[Carrozzini] presents a passionate and personal account of his native land, showcasing its splendor and people.” To commemorate the reopening after months of closure, Belmond felt Carrozzini was a perfect choice to write, direct, and nararate a story that epitomizes Italy’s charms. The director’s career includes works such as, music videos for Jay-Z and Beyoncé.

The captivating film, which can be viewed below, is a perfect picture of the best of the Italian peninsula. Carrozzini’s love for his home country comes to life in 92 seconds of nostalgia and splendor. From cuisine to views, hospitality to generosity, sea to hills, the director captures the beauty of Italy’s landscape and the warm hearts of its people in a film that feels more like a memory.

“The Italian director lovingly captures those simple moments of day-to-day life he misses most whenever he’s away from Italy for too long.“

Featured image credit: © Belmond provided courtesy of LVMH

Apartment 3304 | A World Class Residence at The Pierre

Manhattan’s legendary “The Pierre” now has room with a view, ready and waiting for its next lucky resident. Built in 1930, The Schultze and Weaver designed Pierre is one of New York City’s defining Art Deco masterpieces along with the famed Waldorf Astoria and the Park Lane Hotel.

The Pierre was transformed from solely hotel use into a mixed use co-op and hotel in 1959, which brings us to the subject of Apartment 3304. The 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath co-op that recently hit the market at $14.95 million USD is owned by philanthropist and former chairman/CEO of First Data, Corp Ric Duques and his wife Dawn. The Duques transformed their 3,000 square-foot residence during a recent renovation in which the couple expanded the kitchen, refinished floors, and enlarged closets. Particular highlights of the Fifth Avenue facing home include direct views of Central Park, a corner master suite, formal dinning room, and two guest bedrooms currently configured as a library and reception room.

With discreet access via a semi-private elevator landing, guests enter Apartment 3304 through a “a gracious vestibule that opens to a marble gallery and corner living room with oversized windows.” In addition to the residence’s unobstructed Central Park vistas, the Hudson River, George Washington Bridge and Midtown Manhattan are all within sight.

Boasting the most spectacular of 5 star hotel services, residents of the Pierre enjoy “full access to all hotel services, including 24-hour concierge, twice-daily maid service, spa and fitness center, conference room, business center and beauty salon.” Room service is also available from the hotel’s dinning facilities, which include Perrine, a new French/American restaurant, along with Two E Bar/Lounge and the famed Rotunda.

Chris Fry and Shea Mena of Elegran hold the listing.

For more information please visit: Apartment 3304 

Image credit: Elegran, provided courtesy of Quinn PR

Enjoy Paris’ Best Shopping from The Hôtel Mansart

Situated just around the corner from Place Vendôme, the Hôtel Mansart is where one can truly begin an all-out shopping spree. Located nearby some of the most prestigious boutiques in Paris, the hotel is within walking distance from Charvet, Bulgari, Cartier, Chanel and Gucci, to name just a few. Art is another prominent aspect of the area around Hôtel Mansart as the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, the Musée des Arts et Métiers, the Musée d’Orsay, the Louvre Museum and the Rodin Museum can be found in the vicinity. Sitting in the middle of the arts and business district, the Hôtel Mansart is a wonderful choice to stay for those looking to explore the wonders of the City of Paris.

The building which the Hôtel Mansart now occupies was originally built in 1720 by John Law, who was known for inventing the Assignats currency. Famed French Architect Jules-Hardouin Mansart, who was the chief architect of Louis XIV, designed the building. Many of Mr. Mansart’s works are still appreciated today, including his work at the Château de Versailles and the admirable Dôme des Invalides. Furthermore, the Jeweller to the Crown, Alexandre-Gabriel Lemonnier moved in during the Second Empire where he he had a hand in turning Place Vendôme into a district for jewellers. One of the most notable works of Alexandre-Gabriel Lemonnier is Empress Eugénie’s crown, a beautiful piece that is currently on display at the Louvre Museum.

In the later half of the 19th Century, the building transitioned into the hotel it is today. The Hôtel Mansart, now in the possession of Esprit De France, upholds the history of the building by not only naming it after its creator, but also by adding touches throughout that are reminiscent of its former brilliance. The Hôtel Mansart has influences ranging from the 17th century to the 19th century. People say that the jewels in the building during Alexandre-Gabriel Lemonnier’s stay there were secretly stored at the back of the indoor shutters, which remain safeguarded to this day in the hotel suites.

The interior design language of the hotel honours the historical time periods the building has gone through. In conjunction with the stunning interior of the hotel, the vicinity around the building is a haven for shopping, eating and browsing art museums. However, the hotel itself is also has an extensive art collection of approximately 120 pieces. Displayed throughout rooms and various open areas, the art spans many different periods and in the form of paintings, engravings, sculptures and furniture. Even while in the comfort of your own room, guests can revel in the artistry of breathtaking period pieces.

Significant works of art include the Portrait of Eugénie de Montijo and the Portrait of Napoleon III, which are oil paintings done on identical canvases and hold historic meaning to the hotel. Both of these beautiful paintings are exhibited in the same room where the jeweler who made their jewels at the culmination of the 18th century was received.

Additional standout pieces include “Alpheus Pursuing Arethusa“, “Narcissus Reflected in a Fountain” and “The Chariot of Bacchus” that make up mythological scenes which are placed near everyday scenes like “Softly Sleeping“, “The Good Mother“, “The Kiss”  and “Trying on a Corset” in a harmonious setting.

The hotel’s large collection of art spans ceaselessly throughout, as beautiful pieces of art greet you at even the simplest of times. Located amidst a flight of stairs in the hall is a piece named “Spirit of France” that was sculptured by Georges Jeanclos. The artist, who is highly regarded as one of the best sculptors at the end of the 20th century, had created this sculpture expressly for Hôtel Mansart. Within the breakfast room is a unique work, a ‘discrete portrait of Mansart’ (pictured above) that signifies the deep connection between the building of the past to the hotel of today.

When staying at the Hôtel Mansart the morning must always begin with an ambrosial breakfast to inspirit yourself for an exciting day of wandering the city’s beloved attractions. After entering the breakfast room, you are welcomed by period stained-glass windows, which only provides to highlight the hot and cold buffet tables in the centre of the room.

High quality French produce and other ingredients grown in organic farms make up the menu. This list includes freshly squeezed fruit juice, Alain Milliat jam, pastries from the Pâtisserie des Rêves, Echiré butter and a plate of mature cheeses. The scrumptious breakfast is served along Bernardaud porcelaine in the Esprit de France colours.

When it comes time to return from a fun time of shopping or taking in the local colour, the Hôtel Mansart’s open access bar is an ideal place to stop by. Situated on the first floor, the bar offers guests an enticing list of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Guests can enjoy a drink while relaxing at a quiet lounge; a great relief for guests who spent their day shopping or visiting some of the prominent art museums.

All the rooms at the hotel reflect the same elegant design elements as seen through the rest of the building; however, the Mansart Room – La Junior Suite as well as the Vendôme Room – Deluxe stand out in particular as they both boast remarkable views of Rue de la Paix. While room Mansart offers approximately 50 square metres of space (accommodating 3 guests) with high ceilings and additional views of Place Vendôme, the 28 to 38 square metre room Vendôme (accommodating 2 guests) takes you back in time with 17th century French furnishings.

Traveling while trying to ensure your wifi connection is working and getting past the roaming charges when abroad can be difficult at times, but for guests staying at the Hôtel Mansart these worries are unnecessary. Small portable wifi hotspots that weigh as little as 130 g are provided to hotel guests, allowing smooth wifi connection while anywhere within the city.

Esprit de France’s cultural newsletter, which is handed over to guests on arrival, is also a nice a touch to art enthusiasts. Updated every two weeks, it focuses on art and culture news in Paris that ranges from helpful tips and useful advice to enriching art and cultural events.

From the historical significance of the building to the hotel’s fantastic location, Hôtel Mansart is no doubt a great place to rest your head when in Paris.

For more information on the hotel please visit: Hôtel Mansart

Mojo Stumer’s Latest Project | 700 Park Avenue

A two bedroom apartment along New York’s coveted upper east side is the latest work of Mojo Stumer Associates. The firm, which is well known for their modern yet warm interior design work, brought to life 2,300 square feet of living space at 700 Park Avenue.

The team at Mojo Stumer was hired by a Manhattan couple, who were looking to downsize from a larger residence. The end result of their collaboration was the complete transformation of this residence into a chic, open, and all around spacious NYC pied-à-terre.

A key aspect of the residence’s design is the flowing nature of the floorplan; large spaces consisting of the living room, dinning room, and kitchen freely flow into one another via a central hall. Evoking a design reminiscent of a modern art gallery, the residence features materials such as rift cut oak flooring, walnut and lacquer cabinetry, as well as Pentalquartz and Thassos stone in the kitchen.

When guests enter the residence, they are immediately greeted by “a floating lacquer ceiling accented with ultra-thin linear lights, with walls on both sides clad in plain sliced walnut panels.” Geometric design is a fundamental element of the entry with a full wall length mirror and ample artwork, which leads to a living space with white walls complemented by dark accents. Furniture in this area is soft, simple and refined; thereby creating a supremely elegant atmosphere that is uncluttered. The living room also benefits from oak wood plank floors and “a functional media unit with storage and bar seating.”

Across from the living room is the dinning room, this space is similarly designed employing the use of white walls and simple yet creative shelving with glass inserts. Beside the dinning room is the apartment’s open layout gourmet kitchen, featuring a clean modern design language. The kitchen’s cabinets are uniquely finished in a polished white polyester and complimented by white quartz counter-tops. The white back painted glass back-splash is a unique touch especially when viewed in contrast to the room’s stainless steel elements.

Image credit: Mark Stumer, courtesy of Quinn PR

Capturing The Smell of Rain: Le Labo Releases Baie 19

Inspired by petrichor–the smell after it rains–Le Labo Fragrances has released a new scent called “Baie 19.” Based in New York City, Le Labo was founded in 2006 and later acquired by Estée Lauder Companies in 2014. Since its foundation, Le Labo has become synonymous with hand-crafted, made to order luxury scents for men and women. Le Labo’s naming scheme has two parts: the word refers to the primary scent note, and the number refers to the number of compounds in the scent. For the case of Baie 19, the main scent note is berry (juniper berry) and contains 19 compounds.

As Le Labo states on their website, petrichor is, “one of the most beautiful olfactive phenomena in nature.” To capture this magical scent and the intense feelings that come with the sensation, Le Labo has mixed dry juniper berry, green leaves, patchouli, and musk. The scent creates a musky and woody scent with amber and aromatic notes. Baie 19 retails online for 158 EUR/50 ML.

More information on Baie 19 can be found here.

Image credit: Le Labo

262 Foot M/Y EXCELLENCE Available for Charter in the Mediterranean for the First Time

At 262 Feet (80 Meters), The Abeking & Rasmussen built Excellence which stands out in a crowd of even the most impressive charter yachts. With a modern exterior conceived by Andrew Winch, Excellence is sleek and imposing. Having just enjoyed an inaugural cruising season in the Caribbean, Excellence has now been made available by Burgess Yachts for summer charter bookings in the Mediterranean for the first time ever.

At just over 2,100 gross tons, Excellence offers charter accommodations for up to 12 guests in 7 luxurious staterooms and abundant amenities to rival the finest charters in her class. One such amenity is the yacht’s ample natural lighting delivered via Excellence’s triple height glass atrium. Standing as just one example of Winch’s innovative design language, the glass atrium is one of the vessel’s most distinctive features. Excellence’s exceptional design and thoughtful details are the result of an experienced owner, whose knowledge was refined through the ownership of nearly half a dozen yacht’s prior to the conception of Excellence. Aboard small details are understated, yet completely refined.

Some of our favorite aspects of Excellence are the interior colors and textures, which allow guests to enjoy sophisticated spaces that remain focused on bringing in panoramic views. Spacious rooms stay soft and cosy thanks to warm design materials, such as a unique pallette of exotique woods. Birds eye maple, blue ombre, burr, limed oak, and sycamore pair stunningly well with other elegant finishes crafted from marble and fine leather. Winch’s signature use of mild tones combined with strokes of color here and there bring Excellence’s interior to life.

The vessel’s main deck is made up of entertaining spaces, guest accommodation and a suite of unique amenities. A lounge and dining area open up to an ample exterior space with a large pool and swim up bar. Six guest staterooms on this level are comfortable in size and offer views through massive windows. For a perfect start to your day the main deck features a gym and spa, as well as a tiered cinema where many guests may choose to end their day. From the main deck’s large foyer, a staircase and glass elevator can be accessed to transverse the yacht’s many decks.

Excellence’s upper deck is where amenities shine brightest. The whole of the upper deck has been designed as a very spacious private master suite with lounge, private terrace plus Jacuzzi, and sunbathing areas.

Located above the upper deck is a massive sun deck with an elegant sitting area and dedicated sunbathing spaces accompanied by a large Jacuzzi. From here a short trip can be taken to the lower deck where guests can enjoy a swim in the sea thanks to Excellence’s fantastic beach club, which features a sea terrace with bathing steps for easy access to the water. Aside from a wide selection of water toys, the yacht also benefits from two exquisite limo tenders made by Hodgdon.

As of the publishing of this article, Excellence is available for summer charter from €1,040,000 per week.

Images courtesy of: Burgess Yachts

Despite Covid-19 This Parisian Luxury Food Market is Staying Open to Help Those in Need

LVMH’s world renowned La Grande Epicerie de Paris is widely regarded as one of Paris’ finest luxury food markets. However, as most Parisian staples close down during France’s lock-down, this particular store proves to be a bit of an enigma. In an effort to meet the needs of customers and support the store’s suppliers, La Grande Epicierie has remained open thanks in most part “to the engagement and professionalism of the store’s employees” claimed parent organization LVMH.

Founded in 1923, La Grande Epicerie de Paris offers in addition to a prized selection of house made pastries and breads, over 30,000 products from across the globe. Fine wines, cheese, seafood and meat among them. Located on the ground floor of Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche, the shop’s staff has worked tirelessly to deliver fresh pastries, baked goods, and cheeses to a discerning clientele while supporting local family operated suppliers who face uncertain futures. Although most bakeries and pastry shops in the French capital remained closed, La Grande Epicerie remains staffed from the bakery and pastry shop to the shop’s incredible cheese counter.

To ensure that the store’s operations remain safely uninterrupted extensive safety measures have been implemented, including employee-customer distancing, as well as the provision of gloves, masks and hand sanitizer and plexiglass barriers for checkout staff. Management has even gone as far as advising employees to avoid public transportation and is offering to compensate employees for taxi and bicycle expenses. With these protective measures in place, it’s awfully tempting to pop by and purchase a dozen of epicurean genius Jean-Jacques Massé’ edible masterpieces. During this time customers can even benefit from contact free home delivery via Star Service.

By maintaining operations, the store has supported suppliers from small salt marsh lamb producers to “small artisanal French producers – such as Biscuiterie-Chocolaterie Mercier, Etablissements George Cannon, Kerex, J. Barthouil, Le Comptoir de Mathilde, Groix et Nature, Sacré Willy, Cooperative Sauniers Ile De Ré, Aix&Terra and Berry Graines” said LVMH. Additionally, La Grande Epicerie de Paris is providing support to healthcare workers. The store has donated protective gowns to healthcare providers in the seventh arrondissement of Paris, whereas “over 3,000 Easter chocolates were donated to Paris hospital healthcare personnel and fresh products with short shelf lives are delivered daily to Cochin hospital in Paris with help from Coursier Privé and RedE electric scooters.”

Image credit: © Boris Allin courtesy of LVMH