NYC Prewar Apartment Relisted for 34.5 Million Dollars

A prewar Fifth Avenue apartment located in New York City, that once belonged to former U.S. Ambassador Bruce Gelb, was just recently put back on the market with a lowered offering price.  In what was originally listed for $65 million and later lessened to $38 million during the summer, has now been relisted by real estate agency Stribling & Associates for the current asking price of $34.5 million.

Situated on the tenth-floor with 51 feet of Central Park frontage, the 12 room prewar residence includes five bedrooms and five baths.  The apartment is positioned in the heart of Fifth Avenue’s Museum Mile, so the distance between the Metropolitan and Guggenheim Museums to the main entrance is fairly close by.  Throughout the abode the decor continues unaltered, this includes the wood-paneled living room which has 11-foot-high ceilings and a fireplace with an original J.E.R. Carpenter carved-wood mantle.

Within the 12-person formal dining room, an adorned fireplace is adjacent to the expansive windows that offer stunning views of the park.  Additionally, there is an eat-in-kitchen right next to a butler’s pantry that features glass-fronted cabinets and double sinks.  The highlight of the residence is obviously the panoramic views of Central Park, which can be seen through most of the rooms.

In addition, the residence has it’s own private elevator, an office, a library, a windowed den along with adjoining bath (which both can be converted into additional bedrooms), a private laundry room and a multitude of walk-in closets are spread throughout.  The apartment features three south-facing bedrooms furnished with en suite baths, and located on the far end of the apartment is the spacious master suite, which includes two baths, a dressing room, and several walk-in closets.

Building amenities include a state-of-the art gym with a pilates reformer, bike room, half-basketball court, golf simulator, and endless pool.  Furthermore, it also permits pets on a case by case basis as well as offering two large storage rooms and a vault trade with the apartment.

Pamela D’Arc & Gioia Zwack of Stribling hold the listing.

Photo Credit: David Paler

For more information visit:  Stribling.com

Jim Belushi’s Brentwood Park Home Hits The Market At 38.5 Million

Los Angeles based actor and comedian, Jim Belushi, best known for his work on “Saturday Night Live” has listed his Italian Style Villa located in prime Brentwood Park for a whopping $38.5 million USD with Hilton & Hyland.  According to Christies International Real Estate, Belushi and his wife have now decided to downsize since their children are now both college-aged.

The 14,000 square foot residence is the result of an expert collaboration between Architect Oscar Shamamian and designer Michael Smith.  Set down a private cobblestone drive on 1.3 acre double lot is the six bedroom and 11 bathroom home, that includes a motor court, guesthouse, and multiple pool houses which surround a 60 foot long pool deck with intimate sitting and alfresco dinning areas.

A collection of high-end finishes were collected from homes all around the globe, including reclaimed travertine from Turkey, fireplace mantels, roof tiles from Venezuela, Italian terra cotta tile floors, custom ironwork, and Moroccan glazed bathroom tiles.  Additionally, the public areas include American hardwood floors and Venetian plaster walls throughout.

One particular highlight of the home is the modern welcoming kitchen designed with an expansive archway as it’s frame.  Located off of the main living area is a hidden passageway which leads to an office and subterranean area with a billiards room, cinema, wine cellar, and spa. The plush master suite features an oversized bathroom, walk-in wardrobe, private stairway to the jacuzzi and cold plunge grotto, as well as expansive views of the home’s surrounding garden & green expanses, to complement the Italian splendor.

Images courtesy of: Hilton & Hyland

Former Malibu Estate of Johnny Carson Lists for 81.5 Million

Sidney Kimmel’s Malibu home which was formerly the residence of “The Tonight Show” Host, Johnny Carson, has been listed for sale with Hilton & Hyland at an asking price of $81.5 million USD. Situated down a private drive with mature trees, an ample four acre property located on a high bluff overlooking the Pacific, is an over 7,000 square foot modern masterpiece designed by famed Malibu architect Ed Niles.

Hallmark features of the residence include a double triangle-shaped living room with 30-foot high ceilings and floor to ceiling glass which frames the home’s dramatic ocean views. Abundant natural light floods the residence’s indoor botanical garden that is devoted to trees.  Unique highlights of this home also include an Asian-inspired lounge, state of the art kitchen, a wine cellar, and formal interior and exterior dinning areas.  Located upstairs is a full floor master suite with advantageous terraces with commanding views; as well as his and hers onyx bathrooms, walk-in closets, and personal offices.

Rich landscaping allows for a truly inspiring experience in the garden with walking paths, a koi pond, waterfalls, a saltwater pool, and direct access to the beach below.  There is a sunken professional tennis court on the property, which was a gift to Johnny Carson from his long time employer, NBC.  Located beside the tennis court is a viewing pavilion offering two lavish bedrooms, a gym, a media room, and walls that open to welcome that fresh Malibu air.  Additionally there is an elevator, guesthouse, property manager’s office, staff facilities, and a security office.

Images courtesy of: Hilton & Hyland

Angra dos Reis: 32 Acre Private Island Complete with Helipads

An unrivaled 32 acre Brazilian private island has been listed for sale this autumn with Christie’s International Real Estate.  Set within the prestigious area of Angra dos Reis (just 30 minutes from Rio via helicopter), which is considered by many as one of the most stunning areas of Rio de Janeiro, this private island is complete with unwavering scenery, lush vegetation, and is complemented by the shimmering Atlantic Ocean.

Angra dos Reis, Portuguese for “Creek of the Kings” is an archipelago of 388 islands which offer 2,000 beaches spread across seven bays.  Cultural highlights include multiple 16th century churches, as well as native fishing communities of sardine fishermen.  Before the area was officially settled by Portugal, Angra dos Reis, was a hub for pirates who would hide in the area’s many coves.

“Angra dos Reis is what The Hamptons are to New York City, a nearby seaside oasis yet far from the urban bustle. Only Angra is more secluded and private,” says Rick Moeser, Executive Director of Christie’s International Real Estate. “This estate has served its family’s legacy and memories, well. It is now time for a new owner to build their own legacy in this most special of locales.”

The property is aimed to provide the very finest in a retreat setting for family and friends with it’s 10,000 square foot main home, plus an additional five bedrooms spread across three bungalows, which include their very own balconies for taking in the stunning island vistas.

“This private island is the perfect sanctuary within quick proximity to wonderful dining, boutique shopping and adventure travel,” says Frederico Judice Araujo. “The home offers a perfect balance between privacy in the natural world and resort vibrancy.”

Throughout the luxurious compound an open indoor-outdoor design is present, with multiple balconies, decks, and terraces that highlight panoramic views and enable “al fresco living”.  Within the confines of the island are amenities which include a cinema, state of the art kitchen, cellar, spa, conservatory room, two docks, helicopter landing pads for day or night, three buildings for staff accommodation, and multiple backup generators to ensure a luxurious experience.

Images courtesy of: Judice & Araujo

The 500 Acre Galaxie Farm Listed for 6.75 Million

Galaxie Farm, a 504 acre equestrian estate located in the American Gilded Age city of Ligonier, Pennsylvania, has been listed for sale with Christie’s International Real Estate for 6.75 Million USD.  The property set in the heart of Pennsylvania’s bucolic horse country, offers discerning buyers acres of green pasture, an old world colonial style farmhouse built in 2002, a two acre pond, a 15 stall paddock, three car garage, and guest home plus caretakers cottage.

Interiors of the elegant farm house can only be described as a modern classic reminiscent of a bygone era with it’s cherry hardwood floors, 10-foot high ceilings, handcrafted cabinetry, and custom millwork throughout. The exterior of the residence is surrounded by stone walls and lush gardens.

When stepping into the main home you are immediately greeted by a soaring entrance hall with dual staircases, which flow graciously into the spacious living and dinning rooms, as well as the family area that offers double height ceilings and a stone fireplace with a soaring mantle piece.  Paying homage to the remainder of the main floor is an oversized master suite, modern kitchen, three season porch with fireplace, and a quintessential cozy library. Located on the upper floor is an office, playroom, and an additional four bedrooms.  While the lower floor offers abundant storage, a wine cellar with tasting room, media room, bar, and a second laundry room.

Speaking on the Galaxie Farm listing, Christie’s International Real Estate’s Executive Director, Kathleen Coumou added “The setting is simply breathtaking. A patchwork of rolling green pastures are framed by regal stands of mature hardwood trees and bulges of the nearby Allegheny Mountains. The home defines understated elegance and the equestrian facilities are expansive and lovely. The surrounding area is an undiscovered mecca for all manners of outdoor activities.”

Galaxie Farm is located just 25 minutes from the commercial and private Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, within a radius that is less than 50 miles from Pittsburgh, and three hours from the US Capital of Washington DC.  Nearby amenities also include the highly acclaimed Laurel Valley Golf Course, designed by the late Arnold Palmer,who was widely regarded as the world’s greatest professional golfer.

Additionally, the combination of both Hidden Valley and Seven Springs provide the ski enthusiast with a noteworthy terrain to explore.  Traveling further towards Washington DC, the nature enthusiast will find the Rolling Rock Hunt Club which offers hiking, spelunking, biking, and Class I-IV whitewater rafting.  And, although Pittsburgh has been widely regarded as a tough steel town in the past, an up and coming business and artistic scene is bringing new life and cultural amenities to the western Pennsylvania city.

Images courtesy of: Christie’s International Real Estate

New Orlean’s Most Expensive Home Listed For 10 Million Dollars

Located within New Orlean’s prestigious French Quarter is a rare historic three story mansion boasting over 12,000 square feet of opulent living space. The estate, which was just listed for sale at 10.3M USD this month with Eleanor Farnsworth of Gardner Realtors, makes 620 Ursulines Avenue, New Orlean’s most expensive listing.  The estate was built in 1819 by French-born architects Claude Gurlie and Joseph Guillot, who were hired by Arnaud Magnon, a prominent shipbuilder in his day.  Some standout amenities include 8 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms and 3 powder rooms, multiple elegant drawing rooms, a gourmet kitchen, billiards room, two wine cellars, and a dinning room featuring a circa 1960’s handprinted mural.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own the most spectacular property in the French Quarter. It boasts one of the largest private courtyards in the Vieux Carré, parking for 15 cars, and breathtaking views of the city from the Widow’s Walk.” – Said listing agent, Eleanor Farnsworth

After the death of Mr. Magnon, the estate was updated throughout the mid-19th century by acclaimed New Orleans architect James Gallier Sr. who redesigned many first floor rooms to reflect the Greek revival style.  Gallier, who was born, Gallagher, in Ravensdale, County Louth, Ireland in 1798, was well regarded for his role in the designing of the Godmanchester Chinese Bridge and the redevelopment of the early Grosvenor Estate in Mayfair.  After becoming bankrupt in 1832, Mr. Gallagher emigrated to the United States and adopted the name Gallier upon his arrival to New Orleans in 1834.

Additional luxurious amenities throughout the home include ornate plaster and marble finishings with custom millwork, French floors which open to the surrounding garden, attached two story guest house with sauna, walled courtyard with pool, two master suites, two car garages with additional gated parking for 15 cars.

For more information on the estate, please visit: Luxury Portfolio

David Rockefeller’s 27 Million Dollar NYC Townhouse

Originally built in 1924 by architect Mott Schmidt, the 40 foot wide townhouse located at 146 East 65th street in NYC has been occupied by none other than David Rockefeller for the past 69 years.  The philanthropist, financier, and grandson of John D. Rockefeller originally purchased the home in 1948 with his wife Peggy.  After David Rockefeller passed away at the age of 101 in March, the home was almost immediately listed for sale at 32.5M USD with Brown Harris Stevens, before receiving it’s most recent price cut.

Although, the asking price seems quite reasonable for a 40 foot wide townhouse in the upper east side; there are several characteristics that are not exactly working in the Rockefeller’s favor.  Most notably is the residence’s location on the far eastern side of the Upper East side, which is closer to the east river verses the more prime western side of the neighborhood which borders Central Park, such as the properties between Madison and Fifth Ave.

The plush pad offers eight bedrooms and eight bathrooms in a rather plain dated layout.  No gym, cinema, or indoor pool here, though, buyers looking for a project with some history may find reward in remodeling this iconic gem.  Classic amenities at the nearly 10,000 square foot townhouse include a grand spiral staircase with skylight, full width 40′ foot wide paneled living room, library, wine cellar, six staff rooms, eight fireplaces, an additional 2,500 square foot basement, two vaults, and an elegant yet somewhat modest 3,000 square foot planted garden.

Most well regarded is the home’s illustrious art collection, which famed collector and patron of the arts, David Rockefeller, amassed over his long life.  His collection, which was housed at the property, consisted of works by many modern masters including Matisse, Picasso, Cezanne to name a few, as well as a large collection of Chinese and European porcelains, which will be up for auction at Christie’s in the Spring of 2018.

Images courtesy of:  Brown Harris Stevens

Piero Lissoni Builds a New Ritz-Carlton Residences in Miami Beach

Italian architect Piero Lissoni is working on his first full-scale architectural project within the United States, which has been scheduled to be completed during winter this year.  This new project, the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach, consists of 111 one-to-five-bedroom condos as well as 15 waterfront standalone villas that encompass 7.5 acres of land.  With prices ranging from around $2 million to $40 million, each Ritz-Carlton residence demonstrates a modern yet eccentric style.

For instance, a newly added 10,000-square-foot, two-story penthouse with floor-to-ceiling walls of glass frame perfectly reflects the modern meets whimsical approach.  Boasting four bedrooms and seven baths, the penthouse also features an interior garden, which is viewable from the expansive main living room.  In addition, a double-height library encompasses the room along with a beautiful fire place to add onto the harmonious atmosphere.  Another unique feature is the 20-foot-tall, 2,000-bottle wine cave, which harbors a massive jellyfish tank serving as the cellar’s main focal point.

The penthouse’s sliding-glass doors takes you to a private outside courtyard with a waterfall feature, living green walls, and a hot tub.  Furthermore, a private elevator can take you to either  a 6,000-square-foot roof terrace with a pergola or a supplementary 2,000-square-foot lower deck that includes dining and lounging areas as well as an outdoor bar.

Despite the fact that the penthouse is only for the purpose of being an aspirational example that is off the market, there are still five three-to-four-bedroom penthouses remaining on the market with prices ranging from $8.8 million to over $20 million.  The idea was to give potential buyers a look into what their own penthouse may be like so that they can envision a more extraordinary home for themselves.  Each respective penthouse contains an exceptional design layout that is capable of being personalized by the buyer.

For those future owners living at the Ritz-Carlton residence, they will be provided with full access to various amenities such as a residential art studio, a private captained day yacht, and a half-acre rooftop pool deck with private cabanas.

For more information visit:  TheResidencesMiamiBeach.com

Photo courtesy of RitzCarlton.com

Skywalker Vineyards has purchased Château Margüi

Skywalker Vineyards has just added the Château Margüi to its growing collection of international boutique wineries & vineyards.  Château Margüi, located in Provence, France has historic ties dating back to the days of ancient Rome.  This new acquisition positions Château Margüi among Skywalkers other estates including ‘Skywalker‘ in Nicasio, California and ‘Sommita‘ in Il Convento in the Province of Umbria, Italy.

“We are excited to include Château Margüi among our exclusive wine properties. It is the perfect complement to our magnificent Italian Estate and the scenic Skywalker Vineyards in California.” – Angelo Garcia, President of Skywalker Properties, and Lucas Real Estate Holdings

The Château Margüi is situated in the beautiful southwestern Bessillon mountain range, surrounded by natural springs, deep canyon rivers and rolling hills.  The Estate and it’s 18th Century Chateau include 40 acres of vineyards, a 7 acre olive grove, and well over 200 acres of forests which include century old trees.  Provence’s growing climate is particularly well suited for producing some brilliant Rosé. Château Margüi produces both a Vin Blanc and Rosé.  The Rosé is made up of Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, and Vermentino; being characterized by vibrant and elegant crisp grapefruit, lemon and exotic fruit notes.   Later harvests are also highly common in the region allowing for an honest representation of the terroir.  Other characteristics of the region include a unique micro climate, which benefits from a cold wind that travels from the Rhône valley into the mediterranean region; allowing for accelerated ripening.

“In addition to wine-making evolutions, tradition remains important, as we dedicate ourselves to reproducing the biodiversity, stability and resilience of our natural ecosystem, with respect for our terroir.” —Philippe Guillanton, Château Margüi Winery Manager

Bringing the same unique vision, Skywalker’s team is set on the same high standards of organic cultivation at their newest property.  The wines of Château Margüi are a bringing together of old-world winemaking and commitment to sustainable land ownership.  In addition, the vineyard’s plots are AOP Coteaux Varois en Provence classified.  Which requires a very strict process for vine species selection as well as soil preparation in accordance with organic regulations.

Talking Architecture: Interview with Winn Wittman

Meet Winn Wittman, an extraordinary contemporary architect who with a creative mind set and ingenious approach to modern design, turns each of his projects into a one of a kind architectural marvel.  Mr. Wittman attended the University of Texas at Austin to acquire his Masters in Architecture and received his Bachelor’s degree (B.A) from Tufts University.  He is also a member of the American Institute of Architects and the Texas Society of Architects.

Recently, we were given the privilege of speaking with Mr. Wittman on what initially attracted him to contemporary architecture, his unique design process, and how being based in Austin has influenced his current architectural creations.

Where would you pinpoint the origin of your interest in architecture? When did you first realize that this was the space you wanted to be a part of?

“I like your word “space” both because it refers to the clay that architects shape, and also because I’ve never felt as though I completely fit within the confines of the “profession” of architecture or the “discipline” of architecture. Maybe the moment I realized that architecture was for me was the moment I realized that I could define the “space” I wanted, within the field of architecture.

When I got to college I really had no idea what I wanted to do. I knew I loved architecture and art and design, but I was unsure of my path initially.  I studied everything from English literature to human factors engineering and piano.  One day, my favorite professor at Tufts, Margaret Floyd suggested I go down to Austin and take a look at their graduate program in Architecture. She said: “Winn, Boston is way too parochial for you; you should go to Texas” And like Davey Crockett, who famously said: “You can go to hell, and I will go to Texas”, I set off and have never looked back. It’s funny how one suggestion, if it rings true, can impact the trajectory of one’s life.”

Talk us through your design process.

“My design process has evolved a lot over the years. It’s gotten easier, and a lot more fun. I’m less challenged by the design part and more curious about the human aspect.  I want my homes to live well, and I want people to live well in them. Designing someone’s home is very personal, and there is a lot of psychology involved. A husband and a wife don’t always have an identical vision for their new home, and people don’t always feel the freedom to express what they want. You have to draw it out of them. People usually have a clearer idea of what they don’t want. In fact, Henry Ford once said “If I’d asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.”

Sometimes it’s easier to ask people what they want in the bedroom than to ask them what they want for their bedroom.

The design process itself is a process of sequential iterations. With each iteration, the design exposes itself like a photograph developing in a tray of liquid. We start 3D modeling early in our design process, and it helps our clients visualize our intentions in a way that was never possible when I started 20 years ago.”

 Which of your projects do you believe embodies your creativity to the utmost extent?

“We recently finished the Manta House, a 15,000 square-foot mountaintop home. It’s very organic and it was very challenging to design, and honestly pretty painful to execute. But we learned a great deal – for example how to create a metal roof with 5,000 tiles and compound curves that didn’t leak. For me now, creativity is not only about form, but about developing the best solution for the client and the building.”

 What do you believe are some of your firm’s standout skills?

“One is the ability to listen. The other is an ability to adapt our practice to embrace new technologies — whether they are working methods or materials.

Screen-sharing technology has opened up our ability to work with clients regardless of their location. Building Information Modeling (BIM) allows us to change one aspect of the design and the other parts automatically update. And parametric modeling uses AI to help us design.”

How has being based in Austin, Texas influenced your work?

“Austin, like California, tends to be hilly. There’s (relatively speaking) lots of space. The land is very inspiring and the strong light is relentless. There’s always been an attitude of freedom in Austin. And in retrospect, I’m fortunate to have settled in a place where there is a strong demand for great contemporary architecture.”

Can you tell us about any of the projects that you are currently working on?

“Some of the highlights are a large multi-generational home for an Indian family, a lake house with an acrylic pool which allows light into the basement, and a home for my family which is cut into the side of a very steep hillside and is barely visible from the street.”

Who are some architects that you have garnered inspiration from?

“Le Corbusier inspired me with his sculptural approach to architecture, and his ability to master both painting and architecture. Carlo Scarpa had great symbolism in his work. I learned from these two that architecture doesn’t have to be completely rational and that there can be a sense of mystery.”

Where can we follow you?

               Website:  www.winnwittman.com   

              Facebook:  @ArchitectAustin

               Houzz:  Houzz.com/winn-wittman-architecture

Photo Credits:

Images 1-3 by: Dylan VanDam

Image 4 by:  Coles Hairston