The Four Seasons Provence at Terre Blanche sits in a unique location - it’s not on the French Riviera’s famed coast, nor is it located in the chic towns of Nice, Cannes or St. Tropez. The resort instead sits between the three towns, nestled at the base of the hillside village of Fayence and near the towns of Mons, Tourettes and Grasse.
Still, the resort offers a variety of private experience for guests seeking a retreat with a variety of customized experiences. A-listers flock to this hotel during peak times like the Cannes Film Festival, and stars like Angelina Jolie have holed up at the hotel for a few weeks of privacy. This writer had the pleasure of spending a few days at the resort earlier this month.
Lifestyle Asset Group’s Residence, Blue Sky Lodge, Deer Valley Utah
Lifestyle Asset Group, a new fractional ownership company, described as the “next generation of luxury vacation ownership,” has launched.
This group has created a novel hybrid residence collection, based on the investment fund/equity-based club model. Lifestyle Asset Group allows 100 participants to collectively own 12 residences. The residence’s average value is $2.5 million. With a one-time capital contribution of $300,000, each equity owner enjoys seven years of residence access booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Equity owners have the option to transfer their interests at any time without penalties or fees. As part of the Collective Asset Ownership (CAO) model, Lifestyle Asset Group says it operates in a debt-free mode, as it sells interests in the club structure as a means to create collective ownership of multiple real estate assets.
Villa Volpi, a neo-classical palazzo overlooking the Mediterranean that’s featured in Italian luxury label Tod’s new ad campaign, has been listed for sale at $33 million.
The amazing property, luxe lifestyle setting of attractive people and classic Ferraris in the alluring ads, sits on 26 acres including a private beach. The estate is the creation of Countess Nathalie Volpi di Misurata, an aristocrat with a reputation for impeccable taste and refined elegance who enlisted celebrated Milanese architect Tomaso Buzzi to build the palazzo in 1960.
Villa Volpi’s seven lavish bedrooms and entertaining spaces have played host to many notable guests over the years, from celebrities to royalty, society and international dignitaries. Additional buildings on the estate include a three-bedroom guest house, a two-bedroom cottage and stables.
“This home fosters an incredibly peaceful and glamorous way of life,” notes Clarice Pecori Giraldi of Christie’s International Real Estate, “bringing together a unique location in Italy - where waterfront properties of this scale are extremely rare - with the incredible sophistication of classical architecture.”
The Russian billionaire, Yuri Milner, has paid $100 million for a second home in California’s Silicon Valley, in Los Altos Hills. According to the Wall Street Journal’s Market Watch, March 30th, it is the highest known amount paid for a home in the United States.
This home is 25,500 square feet of living area, and was inspired by 18th-century French chateaux (see above). It has 25,000+ square feet of living space with five bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a central entry court, ballroom, home theater, wine cellar, spa/gym, a tennis court, car wash, swimming pool and formal gardens. The living areas are all located on the second floor to take advantage of the dramatic San Francisco Bay Bay view. It was designed by the prestigious Hablinski + Manion Architectural & Planning Group.
Mr. Milner’s primary residence is in Moscow, where he lives with his wife and two daughters, but he is a frequent visitor to the high-tech enclave in northern California.
The 47-year-old Internet tycoon appeared on the cover of the most recent issue of Forbes magazine and has invested heavily in Facebook, Zynga and Groupon through his investment firm DST Global. His company is said to control about 10 percent, or $5 billion worth, of Facebook’s shares. He also has had positive dealings with the Russian online company Mail.ru.
The home was bought from another tycoon, Fred Chan, founder of ESS Technology, who has reportedly decided to live in Hawaii after building the Silicon Valley mansion.
Mr Milner reportedly made the transaction through a limited liability company called La Paloma Property. After years of relative market flatness, this sale has been seen as a sign that the market in high-end properties on the West Coast are becoming more, well, effervescent.
A medieval stone castle in Bar sur Loup combines the best of both world’s: an impressive historic structure with stunning gardens and the glam life of Nice and Cannes nearby. A snap 35 minutes from the Nice International Airport and you’re in the postcard perfect 18th century village of Bar sur Loup, known as the “town of orange trees.” The current owner of this castle must sell as he is moving to Hong Kong. Just five years ago, he found the property in terrible shape, fell in love with it, and painstakingly restored virtually every centimeter. All five bedroom suites, several living rooms with working fireplaces, a study, and hobby room are all in pristine condition. The owner even reclaimed materials from other French chateaux to be sure that no “foreign” or inappropriate materials interfered with the building’s integrity. Most appealing, in particular, are the pool and pool house. Add to that a wine cellar, caretaker’s cottage and parking for ten cars. The original castle dates back to the early 18th century but its gardens surrounded by olive and fruit trees, rose bushes, and jasmine appear to be much older. The price is €5,900,000. Details at estatenetfrance.com.
If you are willing to empty your wallet and bank account, the place to live is La Californie in Cannes. Dotted with exclusive Belle Epoque and contemporary villas, this is probably the most beautiful place to live in the balmy, tropical region.
The hotel itself also has a rich history: Queen Elizabeth II and the late Princess Margaret first learned to dance in the gilded ballroom, Prince Charles and Princess Anne visited the tearooms as children and more recently, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were guests at Baroness Margaret Thatcher’s 80th birthday party. Sir Winston Churchill was even a temporary resident while his London house was being refurbished. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park also boasts the only private Royal Entrance from Hyde Park.
A medieval stone castle in Bar sur Loup combines the best of both world’s: an impressive historic structure with stunning gardens and the glam life of Nice and Cannes nearby. A snap 35 minutes from the Nice International Airport and you’re in the postcard perfect 18th century village of Bar sur Loup, known as the “town of orange trees.” The current owner of this castle must sell as he is moving to Hong Kong. Just five years ago, he found the property in terrible shape, fell in love with it, and painstakingly restored virtually every centimeter. All five bedroom suites, several living rooms with working fireplaces, a study, and hobby room are all in pristine condition. The owner even reclaimed materials from other French chateaux to be sure that no “foreign” or inappropriate materials interfered with the building’s integrity. Most appealing, in particular, are the pool and pool house. Add to that a wine cellar, caretaker’s cottage and parking for ten cars. The original castle dates back to the early 18th century but its gardens surrounded by olive and fruit trees, rose bushes, and jasmine appear to be much older. The price is €5,900,000. Details at estatenetfrance.com.
We don’t usually feature homes under the $500,000 mark but real estate commenter Spectacular Bid drew my attention to today’s modest charmer in Montgomery, Alabama. This home was designed by architect and furniture designer Bobby McAlpine whose work has been featured in many of the popular shelter magazines. This three-bedroom English country style home has had its magazine moments, appearing in Southern Accents, House & Garden and British House & Garden. The home adheres to the tenets of English style without giving off that faux-for-show impression that other English country style home can. It has a good mix of formal and casual elements providing both elegance and comfort. It can be yours for just $499,000 and is listed with Bess Jenkins.
Those who have been with me for a few years on this estate-of-the day journey might remember this one. I first looked at this home back in 2006. Far from the Wolf is perhaps the grandest of the summer “cottages” built on Grindstone Neck in Winter Harbor, Maine. The home was built in the early 1890s by John Godfrey Moore, who developed the Grindstone Neck area as a getaway for New York society. This gorgeous shingled home is on 4.6 acres and has 10 bedrooms, each with a private bath.
One of the benefits of this beauty is that it boasts both water and mountain views. It has been lovingly restored and updated and features several large fireplaces and lots of beautiful woodwork in native woods including cherry, ash, birch, whitewood and oak. In some of the spaces the wainscoting extends nearly to the ceiling giving the home the appearance of a large wooden boat. Another great detail is the small tea house which sits on a granite cliff at the shoreline and has a granite fireplace.This home was listed at $9.65 million but is now listed at $7.9 million with LandVest.
Today’s home in Newport, Rhode Island is a grand home on prestigious Ledge Road. The home takes its inspiration from the Stanford White Rosecliff Mansion. The home is on nearly an acre of grounds including stone terraces and a pool with spa. The homes arched doorways, columns, and balustraded roofline pay homage to its Bellevue Avenue inspiration.
The focal point of the home is a great room full of natural light with high ceilings, marble floors, a marble and gilt fireplace and a dramatic sweeping staircase. The open kitchen has marble columns, twin chandeliers, high-end appliances, and an antique, marble-topped island. Upstairs the master bedroom has hardwood floors, separate lounging and sleeping areas and a white marble fireplace. The onyx bath has dual vanities, a dual head shower, and a soaking tub. A balcony sitting area and an additional bedroom with marble bath complete the upper level. This home is listed at $3.95 million with Lila Delman.
I first saw this one on Curbed a few weeks back. This contemporary home in North Dallas was built in 2007. The curving glass home has seven bedrooms and measures almost 15,000 square feet. The home is on 1.77 acres that includes a crescent-shaped pool and a large green lawn that gives the home a bit of a stadium like look from the outside. As Curbed pointed out some of the glass windows look out onto cement walls which span halfway up for privacy. The windows do mean that the home is flooded with bright light. Everything in the home was kept sleeker-than-sleek with a wood kitchen with Miele and Sub-Zero appliances and wood bathroom and closet details playing off polished concrete floors.The home also includes a children’s playroom, media room, gameroom with bar and a study. It is listed at $11.5 million with Dave Perry-Miller and Associates, the property website has more images.
Today’s home is one of the priciest on the market in the Boston area. This French-style, three-story brick residence in Brookline, Massachusetts was designed and built between 1929 and 1930 by renowned Boston architect William T. Aldrich. The main home is on over three acres with manicured lawns, flower beds, shrubs and mature deciduous and coniferous trees.
The home has 20 principal rooms in the main house and there is also a separate one-bedroom guest house. The home has been thoroughly renovated to combine its original, formal style with modern amenities. The most unique feature in this home might be the light-filled indoor pool pavilion which is reached via an underground passageway that also serves as an art gallery. The pavilion offers additional entertaining area and a caterer’s kitchen. Overall there are a total of 10 fireplaces, hardwood floors, hand-painted murals and other finishes, and ornate moldings. This home is listed at $15.75 million with LandVest.
Villa Stella is a Moroccan fantasy on Miami’s ritzy Star Island. This four-bedroom, two-story home on the water has four enclosed garages including two that are fully air conditioned. The formal arrival court can hold up to 15 cars.
Inside awaits a private sanctuary done in a bright yet soft palette. The home’s 30-foot ceilings display handpainted murals and skylights by muralist Yves Lanthier and the decor also has Southwestern and Balinese influences. The master and guest suite rooms are on the upper floor and staff quarters and a garden guest suite are on the ground floor. The master suite includes lavish his and hers baths with semi-precious light-colored onyx flooring and vanities, multiple shower heads, whirlpool bath, and heated towel racks. An enclosed rooftop observatory offers a quiet place to enjoy views all around anytime of the day or night. Carved wood and elaborate tile details give this home an exotic feel.
The kitchen has double wall ovens, double Sub Zero refrigerators, two dishwashers and a Viking gas stove with grill. The saltwater keyhole-shaped pool and bayside gazebo with a relaxation bed and summer kitchen offer views across the bay to South Beach. The home has 100 feet of waterfront with a boat dock for a yacht and jet skis. The backyard includes a swing set and doll house. The home’s technology includes security cameras 24/7, audio/visual controls, interior and exterior lighting controls in every room. This home is listed at $24 million with Sylvia Fragos of Great Estates International Realty.
Today’s home sits high above the Ohio River in Louisville, Kentucky. This brick Tudor is on five acres of gardens and lawns. Designed by architects Nevin & Morgan in 1937, this brick Tudor-style home has a formal living room with decorative leaded celerestory windows and a banquet-sized dining room. A beautiful charcoal-gray library lies behind the center hall (alas, the chandelier is not being sold with the home), and accesses the terrace and gardens through French doors. A breakfast room with original cabinetry and a sitting room are located near the kitchen. The kitchen has a Viking professional range, Northland designer series refrigerator with matching beverage and wine cooler, ample cabinetry and hardwood countertops.
The master suite offers plenty of storage with a wall of custom cabinetry. It has an adjoining bath and large connecting bedroom used as a sitting room. Four additional bedrooms and two baths are located on the second level and the third floor contains one large and two smaller bedrooms as well as a craft or wrap room, and TV room. Outside a cobbled pathway leads to the broad limestone terrace at the back of the home, which overlooks the formal English garden. The property also has a carriage house with a two-room apartment over the four-car garage. This home is listed at $2.35 million.
She’s only just joined the show but Peggy Tanous, the latest housewife to join The Real Housewives of Orange County, should fit right in. After all, she’s already part of the foreclosure club. Lansner on Real Estate has been following the story and reports that her home in Irvine, California was purchased in 2006 for $1.379 million and that she owes a total of $1,318,253. An auction is scheduled for March 17. Tanous is described as a former biking model and stay-at-home mom. She is friends with Alexis Bellino who has her own real estate trouble. Bellino’s home is currently listed for $3.395 million in what appears to be a short sale situation. This is a reduction from the $3.695 million it was at when we looked at in December. The listing states that the owners “have over $6 million into the property” a reference it seems both to the initial outlay and the remodeling that the Bellinos did on the home.
In the video above Tanous gives the OC Register a tour showing off collections of swords, wax sculptures and the home movie theater complete with “butt shakers” to make the experience more realistic. Tanous is a fan of Versace, there’s a Medusa head in the foyer tile and Versace china. Their wet bar also includes a wine tap system.
Dennis Quaid is moving back to Texas. The LA Times reports that the handsome actor is leaving Los Angeles and has listed his equestrian estate in Pacific Palisades for $16.9 million. The home is on two acres with a lawn and a year-round creek. The estate is horse heaven with a barn, corral and a private trail to Will Rogers Park. The property also includes a full guest house and studio.
The eight-bedroom French Country style home is very well-decorated and has a luxurious master suite with his/her baths, fireplace and balcony. The large gourmet kitchen and family room area has a casual yet glamorous look with a fireplace skylights. Rustic wood-beamed ceilings help keep the elegant home from getting too formal. The home also has an office, wine cellar, covered loggia with fireplace overlooking the pool/spa. The maids quarters above the kitchen have been converted to a gym. The listing is with Kathrin Nicholson of Westside Estate Agency.
Paintbrush Ranch borders Grand Teton national park in Wyoming and has some of the best views of the Tetons anywhere in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The property includes a 9,100 square foot five-bedroom custom home; two-bedroom guest home; a one-bedroom caretakers home and a pair of shop buildings which can store all the toys you might need. Like many ranches, this one has a bit of taxidermy decor such as a half a stuffed deer jutting out of the fireplace. Antlers are everywhere including in a bed headboard and in a massive chandelier in the dining room. This home was once listed at $13.9 million but is now priced at $8.495 million with Hall and Hall.
Meadow Mountain is an environmentally-conscious, gated estate poised atop 7.88 acres in exclusive Soda Creek in Evergreen, Colorado. Concierge Auctions is hosting a sale of the Meadow Mountain Estate, located at 33791 Meadow Mountain Road in the Soda Creek subdivision. It will sell absolute on March 25 and was regionally listed for $5.2 million. The auction will be conducted in cooperation with listing agents Anne J. Hardt and Erica Topel of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.
From the LA Times:
–A legendary Hollywood Hills party house owned by English photographer Richard Franklin is listed at $7.5 million. The home has been rented to a variety of entertainment figures and is a bachelor pad and photo studio with a two-story disco, a theater with a floor-to-ceiling movie screen, a casino, a gym a grotto with a hot tub, a pool and a canopied deck. The listing is here.
–The childhood home of Oscar-winning actress and singer Judy Garland has sold in Bel-Air for $5.2 million. The 1938 two-story house designed by Wallace Neff went on the market at $5.5 million just a few weeks ago.
From the NY Post:
–An apartment at 15 Central Park West once rented by Mark Wahlberg has just closed $16.5 million in an all-cash deal.
–Actress Judith Light (she was on “Who’s the Boss?” and “Ugly Betty”) was spotted apartment hunting at 136 E. 64th St., where she visited a $2.15 million, two-bedroom unit.
–Mary J. Blige has just listed her 25-room Saddle River, New Jersey mansion for $13.9 million. She paid about $12 million for it in 2008.The listing is here (no photos yet).
Rachel Uchitel nearly nabbed Chris Noth as a buyer for her three-bedroom unit at 77 Park Ave., which is listed for $1.95 million. But Noth opted for something closer to the CBS Studio.
– Alec Baldwin was spotted touring the $12.95 million penthouse at 22 Mercer St..
–Former American Idol contestant Sanjaya Malakar has rented two-bedroom unit on East 63rd Street while he’s in the city.
–Carmelo Anthony checked out Zydrunas Ilgauskas’ $37,500-a-month townhouse at 24 Thompson St.
From the Wall Street Journal’s Private Properties:
–Charlie Sheen is in escrow to a buy home in the Beverly Hills, California neighborhood he already lives in for $7.5 million. The home is currently owned by Mike Medavoy, chief executive of Phoenix Pictures who bought the home several months ago for $6 million. See pictures here.
–Trees Ranch, a 2,070-acre ranch in Utah has hit the market for $30 million. The property is partly owned by the heirs of the late Jim Trees, CEO of New York investment firm Fischer, Francis, Trees & Watts. The listing is here.
–Diego Arria, the Venezuelan ambassador to the United Nations, recently sold his Roxbury, Conn., home for $7.75 million.
Four Seasons Provence Offers Experiences for All originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 16 Apr 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
This is, without a doubt, one of the more over-the-top packages we’ve seen recently.
Today’s home in 
