Category Archives: General

Our 10 Most Distinguished European Properties

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A continent of disparate countries creating a hotbed of culture and history, Europe is seen by many as the center of the world. It’s no coincidence that it almost always appears in the middle of world maps. 

When did it all start? In the medieval times of Castles and royalty? Maybe it was the age of exploration. It doesn’t really much matter because Europe is eclectic in nature, as most things are, but the special thing about Europe is that it bears so much of its past in its everyday life.

We can visit those castles, can see Vermeer’s lapis lazuli, walk original cobblestone streets peppered with ancient cathedrals, even smell what Sean Maguire smelled in the Sistine Chapel.

All these parts of history coming together to form the continent we know today. In everything from bloody histories to study abroad stories, the continent’s eclectic nature is clear to see on almost any scale. We even get to see that diversity in our list! 

Everything from contemporary estates to historic villas, here are the ten most luxurious properties we have for sale throughout Europe!

10. Kapellen, Antwerp, Belgium

Price Tag: $6,681,637

Nestled in the forest of Kapellen, this villa has exceptional views of the Royal Antwerp Golf Course. Incredibly modern, still in its infancy at five years old, this clean-cut behemoth sits on an expansive 100,233 square foot lot. The living area coming in at an astounding 12,163 square feet of living space still leaves a plethora of room, even when accounting for the in-ground pool. Thanks to the architect, who was no stranger to the effects of natural light in interior spaces, we have a beautiful home to start our list.

9. Loule, Faro, Portugal

Price Tag: $7,424,040

An impressive driveway brings us through the door to the grand hall of this beach style villa. The coastal vibes are further enhanced by the ocean view, bright interior colors, and the villa’s short distance from both the beach and the Ria Formosa natural park. Pool privacy is preserved by meticulously maintained and well-laid gardens. With a lot size of 41,440 square feet, and a living space of just over 5,000, the additional plot of land has full building rights and limitless potential. Five en-suite bedrooms, seven baths, this 2002 home is the perfect perch for the successful thalassophile.

8. Budapest, Hungary: Villa Christina

Price Tag: $9,023,065

During the reign of King Matthias, the area where this villa lies was managed by the crown. These old hunting grounds are one of the most sought after residential areas in Budapest.

An environmentally friendly, modern minimalist mansion. It’s fitted with vanguard tech, ranging from security, to earthquake protection, to controlling the whole compound from your smart device. Emphasis on modern, this 2015 home is state-of-the-art.

With a lot size of about 35,000, and a living space of just over 23,000, to call it spacious is an insult. Some of that space is dedicated to the spa in the basement, fit with saunas, a steam room, salt caves, solariums, and even a tepidarium.

This property is one you have to see for yourself, though, you’ll only be amazed. To understand a villa like this, you’ll have to experience it for yourself.

7. Berlin-Dahlem, Germany

Price Tag: $10,648,405

Wrought iron and shrubbery envelop this palatial German villa. Built in 2006, 20,020 square feet of living space, upon first glance this building is undeniably impressive. More full baths than there are bedrooms, and as many indoor pools as there are kitchens, the interior is a must-see as well. Aesthetically reminiscent of Olympian gods, modernized and exemplified, especially in the pool room, this villa is hard to forget.

6. Tannay, Switzerland

Price Tag: $15,482,000

Switzerland! Home to some of the world’s best skiing, the world’s best chocolate, and the best option we had for number six on this list. 5,400 square feet of living space, sitting atop 24,000 square feet of land, this home was only missing one thing. It wasn’t a pool, no, it has a beautiful one of those. It was missing a homeowner, but then you came along. Once you reach out to us here at Castles, we’ll be happy to help make your transition seamless and painless.

5. Ramatuelle, Saint-Tropez, France: Villa Salmanazar

Price Tag: $20,776,445

There may not be a human alive that could argue the fact that France, home to our number five pick, is one of the most breath-taking, romantic locales on the planet. This sprawling estate, aptly named not after the biblical king, but the nine-liter large format wine bottle, is a force to be reckoned with. Dormant amongst the hills of Ramatuelle, Provencal-style and Saint-Tropez flair synthesize into this beauty.

Easy access to le Cote d’Azur, and privacy from the tourists. While it exudes a beach club feeling, upon entering it’s clear that the villa is well-suited for family living as well. A two-hour drive from the nearest airport, fifteen minutes from Saint-Tropez as we know it, and five minutes from Club 55, this property is malleable. It is exactly what you need it to be.

4. Lake Como, Brunate, Italy

Price Tag: $22,660,000

Two wings coming together with two styles to form this Italian villa tucked amongst the trees overlooking Lake Como. Views of the Alps, including Mont Blanc, are enough to give people their first understanding of what everyone in the know means by “the great outdoors.” The south wing was built neo-Louis XV style, while the north wing boasts a modern rationalist style. Various artists, architects, and designers have their marks all over this estate; art blessing the walls and ceilings of numerous rooms.

In addition to these two wings, there’s a separate villa meant for the staff needed to maintain 12,702 square feet of living space sitting on top of 269,107 square feet of land. Yes, that was typed correctly. 269,000 square feet of land. With various parts of this property resembling the more visually stunning stills from the internationally multi-award winning film “Call Me by Your Name,” this is one you’ll want to see.

3. Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

Price Tag: $29,307,072

Built in 2017, almost 12,000 square feet of living space, this is one of the most impressive modern penthouses you’ll ever see. We promise.

2. San Rafael, Ibiza, Spain

Price Tag: $51,074,322

If Avicii were alive today, he would agree, this equestrian territory is cool. We’re positive he would have stronger words, but we’re speechless. If you’re into numbers, you’ll love to hear that this compound boasts almost 22,000 square feet of living space. Whether you’re into numbers or not, you’ll be astonished to hear we called it a “territory” because it exists on 861,094 square feet of land. Imagine the potential for events! One main house, two side houses for the staff, enough room to raise around one hundred horses, a path with over one hundred olive trees, three huge terraces, plenty of wrought iron and natural stone walls, an eight car garage, and a bathing lake for the horses. In, of all places, Ibiza. You can understand our shock.

1. Mosina, Poland

Price Tag: $59,068,115

30,000,000 square feet. Thirty million square feet.

An estate in a national park, overlooking the Warta River where we find a private marina. Europe’s most well-equipped polo club, and an indoor practice facility, exist on the grounds. Tournaments are held either in the lit arena, or the other two fields. The villa also contains:

  • A ballroom featuring a hand painted ceiling and crystal chandeliers
  • A library/cigar lounge
  • A mahogany paneled dining room
  • Owner’s kitchen equipped with Clive Christian furniture
  • A study
  • White marble floors in the main lobby accompanying the swimming pool
  • Stables for sixty horses
  • Glass sunroom
  • Summer and winter paddocks
  • A 1,400 square foot country-style guest house with five suites
  • An oak paneled tennis court of 2,800 square meters
  • An office building of 1,600 square meters connected to the carriage house

The main building has four floors consisting of almost 10,000 square meters. Altogether, we’re looking at 14 bedrooms, 25 full baths, 15 half baths, and 40,000 square feet of living space.

It is safe to say that the biggest price tag on our list is warranted.

That concludes Our Top 10 Most Distinguished European Properties! All of these properties are available for purchase through the representation of Castles Unlimited. Please feel free to contact us with any inquiries, as we’re looking forward to touring and meeting the horses.

Steven Seagal’s Scottsdale Mansion Hits the Market for $3.8M

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Steven Seagal, the 90’s action movie star, producer, martial artist, and musician, is selling his contemporary house in Arizona for $3,775 million. Situated on 11.92 acres high on a ridge and overlooking the Chiricahua golf course, this home is built for luxury living.

In 2010, Seagal bought this modern house at $3.5 million after marrying his fourth wife. Built in 2001 on roughly 12 acres, this multi-level, glass, and copper residence features a mix of naturalistic, traditional, modern, and industrial design elements.

Spanning over 8,900 sqft of living space, this home has everything you need with amenities such as a home theater, a copper roof, a three-car garage with copper doors, a heated pool, and a 600-sqft guesthouse.

Click here to learn more about this spectacular property!

Glass Houses

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70 Conant Valley Road

Pound Ridge, NY

$2,299,000

Description

Set back from the road in sought-after privacy, this residence of glass, steel, and stone offers relaxed luxury living. Walls of glass fill every room with a woodland vista. A rock garden and koi pond lead to a two-floor garden room, spacious living and dining rooms, wine closet and bar. Architectural lighting and fieldstone fireplaces set the tone for large-scale entertaining and intimate gatherings. The sun-filled chef’s kitchen has top appliances. The master suite is chic simplicity with radiant stone floors, a spa-bath, and gallery of closets. An opposite wing features two bedrooms and spa bath; and a three-exposure media room with bar and fireplace. The second floor studio has walls of glass, a gym and bath. The salt water pool is set just to the side surrounded by a large entertaining terrace and tranquil pond with sitting deck. Minutes from nature preserves, school, town park, award-winning golf & The Inn at Pound Ridge by Jean-Georges.

Amenities

1st Fl Master Bedroom, 1st Floor Bedroom, Basketball Court, Cathedral/Vaulted/High Ceiling, Close to Railroad, Close to Shops, Deck, Eat-in Kitchen, Exercise Room, In Ground Pool, Lake/Pond/Stream, Master Bath, Security System

Photos

 

Castles® Luxury Index for 2017

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deldiospoolView this year’s index and the index of years before now.

As the year kicks off for 2017, various luxury items are compiled to showcase the index for the year. The index is a base point of comparison that derives from the average price of all the top, most expensive items within a category and is then divided by one million.

Continue reading →

Beachfront Estate in Turks and Caicos

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Point House rests on the northern beach of Parrot Cay boasting 5 bedrooms over 7,000 square feet of luxury living space. Bordering the pristine Nature Reserve, Rocky Point, Point House enjoys solace and serene privacy. Not far away are the COMO Parrot Cay award-winning resort amenities and facilities. Continue reading →

How To Restore a Historic Home

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Restoring a historic house is no small task. However, it’s definitely a worthwhile endeavor. Untouched fixer-uppers usually include period detail unscathed by previous renovations. However, special care must be taken when dealing with old structures and keep in mind that old houses are full of surprises and costs can start adding up. So here are a few tips and tricks on what to expect and what to look for when restoring a historic house. Continue reading →

The Best Guide for First-Time Homebuyers

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For some buyers, the unpredictability of the experience is the most exciting part. Others prefer to go in armed with knowledge. Whichever you fall under, this simple nine-step guide will help you succeed in buying your first home.

1.     Make sure buying is the right decision for you.

Homeownership is not right for everyone. There are several scenarios in which renting might be a better option, for example: if you plan on moving to a new area soon, you enjoy having location flexibility, or even if you are not ready to deal with home maintenance.  Do not feel pressured to buy if the timing is not right for you.

 

2.     Be aware of your credit score.

Even the most meticulous bill payers can be surprised to find their credit report is not what they expected.  Make sure you don’t encounter any surprises when you’re applying for loans. Use credit bureaus such as Equifax, Experian and TransUnion to check for any problems.

 

3.     Work on healing your score.

Even if its just a few points, improving your credit score can help you get better financing terms when shopping for a mortgage. Interest rates, points and other homebuyer assistance programs can be influenced by your credit rating. To improve your credit score:

·      Contact credit bureaus and report any errors.

·      Try to pay down your credit card debt and any other small balances.

·      Pay all of your bills in a timely manner.

·      Give yourself time to see results.

4.     Find the right lender for you.

 

There is a possibility you will spend several months working closely with your lender, you want someone who understand your financial vision and wont push ideas that aren’t in your best interest. To get preapproved, you’ll need at least the following:

·      Income verification for the source of your down payment.

·      Tax returns from the last two years.

·      Your two most recent bank statements.

·      A copy of your driver’s license and social security card.

 

5.     Set your real budget.

Don’t underestimate how much your costs will be. Think of upfront costs (Down payment and closing) and what you’ll be paying each month in mortgage, tax and insurance. All your fixed expenses should be no more than 50 percent of your take-home pay. These include you bills, your student loans, monthly subscriptions, mortgage, etc. The mortgage company will only loo at your income and loan payments, so its up to you to figure out what you can actually afford.

 

6.     List your must-haves and where you’re willing to compromise.

At the risk of sounding pessimistic, it is hard to find the perfect home with all the features you want, all within your ideal price range. There will have to be compromises made. Make a list of what your deal-breakers are to add clarity to your decision-making process.

 

7.     Find an agent you work well with.

There are things to consider when searching for a real estate agent. Of course, your first thought would be their industry expertise, but it is also very important to find someone who is willing and ready to help you when things get messy. Home buying can get emotional and blur your vision; an agent who has your best interest will keep your needs at the forefront of the home search.  Don’t settle for any agent.

 

8.     Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster.

Looking at houses online is a lot of fun. Pounding the pavement in search your house can sometimes be a drag. You might fall in love with a house online and hate it in real life, you might not get the house you wanted so badly and put an offer on. Even after closing, your inspector might find a mold problem; your home might not be appraised for the expected value.

As exciting as home buying is, all of these glitches can wear you down, so remember it’s not a done deal until you’ve been through all of it.

 

9.     Get ready to be an official home-owner

Settlement is when you’re new home officially becomes yours. You’ll sit down with your agent and maybe attorney, and sign a ton of paperwork. Be prepared with a cashiers check for your down payment. Finally, when you are handed the keys to your new house, pop open a bottle of champagne and celebrate in the comfort of your own home.