Gala Asher, a developer out of L.A., just took a small discount off the top of his listing in The Hills. A short $30M, bringing the price down to $95M, should effectively turn some heads.
This home was designed for the ultimate entertainer. After a small voyage up the driveway, you come to gates that you shall not pass, lest you have express permission from the tech savvy owner of the residence, of course. Vast outdoor space, and a list of indoor hotspots ranging from a home gym to a complete barber shop. There is even a full, optional glass wall that reaches from the lower to the upper levels, offering a view to the backyard pool; a space surprisingly vast for this zip.
The massage room and accompanying spa is where you would find us at the party, or potentially the basketball/tennis court downstairs. Yes, as in “inside”. A full sports complex, along with a home gym thats as contemporary as it gets. The list goes on.
And then goes farther.
We’ll let the listing speak for itself. And speak eloquently, it does.
If you want to learn more about this palazzo, you can reach out to us here.
A good Realtor is always convinced they can find their clients their dream home, but sometimes it’s an exercise in futility. Sometimes that dream home just doesn’t exist yet, so, as more homebuyers are realizing by the day, our best option then is to build the damn thing ourselves.
That’s no easy feat. People dedicate their lives to each facet of home design, so tackling the whole project alone is impressive at least. However, if someone has traveled far enough into the realm of success where they can afford to custom build their home, chances are they can handle another tough project.
There is also the option to outsource each piece of the project. We did say people dedicate their lives to each bit such as architects, interior designers, electricians, plumbers, and construction company owners with each carpenter on their team. Managing that project is its own beast, and usually plenty for most people custom building homes.
Still, the point of building a custom home is to bring your vision into reality, so you’ll want a hand in all the critical parts to your goal. To do that, you need an idea of what you’re getting into, and that is what we’re here for today.
The big picture of building a new home is: the home; the exterior, the silhouette, the aesthetic of the whole place. A good place to start for most people then is with choosing an architectural style to model your home after.
There are infinite architectural styles and combinations. Maybe you want a cape style home, or maybe you want a Tuscan-Gothic-Victorian-Contemporary. Countless hyphenates and options, so we’re here to give you the basics. Once you know your standard ingredients you can jump into the mix much more confidently, so let’s get to it!
COLONIAL REVIVAL
The marking point of a colonial revival home is its symmetry. The exterior and interior are both as close to perfectly symmetrical as possible. However, no need to stick to the status quo here– you’re building your home to customize it after all. These homes are usually built with clapboard siding or bricks, and sometimes, at two or three stories tall, they have dramatically steep roofs. Again, why not throw stucco on, a flat roof with a 10-degree slope, and toss a garden on top for good measure. Follow your dreams.
CRAFTSMAN
Inspired by the Arts and Crafts Movement, this style aims to blend with nature via earthy materials such as stone and wood. You can identify them by their rooved, wide porch in the front. It’s typical to see exposed rafters and beams under a sloped gable roof, but if you want to design it as the top of a chess rook then go for it. We haven’t seen anyone shoot for “knight” since Troy, but we’d support you in that endeavor too.
CONTEMPORARY
The sky is the limit when it comes to contemporary construction. The reason for that is “contemporary” is just a placeholder until we can reflect on these designs and finally name them. It’s the most honorable task to undertake, defining the era we live in, but to title it is the job of future generations. We’re looking at high tech, minimalist designs in today’s contemporary file. Architects and designers can let loose in the freedom of this style, and they’re often designing with energy efficiency in mind. It’s under the Modern category that we often see unique construction materials and designs.
NEOCLASSICAL
Imagine the era that birthed the great classical, ancient stories we read today. Tales of Greek warriors, multi-hyphenate thinkers, the philosophers and intellectuals who helped birth democracy. Expansive, megalithic architecture, white marble statues, ivy, dramas and plays, arts and sciences– all of this sucked through a flux capacitor into 2020. Neoclassical design roots itself in Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian styles with predominately smooth, white surfaces with carved details, decorative moldings, and cornices meant to stand out with refined purity. When done right, this style translates the passion of the ancients to our own tongue, and it comes out pretty God damn eloquently.
RANCH
Ranch houses are great for large plots of land. This style allows you to build out rather than up. This give homeowners the option to create vast open floor plans, which always look exceptional. Something about wide open interior spaces draw us in, and anyone who has stepped foot into anything from The Sistine Chapel to the Boston Public Library can attest to that. The facades of these homes usually have a porch, whether it runs the length of the house or not is a personal preference. With this design, we recommend using earthy, strong materials. The down-to-earth nature of the house and an earthy/neutral style come together with great synergy.
TUDOR REVIVAL
These are the homes that are one sign above the door away from looking like a medieval tavern. Built like a luxury fortress, with brick, stone, and stucco fitted with decorative timbers, these homes are arguably the most recognizable. Dramatic windows, chimneys, and steep roof pitches meld to apply a towering effect to these homes. Similar to our next style…
VICTORIAN
If colonial revivals are prim and proper, Victorians are the mysterious ones who live lavishly while nobody knows how they can afford it. Victorian houses distinguish themselves with steeply pitched gable roofs broken up by turrets, patterned shingles, and decorative trim. The exteriors are often painted with close attention to color aesthetics and details, and finished with lace-like woodwork. These are the perfect homes to build if you want to come home after work and throw yourself onto your veiled, overly-pillowed bed like an 1800s aristocrat who is exhausted after a day of leisure and an afternoon of debauchery. Putting contemporary twists on these homes bring the perfect level of dichotomy between the classic decadence and present luxury.
We hope that you’ve got something good from this article, or at least enjoyed it! Feel free to contact us at Castles Unlimited with any questions you might have about real estate. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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!
Super Bowl champion, Cliff Avril, is selling his residence in Bellevue, WA, after owning this one-and-only mansion for just over a year.
Listed for $3.3M, the house was built in the spring of 2018. The residence is 4,664 square feet, featuring five bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom. The welcoming exterior combines a cool contrast of wood brown and slate grey.
The open-concept kitchen is flooded with natural light, offering an island view.
The master bedroom boasts an art piece of a fireplace. The unique fixture blends beautifully with the flooring.
The overall location of this mansion is attractive. It is 11 miles across Lake Washington, with easy access to downtown Bellevue.
Tommy Lee, drummer of 80’s rock band Motley Crue, has listed his Calabasas home for $4.65 million, an astounding $1.2 million less than what he bought it for in the early 2000s.
The desert-contemporary style home is filled with earth toned fittings and fixtures, and complete with walnut wood and travertine stone accents, which all contribute to the unique warmth of the modern property. This 6 bedroom, 8 bathroom home covers nearly 10,000 square feet, and is split into three floors. Other features of the home are indoor cascading waterfalls within a jungle-like indoor atrium, koi pond, and stone spa. The property comes fitted, also, with stone counters, copper doors, detailed soaring ceilings, a full gym, a 13 car garage, a custom piano-shaped pool in the backyard, spa, and outdoor barbecue.
Located in Vista Point, on a cul-de-sac estate, this property offers sweeping views of the hillside as well as city lights, making it the ultimate LA dream house.
Castles Magazine adds new properties to its listings every day! Check out some of the most recent addition to our luxury rentals listings:
10844 Rochester Ave, Los Angeles, CA: $11,995/month
Features:
– 4 beds, guest room, and and office; 4 baths
– high ceilings
– chef’s kitchen
– master suite with fireplace and walk-in closet
– two en-suite bedrooms and loft
– two-car garage
9200 Cotharin Road, Malibu, CA: $200,000/month
Features:
– 6 beds, 9 baths
– ocean and mountain views
– private helipad
– smart home technology
– infinity pool and spa
6650 Allison Rd, Miami Beach, FL: $85,000/month
Features:
– 8 beds, 11 baths
– waterfront
– 4 car garage
– gym with sauna and massage room
– private dock
– heated pool
– outdoor BBQ
– formal dining and chef’s kitchen
24408 Malibu Rd, Malibu, CA: $55,000/month
Features: – 4 beds and guest suite, 5 baths
– beachfront
– private courtyard
– outdoor dining
– ocean front master suite with spa and deck
– wet bar
– comes fully furnished
Located in lovely Marin County, this contemporary home takes offers breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, Sausalito, Richardson Bay and Mount Tamalpais.
The stunning five bed, four and a half bath home sits on a lot of over 13,000 square feet. The home itself is 3,579 square feet. 27 Mara Vista was fully remodeled in 2013 to include formal entertaining, living, and dining rooms, an open kitchen and family room floor plan complete with high-end finishes, a custom designed game room, and more.
Late rock legend Tom Petty’s Encino, CA home has been renovated and is on the market for $4.995 million.
The home has lived through a fire, a foreclosure, awful tenants, and even a SWAT team invasion, which makes the reveal of the totally revamped property even more stunning.
The home was rebuilt in 1989 by Tom Petty after the original structure had burned down in 1987. The family lived there until a messy divorce in 1996, after which Petty’s ex-wife Jane Benyo tried and failed to sell the house, and was forced to declare bankruptcy following the home’s foreclosure. The interim tenants from hell often held parties at the house, and at one point, prompted a SWAT team invasion.
When the developers bought the house from the bank last June, they knew they had their work cut out for them, but they went above and beyond in their delivery. The rustic yet glamorous cabin in the woods was renovated in under a year due to the strong structural integrity of the home. Superficial, cosmetic renovations to this home make a world of difference.
The six bed, ten bath home covers 11,483 square feet, and boasts a media room with sunken seating area, originally used as a private performance area, balconies, decks, wet bar, with a backyard featuring a pool with a serene waterfall and stream. The outdoor entertaining space was expanded and improved upon, now including a covered dining area and an outdoor kitchen with stainless steel appliances.
Developers note that the stone fireplace in the living room and the white bricks on the fireplace in the family room and kitchen are originals which have been left intact and seamlessly integrated into the home’s new “contemporary and current color scheme.” Much of the renovation process had to do with updating paint, treating wood, and finding ways to adjust the color scheme of the home with the goal of brightening it up.
The home is expected to sell fast, as dozens of potential buyers, including celebrities, have shown interest in the property.
Act fast, and don’t miss your chance to own this legendary piece of music history. Check out the listing on CastlesMag.com
America’s Next Top Model host Tyra Banks has decided to put her Pacific Palisades home on the market for $9.25 million. The supermodel had originally bought the oceanside home for $7.35 million, approximately two years ago.
The property sits on a gated half acre of hillside in Westside, and the home’s 6,100 square feet include five bedrooms and six bathrooms. The home takes advantage of its prime location near the water, offering limitless views of the Pacific Ocean.
Light wooden floors and paneling in addition to stone accenting in the house add to the bright, open, contemporary feel of the property. The home features four fireplaces, high ceilings, and huge windows which let in floods of sunlight.
A gorgeous terrace with ocean views ties the home together, offering a fire pit as well as areas for sunbathing, entertaining, dining, and relaxing.
Don’t miss out on your chance to own this slice of California Paradise!
