Our 10 Most Distinguished European Properties

Posted on January 27, 2020 by CASTLES Magazine

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.

Top 5 Most Expensive Homes in Needham, MA

Posted on January 24, 2020 by CASTLES Magazine

Massachusetts: home to the best sport’s teams, most prestigious schools, and some of the most expensive real estate in the nation. You’ll find Needham just east of Newton, Massachusetts’s wealthiest city. With an average home price of over a million dollars, more than double the state average, Needham is far from overshadowed.

Always growing, Needham is packed with new construction homes. The first property on our list is one, and it’s move in ready. You’ll find a bonus in this list, a new construction home at the bottom of this post that you’ll definitely want to hear about, so stick around!

(P.S. If you’d like to see more photos of a property, learn more about it, or even schedule a tour, click the photo or address to be directed to it’s page.)

5. 44 Nevada Road

Price Tag: $2,295,000

Built in 2019, this property is hosted by nearly a quarter of an acre of land. A level lot and a backyard with so much room for activities, invite everyone you know to your move-in BBQ and break out the ladder toss. Found in a renowned school district, this twelve-room home couldn’t be more perfect for a family. With twelve rooms, a fully finished lower level, and loads of natural light, this home is the perfect balance between luxury and minimalism.

4. 1622 Great Plain Ave

Price Tag: $2,295,000

You’ll find this contemporary colonial fits 5,250 square feet on almost half an acre of land, and still we see a driveway and sprawling backyard that could team up for much better BBQs. Where to start? Marble bathrooms with a shower spacious enough for water polo, or maybe the multiple fireplaces. If you’re tasked with picking your favorite part of this property, best of luck to you.

3. 389 Grove Street

Price Tag: $2,385,000

And I quote, “Sun-splashed, fireplaced living room with soaring ceilings and french doors opening to stone patio. Formal dining room with adjoining built in bar, spacious sun room overlooking stunning gardens, stone walls and pool.” Wait until you see the landscaping that the birds-eye-view drone shot couldn’t even capture all of, and maybe check out the interior afterwards. The stone bridge over the pond leads me to believe someone must have an affinity towards English gardens. Also towards spiral staircases, which we support wholeheartedly.

2. 150 South Street

Price Tag: $2,400,000

This home, get this, was once part of the N.C. Wyeth family compound! To say it’s “steeped in history” is one thing, but to see and feel it for yourself is another. Immense wealth and acute attention to the importance of beauty in our homes. Both are visible in the character of the family that brought this beast to life. “Beast” is the most accurate word, as it’s almost intimidating that such a feat was managed into becoming what we see today. Leaded glass windows. English oak wood reclaimed from a Beacon Hill estate. If your family hasn’t been generationally wealthy for the last couple centuries, this home will fool the best of them. If it has, you’ll feel right at home.

1. 1297 Central Ave

Price Tag: $2,500,000

If you’re going to click any photo on this list, make it this one. The Mary Poppins bag on our list, you might get lost in this almost 7,300 square foot estate. You can see the potential of this new renovation in the virtual tour, which is a journey when you have over an acre of land at your disposal. Twelve rooms, chef’s kitchen, a basement with nine-foot-higg ceilings, and a library. The photos, the tour… this property speaks for itself.

BONUS: 27 Belle Lane

Our bonus home is currently under construction. Custom designed by Michael McKay, sitting on 1.8 acres, you’re looking at over 8,000 square feet of living space. Fifteen rooms sitting heavily at the end of a private way cul-de-sac, this monolith is a testament to what success brings– like an in-home theatre, or maybe a library. No need to choose, this house has both, as well as an au pair suite, formal living and dining rooms, and almost as many garage stalls as there are bathrooms, and there are a lot of bathrooms. A stunning master suite, one of many bedrooms decorates the interior, and, not last or least, a bonus room above the garage waiting for further finishing instructions from whoever’s finds themselves lucky enough to sign for this titan.

Clocking in with a Price Tag of $3,595,000, it would have topped our list if it were move in ready. Construction is expected to finish this year, 2020, and in addition to customizing the bonus room, buyers even still have time to pick colors, finishes, and amenities.

All of these manors are currently for sale! If you’re interested in these, or any other properties, reach out to us here at Castles Unlimited. We’re eager to help and look forward to hearing from you!

Former NBA Star Shawn Kemp is Lowering the Price of his Listing to $2.5M

Posted on December 12, 2019 by CASTLES Magazine

Shawn Kemp is a former NBA star, he listed this property last year at $3.7 million, now he is re-listing the property at a lower price. The athlete is asking $2.5 million.

The main house of this property is 13,310 square-feet set on more than 4.7 acres of land. The luxurious mansion includes five bedrooms and four bathrooms. It includes a master suite with a balcony that allows astonishing views to the gardens.

An amusing aspect about this house is the 14 car-garage space. For entertainment the single-family home includes an outside pool, a tennis court, and a basketball court.

The main level includes a double-height living room with wet bar, a formal dining room, a kitchen with breakfast bar, a family room, an office, and a home theater.

Kemp has been playing basketball professionally since 1989 and helped lead the 1996 squad to the NBA Finals. The athlete purchased the WA home back in 2003 at a price of $3.7 million dollars. To learn more click here.

Derek Jeter Lists Tiedemann Castle

Posted on July 4, 2018 by CASTLES Magazine

309a93a3ad3b5431afbd2ae7ac4b4268l-m0xd-w1020_h770_q80

Derek Jeter, former shortstop for the New York Yankees, has listed his upstate castle for just short of $15 million.

Tiedemann Castle was built in 1915, and was later purchased by the Tiedemanns, the adopted parents of Jeter’s grandfather. Derek then purchased it in 2003 for $425K, and began a full restoration process for the century-old home.

Despite extensive renovations and restorations, the sense of history remains intact.

The 12,500 square foot home is constructed mainly of stone and timber. A few of the standout unique rooms in the castle are the turreted family room with second-floor gallery, the kitchen which features dark subway tile and raw wood cabinets embellished with Gothic arches, the tower of the main house, and the lighthouse of the guest house.

There is also a library with a stone fireplace, and a great room complete with an open-trussed ceiling, numerous sets of French doors, and an antique wood bar.

The castle grounds include a lagoon, multiple terraces overlooking the lake, a waterfall, walking paths, an infinity pool and pool house, a boat house, and a total of four acres of land.

Click here to check out the listing on CastlesMag.com.

Billionaire Scott McNealy Lists Silicon Valley Home

Posted on June 30, 2018 by CASTLES Magazine

Scott McNealy, Co-Founder of Sun Microsystems, listed his Silicon Valley estate for a cool $96.8 million. The palatial home was built by architect Thomas Jakway, and reflects his adventurous design style: the home suggests a sense of “collapsed history,” incorporating nods to the ancient, modern, and futuristic worlds.

The massive property spans an incredible 32,000 square feet, and sits on nearly 13.5 acres of land in Palo Alto, close to Foothills Park. The interior of them home offers an interesting and unique balance between modern architectural design and classic, farmhouse style. The five bedroom home features countless amenities, including a full home spa, a nightclub with dance floor, separate poker and billiards rooms, a lounge with wood-fired pizza oven, and sundry sports diversions: a driving green and pair of putting greens, an indoor sports court, and a hockey rink.

This home truly is a masterpiece, offering the height of luxury living and entertaining.

Click here to see the listing on CastlesMag.com

Palatial Condo in SoHo/NoLita

Posted on June 22, 2018 by CASTLES Magazine

This incredible 8,000 square foot condo in SoHo, New York City is on the market for $65 million. The unique loft has been transformed into a fully-renovated 4-level luxury living space with entirely custom fabricated steel doors, windows and skylights.

Perhaps the most fantastic feature of this home is the professional-grade kitchen, large enough to be its own restaurant! The spectacular 20-foot brick barrel-vaulted ceiling kitchen includes and 86-inch range, black granite countertop/backsplash and wood-burning fireplace, as well as two proper butler’s pantries and wine rooms. It opens to an enormous great room with six oversized arched windows overlooking historic SoHo.

Each of the two master suites is fitted with its own private terrace. A Chesney cantilevered black marble staircase leads to a master level with his and hers bathrooms. Marked by over 20 custom closets, dumbwaiter, coffee bar, wood-burning fireplace and dual private terraces, this master suite is unlike any offering on the marketplace today. Additional rooms include a guest bedroom with bath, wood-paneled home office and laundry room complete the floor.

The condo offers an additional 3,700 square feet of outdoor living space in addition to the interior 8,000. Entertaining terraces, paved in granite are encased in large heated, hotel-style, steel and glass canopies, and fitted with a wood-burning fireplace and TV alcove- all accessible by six sets of French doors. Three additional landscaped terraces, equipped with custom gas lanterns, offer a heated spa, fountained garden, and open-air dining.

The residence also includes a screening room with wood-burning fireplace, fitness room, second full kitchen and laundry, and dining room, as well as a staff room with a full bath.

This incomparable property is sure to sell fast; don’t miss your chance to own what is sure to be one of the most coveted properties in New York City.

Click here to see the listing on CastlesMag.com

Honolulu Mansion

Posted on June 18, 2018 by CASTLES Magazine

280 Poipu Drive in Honolulu is a massive 8,039 square foot home on a 21,334 square foot lot. It also, however, comes with the unique opportunity to combine this with the adjoining 40,720 square foot lot to build a 62,259 square foot estate, an opportunity never before seen in Hawaii Kai! Links to the estate plan as well as high res photos of the property are included in the listing on CastlesMag.com.

The 6 bedroom, 7 bathroom home offers 360 views of the city, coastline, Diamond Head, Mountain, the Pacific Ocean, and sunsets. With state of the art fixtures and floorings, this home is a must-have.

This one of a kind property is on the market for $17.75 million.

Check out the listing on CastlesMag.com

New Rentals Added to Castles Magazine Listings

Posted on June 12, 2018 by CASTLES Magazine

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

A 17th Century Italian Mansion Will Be Auctioned Via Blockchain

Posted on June 9, 2018 by CASTLES Magazine

bitcoin blockchain

A historic 17th century mansion in Rome, Italy will be auctioned off through the facilitation of blockchain startup, Propy. The sale of the 17,000 square foot “Palazzetto” will be the first real estate transaction using blockchain in the EU.

The startup has facilitated several “firsts,” including the first ever blockchain real estate transaction for an apartment in Ukraine last year, and the first American blockchain property transfer for a condominium in Vermont earlier this year.

Blockchain is defined by Google as “a digital ledger in which transactions made in bitcoin or another cryptocurrency are recorded chronologically and publicly.” The point of these transactions is to increase efficiency with nearly instant transactions and the cutting out of middlemen.

The owner of Palazzetto, Filippo Cingolani, had approached the startup Propy about facilitating the auction of his property due to his following of and interest in the development of blockchain technology for the past few years.

Cingolani said he “liked the idea of matching a piece of architectural history with the most modern currency ever.” The 16th century mansion, built by Giacomo della Porta, known for his work on the St. Peter’s Basilica, has been divided into three luxury apartments for the auction after centuries in the Cingolani family.

Cingolani is working with the brokerage Hilton and Hyland. Bidders have to register for the auction in advance, and it will run until June 28th. The starting bid will be 35,000 euro.

Mexico’s Most Expensive Home, Casa Fryzer

Posted on April 29, 2016 by CASTLES Magazine

Casa Fryzer overlooks the ocean with stunning vistas from nearly every corner of the 8,200-square-foot estate, but its 2,000-square-foot infinity pool will have guests skipping the Sea of Cortez in favor of lounging in the over-the-top oasis. Created to be the standout element of the Los Cabos estate, the pool features a swim-up bar; an advanced lighting system; an adjacent infinity-edge hot tub that seats 10; three swim-up dining tables; and underwater speakers. A stone bridge connects the home’s terrace to a circular lounge of daybeds that seem to float in the middle. On one side of the pool, a wooden palapa—perfect for alfresco dining—features a large table and a built-in fire pit. To the other side of the pool, guests can gather in separate lounges with a fire pit to watch outdoor movies; a hydraulically controlled television disappears and reappears in an adjacent stone wall.

Built in 2008, the actual two-story home, touted as the most expensive in Mexico, is equally impressive. Comprising six bedrooms and eight bathrooms, the Spanish hacienda features Venetian plaster throughout the interiors, a gourmet kitchen custom made in Germany, and statuary specially commissioned for the home. The 2,000-square-foot master suite (the same size as the expansive pool) features an indoor-outdoor living room that opens onto a private terrace with a Jacuzzi; a headboard made of LED-lit onyx; a wet bar; and a master bathroom with a steam shower and a Jacuzzi tub. On the other side of the home, a slightly smaller master wing mirrors many of the same amenities. The home also features a gym, a private screening room (the only space in the house that does not offer an ocean view), and a game room that looks into the bottom of the swimming pool.

Amenities Include: