
Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Tuesday, September 1, 2009





Home Is Where the Money Is
Home Is Where the Money

(Joshua & Co.)
World's most expensive home

The Hala Ranch mansion, set on a 95-acre estate in Aspen, Colorado, is bigger than the White House.
It boasts 15 bedrooms, 16 bathrooms, a children's wing, beauty salon, swimming pool, tennis courts, and its own cross-country ski trails.
The mansion is owned by Saudi prince Bandar bin Sultan.
Joshua Saslove, the estate agent handling the sale, told The New York Times that after review by the prince's lawyers, only 11 viewings of the 1,000 requests to see Hala Ranch have been granted.
Prince Bandar and his wife, Princess Haifa, built the ranch in 1991, as Aspen was transformed from a place of hippie chic into the destination of choice for billionaires and their hangers on.
According a New York Times reporter, most rooms have banks of windows overlooking the Rocky Mountains
World’s most expensive property may be back on the market

The saga of Villa Leopolda continues.
Last year the property gossips were abuzz with reports that Russian mining oligarch Mikhail Prokhorov had agreed to pay a jaw dropping which is nestled on the Côte d’Azur between Nice and Monaco. There were denials and rumors and much debate, especially about the price, which would be a world record for a single property-but no official word from owner Lily Safra, the widow of banker Edmond Safra.
Now there is a flurry of reports that Prokhorov is trying to get out of the deal. The “credit crunched Russian billionaire” is trying to retrieve his £39 million (€44 million) deposit, But stories out of France say Safra is not going to give it back. Prokhorov has reportedly lost €7 billion in the recent economic downturn, . With markets slumping, the Russian invasion of the south of France has turned into the “Russian retreat,” Meanwhile a Prokhorov spokesman continues to deny the story. The nickel magnate won’t do any business in France until authorities apologize for accusing him of procuring prostitutes for a party
For Sale…Luxury Waterfront Villas Off Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi - Nurai Island Resort
Zaya, an Abu Dhabi based real estate development company launched Nurai back in May this year. Nurai is one of their many planned property ventures. It is a private community of limited edition beach front estates, as well as water villas, built on a natural island off the coast of Abu Dhabi.
Property owners on Nurai can have their own piece of real estate paradise only minutes from the city. Nurai provides world class service reminiscence of a stylish boutique resort
For Sale…Luxury Apartments & Office Units in Marmooka City, New Ajman (UAE) Esskay Executives Tower
For Sale…Luxury Apartments & Office Units in Marmooka City, New Ajman (UAE) Esskay Executives Tower
Prestigious Esskay Executives in New Ajman in the UAE was long awaited when it was launched in November 2008. This visionary concept to transfer the existing skyscraper concept of the Arabian Emirate has certainly raised interest levels for investors worldwide.
Esskay Executive is in pre-launch period with heavily discounted pre-launch prices right now giving buyers first pick on the best apartments in this 58-storey tower also dubbed "the rising of an icon".
Overview
Set to become the hottest property in New Ajman, Esskay Executives will not only be the emirates tallest tower in a hard to beat location, but also offers buyers opportunities to invest into an iconic building with huge forecasted capital growth opportunities.
Residence facilities include beautiful landscaped gardens with water features, a swimming pool with deck, bubble-jet pool and children’s pool, poolside BBQ sauna and jacuzzi, gymnasium, children’s play area and cafeteria. Additional features include 24hr concierge, a multi-function hall for meetings and conferences, wi-fi in break-out areas, convenience store, state-of-the-art security system, CCTV, 24hr guard and underground parking.
For Sale by Owner - 2 Bed Apartment KLCC Apartment in Hampshire Residences (1270 Sq. FT)

A unique and spacious 1270sqft ♠ centrally located in the heart of the Golden Triangle in KLCC, the heart of the Malaysia economy, just 5 minutes walk from the world-famous Petronas Towers is for sale by owner. The apartment is luxuriously furnished with contemporary designer furniture, fitted kitchen, walk-in wardrobes, Hansgrohe fittings and broadband ready. This corner residence gives magnificent city views over the tree-lined streets of KLCC
For Sale - Below Market Value Luxury Apartments in Belek (Turkey), Opposite a Colin Montgomerie Golf Course

Situated in the property hot-spot resort town of Belek, Turkey are these highly affordable and modern luxury apartments, offering buyers a chance to invest in a strong property market at a very low price.
These apartments are only a short walk from the town centre of Belek. Belek is home to a range of charming bars and delightful restaurants.
Golf enthusiasts will enjoy the knowledge that they can choose from several highly regarded golf courses right on their doorstep. You’ll have a course to play on every day of the week if you choose so.
To compliment the luxurious setup owners can enjoy:
- satellite television connections
- 24 hour cameras
- security systems
- solar hot water heating systems
- air conditioning
Southhampton, Village Oceanfront Sanctuary New York - $80m
The interior space of this 13,500 square feet home runs across four stories and contains nine bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, four powder rooms and a movie theatre. The home is situated between a pond and the ocean giving it a unique position, and there is 1,000 feet of shore front and 1,000 feet of pond front
Bel Air, California - $85m
Famous architect Wallace Neff designed this estate which is situated on seven acres of land in the Holmby Hills area of Bel Air. The home has meticulously groomed lawns, walking paths and gardens. Inside you will find 12-bedrooms, 10-bathrooms and a giant atrium with curving hallways.
There is also a tennis court and pool. The home is priced at $85 million.
Villa Leopolda, Côte d’Azur, France - $88m
The French Riviera has long been the playground for the rich and famous. Therefore seeing this stunning, 11-bedroom, 14-bathroom mansion with 29,000 square feet of interior space is no surprise. The home opens up to manicured lawns and a swimming pool.
Spiraling outdoor staircases and plenty of balconies and terraces offer splendid views across the Mediterranean Sea and of the surrounding hillsides. Working fireplaces, a sauna, outdoor kitchen and pool house are other features at Villa Leopolda. Costing $88 million
BootJack Ranch, Pagosa Springs, Colorado - $88m
The ranch includes a massive 3,100 acres of land. This luxury property is much more than a working ranch. The main house alone is 13,800 square feet and has four bedrooms and four bathrooms.
Further, outlying guest cabins and lodges can host up to 50 people and bring the total interior space up to 77,000 square feet. In addition, there’s a 12,000-square-foot spa and aquatic centre. Just the right thing to soak your weary feet at the end of a long working day. That is if you can part with $88 million.
Hillandale, Stamford, Connecticut - $95m
You will be forgiven to think you are looking at an English country manor when you see Hillandale. With a stone construction, hedged and manicured gardens, a grassy tennis court and distinctive chimneys, this 20,000-square-foot residence has eight bedrooms and 10 bathrooms.
Hillandale is so big that the property straddles the New York-Connecticut border. The grounds also include four guest and staff residences and two barns, all connected by five miles of private roads. The price tag is $95 million
Eurasia Estate, Moscow, Russia - $100m
No list is complete without a bit of Russian flavour. This property consists of an 11,700-square-foot manor house, as well as two 4,000-square-foot guest houses and a massive 91,000-square-foot recreation centre that features a pool, Turkish and Russian baths, a gym, sauna and lounges. Eurasia is worth $100 million
“Tranquility” Lake Tahoe, Nevada - $100m
Situated on the tax-free side of Nevada’s Lake Tahoe, this 210-acre property is owned by Joel Horowitz, the co-founder of fashion label Tommy Hilfiger. He built the property from scratch.
The house is made up of 20,000 square feet of living space and modelled after a northern European mountain home. It also has a 3,500-bottle wine cellar, an indoor swimming pool and atrium, as well as a 19-seat movie theatre, ensuring constant entertainment, even if snowed in. It is worth $100 million
Updown Court Windlesham, Surrey, England - $110m
this 103-room property is larger than either Buckingham or Hampton Court palace and is made up of 58 acres of gardens and woodlands. A grand entrance and several ballrooms make this home a dream for sleeping beauty and the whole setting is very idyllic.A panic room, a 50-seat cinema, helipads, an indoor squash court, space for 8 limousines and even a heated marble driveway make this property a residence fit for a king. It comes with a $110 million price tag
Jacobean Manor, Greenwich, Connecticut - $125m
The manor sits proudly on 40 acres of rolling green hills, broken only by lawns and meadows to provide ample privacy for the owners. The 14 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms are spread over 21,897 square feet. Features such as marble floors, vaulted ceilings, limestone walls, bay windows and wood panelling impress the ficklest of visitor.
There is also a 52-foot long indoor swimming pool. Ah yes, the manor is priced at a hefty $125 million
Fleur de Lys in Beverly Hills, California - $125m
This $125 million estate was modelled after Louis XIV’s palace at Versailles, France. It encompasses 45,000 square feet and took five years to build in all. It all came to fruition when Suzanne Saperstein accumulated five acres in the 1990s.
What was once a dream became a reality and today Fleur de Lys features a 50-seat screening room, an nine care auto garage with a treasured collection of automobiles and a library filled with first-edition books.

Location: Franschhoek, South Africa
This 175-acre estate is situated in the winemaking valley of Franschhoek, a popular spot for upscale travelers. It includes an elegant thatched main house built in the late 18th century, a large swimming pool, tennis court and manicured gardens. The estate has a total of 11 bedrooms, eight baths and six garages, and a mix of farm buildings. It is listed with Neil Palmer at Sotheby's International

Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Though it's far more than a residence, we couldn't overlook this wine estate in Stellenbosch, South Africa's version of Napa. The second-oldest town in the country, Stellenbosch has oak-lined streets and a mix of restored houses, which lend it a country charm. This estate totals nearly 500 acres and produces 400,000 bottles of wine each year. It features a large thatched manor home built in 1700 and set in extensive gardens. Then there is the game park, swimming pool, wine cellar and tasting room, and additional buildings such as offices, guest cottages and staff quarters. Listed with Patrick O'Shea at Engel & Voelkers.

Location: Windlesham, England
Your blood may not run blue, but with enough green you can still live near—and like—royalty. Updown Court is currently the most expensive residence in the world, costing about $50 million more than the priciest U.S. home. The brand-new property is totally over the top, with 103 rooms, five swimming pools and 24-carat-gold leafing on the study's mosaic floor. There's a squash court, bowling alley, tennis court, 50-seat screening room, heated marble driveway and helipad. All eight of your limousines will fit in the underground garage. Then there are the neighbors, who include the queen (at Windsor Castle) and Elton John. It is listed with Savills and Hamptons International.

Location: Chubut, Argentina
Although this property has a relatively modest home for the priciest in the continent, the estancia comes with plenty of extras. Nearly 59,000 acres of land with hills, canyons and ravines, for one. The property has been partly planted with wheat, barley and other grains. The Tecka River crosses the land, providing ample fishing opportunities. A 5,300-square-foot main house has four bedrooms, four baths and a study, plus a guesthouse, stables and staff houses. All the equipment is included, from trucks and tractors to lawn mowers and tools. For more information, visit www.patagonias.net.

People 'will still stay in property in Spain

Sharron Livingston, editor at thetravelmagazine.net, said the risk of swine flu has not acted as a deterrent for the majority of people, as many of the areas affected by the disease are outside of Europe, not countries such as Spain.
She pointed to the fact that Brits have always had an eye for a bargain deal when staying in property in Spain and added that people from the are generally the first to travel following any potential health scare.
Although many people are wary of airports and places where they feel they may contract bugs, this is unlikely to stop Brits going to stay in property in Spain and enjoying their time there, she explained.
A recent survey of 10,582 travellers in 24 regions across the UK, G and Spain by Travelzoo found that British people are the least concerned about the impact of swine flu on travel plans
Property in Bulgaria 'on the rise'

Online magazine recently stated that the market has likely reached its bottom now and the cost of purchasing a home in the country will increase throughout 2010.
"Those who have bought Bulgarian property or are seeking to become expats in Bulgaria are usually buying a home for lifestyle reasons such as the incredibly low cost of living, lack of violence and better way of life," the source explained.
The specialist advised potential investors to purchase before prices begin to rise in order to make their money go further.
Recent statistics released by IrePQ.com show that there was a reduction in the amount of property in Bulgaria being sold in the first half of 2009, which means there are now greater opportunities for those looking to snap up a place in the sun
Expo of property in Dubai 'will still see good numbers

The CityScape i event, which showcases a range of real estate in the will have a good turn out when it takes place in October, said event managing director Rohan Marwaha.
He stated that he does not expect the record crowd which attended last year to turn up again, though
"Considering the global economic turmoil, it would be unrealistic for anybody to assume that the event will be as big or attract as many visitors as last year. Based on forecasting models we expect the exhibition to be approx 25 to 30 per cent smaller," he explained.
Recently, Richard Price, chief executive of ING Real Estate Investment Management, said he is looking forward to CityScape because it will give companies and investors a key insight into property in Dubai.