Archive for the 'Luxury Defined' Category
Most Expensive Mansion in the World: Redux
Last year, I wrote a short article about the worlds most expensive mansion in Mumbai, India being built by uber-wealthy Mukesh Ambani.
In addition to arguably being the most expensive private home in the world (how about $1 Billion to build?), it will also be the tallest measuring in at 42 stories. Residence Antilla, though, will only have 27 stories, due to Ambanis desire for taller ceilings.
Mukesh Ambani is reported to be the 14th richest man in the world, with estimated personal wealth of around $21 billion. He is also one of the more visible men of wealth in India.
When completed, the high-rise mansion will also be one of the most visible (and discussed) mansions in all of Mumbai, if not India and the rest of the world.
Designed to house Ambanis fortunate family of six and a doting staff of 600, this enormous mansion will also have six floors dedicated to pampered storage and parking for a collection of at least 168 automobiles. Included in this magnificent residence will also be a full-service spa, fully-equipped gym, a home theater that should turn Hollywood moguls green, and multiple floors set aside for visiting dignitaries and guests.
The family will have to make do with the top four stories set aside for their viewing and living pleasure.
Completion date was initially set for Fall, 2008, so well keep an eye on its progress.
In the meantime, I am hoping for an invitation to the Ambani housewarming gala.
read comments (6)Rooms and More Rooms in Luxury Homes
What kinds of rooms might go into a luxury home? The possibilities are as varied as lifestyles.
I recall a luxurious mansion in Houston’s lovely River Oaks that had, in addition to every other conceivable room, a luggage room. It was a sensible space that accommodated the traveling owner’s large collection of leather suitcases, trunks and garment bags. When a trip was planned, the butler would retrieve the appropriate luggage and assist with the packing.
When expense and space are not restrictive issues, the floor plan of a luxury home can truly reflect the lifestyle of its owner.
Some of the more common possibilities might include:
- A large morning room off the kitchen for casual family dining. This is simply an expansion of the traditional breakfast room.
- Large formal dining rooms still prevail and are a must for indoor formal entertaining.
- A butler’s pantry between the kitchen and formal dining area that may be equipped with china cabinets, lined flatware drawers, crystal storage and wine refrigeration.
- An oversized and well-organized pantry in the kitchen that has room for a freezer.
- A temperature-controlled wine room that might even accommodate a tasting table or two.
- A game room that might hold a pool table, arcade games and even a karaoke stage.
- A high-ceilinged music room for the grand piano and other musical enjoyment.
- Forget strip closets. Luxury homes demand oversized and highly organized walk-in dressing rooms.
- Personal gyms are a common requirement in luxury homes. They are typically located off the master bedroom or near outdoor amenities.
- The plush home theater with cushy seats, popcorn machine and huge screen have become very popular.
- A home library offers a quiet room for books, reading and reflection.
- A conservatory provides a glass-walled transition between the luxury residence and its natural surroundings–and is a lovely spot for casual entertaining.
- A sunroom may be located anywhere in the home, but provides a casual place to enjoy sunshine and views.
- Home offices are often a requirement for busy owners and their staff.
- A large laundry and project room may have multiple washers and dryers, a steam closet, and cabinets for project storage. It should also have space for a large, multi-purpose table.
- A snoring room off the master bedroom. Enough said….
Common to luxury homes in San Diego are loggias and fully-equipped outdoor kitchens, which allow for year round outdoor dining and entertaining. It is also not uncommon to find poolside cabanas, dressing rooms and steam rooms. In mountain communities, luxury chalets will likely have mud rooms and ski lockers.
As suggested earlier, it is the lifestyle and taste of the affluent that will ultimately determine the configuration of their luxury homes.
The Timeless Luxury Home
Sometimes you walk into a home, sense both ageless soul and serenity–and can’t help but smile.
We recently listed such an estate in the beautiful hills of Vista, California. Its current and original owners are a spirited and beautiful international opera singer and her dashing husband, a retired professor of art. With loving attention to detail, it seems nothing was missed in the completion of this luxurious 2003 custom home.
When I first walked into the home, I was struck by the use of old and rich colors, antique woods, the graceful wood and iron staircase, and light classical music that filled the rooms.
At first glance, I knew this home would be exceptional.
The gated hilltop setting offers both ocean and mountain views–as well as quiet privacy. The home’s flexible 4000+ sf floorplan has volume ceilings that carry classical music well, a grand foyer, large living and music rooms, multiple dining areas, and a kitchen Alice Waters might envy.
Upstairs, we discover a substantial master suite with an adjoining study, large dressing room and bath, 
spa tub, and large, organized closets. A romantic trellised balcony overlooks both the mountains and ocean horizon, while the two-way fireplace warms both the bedroom and bath areas. Three other large bedrooms and an open bridge complete the upstairs.
The bones of a home may be magnificent, but inspiring beauty comes from surfaces, windows, doors, lighting, amenities, color and textures. I share clients’ enthusiasm when all of these elements come together.
This home lacks nothing and blends all elements well. It has rich Tuscan colors, art niches and unfluted columns. It beautifully blends the use of stone, iron and woods, and offers contemporary conveniences such as central vacuum and a discreet kitchen vent that captures broom sweepings.
Outdoors is a large covered patio, lawn, gardens and small acreage for hobbies, horses or arborists.
I have often thought that equestrian homeowners in Poway, Rancho Santa Fe and Fallbrook who were displaced by the recent San Diego fires might find this property of interest.
Located on highly-desired Elevado Street in Vista, this estate is reasonably offered at $1.5 million by owners who are anxious to retire in Crete.
We intend to help them accomplish this dream–and look forward to having terrific clients in such a wonderful corner of the world.
50 Simple Feng Shui Tips
by I was asked to share some simple Feng Shui tips for home offices, written by Laura Milligan over at the Bootstrapper Blog. She lists 50 great ones, but I’ll tease you with a few she has listed in her article.
In spite of a personal bookshelf full of Feng Shui education, I found these suggestions particularly useful in that I am currently refiguring my own home office and need constant reminding to keep the chi flowing freely.
Some of my favorite reminders from Laura?
1. Rearrange furniture regularly. You don’t have to move the contents of an entire room, just do enough to shift the energy flow. You’ll feel the difference!
2. Make sure your furniture and accessories represent the elements of fire, wood, earth, metal and water. Most furniture is wood, but the other elements can be added via pottery (earth), furniture and plants (wood), fountains or paintings with water (water), brass lamp and/or wind chimes (metal), and lighting or a candle (fire).
3. Don’t overcrowd a room and if possible, leave 3 feet between pieces of furniture. I can’t sit that far from my desk, but some Feng Shui practitioners would suggest that I leave my chair 3 feet out when not at my desk. Hmm….
4. Consider hanging a mirror over your computer and desk so that you enlarge the feel of the room and can keep an eye on what is behind you (Feng Shui suggests you always be alert to doors–and never sit with your back to one.
5. If it doesn’t have a function, you don’t need it (and function could be that it is simply something you love). Again, allow for the free flow of chi/energy.
6. Play soothing music throughout the day to relieve stress and drown out distracting noises.
7. Eliminate clutter, hide cords, file away loose papers, don’t eat at your desk and clean up before leaving the desk.
For the entire list of 50 tips (we’re a digest, remember?), pay a visit to the Bootstrapper Blog. It’s a worthwhile trip!
For additional Feng Shui and decor reading:
D.Porthault Sheets for Luxury Dreams
The Beauty of Front Porch Swings
Luxe Rocks for Luxury Homes
Leave it to Italian designers to create the ultimate in luxury rocks for exterior lightscaping.
These remarkable lighted rocks by Oluce look as if they might have been swiped from the lawn of a distant planet. In reality, though, they were created by Italian designers Marta Laudani and Marco Romanelli with Massimo Noceto. Made from weather-tested polyethelene, these lighted Oluce stones glow with the aid of a screw-in fluorescent bulb.
Dont expect to find these luxe rocks in your local hardware or lighting store though. They are available by special order and then only in œlarge quantities whatever that means. The good news? The price has just been reduced from $513.50 to just $316.00 each. Such a deal!
I hope to seem some of these luminous beauties in San Diego’s luxury homes before too long.
For additional information, you may call ylighting at 866.428.9289 (This is an unpaid, unexpected and unsolicited commercial
)
I wonder if these lighted rocks would attract bugs???
Other fun and imaginative luxuries for the luxury home:
D. Porthault Sheets and Linens
As well as other recent luxury reads:
The Snoring Room
The Self Service Spa (Do it at home?)
Long-Lasting Roses
Induction-Cooktop for the Luxury Kitchen
Ultimate Phone for the Luxury Bath
How to Hide the Bedroom TV
Switchable Mirror Glass Windows
SONOS: The Ultimate Sound System
Haute Refrigerators for Cool Kitchens?
The Overflowing Infinity Tub
Wine Storage for Oenophiles
The Illuminated Bathtub
