by Roberta Murphy Realtors and public alike are fascinated by record-setting news, and most of us are curious to know about the most expensive home sold in the last year. In San Diego County, the winner of record would be a stunning 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath Del Mar oceanfront beauty sold by Jennifer Moores to Marsha Naify for $18 million. The ultra-luxury real estate market in San Diego is a…
by Roberta Murphy I recall a blustery night in the mountains at Big Bear Lake, when we spent a long evening in our kindly neighbors wine cellar. Rare for Southern California, it was located underground. The comfortable cellar had gorgeous stone walls, comfortable seating and a magnificent mahogany bar. Stacked and buried within this deep paradise were thousands of bottled wines. A few bottles were ordinary, many were extraordinary and…
by Roberta Murphy People are always wonder what’s in and what’s out in home decor. Paint colors may change yearly, but key ins and outs center on how we live our lives. What’s in and what’s out for home building, home improvements and home decor? What are today’s pickier homebuyers seeking? What are Realtors and decorators and savvy home remodelers suggesting to their clients? WHATS IN: Natural flooring: Think (certain)…
In December, there was lots of buzz about hefty year-end bonuses being paid to Wall Street performers. Many were wondering how these flush folk would spend the largesse. Would it go for bonds, or bling or luxury real estate? The latter would seem a likely and comfy target. Even though home sales slowed down overall during 2006, the ultra-luxe end of the market has flourished. Luxury home sales at $5…
Thinking of buying a well-located $1 million luxury flat in London, Paris or Tokyo? Think you’ll get a bargain?Think again: 1. In London, you’ll get 328 square feet. 2. In Paris, you’ll do better with 522 square feet. 3. In Tokyo, you can really spread out with 594 square feet. These are averages reported by the most recent issue of Forbes magazine. The weakened dollar against the Sterling, Euro and…
As of this writing, San Diego County has 32 luxury homes priced above $10,000,000, with the most expensive perched at $50 million. The loaded question: Are these San Diego properties moving? Well, three are in escrow and 13 have sold within the last twelve months. It isnt exactly a booming market, but it certainly isnt dying on the vine either. In any market, these properties will appeal to many, but…
by Roberta Murphy When I first entered this newer San Diego luxury home, I was amazed by its wall and ceiling finishes. Walking slowly from room to room, I ran my fingers over the cool burnished walls and the gray stone door arches. Even the ceilings and dome gave the impression that we had indeed been transported to a Venetian villa. Had I not known the responsible artisan for this…
Insuring Luxury Homes (and Elephant Hide Wallpaper) by Roberta Murphy I didn’t consider luxury home insurance to be that interesting or that blogworthy until I read of an appraiser who tried to figure out the replacement value of the elephant skin wall coverings in a Seattle manse. That appraiser, James King with the Chubb Insurance Group, makes it a practice to thoroughly investigate the luxe and unusual features in Chubbs…
Luxury home buyers are subliminal collectors of natural art. So often, it is a home’s breathtaking views of oceans, lakes and mountains that creates its unique intrinsic value. The attraction? What a gift to awaken in the morning and see the light of a new day as it glints over the water or emerges from behind the mountains. And how better to end the day, when one can relax and…
Want a romantic evening? Forget the candles, turn out the lights and slide into an illuminated bathtub! This surreal bathtub invites meditation, relaxation and wonder. Designer Jan Puylaert with Italy’s imaginative WET Studio has an array of delicious colors for both the Light bathtubs and sinks with matching faucets and accessories. I love the ambience of this bathtub as well as the drain in the middle. It appears the tub faucet would…
