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…
New Year’s Eve Party
by Roberta Murphy We have held an annual New Years Eve Party for years. It started when we lived near the ski slopes at Big Bear Lake, and continued when we moved to the San Diego area.. Mountain friends still come, as do friends from the coast. It is a casual affair and warm reunion. The menu this year will be various appetizers, French Quarter Seafood Gumbo, fresh green salad…
United States a Bargain for $1 Million Homes?
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…
San Diego Luxury Homes…and More
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…
A Hummer for the Links or Luxury Estate Grounds?
by Roberta Murphy Peter Brady over at the Lussorian reports that the new luxury toy on the luxury home block is the loaded Hummer golf cart. Also called a Mini Hummer, it comes in a number of configurations. Our favorite is this sleek little roadster with leather upholstery, mobile video system, and a Sony XPlode sound system. The golf ball washer is extra. Hummer is creating a lot of excitement…
The Venetian Plaster Master
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…
FAO Schwarz Moving into Real Estate?
We shake our heads in wonder with the news that legendary Toy Store FAO Schwarz has moved into the custom homebuilding business. With prices starting at $10,000, we scratched our heads and wondered what responses might come from the likes of Toll Brothers, Hovnanian and Centex. What fun might this ultimate toy store have up its sleeve? A little more research reveals that FAO has cleverly moved into the “mini-me”…
Insuring Luxury Homes
Insuring Luxury Homes (and Elephant Hide Wallpaper) by Roberta Murphy I didnt 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…
World Class Views
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…
The Illuminated Bathtub
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…
