CasaSugar

Guess Where Adrien Brody Bought a Castle?

CasaSugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 07:00:53 -0700

Adrien Brody recently surprised Spanish girlfriend Elsa Pataky with this 19th-century dream castle. Can you tell me which US state the castle is located in?

This Just In: Nic Cage Lists a Historic Rhode Island Estate

CasaSugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 08:30:52 -0700

Real estate hobbyist Nicolas Cage is at it again. The actor has listed a historic 24,664-square-foot, 12-bedroom, 10-full-and-3-half-bath estate in Newport, RI, for $15.9 million, according to Real Estalker. Cage purchased the monumental English manor-style estate just last year for $15.7 million. It's unclear whether he purchased the property furnished, but it seems furnishing the sprawling home alone would cost much more than the $200,000 raise in price. To see dozens of gorgeous interior and exterior photos, and read the property description, read more.

The property description reads:

Built in the tradition of the great English country manors, Gray Craig is an example of a sprawling estate in perfect proportion to its natural surroundings. The setting for this remarkable home is stunning, 26+acres of lush landscape, dramatically extending to Nelson Pond and continuing with outstanding views of the Atlantic Ocean beyond.

Of the finest structural design, built of textured brick and stone, it spreads between its flanking wings a towering slope of roof. Proportion is the good breeding of architecture, and this expanse of space and unity with the land express the power of design.

The grand hallway with sweeping staircase and the charming effects of hand painted murals are an example of repose and distinction. The library is perhaps the most impressive single room with its soaring barrel-vaulted ceiling. The sense of living space and the feeling of welcome and comfort in an elaborate manner also invites one into other richly detailed rooms including 12 bedrooms, 10 full and 3 half baths, a spacious formal living room with sweeping water views, vintage conservatory, billiard room, and a gourmet kitchen with stone fireplace, custom hickory cabinetry, and antique terra cotta floor tiles.

A perfect setting for lavish entertainment and a quiet country retreat for peaceful reflections. Set in the charming coastal community of Newport County, a haven of solace and privacy just two miles from the bustling Newport Harbor waterfront.

Are you a fan of this style of architecture? Or is it too traditional for your tastes? Take a look at the gallery and let me know. To read a detailed history of the historic home, go here.

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Alan Jackson Lists His Sprawling Sweetbriar Estate

CasaSugar — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:00:22 -0700

Country Billboard chart-topper Alan Jackson has put his 19,000-square-foot, six-bedroom, seven-and-two-half bath "Sweetbriar Estate" in Franklin, TN, on the market for $38 million. The 135-acre property is the most expansive, indulgent celebrity home I have seen to date. It is bordered by the Harpeth River, one of the largest streams in the area and surrounded by equestrian estates. The property also boasts a "stocked and aerated" 10-acre lake, boat house, and three ponds. As for the buildings, Jackson is the proud owner of a 20-car (!) garage, gymnasium, swimming pool, jacuzzi, two-bedroom log cabin overlooking the river, barn with a two-bedroom apartment above, a pole barn, and more. As for the indoor amenities, it's got the works: granite countertops, central a/c, stainless steel appliances, walk-in closets, etc., etc.

Why on earth would the singer-songwriter want to leave such a magnificent spread? Find out and see dozens and dozens of photos when you read more.

Well, Jackson told the Nashville Scene, "It's just like a Disney World out here. But we realized, as our girls got older, that they don't really use the property much. Once they get to be teenagers, they're mostly hanging out with their friends and on the iPod and cell phones in their rooms. If I'd had three boys instead of girls, they might be out here fishing and riding four-wheelers or something." So, instead, the family plans to rebuild on a smaller lot nearby. While Franklin does have a long list of notable (i.e. wealthy) residents, including Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, I have a feeling that Jackson is going to have a tough time getting the $38 million digs off of his hands.

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Cool Idea: Edible Estates

CasaSugar — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 09:06:07 -0700

Tired of a turf lawn? Maybe just tired of all the water it takes to keep the thing green? Then maybe it's time to try Edible Estates, an experimental project by Fritz Haeg, a Los Angeles architect, The project pushes the idea that lawns, which are, in many parts of the world, unnatural groundcover, should be replaced with native plants and edible crops.

Edible Estates have been built in Maplewood, New Jersey, Salina, Kansas, Lakewood, California, and London, England, among other places, and have been funded by donations, museums, and grants. The next Edible Estate will be built in Austin, Texas, over the weekend of March 14th - 16th, 2008.

To see a gorgeous gallery of edible estate photos, and to find out how to apply for your own Edible Estate, just read more

To find out how to get into the running for the Austin Edible Estate, check out this posting.

Any inspired gardeners out there want to make your own Edible Estate?
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Home Library: Edible Estates: Attack on the Front Lawn

CasaSugar — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 04:30:28 -0700

Remember when I told you, many moons ago, about the very cool project Edible Estates? Dreamed up and spearheaded by Los Angeles-based architect Fritz Haeg, the project pushes the idea that lawns, which are, in many parts of the world, unnatural groundcover, should be replaced with native plants and edible crops. Now, Haeg, along with contributors, has given urban, suburban, and rural gardeners the world over some serious inspiration with his book Edible Estates: Attack on the Front Lawn.

To see a gallery of photos, and to learn more about this book, read more.

The book, which includes an essay from one of my culinary heroes, Michael Pollan, offers food for thought on everything from the history of turf grass in the US to the challenges of replacing said lawn with an incredible, edible front yard. Haeg's first garden was built in Salina, KS, with other gardens quickly sprouting in Lakewood, CA; Maplewood, NJ; Austin, TX; and London, England, among other spots on the globe. Eventually, Haeg plans to establish regional gardens in nine cities across the US.

The book serves as one part manifesto, one part how-to, and one part inspiration, with owners of the first four gardens weighing in on the challenges and joys of turning their grassy lawns into edible estates. The book includes beautiful photos, extensive garden plans, and thoughtful essays from additional writers. I read this book earlier in the Spring, and it's no small coincidence that a few days after reading it, I built my first garden box at my new house. If you need a kick in the pants to get your garden going, I dare say there's no better inspiration than Haeg's book. I highly recommend it!

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Casa Verde: Edible Estates

CasaSugar — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 11:05:56 -0700

Got a big yard? Edible Estates wants to put it to good use. Founded by an architect named Fritz Haeg, the non-profit initiative remakes lawns into food-producing gardens. His reasoning: Front yards suck up precious amounts of water - not to mention work - but typically are used purely for decoration. He's already completed projects in Los Angeles and New Jersey, and he is about to embark on his fifth lawn makeover, in Austin, TX.

Haeg isn't out to transform every American yard. He sees the Edible Estates project as both statement-making art and a good deed. However, he hopes to encourage homeowners to start their own yard farms: The winners of his Edible Estates challenge 2007 will be featured in Haeg's book coming out next year.

True, growing your own fruits and veggies is a lot of work, but so is keeping up a giant, just-for-show yard. Plus, this way, you get to eat the bounty. What do you guys think of this idea?

On the Market: Former Estate of Brooke Astor

CasaSugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:30:11 -0800

The former New York State estate of Brooke Astor, a beloved American philanthropist and socialite who passed away last year, is on the market for a whopping $12.9 million, according to Real Estalker. The sprawling 1927 stone mansion, designed by architect William Adams Delano, measures in at 10,000 square feet, with 13 bedrooms and 9 full and two half bathrooms. The property description reads:

At the heart of this bucolic 64.60 acre haven, the 1927 stone manor designed by prominent architect William Delano embodies the quiet elegance of a classic English country house. There are 6 marble fireplace and 13 bedrooms, including staff quarters...Indoor and outdoor pools are featured along with extensive dependencies including a greenhouse, 4-bedroom gardener's cottage, carriage house and barn.

You can read about another historic Astor family home in my recent Before and After. To see more photos of Briarcliff Manor, read more.

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How-To: Read Real Estate Listings

CasaSugar — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 05:30:09 -0700

Real estate listing abbreviations are really helpful — if you know how to read them. Otherwise, you'll be confused, misled, and disappointed when you arrive at house on three acres (ac) that has no air conditioning (a/c)! There are a lot of terms to know when you're reading the classifieds, so try not to get overwhelmed if you're just starting out. The more you read listings, you'll come to know them like the back of your hand. And, if your mind just doesn't work like that, no worries, you can keep this handy list I've compiled in your back pocket. I've outlined the most common abbreviations for property listings for you. You may encounter some other abbreviations for contract, credential, and financing terms; you can learn the meanings for those here, or ask your Realtor. Feel free to add other property term abbreviations below, if you know any!

3/4 bath — half and shower OR tub
5/4/2 — 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2-car garage
ac — acres
a/c — air conditioning
ba — bathroom
br — bedroom
btsa — bonus to selling agent

There are dozens more where these came from, so read more.

c h/a — central heating and air conditioning
ceil — ceiling
dbl — double
dr — dining room
fixer upper — lots of work to do!
flrs — floors
fp — fireplace
frbo — for rent by owner
fsbo — for sale by owner
full bath — bathroom with at least a toilet, sink, shower, and bathtub
glfp — gas log fireplace
1/2 bath — bathroom with toilet and sink
hdwd — hardwood floors
hoa — homeowner's association
hvac — heating, ventilation and air conditioning
hwh — hot water heater
kit — kitchen
la — living area
lr — living room
mbr — master bedroom
mls — multiple listing service
pl — swimming pool
rm — room
sf — square feet
tlc — tender loving care (i.e. see fixer upper)
w/d — washer/dryer
w/w cpt — wall-to-wall carpet
wbfp — wood-burning fireplace
wd flr — wood floor
wic — walk-in closet
yo — year old (i.e. 30 years old)
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On the Market: Sleep in Edward Cullen's Bedroom

CasaSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:37:06 -0800

All right, Twilight fans, here's your chance to get a little closer to Edward Cullen. The Vancouver residence that the Cullens inhabit in the New Moon film is for sale for $3.3 million through Soprovich Realty.

The five-bedroom, four-bath home is a modernist's dream, with extensive use of glass and post and beam style throughout the soaring, open spaces. The fantastic views of the surrounding Pacific Northwest landscape only add to this home's considerable charm. According to the realtor's listing,

"The Cullen House" as seen in the recent world-wide hit saga - "Twilight: New moon"!! Arthur Erickson's finest and totally renovated in 2001, this award-winning residence is situated on a private 1/2 acre creekside property nestled amongst a gorgeous greenbelt and towering trees. Tastefully remodeled by Brian Hemingway, this home has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, with the finest detail and quality available.

The home features a private studio with koi pond, concrete, slate, wool carpet, and cherry floors, a chef's kitchen, cherry cabinets, granite countertops, 20-foot-high ceilings, an outdoor pool, and a huge media room overlooking a nearby creek. Absolutely gorgeous, for vampires and humans alike.

Take the complete tour when you read more.

This is not the same house used in Twilight. That house was designed by architect Jeff Kovel of Skylab Architecture. For New Moon, the filming was moved to Vancouver, BC, and the Erickson-designed house, which was also featured in the John Cusack film Martian Child, became the Cullen home for the second film in the Twilight saga.

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Meg Ryan Reduces the Price of Her Bel-Air Mansion

CasaSugar — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:00:11 -0700

Nearly a year ago to date, I let you know that Meg Ryan had listed her six-bedroom, seven-bath Bel-Air home for the tune of $19.5 million. With no bites, she took it off the market in February. Now, she's relisted the property with a new real estate agent, knocking the price down to $14.2 million. Even though Meg's been reeling in the big-screen bucks since the '80s, I suspect that even for her, a $5 million loss makes a difference. Think of all the Joe Versus the Volcano-style vacations she could take with that moola!

The listing for the Holmby Hills-area Spanish-style compound reads:

Museum quality restoration of a classic Spanish estate sited on promontory with wide open city and ocean views across layers of greenery. Wonderful arches, resort-like grounds and complete privacy. Stenciled and painted wood ceilings, tiles, ironwork, rich wood floors, doors and windows, arches, etc. French doors throughout open to loggia, dining pavilion, expansive lawn and pool. Stunning kitchen, generous living room and dining room, separate bar room, two family rooms and screening room.

To see interior and exterior photos of the property, read more.

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