3/30/2012

OCEANFRONT KLUGE ESTATE WITH MIZNER AND WYETH HOMES AND EXTENSIVE GARDENS IS UP FOR SALE



Columbia University will be the happy beneficiary from the sale of one of Palm Beach’s highest priced estates.  In 2007, philanthropist Kluge donated the ultra-private 4.3-acre compound, a magnificent trophy estate made up of five contingent parcels, to Columbia as part of a $400-MM pledge exclusively for student scholarships.   


His vision was to create a verdant park-like retreat with 150’ of oceanfront and a private beach parcel.  Ocean views are exceptional.  Gardens and outdoor art collections are extensive. 

Kluge came to the US as an immigrant from Germany in 1922, worked for his stepfather in Detroit when he was 10 and by age 37 he made his first million dollars.  In 1987 Forbes named him as the world’s richest man.  This pledge is the largest ever gift devoted exclusively to student aid at a single institution of higher education in the United States.  By the time of his death, Kluge had accumulated $6.5BB.


At the entrance to the house, a domed ceiling appears with artwork within.  To the right is the casino room with pool table and seats for socializing. There is a lush and beautiful arcade with rotunda on the grounds.



The piano sits on a tiger skin carpet in the piano room.  The second floor has bedrooms with French windows and doors overlooking the gardens.


Once ranked by Forbes as the world’s richest man, John Kluge, the late billionaire who died at age 95 in 2010, purchased the five residences in the heart of Palm Beach’s estate section over a 30-year period before gifting the estate to his alma mater.  Kluge was CEO of Metromedia.


Casa Sin Nombre has exotically landscaped grounds and 21,000 living sq ft of housing.   



The 12,000 sq ft Garden House, his main residence, was built in 1935 and designed by society architect Marion Sims Wyeth.  Addison MIzner designed the now-renovated  6000-sq ft Mediterranean-Revival style oceanfront house in 1921.  Three separate buildings are for staff and/or guests.  The property has frequently been used for charity events.  It is located near the world-famous Worth Avenue and between Ocean Boulevard and South County Road.  Kluge acquired the properties in 1995.  



Listed price tag is $59MM.  The property has been on the market advertised globally for nine months.

3/25/2012

APRIL 1, 2012 WALKING TOUR OF 14 WEST PALM BEACH HISTORIC HOME





The Grandview Heights Historic District will be hosting their 15th annual historic home tour on Sunday, April 01st,  between 3 – 7 pm. This home tour will mark the 100th birthday of the oldest section of Grandview Heights. Located within walking distance to City Place and the downtown Clematis Street Historic District, the Grandview Heights Historic District has become one of the most desirable residential neighborhoods in West Palm Beach due to its superb location and eclectic, old south Florida atmosphere. Established in 1912 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this neighborhood has one of the highest concentrations of historically significant architecture, such as Spanish Mission, Mediterranean Revival, Florida Bungalow, Art Deco and Dutch Colonial Revival.

This year’s tour features 14 homes, the biggest ever, with various styles and in different stages of restoration.  11 of the homes have never been shown in the past, including one which dates back to 1912. Highlights of the tour this year include art exhibits by locally acclaimed artists at Grandview Gardens Bed & Breakfast and Casa Grandview Historic Luxury Inn, a complimentary street party including a full meal, wine, soft drinks and live entertainment by Samm, one of the areas most popular jazz singers.

Tickets can either be booked in advance for $ 25 (plus small booking fee) online at www.historichometours.com or by calling 659-6721. Tickets are $30 on the day of the tour and can be purchased in front of the Armory Art Center in Howard Park. Visit www.grandviewheights.net for more information.


3/22/2012

CHARMING 1920'S COTTAGE



Tucked away in Lattingtown, L.I., NY is a charming 1920's "Great Gatsby" carriage house on 2.35 secluded acres. This sprawling home has 5 bedrooms, 3 baths and a 2-car garage.  Located on a peaceful cul-de-sac in an area of spectacular estates, this historical showplace radiates the romance and grace of a bygone era.   

The original architectural details remain.  


Large rooms are sun-drenched.  Living room features a fireplace.

Lush, sweeping lawn are accented by gardens, specimen plantings and inviting patios.



There is an eat-in-kitchen and formal dining room.
Schools are in Locust Valley.  Listed for $1,100,000.  It was a short sale and is now under contract pending bank approval.