5/14/2009

GEORGETOWN HOME REDUCED TO $19,500,000















Originally priced higher, reduction amounts to $10,500,000.
Sitting on a dominant half-acre lot overlooking the Potomac River and Key Bridge, Halcyon House was built circa 1787. One of the most important private properties in DC, Benjamin Stoddert was the builder. He was a confidante of George Washington and Secretary of the US Navy. With 30,500 sq ft, a 17-year restoration has restored this dwelling to pristine condition. Five rental apartments and a separate townhouse are included. Perhaps a private owner or philanthropic institution will purchase the property… it has grand entertaining spaces and architectural splendor.

On May 12, 2009, HUD announced permission

for lenders to allow first time home buyers

to use the $8000 tax credit

as a down payment.


If you are looking

for a Historic Home

This will make it easier to buy.


Let us tell you the whole story

And pre-approve you same day

5/01/2009

LANDMARKED JOHN VOLK 1931 RESTORED MEDITERRANEAN REVIVAL-STYLE VILLA NOW FOR SALE

One of Palm Beach’s most prestigious streets is El Bravo Way, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. The street has very interesting homes on it. One is Casa de Copia (“House of Abundance”). Retaining the integrity of Volk’s architecture while adding modern features, pecky-cypress millwork and patterned terra-cotta floors open to a beautifully landscaped and private courtyard terrace and pool, located near a grand and elegant banyan tree. Within the 6800 sq ft of living space there are 5 bedrooms, 5 baths and two half-baths. A library is off the foyer, with built-in cypress cabinetry and double doors leading to a spacious mater bedoom. French doors then lead to a secluded garden terrace. Completing the private master wing there is a custom-fitted office, luxuriously appointed bath and expansive walk-in closets. Upstairs on the second floor there are three bedrooms with en-suite baths. There is also a window-lined sitting room that could become an exercise room, with a balcony overlooking the pool. A separate staff wing, accessed by the rear staircase, has a bedroom, bath and pressing room.

4/12/2009

1940’s CHARMING PALM BEACH COTTAGE FOR SALE


















"Quintessential Palm Beach” describes this family compound on Australian Avenue. The Main House has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths and a guest cottage made up of two apartments which can be rented out. One apartment has a bedroom, living room, bathroom and kitchen. The other has a bedroom and bath. Each of the 3 units has a separate tumbled-travertine patio (2 under arbors) and over look a back courtyard, tropically landscaped and designed by Mario Nievera. The name of the house is Sand Bar, and the back cottage is Sand Flea. The Lake Trail is a block away. Brick stepping-stones are in different parts of the backyard. The original Chicago brick driveway has been replaced with a checkerboard walkway and the Chicago brick also paves a pathway leading to the front porch of the main house. The living room is furnished with antiques and a wicker sofa and club chairs upholstered in white pique. Walls are pink with white millwork, cove and chair-rail moldings. There is a bay window, framed pass thru to kitchen, stained hardwood floors and an old-fashioned fireplace with painted wood mantel, flower patterned tile surround and blue tile hearth. French Doors in the living room lead to the dining room. The larger guest unit has hardwood floors and a white paneled living room with pitched tongue and groove ceiling and French Door. The property is priced at $2,495,000.

4/07/2009

BILL GATES HOME IN MEDINA, WASHINGTON




This is the 66,000 sq ft modern design Pacific Lodge style hillside compound of Bill Gates on 5.5 acres in Medina, Washington known as Xanadu. The house has 8 bedrooms and four building levels. Amenities include a 60’ swimming pool with underwater music system, a 2500 sq ft gym, large library with dome shaped roof, heated floors and driveways, and a 1000 sq ft dining room that seats 24. The roof is stainless steel. There are many hidden cameras. There is an 84-step hike to the ground floor… but you can opt for an elevator ride instead. Swimmers can dive under a glass wall and emerge outdoors by a terrace. There is an underground state-of-the-art theatre in a concrete shell. Guests wear pins that automatically adjust temperature, music and lighting when entering a room, based on the guest’s preferences. Zillow assesses the property at $147.5MM. 2005 Assessed value is $200MM.

4/05/2009

VISIT YESTERYEAR VILLAGE ON THE SOUTH FLORIDA FAIRGROUNDS






Within 10 acres on the north side of Southern Boulevard, west of the Florida Turnpike Exit in West Palm Beach, you will find buildings and artifacts from the 1850’s to the 1950’s including an old school, farm, blacksmith ship, general store and houses. Visit a replica of the 1858 Haile Plantation House, a Classic Cracker House which houses many artifacts. Many belong to Bink Glisson, a pioneer, historian, benefactor, artist, educator, humanitarian and environmentalist who was instrumental in the development of Wellington, Florida. Also featured is the only big band museum in the United States. The museum commemorates the famous Big Bands, Vocalists, Composers and their All-American Popular Music starting in 1912. Collections include period furnishings. Volunteers are dressed in period costumes, perform re-enactments, provide historical information, organize artifacts and assist in preservation of the buildings. Reserve at 561-790-5232 for a tour, which takes 2-2 ½ hours and begin around 10 am. Bring a picnic lunch and purchase candy, gift and drinks at The General Store. Adults, $5, children $3, seniors. Enjoy your day amidst historic items!

4/03/2009

LUCAS' SKYWALKER RANCH, 5+ ACRES, IS VICTORIAN STYLE






The acclaimed Star Wars filmmaker, George Lucas, lives and works on his famous 1860’s Victorian-designed Skywalker Ranch in Marin County, CA. Lucas has said, “I’m basically a Victorian person… I love Victorian artifacts… I love all kinds of old things. The 5,156-acre spread, which boasts its own fire brigade, houses Skywalker Sound, Lucas' post-production company (Cast Away, Million Dollar Baby), as well as five acres of olive trees, a herd of longhorn cattle and even bee colonies. It is located in a secluded, but open area, and not open to the public. Lucas displays his Hollywood memorabilia--the Holy Grail from the Indiana Jones series, Charlie Chaplin's cane--inside the 50,000-square-foot main house. No photographs are allowed. The entrance hall features a grand curving staircase – the story goes that it took three times to put together the hand assembled redwood staircase before Lucas was satisfied. The sizable and rare redwood was salvaged from trestles and bridges that were being modernized in the western US. Lucas set up a wood shop and a glass shop on site during construction and they produced the beautiful redwood lumber and etched glass used throughout the main house. The breakfast room, left of the entrance hall is decorated in Colonial Williamsburg style, furnished with antiques with a very large center table. As we toured the house we found many different themes. Off the entrance hall is a large 30’x60’ reception room with a large fireplace. There were many windows letting in light and the room was paneled in rich redwood. A hallway spans much of the center length of the ranch house. The breathtaking Skywalker Ranch library has isles of bookcases, thousands of books, and tables and chairs for research sessions. The light in the library has a different quality, and looking up we see a 40’ stained glass dome in gold, red and orange. The library has a 2nd level, reached by a spiral staircase. In the back of the house is a Victorian-style solarium with beautiful views. There is a large building on the acreage, housing the Lucasflim archives for his three blockbuster Star Wars films. There is also an observatory on the Ranch with a large telescope. In the basement level is a theatre-style private theater, 25’x50’ with 15 recliners. Each has a marble end table and touch-sensitive bankers lamp. Fans: rest easy. There will be more Star Wars films in the future.

3/31/2009

ECONOMY DOWNTURN HITS THE UBER-WEALTHY

Russian oligarch Mikhail Prokhorov contracted to purchase the French Riviera mansion, Villa Leopolda, for $750 million back in 2008. Now, according to the London Daily Mail, he wants his $55 million deposit back. Seller Lily Safra seems to believe a deal is a deal. Last year there were 1,125 billionaires, today there are just 793. Yes, almost thirty percent of last year's uber-rich have dropped into the ranks of multi-millionaires. Not only did the number of billionaires decline, their collective net worth shrank by a whopping $2 trillion dollars

3/24/2009

1925 FOREST RIDGE PARK HOME IN WEST PALM BEACH FOR SALE











See all the historic features in this Forest Ridge Park 2-story home in West Palm Beach, with beautiful renovated kitchen, keeping original architectural integrity throughout the house.
Built in 1925, along with it’s own cottage,





















this 3 bedroom, 1 ½ bath home of 1587 sq ft has many custom renovations.
The kitchen has granite bar, wood and stainless steel, the baths are renovated, new a/c, new windows. The Spanish-themed living room fireplace and high ceiling accented with cypress beams has a columned archway leading to cypress ceiling-covered family room. The original 1925 arched windows and cypress-beamed ceiling remain in the formal dining room. Authentic Spanish tiles in the kitchen lead to the spacious pantry. Gleaming Dade County Pine hardwood floors run throughout, along with solid wood and French doors. Master bedroom is on first floor. The Cottage has it’s own full bath and kitchen with 500 sq ft of living space, can be used for in-law or maid, or office/workshop. Walk the pretty flagstone path to a relaxing back yard. Landscaping includes fruit trees and custom Spanish themed storage rooms. Ride your bike to Flagler Drive, Palm Beach Island and the Atlantic Ocean. The home has been on the market 35 days, and is listed for $284,000. If you would like Marilyn to show this lovingly refurbished home to you, call 561-988-0070.

3/18/2009

HISTORICAL POSITANO HOME FOR SALE WAS FORMER BISHOP’S RESIDENCE












Built in the 1700’s, this small monastery lies perched above the bay of Positano. Having been to Positano, and viewed it’s beautiful hillside and flowers growing atop the exquisite bay, I want the readership to see this area. The white and pastel colored villas appear to be ready to slide into the sea. With the tall steep mountains in the background, you could sit and just watch the breathtaking scenery, as I did for many hours. The residence includes coffered ceilings, painted murals and frescos, a gourmet kitchen, grand room and a dining room with an ancient Tuscan walnut table. It includes a monumental modern library with a vintage book collection. The property features beautiful tiered terraza and gardens. An exquisite gem!

1/31/2009

1942 CHARMING COTTAGE NOW UNDER CONTRACT IN BOYNTON BEACH















A sense of history seeps through this charming cottage of 1458 living sq ft with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, in historic downtown Boynton Heights in Boynton Beach. Note the pecky cypress dining room ceiling, typically designed wood-burning fireplace for those years, many French Doors. This vintage home is completely restored, with endless charm. No HOA! Low maintenance. Gourmet kitchen with cubby-shelves has granite counter tops and designer hardware. The roof is metal. Floors are beautiful wood and marble. Front path is Chicago brick. New plumbing and electrical wiring. Advanced security system. Beautifully landscaped with small yard. Near historic downdown, the beach, and I-95 access. Pet ok. All on 1-story. Priced well at $200,000... don't miss this one if you are looking for a historic home. Off Boynton Beach Boulevard. Call Marilyn for a showing at 561-988-0070.
VISUAL TOUR

1/12/2009

1926 PALM BEACH HISTORIC HOME SOLD IN 2008





















Featuring typical 1920's arched windows, Spanish tile roof and ornaments on the front exterior, a 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath Royal Park Palm Beach home with 2754 total square feet was sold for $2,250,000. Note the decorative tiles in the pathways in the yard. Originally listed in February 2007 for $2,749,000, the house also included a living room with fireplace, arched windows and doorways, hardwood floors, a kitchen with dark tile edging on the countertops, French doors, chair rails, and Spanish tile on the patio.
The Guest Cottage has a living room, 1 bedroom and 1 bath.

1/05/2009

PRESERVATION FOUNDATION GIVES AWARD TO RENOVATED PALM BEACH COTTAGE





























A total house renovation, "down to the studs," received the Palm Beach Polly Early Award from the Preservations Foundation for sensitive residential preservation. The 3 bedroom, 2 bath 1700 living sq ft cottage has a one-car garage and is located on Seabreeze Avenue. It was originally purchased for a retirement home but plans for the owner changed, and it is now up for sale. Built between 1919 and 1925, some of the restorations include the original fireplace in the living room, heart pine floors from a pre-Civil War era mill in North Carolina, Chicago brick paver patio around the pool, French doors, and an extra-high coffered ceiling in living room. If you would like more information about this charming cottage, call Marilyn Jacobs at 561-988-0070 or email marilynfjacobs@gmail.com