CALIFORNIA'S UNIQUE PORCUPINE RANCH ON THE MARKET FOR $75MM

This is a property to love and cherish.  Golf Digest ranks Porcupine Creek's 19-hole golf course within a private residence in Rancho Mirage as 13^th Best in California.  Aside from a residence created in the early 2000’s by the owner and architect Narendra Patel, an award-winning architect of desert custom houses, where the main house is 18,430 sq ft with a 1,860 sq ft guesthouses and four 600 sq ft casitas, there is a clubhouse, pro shop and driving range which enhance the property that lies on 249 acres.  Views are of the mountains, golf course and city lights.  

The rustic yet elegant Porcupine Creek property is in the quiet, serene Mirage Cove area where many homes cost less than 1% of the idyllic desert retreat.  It is listed for sale for $75MM, the highest price ever for a desert estate.  The golf course is 6718 yards from the back tees.  Palms, saguaros, evergreens all line the course and four nurseries are used for landscaping. Two US Presidents influenced the design of two holes, George H.W. Bush #8 and Gerald Ford, a frequent guest, #10.  The 19^th hole winds back to the main house.

A spectacular 80-foot-diameter fountain ringed with 90 individually lit jets that shoot water up to 80 feet high is at the formidable entrance to the main house. The splash resounds enough to be heard from the 15th tee.  Inside, the foyer boasts a vintage Lalique table and carved thrones. A sheet of water runs down a tile mosaic — handcrafted by Italian artisans — that depicts a golfer and a woman in period dress on the Porcupine Creek course.

Throughout the house, ceiling murals add artistic whimsy, such as in the his-and-hers powder rooms flanking the foyer. His shows two men wearing top hats and red bow ties, with wine and cigar, playing chess. Hers audaciously portrays harlots peering down from a balcony. Other murals, such as the one gracing the ceiling of the great room, reflect a more traditional tone.

The entire second floor holds the master quarters, reached by elevator or stairway.  A baby grand piano sits in the master bedroom, a wall-length balcony allows light to stream in, and includes a spa.  There are his-‘n-her bathrooms with sitting areas, room-sized closets and walk-in showers with overhead murals.  The suite includes his-‘n-her offices and a coffee station.

A stage, tables and room for dancing are included, along with a hearth, in the “party pad.”  Commercial kitchens, indoors and out, provide cooking power and serving space to serve crowds. The children’s nearby play area has a full-size circus Carousel and trampoline.  The childrens bedrooms feature carved wood, kid-sized beds and a playroom with an Alice in Wonderland-styled and -sized door and nanny quarters across the hall.  Porcupine Creek’s game room boasts a white Carrera marble bar with brass foot rail and taps, limestone fireplace, mahogany bookshelves, and a stained-glass domed rotunda lined with built-in banquette seats from a church in Europe setting off a billiard table supported by brass lions. 

The spa has a check-in desk, its own entrance, and top-of-the-line equipment including the ROM “4-minute” cross trainer, two massage/treatment rooms with Endermologie machines, a steam room, Vichy shower room, hot tub and hair salon.

Stained glass from European churches and elaborately carved wood lend an air of historical grandeur, and were influenced by the owners trips to elaborate French chateaux.  A carved fireplace in the Great Room came from Florence.  There are European stone sculptures on the lawns.  Ceiling murals are whimsical.

Profile of a potential buyer: a resort company such as Four Seasons, W Hotels, or perhaps Donald Trump would repeat his $100MM coup in Palm Beach with the former Gosman estate.  However, there is a development agreement precluding its use as a resort.  Foreign aristocrats are candidates, who might love golf, the Palm Springs weather and lifestyle, enjoy entertaining on a grand scale, and who have the funds to maintain this huge estate.  They might be flying guests to the airport and shuttling them to the estate.  Fund raisers and weddings have been held at Porcupine Creek, and could be held again in the future.  This is a formidable American retreat, perhaps fit for a king.

WHAT TO CHECK OUT WHEN YOU ARE LOOKING TO BUY A HISTORIC HOME

The charms of living in a historic home include a personality and sense of nostalgia that new homes cannot impart.  The above photos are of Delray Beach. Before buying, consider these issues, perhaps with an inspector along who has experience with historic homes:

• Be sure these are in good working order
• Heating and Cooling
• Plumbing
• Electrical systems
• Foundation – check that it is in good shape or what will it cost to repair
• Termites – any damage?  Are the live?  Dead?  Your inspector can find a pest control inspector who can tell you
• Roof
• Age
• Leaks?
• Need repair or when should it need replacement?
• Insulation – is it adequate
• Have your inspector check for lead, radon, mold and asbestos
• Age of the house
• What restoration is needed and what will it cost – you may need a structural engineer to evaluate the home
• For repairs, are original materials available or substitutes
• Is the house listed or does it qualify to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places as you might be entitled to reduction in property tax or state income tax credits, but there may be regulations or requirements when doing restoration or upgrades
• Check out local and area laws and regulations re historical properties

There is much joy and reward in restoring and living in a historic home.  The photos just above are of Boynton Beach.

MATCHING DOLLAR HUD & NATIONAL PARK SERVICE GRANTS AVAILABLE TO REFURBISH HISTORIC HOMES AND BUILDINGS

The Main Street Grant Program is offered by The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to finance projects that preserve the historic architecture and design of historic homes and buildings in the downtown or “main street” areas.  Grants can also be used to convert unused buildings into affordable homes for rent.  Grants are given to areas with less than 50,000 residents and 100 public housing units. Local government agencies are eligible to apply for these dollar-for-dollar matching grants.

These grants do not have to be repaid.  Funds cover costs including equipment, supplies and labor and administrative costs.  Contact HUD, 451 7^th Street SW, Washington DC 20410 or call 202-708-1112 for information.  You might also find information at http://wwwhud.gov.

The National Park Service partners with other non-profit organizations to provide dollar-for-dollar matching grants to preserve and conserve significant historic, intellectual and cultural properties within the US.  This includes historic buildings, structures, parks, sites, districts and landmarks.  Intellectual collections, documents and cultural artwork and sculptures may also be covered.  Eligible applicants include deferral, state, local and tribal government agencies and non-profit organizations.  Contact Historic Preservation Grants, National Park Service, 1201 “Eye” Street NW (2256), Washington DC 20005 or call 202-354-2020.  Site is http://www.nps.Gov.

Suggestion: Google for other grants as well and see which one works best for you, if you are refurbishing a historic home.

1876 3-STORY GOTHIC-VICTORIAN GARDEN DISTRICT NEW ORLEANS MANSION PURCHASED FOR $2,250,000 BY MOVIE STAR SANDRA BULLOCK

5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, parlor, ballroom with 14' ceilings are within 6615 living sq ft. There is an unfinished 3^rd floor with 1935 additional sq ft  and 10’ ceilings.  Flourishes within the house at time of purchase included opulent antique furniture, Victorian wallpaper, huge gold Gothic mirrors, antique shadow molding, ornate chandeliers, carved columns, large plaster medallions and marble mantels.  

Known as the Koch-Mays house, or the Swiss Chalet House, or Freret’s Folly, the grand entry foyer is 41’x13’ with wood flooring of alternating pecan and sycamore, large doorways leading to parlor, ballroom and dining room.  Ceilings are 14’ high.  Architect William Freret built the house for James Eustis, a U.S. Senator and Ambassador to France. The fanciful exterior is all intricate iron work, elaborate fretwork and pointy gables that have been topped with lethal-looking, spear like ornaments.

Walk up the covered front porch into a grand foyer.  The banquet sized dining room has long heavy drapes and champagne-colored damask wallpaper.  The den has deep Burgundy wine colored walls.  Kitchen is 16’x12’.  There are several fireplaces. Master and other bedrooms are on the second floor.

The exterior features a massive lawn, big lagoon-like pool and sizeable motor court. This corner property is well-shielded and includes elegant gardens.  Ms. Bullock may be making the interiors more informal… time will tell.  She owns various other properties throughout the US but N’Awlins has become the home of choice of many other movie stars as well.

ANTIQUE RUGS – AN ACCESSORY YOU MAY WANT IN YOUR HOME

Unique antique rugs can add personality, character, versatility, style and interest to your home decor.  An antique is described as an item that is at least 80-100 years old, decorative and collectible.  The owner appreciates its age, beauty, rarity, warmth and. While rugs can be the most expensive decorative item in a home, antique carpets can be less expensive than brand new rugs.  You can purchase them at auction, often getting a wonderful buy. Rugs can also be displayed as wall hangings.

Traditional style carpets usually have intricate patterns and come in a wide array of colors from the jewel tones to light and airy, giving a real and elegant look. 

Tabriz rugs are Persian and sometimes have medallion designs and allover patterns that are precisely drawn and executed with care and of a high quality, therefore long -lasting. 

Kashan rugs include some of the best classical silk Persian rugs also with medallion and overall designs, in all colors.

Knorassan/Mashad rugs are available in similar formats but often have a softer, more decorative coloration.  Their weaving technique makes them durable.

Modern design tends to be simpler in taste and style, sometimes minimalist with subtle colors and an abstract look, e.g. arts and crafts or art deco.  Moroccan rugs can have simple tribal geometric or abstract patterns and add a sophisticated look to modern furniture and can have dynamic colors.  Architect Frank Lloyd Wright used Moroccan rugs in the homes he designed. 

NEWS FLASH!

The Wall St Journal reports that Rush Limbaugh sold his grande luxe apartment in NYC for $11,500,000.  Scroll down about 4 pages and see March 4th entry with photos and descriptions.

IMPORTANT WELLINGTON EQUESTRIAN ESTATE FOR SALE

Windsome Farm, 13560 Indian Mound Road, just south of the International Equestrian Showgrounds, spreads out on 123 acres, of which 80 acres serve as a horse farm.  Forty acres contain fields and woodlands.  Four lakes interconnect.  The main house is 32,000 sq ft and turnkey.  While not historic yet, it is an equestrian property of note.  Sale price is now $39,500,000, reduced from a 2008 list price of $62,000,000.

Designed and built in 1995 for the owner’s champion show horses, Windsome Farm is a property of incomparable scale, quality and beauty and fully irregated.

There is a Grand Prix field and championship dressage ring. 

Amenities include a 72-stall, H formation stable with over 70 Corton built 12’x12’ grassy stalls imported from Holland. 

Included are 16 grooming stalls, 2 guest apartments, owners lounge, an office, industrial laundry, computerized hot-walker, medical suite and 19 paddocks.  There is a trainer/manager office, property management building with 11 bay garage and A/C garage for 18-wheeler. 

Beautifully landscaped, the property is fenced with three electronic gates.  The Bermuda grass is manicured, roofs are low-sloping barrel tile.  There are rich hand-crafted wood finishes,

impressive tree-studded drives, covered walkways and enchanting courtyards. The northwest 40 acres, partly cleared, can be developed.

AUCTION STARTS TODAY AT CHRISTIES/LONDON OF PRINCESS DIANA’S FAMILY ITEMS

(NOTE: the REUBENS painting above sold for  nine million pounds (13.6 million dollars, 10.8 million euros)

Most important item to be auctioned is an important Old Master painting by Peter Paul Rubens titled, “A Commander Being Armed for Battle,” that is expected to sell for between 8MM and 12MM British pounds.  It was painted about 1613, and has been in the family collection for 200 years.  This art masterpiece has been at Althorp, the Spencer family’s 14,000 acre country estate, occupied now by Charles, the 9^th Earl Spencer, Diana’s 45-year old brother.  The estate is undergoing a 10MM pound restoration and renovation.  Diana, former wife of Prince Charles of England, who died in an auto accident, is buried on the grounds of Althorp, where there is an exhibition about her life.

Included will be 19^th C. carriages, including one used at the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902, other paintings, furniture and porcelain, items owned by the family such as harnesses, saddles, furniture, snuff and cigarette boxes, military uniforms, coachmen’s uniforms and butler’s trays, some from Spencer House, which overlooks London’s Green Park. The trustees said they decided to sell off items “that were not core to the collection.”

It is anticipated that Earl Spencer will add 30MM pounds to his 100MM pound fortune with this sale of items from the ancestral home in Northamptonshire and the Spencer House, the family home in St James’s which is one of London’s last remaining private palaces. These auctions will be held for three days.

Princess Diana’s family to sell items for auction