Latest news with #LuxuryRealEstate
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
David Hoffman and Jaime Kowal's House in Photos
More from Robb Report A Creative Couple's 1920s Spanish-Style Home in L.A. Lists for $4.8 Million Inside Justin and Hailey Bieber's $29,000-a-Week Vacation Rental in Mallorca An Oscar-Winning Art Director Just Listed His 1920s L.A. Home for $4.8 Million Best of Robb Report The 10 Priciest Neighborhoods in America (And How They Got to Be That Way) In Pictures: Most Expensive Properties Click here to read the full article. The fountain-clad front courtyard. An olive-hued door opens into a light-filled living room. The living room is anchored by a Batchelder fireplace. The updated kitchen. The kitchen connects to a dining area. The dining area flows into an adjacent sitting salon. A staircase off the living room heads to the upper level. The primary bedroom. The balcony has a head-on view of the Griffith Observatory. The primary bath. A child's bedroom. Another upstairs balcony. A guest bedroom and bath. The lower-level screening room. A lower-level bedroom is currently outfitted as an office. The lower-level den. An alfresco dining deck is bordered with privatizing shrubbery and hedges. Outdoor living areas designed by Terremoto Landscape Architects include a cedar hot tub. Double gates open to a two-car garage tucked off to the side.
Daily Mail
21-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Michelle Mone's £250 million Dubai property project was never finished and is now just a desert shell
's £250 million Dubai property project – hailed as the first major development to be sold using Bitcoin – was never actually built, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. In 2017, former lingerie tycoon Ms Mone, 53 – dubbed Baroness Bra after being awarded a peerage – and husband Doug Barrowman, 60, unveiled proposals to erect two 40-floor skyscrapers as part of a luxury desert complex boasting high-end homes, a shopping centre and sports facilities. To much fanfare, they said the apartments could be bought using virtual currency rather than hard cash. Within months they claimed that buyers had already invested in 'a number of apartments' using the crypto tokens. Ms Mone even told an American news network that Bitcoin (BTC) was 'the currency of the future', adding: 'I'm a Baroness – so I wouldn't be getting involved in it if it was a kind of 'dodgy' industry.' Yet Dubai government records show that the couple's Aston Plaza and Residences, located in the Science Park district of the Middle Eastern city, were never actually built. A property inspection report carried out by the Dubai Real Estate Regulatory Agency and obtained by The Mail on Sunday confirms that the project started but was later 'cancelled' at just 32 per cent completion. Pictures taken by inspectors who visited the site in January 2018 show the concrete shell of one mega tower abandoned in the middle of the desert. The images are a far cry from the promotional mock-ups that were advertised on the project's website, which showed sleek, minimalist homes set across two glass tower blocks. The revelation comes after the UK Government told the High Court in London recently that a company linked to Ms Mone and Mr Barrowman should pay back more than £121 million for breaching a Covid contract for 25 million surgical gowns. And earlier this month we told how the couple from Glasgow were offloading some of their British property empire as they look to start a new life in Florida. The Aston Plaza and Residences promised to offer 'exceptional real estate for discerning professionals and young families living in the United Arab Emirates', adding that the 'company's ethos is delivered through its meticulous attention to detail when creating homes'. A press release put out by the Aston team said that the project was the 'first joint business venture between the two business icons' Ms Mone and her husband, who is chairman of the Knox group of companies. According to the development's website, 150 apartments were available to buy directly from the developers using Bitcoin, a digital currency that fluctuates in value depending on market sentiment. It continued: 'The highly-anticipated selection of 1,133 studio, one and two bedroom apartments, is due for completion in summer 2019. 'Apartments offer floor-to-ceiling windows with unobstructed views of the Dubai Hills and the iconic city skyline.' The website added: 'The development also boasts the Plaza – three floors dedicated to retail which will include boutiques, cafes, restaurants and a supermarket.' Studio apartments started at 33BTC, which is the equivalent of almost £3 million if linked to today's sterling markets. Speaking to The Mail on Sunday in December 2017, Ms Mone, who founded the Ultimo lingerie brand, said she had already sold 'a number of apartments' to buyers using the cryptocurrency. Aston Towers, known as Project 152 in property databases, is listed as 'permanently closed' on Google. Records show that although the project was transferred to a different Dubai-based company around 2019, work on the development continues to be 'cancelled'. The Mail on Sunday recently told how Ms Mone and Mr Barrowman had sold two townhouses in Glasgow to celebrity friends in the last 12 months, pocketing a profit of £2 million. The new owners are Nick Haddow, the photographer who shot one of Ms Mone's most risqué Ultimo push-up bra campaigns, and Paul McManus – the drummer in Scots rock band Gun and a high-profile Scottish Labour Party donor. Meanwhile, a quaint Chelsea mews house in London linked to a company of Ms Mone's son Declan has been sold for £2.185 million to a senior member of a Middle Eastern royal family. Last year the couple also sold their £19 million London townhouse as well as their £6.8 million Lady M yacht. Ms Mone's friends say she has told them that she is seeking to start afresh in Miami. The Scots business moguls are currently at the centre of an anti-corruption PPE fraud probe which saw £75 million of their assets frozen by the National Crime Agency. Investigators are focused on PPE Medpro, a company led by Mr Barrowman, which was placed in a VIP priority lane for government contracts worth £203 million of taxpayers' money following a recommendation by Ms Mone. This came after Ms Mone was made a peer by Prime Minister David Cameron in 2015. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is suing PPE Medpro over claims that surgical gowns supplied by the firm were not fit for use. On June 11, Paul Stanley, KC, for the DHSC, told the High Court: 'The Government is seeking to recover the costs of the contract, as well as the costs of transporting and storing the items, which amount to an additional £8,648,691.' The Dubai property project was sold on to a Dubai-based developer. Representatives for Ms Mone and Mr Barrowman said that no one lost any money and all deposits were held in escrow, in accordance with the law in Dubai.
Arabian Business
17-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE real estate: Dubai, Abu Dhabi branded residences drive record $16.9bn property sales
The UAE property market has recorded AED 62.1 billion in transactions during April 2025, with branded residences emerging as the sector driving growth across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Josh Gilbert, Market Analyst at eToro, said the figures demonstrate 'growing demand across residential, commercial, and luxury segments' as the branded residences market becomes 'the hottest thing in the UAE's luxury property sector.' Abu Dhabi's branded residences quadrupled over the past year, with luxury sales reaching AED 6.3 billion in 2024. The growth reflects demand from investors and high-net-worth individuals seeking exclusivity. Aldar, Emaar lead UAE property growth as transactions hit AED62.1bn Emaar has positioned itself at the forefront of branded residence development through partnerships with international luxury brands. The company's projects include Armani Residences, The Address, and Palace Residences. The developer continues expansion in Downtown Dubai, Dubai Hills, and the Marina. Emaar's share price has risen over 60 per cent in the past 12 months, reflecting the company's performance amid record transaction volumes. Gilbert noted that Emaar is 'arguably the biggest beneficiary of the UAE's real estate upswing' with the company 'everywhere across the skyline in Dubai.' Aldar, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, has announced Nobu Residences on Saadiyat Island as part of its strategy to mirror Dubai's branded residence model. Saadiyat Island is developing as a luxury hub. The company continues building presence in the UAE luxury market through partnerships with international brands. Gilbert said 'the growth of branded residences in Abu Dhabi suggests that the capital is catching up to Dubai's pace, which could allow Aldar to unlock meaningful value for investors.' The UAE real estate market growth stems from population growth, tourism increases, economic diversification efforts, and attraction of international corporations. Gilbert said the growth 'reflects solid fundamentals of robust population growth, surging tourism, ongoing efforts to diversify the economy and the appeal of the biggest corporate names in the world, underscored by these branded residences.' Emaar, Aldar, and Deyaar are positioned to benefit from demand for branded projects as Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue attracting international capital into their property markets. The transaction figures represent the latest record in the UAE's property sector performance in 2025.
Daily Telegraph
16-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Telegraph
Man builds $30m White House on skyscraper, may never live in it
A mansion situated atop a skyscraper in the Indian city of Bengaluru has garnered attention for its distinctive design. Atop a skyscraper stands a replica of the White House, yet its future remains shrouded in mystery. It's owned by Indian businessman Vijay Mallya, and it's one of the most bizarre homes in the world. The businessman constructed the $30.8 million replica of the White House on the roof of a 33-storey apartment complex above the streets of Bengaluru, India. Vijay Mallya, once known as the 'King of Good Times', spared no expense in designing this sky-high palace. Inspired by the US President's famous home, he created his version, albeit much higher up and with better views. MORE: Insane amount celebs spend on Aussie homes The mansion spans roughly 3716 sqm, complete with a rooftop helipad, a swanky infinity pool, lush gardens, and luxury features that scream a billionaire lifestyle. The builder, Irfan Razack, chairman of Prestige Estates Projects, previously stated that the cantilevered design was a test, but his team completed it according to his client's vision. 'It was a challenge to construct the mansion on a huge cantilever at that height, but we have ensured we built it exactly the way it was conceived. It's a complex structure, and the finishing work is going on,' he said. 'We will finish the project as per contract and hand it over.' Construction of the 'White House in the Sky' began in the early 2010s, topping off the Kingfisher Towers, which is named after Mallya's now-defunct airline and beer brand. However, the White House replica project was never finished. In 2016, Mallya fled to the UK – while the mansion was under construction – dodging a mountain of legal trouble connected to the demise of his company, Kingfisher Airlines, in 2012. MORE: 'Gone, everything': Gibson on trashed pad Work on the mansion paused when Mallya left India, and no one has since stepped up to claim it or complete the job. Since Mallya's departure, work on the mansion has ceased, and no one has claimed responsibility for its completion. And despite losing an appeal in April 2025, which makes his return to India more probable, it remains unlikely that he will reside in his unfinished residence. It's become less of a house and more of a real estate myth. It's one of the most expensive 'what-ifs' in modern architecture. It continues to loom over Bengaluru, empty and untouched, awaiting an owner who may never return. MORE: 'It'll blow up': Meghan reveals wild new gig Despite its jaw-dropping grandeur and ambitious execution, the 'White Mansion in the Sky' is not the most costly or astonishing property in India. That title belongs to Antilia, a 27-storey house – a tower for one family – in Mumbai. Antilia is the home of the billionaire businessman Mukesh Ambani – the wealthiest person in Asia – and his family. It was built between 2006 and 2010 at a cost of around $A3.08 billion and is equipped with helipads, a staff of 600, and a 50-seat cinema. It is considered the most expensive residence in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Rarely have the interiors of Antilia been photographed and published, so the dwelling is essentially a mystery.
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Southwestern inspired $6million California estate with jaw-dropping views holds a secret past
An extraordinary Southwestern inspired California estate with insane views has hit the market with a whopping $6million price tag - but the breathtaking property hides a secret about its past. The sprawling 6,362-square-foot estate, nestled in the rolling hills of Friant, California, is perched on a ridgeline with spectacular panoramic views. The Santa Fe-inspired mansion offers 360-degree views of Table Mountain, Sierra foothills, Friant Dam, and the San Joaquin Valley, according to the listing on Sarah Hedrick Realtor. The home was created when a Fresno couple made an impulse decision during a 1990s road trip that would transform both the landscape and local emergency services training forever, as reported by th e Fresno Bee. According to a news release about the property, the adventurous pair spotted a For Sale sign while driving near Lake Millerton and immediately recognized the potential of the stunning location. 'When a Fresno couple saw a For Sale sign while road-tripping near Lake Millerton in the early '90s, they didn't just see a stunning ridgeline property - they saw potential,' the press release states. They traded their existing home plus $100,000 to secure the coveted plot of land. The home's inviting pool is the perfect place to take a dip at the end of a long day 'What followed was a labor of love to design and build a private architectural compound from the ground up,' the press release continued. But the property's intriguing history continues from there. Rather than simply demolishing their previous residence, the couple donated the entire structure to local SWAT teams and fire departments, who used it for tactical training exercises. They blew it up in the name of public safety before building their dream home. The resulting architectural masterpiece now features six bedrooms and six bathrooms. Hedrick describes the home as a 'masterpiece of craftsmanship' blending 'timeless finishes w/refined architectural detail'. The property presents traditional Southwestern elements including authentic Saltillo tile flooring, hand-troweled walls and soaring ceilings throughout. It comes complete with luxury amenities including a resort-style swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna, home theater and tennis, pickleball, basketball courts. A seating area in the sprawling home is seen above The resulting architectural masterpiece now features six bedrooms and six bathrooms. One of the bathrooms is pictured above Multiple living spaces provide accommodation for both intimate family gatherings and larger social events. A view from the property is seen above Inside, the formal dining room and gourmet chef's kitchen offers an elegant setting for entertaining. 'The chef's kitchen boasts travertine counters, a Wolf range with six burners, three ovens, a warming drawer, Subzero fridge, dual copper sinks, a mini wine fridge, ice maker and two pantries.' Multiple living spaces provide accommodation for both intimate family gatherings and larger social events. 'The living room features a gas fireplace, custom cabinetry, & double sliders opening to a resort-style pool,' the listing writes. 'A flexible living space serves as a soundproofed home theater, office, guest quarters with courtyard access.' For the wine connoisseurs, there is a dedicated cellar for storing prized bottles. And for car lovers, there is a 3,000-square-foot garage, which is the size of an average American home. An observation deck offering panoramic views completes the outdoor entertainment options The outdoor spaces are impressive, featuring a tennis court for sports enthusiasts, a putting green for golf practice and a cozy outdoor fireplace The outdoor spaces are impressive, featuring a tennis court for sports enthusiasts, a putting green for golf practice and a cozy outdoor fireplace. An observation deck offers panoramic views. Additionally, two separate guest homes provide luxurious accommodation for visitors. 'The primary suite offers a fireplace, sauna and steam shower, jetted tub, cedar-lined closets, and double sliders to the outdoors.' 'A rare retreat offering luxury, privacy, and premier amenities,' the listing concludes.
