You say Versace, I say Versachay

Firstly, My other blog La Dolce Vita, where I just wrote a blog about Spring Fashion 2011 (and is generally filled with awesomeness- even though it's only a baby like this one!)

Secondly, as promised, I found some real rippers when it came to my search for a gaudy house. But really I think this one takes the cake...

Some may think of Versace as the King of luxury, others may not give two hoots as to Versace (or va-sa-chay as the perfume girl said to me the other week...) is/was/does/lives. But I digress, this is worth a looksie purely for the 'really?' factor...

Once upon a time (in the 1930's to be precise) there was a beautiful home in Miami Beach, Florida owned by a Alden Freeman/ It was built as a homage to the oldest existing house in the Western Hemisphere 'Alcazar De Colon'. Seriously Beautiful.

Marvelous Exterior

In the 90's Gianni Versace purchased the property, restoring and (um) embellishing it. The couturier was fatally shot in this very home in 1997 on the entry steps upon his return from his morning walk.

The family sold the home to a Barton G. Weiss who turned the home into a hotel so that, for the right price, everyone can have a little bit of Versace.

Aviary Suite

The hotel features 10 suites, most of which come with DOUBLE KING BED (I had to put that in caps so you knew you weren't reading it wrong...)

Shexshy lounge

Personal butler per suite, marble toilet (only 3 in the entire world...), 12 person shower room and observatory

Observatory

I have heard that out of the pools million mosaic tiles, some are 24karat gold...

Very Versace

It is said that when Gianni died his sister, Donatella, couldn't handle the grief that the house brought upon her and she sold the house and contents to the current owner- but took the 24Karat toilet seat.

Donatella's Room, lovely mustard velvet blanket

A sad story and sad taste. Even sadder that people pay thousands in membership just to pay a few more thousand to stay there the night.

Each to their own, but can think of a few ways I would have decorated differently.

Sources: Villa by Barton G. Weiss

Corterre Parc

Corterre Parc

Several months ago I came across this magnificent residence in the Sunday property guide, in my regular house trawling I came across the property again over the weekend. Not surprisingly, it is still on the market. Although the house encapsulates the diverse and stunning architectural history of Australia, there just isn't a large enough niche market to guarantee these homes will achieve their worth. Generally these kind of homes are owned by the one family for decades until perhaps it eventually has to be sold for estate purposes.




Never-the-less, the home is immaculate, luxurious and divine and It would be a crime not to share these images with you...

Entry Gates at Dusk

Situated on a 70 acre estate, Corterre Parc boasts views to the Blue Mountains and Sydney's Centerpoint Tower. Nestled in the Southern Highlands, an area famous for golf, equestrian activities, beautiful gardens and 'cute little shops'. This area is posh country and the homes go hand in hand with that notion.

Formal Dining

This home includes all the creature comforts as well as some extra luxuries (which really do come standard these days on premium properties), 7 elegant and spacious living areas designed for both entertaining on a grand scale to cuddling up fireside in winter.

Living Area

Double Catering Kitchen, 4 Bedroom Suites and a 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Guest Apartment.

Kitchen

Swimming Pool, Tennis Court, Barns, Garaging, Workshops and Landscaped Gardens

Fabulous Outdoor Fireplace

This Estate speaks for itself through it's history and design- there is no need for fancy and elaborate interiors. What a wonderful property for a family; horseriding, adventures, parties. Whoever purchases this home will have a little slice of heaven!


Tomorrow- Luxury Gone wrong!!!

x

Sources: Drew Lindsay Real Estate , Real Estate

2701 Broadway Street

Ah San Francisco, how you slip under the International Real Estate Radar.

2701 Broadway Street

Even the Address of this gem sounds opulent! 

Formal Dining

What I LOVE about this Home is that although they clearly have money- they also have taste! Often the homes of The Rich and Famous are so gaudy and tacky, it almost seems that they either decorate in a splashy way for the "I've got it, so I'll flaunt it" manner or they went OTT because they have no self control. 

3rd Floor Kitchen

This Home was originally built in 1910 for a Lumber Magnate, renovations were undertaken in the early noughties and again recently refurbished before being put on the market (for how much you ask?) for $32 million... a few dollars that may be, the house is nothing less than fit for royalty...

Living

The 16,580 Sq foot home boasts 4 levels (plus a basement!), full sized indoor basketball court, his and her studies; bathrooms & walk in wardrobes

Reading Nook

Au Pair Suite, Media Room, Cellar, two Kitchens, two Dining Spaces (plus Breakfast Nook), four Living Areas, seven Bedrooms, seven Bathrooms & 4 Half Baths

City Views

Did I mention the views over the city, water & Golden Gate Bridge???

Water Views

All I can say is thank God they have an elevator!

I just adore that, although it is one seriously decked out hotel pad, it feels like a home, a place where a family actually interacts, lives and parties! I feel refreshed after seeing a home of that caliber looking so livable.

Of course it's still excessive for the modern family with '2.5 kids', but that doesn't mean it's any less enjoyable to trawl through the listing, get inspired, oggle!

If this hasn't given you your daily fix, you can see more photos at the web listing (yes, it has it's very own website!) 2701 Broadway Street

Have a lovely weekend!

Sources: 2701 Broadway, Socket Site

Welcome

Welcome to my addiction.

Houses, homes, ranches, estates, castles, cottages, bungalows, mansions, colonials- whatever label you want to give it- I am addicted to it! I'm not a house snob (I love them all!) but there is something about that jaw-dropping moment when you see a home that is truly exquisite!




I'm talking flawless finishes, immaculate interiors, fabulous floor plans and gorgeous gardens! Homes that inspire you to dream and design.

Recently I decided my addiction needed to be upped another level, I wasn't getting the same 'high' from blog trawling as I previously had, which is when I came up with the idea of this blog- heck if I am so addicted surely I'm not alone (anyone??)!




Of course this will not JUST feature luxury homes but anything else that takes my fancy that I can't help myself but share with you!

I will take all care to reference photos to the original source, if there are suggestions for posts or comments I would LOVE to hear from you.

Enjoy this little slice of heaven!

Sources: 332 St. Cloud Road, Bel Air