Fantasy Luxury Homes

The theme for the week is going to be fantasy... Today it's going to be incredible fantasy homes... here are a few favorites from Christies Great Estates!

The history and pastoral beauty of Limousin are embodied in the Château de Saint Germain, a historic monument whose origin is traced to the 12th Century. Three lakes; a moat with a drawbridge; an orangerie; and a host of outbuildings, parkland, and meadows are among the features of this ancient estate, established by the Foucaulds in 1182. The water system that feeds the moat predates the castle’s construction and is thought to be of Roman origin. The château was rebuilt in the 13th and 16th Centuries, and over the following 200 years, it was destroyed and rebuilt on at least two occasions. A 20-year restoration in the mid 1800s defined the building as it stands today, a magnificent structure spanning 16,000 square feet on three levels. The objective of the 1999–2004 restoration was to create a luxurious family residence. Modern elements, such as plumbing and central heating, coexist with architectural elements that have evolved over five centuries. From the splendor of the grand Gothic staircase to the state-of-the-art technology of the cinema, this lovingly restored castle blends the ancient and the modern to create a unique home for contemporary living. The contents of the château can be acquired through separate negotiation. Price upon request

Four fully air-conditioned bedrooms feature en suite bathrooms and access to adjoining patio areas. Luxurious facilities and fittings in each bathroom are combined with a generous vanity closet and storage space for the ultimate in comfort. Further convenience is afforded by an additional ground-floor powder room.Outdoors, a charming gazebo sets the stage for dramatic dinners framed by an ever-changing backdrop of the West Coast’s stunning sunsets, and attended at night by a star-filled sky. Informal barbecues prepared on the custom-built grill are complemented by drinks served from the nearby gazebo bar. The property’s inviting swimming pool and deck provide another perfect setting for entertaining with spectacular views of the beach below and the expanse of the sea beyond. The wonderful gardens that surround the estate can also be viewed from this location. An active lifestyle is enhanced with the property’s lighted tennis court and proximity to the warm Caribbean Sea, which invites an energetic swim. Afterwards, relaxation is afforded by one of the many shaded verandahs, where the natural splendor of the sky, garden, trees and sparkling sea can be savored. All are simple yet infinitely pleasurable activities to be enjoyed at Gardenia, a highly desirable residence. Offered at US$20,000,000. Inquiries to Paul B. Altman.

Surrounded by breathtaking vistas, this remarkable five-bedroom, six and one-half bath home combines the finest materials with expert craftsmanship to create a residence of stunning sophistication and grace. With its beautiful ski-in, ski-out location; brilliant design; and luxurious comforts, this property sets a rare and highly desirable standard of living.SPECTACULAR INTERIORS: A magnificent living room features a post-and-beam vaulted ceiling, cherry hardwood floors, a woodburning fireplace, and a family deck with audio and a gas-barbecue hookup. Oversized floor-to-ceiling vaulted windows offer breathtaking views of Whistler and Rainbow mountains and the valley. A state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen and dining area will please any chef and includes a Sub-Zero refrigerator, a Wolf commercial stainless-steel range, two ASKO dishwashers, a custom hand-built mahogany table and sideboard, and a granite bar counter with stools. An incredible master suite encompasses the entire top floor of the home and boasts vaulted ceilings, a gas-burning fireplace, a built-in wardrobe in the walk-in closet, and a private 1,500-square-foot rooftop deck with spectacular mountain views and a hookup for a hot tub. An en suite master bath features an octagonal island containing a spa tub, his and her vanities, a steamshower, and built-in audio. A second master bedroom offers edge-grain fir architectural panelling, a private deck with French doors, an en suite bath with a solid-granite countertop, and a shower finished in Italian tile with a Grohe “rain” shower. Among the three additional bedrooms, two offer edge-grain fir architectural panelling and a private deck with French doors, and all feature en suite baths with granite counters, Kohler sinks, and Grohe faucets. The entertainment room boasts an open floor plan and includes an imported stainless-steel Italian bar, a pool table, a high-density plasma-screen television, and a gas-burning fireplace. A pool room features a heated indoor swimming pool, a custom-crafted stone wall fountain, large floor-to-ceiling bay windows, and custom Brohm stone pillars. All rooms are wired for data, high-speed Internet, telephone, alarm, and satellite services. Additional highlights include a spa, a solid-metal two-story staircase, an outdoor entertainment area with a hot tub, an imported Italian barbecue, a woodburning pizza oven, second-floor decks, professional landscaping, and generous Pennsylvania Bluestone flooring.

my guilty pleasures

I created this blog as a place to come and ramble (hopefully with others) about some of my favorite guilty pleasures! Truly meaningful things like reality tv, celebrity gossip, and other silly aspects of popular culture! Please feel free to chime in with anything that fits the general theme. :)