Personal thoughts from within the Luxury Real Estate network
November 16, 2009, (Splash News) - The on-screen family home of Twilight vampire Edward Cullen is up for sale in real life for a cool $3.3m.
The stunning three-floor Vancouver pad is home to Twilight hunk Robert Pattinson's bloodsucking Cullen clan in New Moon, the latest installment in the hit vampire saga.

The house is the setting for a pivotal scene in the new film, when Cullen's adopted brother Jasper tries to attack Bella Swan (played by Kristen Stewart).
But now that filming of the third Twilight movie, Eclipse, has recently been completed, the house has been put on the market, priced at $3,298,000.
Real estate agent Jason Soprovich, who is handling the sale, describes the luxury five-bedroom property as "the Cullen House, as seen in the recent world-wide hit saga Twilight: New Moon".
It is understood that the house will not be used as a filming location for future Twilight movies.
Courtesy of: Paula Maia of O & O Property Collections
Located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, with year round peerless light condition, and only 5 ½ hours from New York city, the Algarve is about to become the Hollywood of Europe.
Portugal offers a very favorable high quality/ low cost of living ratio; which added to the fact that it has topography of 40 states of America combined and yet is roughly the size of New Jersey, makes of this project every producer’s dream.
The Holding Picture Portugal is the newest addition to international cinema, commercials, video games, music videos, and audiovisual production centers. This ambitious project has been developed by the Portimão municipality and the renowned international Portuguese actor Joaquim de Almeida, and comprises the creation of 11 super modern new studios fitted out with state-of-the-art equipment.
The prevision is for two of the studios to be up and running by the end of 2010, and wheels have been set in motion for various film projects. Amongst the feature films already planned are: - “Femina” with the renowned Italian actress Sophia Loren as the leading actress, -“Mendes”, a film based on the life of a Portuguese consul who saved more Jews than Oskar Schindler during the Holocaust. The consul role will be played by Richard Gere. - Remake of “Le Mans” which have Brad Pitt, Penelope Cruz and Al Pacino in the leading roles,.
During the first phase, the plan is also to construct post-production areas for audio and video, an area for shooting outdoor scenes and a «water tank» - a specially adapted pool for underwater filming.
The cinema studios complex will include a media park as well as a fun park for the entire family, and the central theme will be “the history of cinema and the world of cars”.
Negotiations have been taking place with CBS Paramount and Universal for the film studios, and Lynn Ferro, vice-president of CBS, has been one of the main supporters of this striving project.
Courtesy of: Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Real Estate and RisMedia
RISMEDIA, November 12, 2009—James P. Retz, senior vice president, Marketing and Technology for Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty, one of the nation’s leading Realtors, will be a panelist later this month on the award-winning television program “Exploring Critical Issues.”
“The Real State of Long Island Real Estate” is the topic of the upcoming program, hosted by Adelphi University President Dr. Robert A. Scott. In its sixth year of production, the hour-long program features a roundtable of distinguished guests that explore a topic of significance to metro-area viewers.
“The Real State of Real Estate” provides viewpoints on the current real estate market as influenced by factors in construction, architecture, commercial and residential real estate.
“There have been so many changes to both the commercial and residential real estate markets, it is important to be able to look at the big picture,” said Retz. “The Internet, in particular, has revolutionized the home buying process. But much has stayed the same. We all still need a place to live, and the emotional and financial implications of buying and selling a home call for the expertise of an experienced real estate agent.”
In addition to Jim Retz, panelists include Ted Sasso, President, Renaissance Realty Services, LLC; Mitchell Rechler, Rechler Equity Partners and President of ABLI (Association for a Better Long Island) and John Tsunis, Chairman, Gold Coast Bank, Chairman and CEO, Long Island Hotels, LLC, and land use attorney at Tsunis, Gasparis, and Lustig, LLC.
For more information, visit www.danielgale.com.
RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com.
Courtesy of: Fannie Hillman & Associates
A comprehensive mid-year 2009 report for the condo and housing markets in the following five areas of Florida is now available:
In the report, you will find information about housing trends in the categories of average sale price, average price per square foot, median sale price and median price per square foot.
To view the report, click here!
By Carina Sousa of IRG International Realty Group
IRG International Realty Group, the exclusive affiliate of Christie’s Great Estates in Portugal is selected to be the exclusive agent for the marketing and sales of the prestigious resort Madeira Palace Residences. In 2005 the Fibeira Group, owned by Engº Armando Martins bought the prestigious Madeira Palácio Hotel together with the project for Madeira Palace Residences. Designed by Ricardo Bofill Associated with Atelier Caires – João Francisco Caires e Associados, the Madeira Palace Residences are a striking example of the best in contemporary architecture and quality living.
With 100 homes ranging from one bedroom to four bedroom apartments, all with garage parking and storage, the development benefits from spectacular views over the Atlantic.
Constructed around an interior garden, where exotic water features play an integral role, the development has been designed to provide a restful and elegant environment and will be forecasted to be ready in the summer of 2010.
A serene and private haven, Madeira Palace Residences represents the best in luxury living. Residents will have access to the services of the adjacent five star renovated Madeira Palácio Hotel including spa, restaurants, room service, laundry and cleaning, and membership of the Beach Club.
The Hotel Madeira Palácio Hotel has a very rich history. It opened its doors in 1971 and was operated by Hilton Hotels between 1971 and 1973 owned by Robert Jabara Pereira Ganhão (Pastelaria Suiça), TAP and Hotel Palácio in Estoril.
In 1982 the hotel was bought by the Albaker Group that owned the Marriott (formerly known as Penta), Eden Hotel, Hotel do Mar and Hotel Palácio Estoril.
The renovation of the hotel has been designed by WATG associated with Atelier Caires – João Francisco Caires e Associados – Projectos de Arquitecture Lda.
An extensive program has been implemented to give the Madeira Palácio Hotel a five star luxury rating according to international demand including a sophisticated interior design for the rooms and public areas.
About IRG International Realty Group
IRG International Realty Group is one of the leading international brokerage companies in Portugal and specializes in sales of Portuguese high-end and luxury residential real estate. IRG is the exclusive affiliate in Portugal of Christie’s Great Estates, a worldwide real estate network and subsidiary of the world’s oldest auction house, Christie’s. IRG’s Head Office is located in the prestigious Avenida da Liberdade in the heart of Lisbon and there are also boutique offices in Quinta do Lago in the Algarve, Estoril and in Kensington, London, United Kingdom. www.irgportugal.com
About FIBEIRA SGPS, S.A.
FIBEIRA SGPS, S.A. is a managing group of social investments. Its strategically cores are present in the realm of Real Estate Development, Hotel Management, Services and
Media/Press, a wide variety of business activity sectors. In a Group that established itself in 1984 with the creation of FIBEIRA, the ability to expand and respond efficiently to all the new challenges was the key point for the current confident broadening of its interests into new business domains and lead to a solid presence in markets like the hotel industry.
Success and innovation have been a constant reward for the evolution of our companies which allowed them to work in different business areas with levels of performance much higher than the ones present at their creation. www.fibeira.pt
Courtesy of: Steve Catsman of Telluride Real Estate

We thought you might be interested in some photos demonstrating the current status of the Telluride Regional Airport improvement project. Currently Phase II of a 3 part project is under way at the cost of approximately $21 million. This phase will upgrade the safety designation from B3 to a D3 designation. This is being accomplished with the addition of 250 feet of safety over run on either side of the centerline rather than the current 150 feet.

Additionally at either end of the runway a product called Emas (engineered material arresting system) will be installed. This product is used at Laguardia Airport in New York and Midway in Chicago. This higher rating will allow larger aircraft such as the Q 400 to service the airport. This 75 passenger aircraft has the endurance to fly direct to Telluride from the west coast and Texas. The new designation will be in place once the last phase of construction is completed by summer/fall of 2010.
As seen on WWL-TV August, 24, 2009
Courtesy of Eleanor Farnsworth of Prudential Gardner
NEW ORLEANS – (AUGUST 28, 2009) - St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans has been described as the "Jewel of America's Grand Avenues." It's the finest collection of old south mansions in the country.
Travel down the tree lined street and its hard to miss so many architectural gems, now up for sale.
"You can look at the structure and see the detail," said realtor Eleanor Farnsworth. "It took five years to build, starting in 1903."
Farnsworth showed us around the home known by many as simply "The Castle." From the limestone exterior and magnificent gardens to the hardwood floors, handcrafted moldings and stain-glassed windows inside, this mansion is one of kind.
The home also comes with an $8 million price tag. The cost is expected to set an all time record for single-family homes in the city.
"It's an opportunity for someone to get a wonderful home that never comes available," said Farnsworth.
Gene Goldring and her husband just bought a home off of St. Charles in June.
"The architectural elements in these homes, you don't see them everywhere," said Goldring. "Walking around Uptown, everyday for us, I fall in love with the city all over again."
There are also mansions for sale in the Garden District.
The Coliseum Street home where the movie The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was filmed is now selling for about $2 million.
Actor Nicolas Cage is selling his house on Pyrtania Street for $3.4 million. Dorian Bennett has the listing.
"It's got all the whistles and bells," said Bennett. "It's got the yard, the garden, it's got the pool, it's got magnificent architectural details."
Bennett says if you're looking for luxury, now's the time to buy.
"It's been a while since I've seen so many for sale," said Bennett. "There are estates, divorces, there are different economic downturns and changes in people's lives that cause people to want to sell."
They say it's a buyers market, but you still have to have money.
We crunched the numbers: a $8 million dollar loan with a 30 year mortgage at 7 percent interest, the monthly payment would be $53,224.20.
Realtors say if you can afford one of these mansions, chances are you don't need a mortgage.
Courtesy of: John Adams of Adams, Cameron & Co.
Ormond Beach, FL – August 19, 2009 - - Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors is pleased to announce that Lola Wrona has joined the 759 West Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, Florida office.
Lola is a native New Yorker. She has enjoyed a unique combination of personally and professionally rewarding careers; first as a Licensed Practical Nurse and then as a Police Officer. She was recipient of numerous awards in recognition of her accomplishments.
In 1996 Lola retired to the Palm Coast/Flagler County area. After falling in love with Florida and the special lifestyle it has to offer, she decided to enter the real estate profession. Lola brings a passion for real estate and a sincere desire to help people achieve their real estate goals, whether buying or selling.
Lola is a member of the Florida Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, Daytona Beach Area Association of Realtors and the Flagler County Association of Realtors.
Founded in 1963, Adams, Cameron & Co. is the largest real estate company in the combined Volusia and Flagler Counties with over 250 agents in twelve offices. Adams, Cameron & Co. is pleased to support the area’s residential and commercial real estate needs by bringing the most resources available with a pleasant family run atmosphere. More information is available at http://www.adamscameron.com.
For more information, contact:
John Adams
General Manager
Office: (386)253-8044
Fax: (386)253-8944
18
Van Joslin Real Estate: Finding Safe Haven in The Woodlands for Affluent Families Fleeing Terror
By: Hank Van Joslin of Van Joslin Real Estate
The last nine months have been a nightmare for the more affluent families in Mexico as they are experiencing armed robberies and kidnappings. Most recently a kidnapping ended in the murder of a child, even after the ransom was paid. This is almost unimaginable for most of us.
Families are now migrating here to this safe haven, The Woodlands. Many of these families are looking to rent while they get to know the area and are able to move their businesses and assets. This has created an unprecedented demand for Luxury leases – furnished and unfurnished 6,000 – 12,,000 + sq. ft homes in The Woodlands .
Van Joslin Real Estate has increased it’s luxury lease home listings since late 2008 in order accommodate these clients. Interestingly enough, this has been a welcome option for some luxury sellers who just are not ready to sell at today’s prices. Helping our neighbors south of the border has never been more rewarding.
Hank Van Joslin
Broker / owner
Van Joslin Real Estate
The Woodlands, Texas
Listing Courtesy of: Joyce Rey

By Lauren Beale of The Los Angeles Times
Hugh Hefner and his wife, Kimberley, have sold their personal residence, just a hop away from the Playboy Mansion next door in Holmby Hills, for $18 million. The buyer is Daren Metropoulos, a25-year-old entrepreneur who will be moving from Beverly Hills. The son of equity investor C. Dean Metropoulos, he originally intended to purchase the estate for the value of its 2.3 acres but now plans to keep the 7,300-square-foot English Manor-style house. The two-story home, built in 1929, has five bedrooms and seven bathrooms and sits behind gates on a flat site that backs up to the Los Angeles Country Club.
There is a formal living room, a dining room, a library, his-and-her powder rooms and a media room with a film projector and screen that drops from the ceiling. Interior treatments include maple paneling, leaded-glass windows and a hand-carved staircase. The master suite overlooks the gardens and grounds, which include a swimming pool. Metropoulos, who has worked with his father and older brother Evan from a young age helping reinvigorate such household brands as Chef Boyardee and Bumble Bee tuna, is a fan of muscle cars. The property includes a large motor court and a three-car garage where he can house his collection. Holmby Hills was conceived as a development of exclusive estates by Broadway department store founder Arthur Letts. The Hefner residence was designed by Arthur R. Kelly for the sister of Arthur Letts Jr., the original owner of the Playboy Mansion. It had been listed since early March at $27,995,000.
The Hefners bought the property in 1996 for an undisclosed sum. It was priced then at $17.25 million. Hugh Hefner, 83, is the founder of Playboy Enterprises. Kimberley Conrad Hefner, 47, was Playboy's Playmate of the Month in January 1988 and was Playmate of the Year in 1989. They have been separated for a decade. Joyce Rey and Stacy Gottula of Coldwell Banker Previews International, Beverly Hills, had the listing. Jeffrey Hyland and Rachel Maslan of Hilton & Hyland, Beverly Hills, represented the buyer.
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