Do you imagine yourself living in a mansion? You can, as long as the price is right. So says this Forbes article which details information about American mansions that are currently for sale.
American opulence is still for sale. But it costs a pretty penny. Acquiring a finely-appointed home of extraordinary scale can run between $12.5 million and $100 million at the moment. For this, homeowners enjoy everything from fountain-studded courtyards to grand libraries and cavernous indoor pools.
Take, for example, The Peabody Estate (better known as “Solana”) in Santa Barbara, Calif. Listed for $57.5 million, the home built by clothing magnate Forrest Peabody is surrounded by nearly a dozen acres and includes almost 23,000 square feet of living space. There’s a private guesthouse on the property and better yet, the mansion has 360-degree views of both the mountains and the sea.
Not all of its views are natural, however. The home’s interior includes details such as 17th-century French oak paneling and museum-quality mosaic tiles. The wall sconces date to the 1700s, and hand-carved mahogany millwork as well as European forged bronze hardware gleam throughout. All this, and California sunshine as an added bonus.
Another fine example of mansion living is Hi’ilani, or “In the Arms of Heaven.” Located in Honolulu, Hawaii, the home was built for television producer, Al Malacini. According to Sachi Hawaii Pacific Century Properties, “1133 Ikena Circle is most fit to be called a present-day palace […] it’s beauty, splendor, and grandeur are marked by its perched location nestled among Ko’olau Mountains, overlooking Diamond Head and the Pacific.” All of this can be enjoyed from the home’s Upper Grand Terrace. The home features nearly 6,000 square feet of outdoor living space.
Hi’ilani was inspired by both 18th Century French architecture and Modern Mediterranean design. And it delivers perfection inside as well out. Lavish details, such the mansion’s French hand-embroidered draperies and its 9-½ foot Australian crystal chandelier, contribute to the prestige of the residence which is listed for $12.5 million.
For a more contemporary take on hyper-luxury real estate, there’s Arbor Hill in Fort Washington, Pa. The 70-acre estate includes a colossal 40,000-square-foot main house. From bathrooms to the tennis courts, every inch of Arbor Hill is extravagant. Designed by celebrated architect Rafael Vinoly, the home features floor-to-ceiling windows that look out to the Belgium block courtyard surrounding the main house. Its living room is two and a half stories high and includes five sets of French doors. Details such as limestone and oak flooring, carved marble bathtubs, and a private tower with panoramic views punctuate the beauty and meticulous design of this American palace.
In addition to the main house, the property includes two stone farmhouses, an outdoor tennis court, pool, and a 20,000 square foot recreation building.
Peter Vekselman is a real estate investor and entrepreneur. He has closed more than a thousand property deals over the course of his career. Follow this Twitter page for more information about real estate.
