CasaSugar -- Home sweet home.

Leo Trades in Pacific Coast View, Lowers Carbon Footprint

casasugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:00:25 -0800

Leonardo has finally closed on the eco-friendly Battery Bark Condo that he went to contract to purchase back in April, paying nearly $3.7 million. But, ever the environmental advocate, DiCaprio isn't swooping up energy-hogging properties left and right. He's made room for this purchase in his real estate portfolio and his wallet by putting his 2,374-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bath midcentury oceanfront Malibu home on the market for nearly $9 million.
DiCaprio can gaze at the Hudson River through the energy-efficient triple-layered windows at Riverhouse, one of the greenest residential buildings in America. DiCaprio's new apartment building exceeds Gold LEED certification, using solar-powered energy and built with only nonpollutant materials. Among its other eco features are programmable thermostats, filtered air, filtered water, locally quarried bluestone, recovered barn wood, low- or no-VOC adhesives, paints and carpeting, and recycled, salvaged, and biodegradable materials. There's no word on the exact square footage of Leo's new pad, but a listing for a similarly priced Riverhouse property measures in at 1,985-square-feet, with 3 bedrooms and 4 baths.

To see more photos of both properties and hear about his Malibu digs,

Justin Timberlake Takes Tribeca

casasugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:00:58 -0800

Justin Timberlake wasn't kidding around when he said Manhattan is the greatest city in the world. He's such a great admirer of the city that he decided to buy his own little slice of the Big Apple. According to Real Estalker, Timberlake recently purchased a 3,000-square-foot, three-bedroom, three-bath loft home in Tribeca for $4.774 million. The listing for the property reads:

This 3 bedroom, 3 bath room loft home offers gracious entertaining space in the extravagantly oversized living area as well as four exposures, 14 floor-to-ceiling arched windows, fabulous river views and completed with a brand new lighting package and built in Sonos sound system featuring inclusive Lutron technology controlling temperature, lights, sound, shades and more. This Tribeca Condo is adorned with the highest quality finishes and appliances including Wolf cooktop w/ grill and Wolf double wall oven, 48" Sub-Zero fridge and wine cooler, Miele DW, Miele W/D. Truly a unique TriBeCa residence.

JT's new pad sits a block from the Hudson River Park which will soon boast a mini golf course, so you can bet he'll be brushing up on his golf skills — even though he finds the game easy. To see more photos of the digs,

Christina Aguilera Takes Her Price Tag Down a Note

casasugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:44:35 -0800

Back in April, I let you know that Christina Aguilera and husband Jordan Bratman were preparing to ditch their Steve Hermann-designed Hollywood Hills digs, if a doting buyer were willing to part with a cool $8 million. Well, according to Real Estalker, the couple has flown the coop, but are still sitting on the unsold property. While they've moved into the Osbournes' former abode, their Hermann-designed home, like many houses around the country, remains unsold. So, the couple has decided to chop a little over one million smackers off the asking price, bringing it down to $6.9 million. Ouch, right? Well, actually Aguilera paid $5 million for the property back in '03, so she'll still be making a nice couple mil. on the property — if it sells at this price. And the price was likely inflated to begin with, considering its couture Steve Hermann label. Check out more details and lots of photos of the digs in my previous post.
Source

On the Market: Former Estate of Brooke Astor

casasugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:30:11 -0800

The former New York State estate of Brooke Astor, a beloved American philanthropist and socialite who passed away last year, is on the market for a whopping $12.9 million, according to Real Estalker. The sprawling 1927 stone mansion, designed by architect William Adams Delano, measures in at 10,000 square feet, with 13 bedrooms and 9 full and two half bathrooms. The property description reads:

At the heart of this bucolic 64.60 acre haven, the 1927 stone manor designed by prominent architect William Delano embodies the quiet elegance of a classic English country house. There are 6 marble fireplace and 13 bedrooms, including staff quarters...Indoor and outdoor pools are featured along with extensive dependencies including a greenhouse, 4-bedroom gardener's cottage, carriage house and barn.

You can read about another historic Astor family home in my recent Before and After. To see more photos of Briarcliff Manor,

This Just In: Natalie Portman Is Homeless

casasugar — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:30:47 -0800

Natalie Portman recently stopped by The Late Show With Dave Letterman and admitted to being homeless. Apparently, after she sold her West Village condo in October, she moved back to her parents' home in Long Island, where she'll camp out until she finds a new place. She said, "I'm a Long Island girl. Yeah, I just went and voted out there because I'm homeless right now and residing with my parents." Here are the pros and cons of living with your 'rents, according to Natalie:

Pros: It seems like a lot of fun in the beginning: "You get like . . . good meals, your laundry done."
Cons: "It's rough. I'm old to be residing with the parents." And, they scream at her: "They're like, 'Get a job!'"

Well, Miss Natalie may be homeless, but at least she has $6 million to keep her warm this Winter.

This Just In: Hayden Panettiere Buys a House to Cheer About

casasugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:00:00 -0800

Hayden Panettiere, better known as Claire Bennet the cheerleader who cannot die on NBC's Heroes, has taken time out from saving the whales to drop $2.635 million on a house in Los Angeles, according to Real Estalker.

The teenage Panettiere, who'll turn 20 next year, has room to grow in the 3,120-square-foot, three-bedroom, thee-bath house, which was constructed in 1962. The house, which is definitely modern in look and feel, features floor-to-ceiling windows, an open, loft-style layout, a newly renovated kitchen, a swimming pool, a stone fireplace, and a large deck, perfect for entertaining (or throwing huge parties).

To see interior photos of the house,

This Just In: Nicolas Cage Folds

casasugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 05:30:34 -0800

Serial real estate snatcher Nicolas Cage has listed his 45-acre undeveloped property in the Exuma Island Chain of the Bahamas for $7 million, according to Real Estalker. The property description reads:

This exceptional private island is quite simply one of the most beautiful islands in the Exumas. Easily accessed, the island is located between Lee Stocking Island and Norman’s Pond Cay and near to all amenities. This splendid 45-acre island enjoys beautiful beaches on the northeast side, a sandy beach with a well-protected cove on the western tip, and glistening crystalline waters. Excellent fishing and sheltered anchorage.

I don't know what the heck is going on with Cage's financial situation, but something is up. Cage has listed four properties since July alone, this one making the total five. Considering that Bangkok Dangerous's meek earnings barely cover the cost of this property, maybe Cage's hairline isn't the only thing that's receding.
Source

On the Market: Jade Jagger's Swank London Pad

casasugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 06:00:31 -0800

Jade Jagger, jewelry designer and daughter of Mick & Bianca Jagger, has put her 1,989-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bath Queens Park, London home on the market for $2.4 million. The listing for the property reads:

This stunning three bedroom house provides exceptionally well presented living and entertaining space, well arranged over two spacious floors and boasts a fabulous location, moments from the beautiful open spaces of Queen's Park. Offering lavish, extremely well presented accommodation throughout, the property comprises fabulous reception and dining room, convenient eat-in kitchen opening onto garden, master bedroom with incredible en suite bathroom and walk-in wardrobe, two further generous bedrooms, glamorous bathroom with mosaic mirror wall and ceiling tiles and charming private garden to the rear.

To hear my thoughts on the house and see many more photos,

This Just In: Meg Ryan Publicly Lists Her Bel-Air Home

casasugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:28:17 -0700

Meg Ryan has publicly listed her six-bedroom, seven-bath Bel-Air home for the tune of $19.5 million, according to Big Time. The property has been informally on the market as a "pocket listing" for some time, and has been shown to a slew of celebs including the Beckhams and Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck, but the price was never right. The listing for the Holmby Hills-area Spanish-style compound reads:

Truly enchanting and romantic. A gated and private drive is the approach to this 1931 restored Spanish compound. Features include: double story stenciled beamed LR, a bar "a la" 1930's Los Angeles, Frml DR and superb Cook's kitchen; All rooms open to and overlook the 180o vu of the city. Incredibly pvt knoll setting with Pool and full GH. Family/Guest BRs have en suite baths & Mstr is separate and Exquisite! A Screening room w/separate entrance.

I'm dying to see the interior, but unfortunately there are no photos. The exterior is breathtaking though, and looks straight out of a scene from Under the Tuscan Sun (come on, you all know you loved it). Check out more exterior photos when you

This Just In: Tori Spelling & Dean McDermott Are on the Move

casasugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 07:45:08 -0700

Not long after Tori Spelling listed her Westwood digs, she and husband Dean McDermott have purchased a 6,718-square-foot, 6-bedroom, 6.5-bath manse in Encino, California for nearly $2.5 million, according to Real Estalker. The property description reads:

Sophisticated inviting entertainer's floor plan. Dramatic 2 stry formal entry, richly appointed cstm finishes, french drs, 4 frplcs, over sized common rms, wood & stone flring, dining rm w/ silver leaf coffered clngs, study, office, gourmet eat-in cntr isl kit w/ Thermador, Bosch, & SubZero apls. Amazing mstr ste w/ sitting area, blcny, frplc, spa tub & multi-head shwr. Landscaped grnds w/ lanai, bbq, pool/spa & putting green.

I'm not loving the Tuscan-style exterior, but I think some lush landscaping could give it a facelift. The interior is impressive, though; the intricate parquet flooring is really eye-catching, the built-in bookcases and kitchen cabinets are beautiful and classic, and the sweeping foyer staircase is quite cinematic. I'm actually really drawn to the living room (above); I love the juxtaposition of the traditional, borderline waspy, navy and neutral palette used with clean-lined, modern furnishings. To see more interior and exterior photos,

This Just In: Halle Berry & Her Man Buy Canadian Country Crib

casasugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:00:37 -0700

Rumor has it, according to Real Estalker, that Halle Berry and her Canadian native model man, Gabriel Aubry, have purchased a gorgeous lakefront 63-acre spread for $1.85 million in Saint-Hippolyte, Québec, a small town about 30 miles north of Montréal. Aubry's parents live not far in a suburb of Montréal, so it will be nice for the couple's daughter, Nahla Ariela Aubry, to be near her grandparents. Aubry is reportedly excited about moving back to his native neck of the woods, saying, "It feels great. Anything we can do in our own hometown is always a good feeling." It also can't hurt to move into this stunning cabin. With a clawfoot tub, platform bed, and a pair of Adirondack chairs overlooking the lake, it looks downright serene. What a wonderful escape from the bustle of Hollywood. To see additional photos,

This Just In: Nic Cage Lists a Historic Rhode Island Estate

casasugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 08:30:52 -0700

Real estate hobbyist Nicolas Cage is at it again. The actor has listed a historic 24,664-square-foot, 12-bedroom, 10-full-and-3-half-bath estate in Newport, RI, for $15.9 million, according to Real Estalker. Cage purchased the monumental English manor-style estate just last year for $15.7 million. It's unclear whether he purchased the property furnished, but it seems furnishing the sprawling home alone would cost much more than the $200,000 raise in price. To see dozens of gorgeous interior and exterior photos, and read the property description,

On the Market: Former Home of Truman Capote

casasugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:00:27 -0700

The former estate of Truman Capote, author of literary classics Breakfast at Tiffany's and In Cold Blood, in Sagaponack, NY, is on the market for $14.6 million. Though he was actually a New Orleans native, Capote lived in the Long Island home until his death in 1984.
A cached listing for the property reads:

Hear the ocean from this very private and breathtaking setting in the heart of Sagaponack. Once the home of Truman Capote, this property has an oceanview main house, legal 2 bedroom guest house, 1900 sq ft artist's studio, detached garage and swimming pool. It is an oasis with stunning gardens, lawns and mature trees set 1000 feet from the ocean. Main house is a south facing, mid centruy modern home tastefully appointed and has plans and permits to expand. Guest house is ideally situated with its own privacy, gardens and parking.

For more information and to see photos of the property,

This Just In: Tori Spelling Lists Her 90025 Digs

casasugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:00:53 -0700

Donna Martin . . . er . . . Tori Spelling has listed her 3,300-square-foot, five-bedroom, 3.5-bath Westwood, Los Angeles, home for nearly $2.4 million, according to the LA Times.The listing for the property reads:

Nestled in a charming pocket of Westwood, this home is ideal for entertaining featuring French doors off the main rooms that lead to lushly manicured yard w/ saltwater pool & spa. The property boasts a grand living room with designer fireplace, media room and formal dining room. Spacious family room opens to recently updated gourmet kitchen w/ imported marble counters & top-of-the-line appliances. State-of-the-art sound system throughout & security system featuring gated entry w/ remote access.

To hear more and see plenty of photos,

What Do You Know About Beck's Home?

casasugar — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:00:24 -0700

Beck, a musician who defies genres and has been inspiring me since college, has just put another of his California homes on the market. Take a look at my quiz and see if you can figure out some of the details about the home.

Question 5

5 of 5

According to the property listing, Beck's home would be ideal for what type of animal?

The Correct Answer:

Horses

The property listing notes that Beck's home would work well for horses. Source and Source

On the Market: Matthew Perry's Former Pad

casasugar — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:00:06 -0700

Are you a Friends fan with an eye for modern real estate? Then you're in luck because, according to Big Time, the 8,000-square-foot, four-bedroom, five-bath Beverly Hills former home of Matthew Perry is on the market for $12.5 million.The listing for the property reads:

"Lautner-esque" Modern estate at the end of quiet cul-de-sac in Trousdale. Poliform kitchen opens to family room, which spills out to sizable back yard with large lawn, outdoor cooking & dining, and infinity pool & spa. Sensational city-to-ocean views can also be enjoyed from lavish master suite with Poliform closet and 2-story high living room. State-of-the-art Crestron system controls luxurious, advanced 14-person, tiered screening room, as well as most other automated features of the house.

To hear about Perry's real estate portfolio and see many more photos,

This Just In: Faith Hill and Tim McGraw List Their Hills Manse

casasugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 07:45:38 -0700

Country singin' couple Faith Hill and Tim McGraw have put their sprawling 10,500-square-foot, six-bedroom, five-bath Beverly Hills mansion on the market for a measly $14.8 million, according to Real Estalker. The property description reads:

Mediterranean estate w/ grand views & privacy in prestigious Beverly Park South. Situated on over 4 acres the estate offers sweeping panoramic views. Grand two story entry features limestone floors, large skylight & wrap around staircase. This home is highlighted by a spacious and elegant master suite w/ his & her baths connecting to a state of the art gym. Gourmet kitchen w/ stainless steel appliances, large open formal dining room w/ step down living room. Manicured gardens w/ luxurious pool.

I'm really loving the exterior, and the structure itself, and "sweeping panoramic views" sound pretty fab to me. But, I'm not too keen on some of their nouveau riche décor choices (faux wall treatments, so much beige). I'm sure all of their furnishings are high quality, but the interior doesn't seem to have much flavor, flow, or any cohesive style . . . a shabby chic pink dining room and then an Art Deco brick red sitting room? I don't know about that. Tell me what you think of the photos when you

This Just In: Robbie Williams Buys a Beverly Hills Mega Manse

casasugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 08:30:32 -0700

Real estate slump? What real estate slump? Seems like musician Robbie Williams might be immune to bad property values news, as he has paid a whopping $23.9 million for a 13,638-square-foot, seven-bedroom, seven-bath mansion in Beverly Hills, according to Real Estalker.The listing for the sprawling property reads:

Magnificent Estate in guard-gated Beverly Pk w/TC & views. Gated & private. Spectacular main house, 2-story 3br GH, separate staff quarters, expansive lawns, gorgeous landscaping, terraces, fountains, pl & spa. Timeless elegance & extraordinary charm. Main house w/grand entry, marvelous living rm w/sunken bar, library, FDR w/butler's pantry, family rm w/attached bth & sauna, master w/dual baths & huge custom walk-in closets, & 2 add'l bdrm suites.

Looks and sounds pretty luxe to me; I guess his ego has landed! To see additional photos,

This Just In: A Marky Mark on the Market

casasugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:30:59 -0700

Mark Wahlberg has put his five-bedroom, 10.5-bathroom, 15,000-square-foot Beverly Hills manse on the market for a whopping $15.9 million, according to Real Estalker. The listing for the property reads:

Privacy, unbelievable outdoor areas and gorgeous views. 15,000 SF of dramatic spaces, including an amazing 2 story private guest house, basketball court, 2500 SF gym with boxing rink and trainer's quarter, lavish waterfall pool w/ grotto, cabanas wired for sound and flatscreens. Newly constructed motor-court, Screening room/Theatre appointed w/ high ceilings, 35mm digital projection technology, 2 luxurious living rooms, bedroom suites all opening to lush gardens and resort like settings.

Wahlberg purchased the property in November 2001 for $4.95 million, and since then has dropped a lot of dollars on renovations. There doesn't seem to anything particularly exceptional about the property; it's your typical outlandish celebrity property with all of the unnecessary conveniences, few unique architectural elements, and not a stitch of personal style. I must say, I think a television screen that takes up nearly the entire wall (and isn't concealed) is beyond tacky. But then again, Wahlberg needs that sort of thing when he's watching final cuts with his entourage. To see lots of additional photos,

This Just In: Brett Favre Lists His Wisco Quarters

casasugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:15:01 -0700

Quarterback Brett Favre has put his 3,000-square-foot, four-bedroom, three-bath Ashwaubenon, WI, home on the market for $475,000, according to Real Estalker. The property description reads:

Outstanding spacious ranch home on a beautiful landscaped lot. 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths and 1st floor laundry. Enjoy the formal dining room w/ FP & wet bar. Large 3+ stall garage.

This makes perfect sense, as Favre was recently traded from the Green Bay Packers to the New York Jets. I heard from a friend that Favre had moved to Morristown, NJ, which is a few minutes away from the Jets training camp in Florham Park, NJ. After a little detective work, I learned that this is exactly the case; according to The Star-Ledger, Favre told the paper in early September, "We just bought a house in Morristown and (daughter) Breleigh started school on Wednesday." Sayonara Midwest, hello Jersey!

Source

Coveted(?) Crib: The House That $1.75 Bought

casasugar — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 08:30:44 -0700

A woman from Chicago is the proud winner of the eBay auction of an abandoned home in Saginaw, MI, according to Saginaw News. Her high bid? $1.75. Thirty-year-old Joanne Smith went up against seven other bidders to claim the house, but she has no plans to move there. "I am going to try to sell it. I don't have any plans to move to Saginaw. I don't have any plans of moving from (Chicago)," she says. This is not the story of the homes in Sicily selling for one Euro, though. The abandoned home is in disrepair and has changed hands seven times since 1999. And, as it turns out, the real cost of the house is a bit more than a buck-75. Smith must pay back taxes on the house and a trash/weed cleanup bill by March 31, setting the final price. To see this Saginaw home,

On the Market: Madonna's Former Abode

casasugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:00:21 -0700

Want to feel a little closer to the Material Girl? Then you might want to consider buying an eight-bedroom, nine-bath 1926 Beverly Hills manse that was once owned by Madonna. That is, if you have some millions to spare: the mansion is on the market for nearly $17.5 million.

For more details on the home, and to see more photos,

In the News: Something to Bank On

casasugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 08:30:27 -0700

New York magazine's "The 72-Room Bohemian Dream House" unveils what is perhaps "the greatest real-estate coup of all time": 190 Bowery Street. In 1966, thanks to much pressure from his real estate agent, photographer Jay Maisel scrounged up enough money, $102,000 to be exact, to purchase the abandoned 1898 Germania Bank building in Manhattan's Bowery district, which then was largely middle-class and German and by no means a "hot" neighborhood. 42 years, Meisel still lives there with his wife, Linda, and daughter, Amanda. The six-story building, which measures around 35,000 square feet, is now valued upward of $30 million. The first three floors are used as gallery spaces. Although Maisel hasn't let a broker set foot in the building, one agent said, "I would do anything to get that building." The building has undergone no major changes to its interior, and maintains many of its original features including the safe-deposit vault, an ornate copper elevator cage, a verdigris-coated copper roof trim, tin ceiling and wall tiles, and the bank's original kitchen, which was once used by staff who cooked for the bankers. Talk about a good investment! Check out the article for more details and a slideshow of the space.
Source

On the Market: Britney Spears's Beverly Hills Home

casasugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:00:17 -0700

As Pop will tell you, Britney Spears has put her 7,453-square-foot, 6-bedroom, 6.5-bath home in Beverly Hills on the market for $7.9 million. But, lucky for you, I've got more intel on the property. According to Real Estalker, the property description reads:

Exquisite gated Italian Renaissance Villa w/approx 7,500 sq ft of luxury, 6 BD, 6 ½ BA, wet bar, library, den, chic dining rm, & grand foyer. Artisan quality finishes, dramatic high ceilings, millwork, stone & mosaic tile floors, & iron accents. Chef’s kit w/Viking appliances & breakfast nook open to spacious great room. Romantic Master w/fireplace, & loggia. Manicured grounds incl. pool, spa, arbor, & lush landscape ideal for entertaining. Offered w/select furnishings, accessories, & art work.

It sounds pretty swank to me (despite the somewhat cheesy décor), and I love the open outdoor patio sitting area. Spears purchased the property for $6.75 million back in January 2007 — not exactly her most lucid days — so maybe she regrets the purchase. Either way, if it sells at asking price, she'll come out on top. Check out the photos and tell me what you think!

Source

This Just In: Audrina Patridge Heads Back to the Hills

casasugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 08:30:51 -0700

Audrina Patridge has opted for greener pastures than the backyard guest house of Lauren Conrad's house in the Hollywood Flats, and purchased her own three-bedroom, 2.5-bath digs in the Hollywood Hills for $1.29 million. We all knew that she'd moved out of Conrad's digs, but finally I've got the deets. The listing for the property reads:

This new construction Spanish Villa has a spectacular view over looking the city! It has three bedrooms & two and a half baths, & a huge gourmet chef's kitchen. The kitchen features a separate convection oven, 6 burner gas stove, built-in microwave, wine refrigerator and side by side refrigerator, & a center island. The entertainer's patio is like a resort w/ built in BBQ, refrigerator.

I guess it's not a far cry from Conrad's Spanish-style villa, so Audrina should feel right at home! Check out these pics for the full tour:

Source

On the Market: The Polaroid Beach House

casasugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 07:00:55 -0700

The celeb-ridden Polaroid Beach House, an infamous party spot frequented by scenesters like Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan in Malibu, has just been put on the market for the whopping price of $32 million. The house was basically one big product placement, used by the owners, the Polaroid company, to throw parties for young Hollywood that'd be snapped by paparazzi, discreetly landing their products all over the tabloids. But apparently, that promotional scheme was nixed by "local (rich) neighbors who objected to the around-the-clock revelry in the summer of 2007." To see more photos and hear more about the property,

On the Market: A House in Sicily For Just One Euro

casasugar — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 07:00:34 -0700

Ever heard of an offer you can't refuse? Sicilian mayor Vittorio Sgarbi has. The creative politician has decided to give the historic town center of Salemi in southwest Sicily a boost by selling properties in dire shape for just a single Euro (that's $1.39), according to the Daily Mail. The catch is that it'll cost you about $140k to repair the homes, and you'll have to do so within two years, keeping with its original character, and using local artisans, masons, builders, and architects in order to revitalize the area's weak economy. The area was damaged by a 1968 earthquake, and many houses have since been abandoned and are on their last legs. "We want to try and attract people back to the town or at least make some form of donation to try and help save an architectural environment that we are rapidly losing," says Sgarbi. Salemi, which has a population of 11,436, is also important historically: it is "known for having been the place where Giuseppe Garibaldi announced the annexation of Sicily in May 1860 as part of the expedition of the Thousand," and "has been ruled by the Romans, Vandals and Goths and then the Arabs." If you ever dreamed of living your own version of Under the Tuscan Sun, perhaps now is the time!
Source

This Just In: Dane Cook Has a New Kitchen

casasugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 14:00:05 -0700

Funny man/actor Dane Cook has purchased a 4,405-square-foot, four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home in Los Angeles for $7,078,412. The listing for the property reads:

Extraordinary modern oasis by Alessandro Munge-Munge/Leung Design Associates. Incredible secluded site with staggering views of the entire city, and all the way to the ocean. Extremely high quality materials such as Travertine Navona floors, Rift oak cabinetry, and African Namibia marble counter tops and bathrooms. Resort-style outdoor entertainment areas look out to a large flat grassy lawn and spectacular views.

I must say this is a pretty fabulous modern pad, with killer city views. Let's just hope Cook doesn't go wild on furniture shopping; that extra $12 on the sale price may have really set him back. But who needs furniture when you've got the girl?

Source

This Just In: Tom Brady Drops Major Cash on Empty Lot

casasugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:00:58 -0700

It seems as if Tom Brady isn't shy about taking real-estate risks. Since he sold his Boston condo way back in February (at a loss), he's ready to move on to other high-priced real estate dealings. This time, Brady is heading west to California.

The quarterback, who's equally well known as Gisele Bundchen's boyfriend, has bought a three-acre lot in Brentwood, just down the street from California governator Arnold Schwarzenegger. How much money did Brady spend on his lot? According to TMZ, over $11 million.

To find out more about the property,

This Just In: Denise Richards Lists Her Shabby Chic Crib

casasugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:00:00 -0700

Denise Richards has put her traditional 5,600-square-foot house in Hidden Hills, a luxury gated community in Los Angeles, on the market for $4.25 million, according to the LA Times. It has five bedrooms, including a master retreat with a sitting area. The property description lists:

Graceful foyer entry with sweeping staircase, gleaming wood floors, rustic stone floors, expansive living room with soaring ceilings and cast stone fireplace, great room accented by fireplace and library bookshelves, gourmet country kitchen with imported tiles and Carrera marble, state of the art stainless steel appliances, sun-filled breakfast room opens to kitchen, stately formal dining room features charming bay window and wainscotting, master retreat with comfortable sitting area, large walk-in closet, spa-like master bath with island tub and fireplace, five spacious bedrooms with private baths, inviting upstairs office, expansive grounds over an acre of mature landscaping and trees, [and] pebble textured pool and spa.

Richards has apparently listed the property for about $100,000 less than she paid for it — further evidence of this uncertain real estate market. If you're looking for a New England style "country" house in Los Angeles that's decked to the nines in shabby chic and leopard print toilets, then maybe this one's for you.

Source

This Just In: Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck Heart Holmby Hills

casasugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:00:52 -0700

Rumor has it that Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck have been wooed "by developer John Bersci to purchase a freshly rehabbed house" in the Holmby Hills section of Los Angeles in the neighborhood of $22 million, according to Real Estalker. The 1930s Hollywood Georgian features "nine bedrooms and nine bathrooms including a 2,500 square foot master bedroom with a private sitting room, four fireplaces, sauna, a humongous terrace with outdoor fireplace and two tremendous bathrooms," as well as "a large motor court with a front facing three-car garage, a paneled library with hidden wine cellar, screening room, staff quarters, and a two bedroom guest house adjacent to the rectangular shaped cement pond." The property, which is currently listed at $27.5 million, hasn't yet been closed on, but time will soon tell whether the Garner-Afflecks will call the gorgeous digs home. Sounds like there would be lots of room for Violet and her future sibling to play!

Source

This Just In: The Penns Write Off San Francisco

casasugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:00:00 -0700

According to the Wall Street Journal, Sean Penn and Robin Wright Penn have listed their home in Marin County, California, about 18 miles north of San Francisco, for $15 milion. The Penns purchased the property in 1996 for $2.1 million, and spent two years rebuilding the original 1933 Spanish-style house. The manse doesn't appear to be listed publicly, but the WSJ said:

The 10,000-square-foot house was designed with hand-hewn wood-beamed ceilings and floors, stone fireplaces and hand-painted tiles in the bathrooms and kitchen. The two-story home has five bedrooms, a home office, an au pair suite, a gym, and a three-car garage. A two-bedroom guest cottage has its own two-car garage. There's also a pool, tennis court, gardens, and dog run.

To hear my thoughts on the property and see additional photos,