Mansions & More

Michael Jordan's Highland Park, IL Mega Mansion Goes Up For Auction

2013-11-10T21:35:00.000-06:00

It's all in the title, the over the top 56,000 square foot mansion owned by basketball legend Michael Jordan is going up for auction. The Highland Park, Illinois estate has been for sale for a number of years, once listed at an astounding $29,000,000. After numerous price cuts and still no takers, the listing agency apparently thought putting the mansion up for auction was the next step.

There is nothing wrong with the house itself, that's for sure. The Illinois mega compound was built in 1995 and boasts over 7 acres of land, 9 bedrooms, 19 bathrooms, 5 fireplaces, an indoor pool, a 3-bedroom guesthouse, a tennis court, putting green, 3 climate-controlled garages (each with a capacity of 12 cars), and not surprisingly, a private indoor basketball complex that features a regulation sized basketball court, specially cushioned hardwood flooring, competition-quality high intensity lighting and a professional sound system.

Here is a near 9-minute video showing a tour of the 56,000 square foot residence and offering a first hand look at some of the amenities included. For prospective buyers, the auction will be held on November 22. For more information, click the link below for the auctioneer's website.

CLICK HERE FOR THE WEBSITE

Was This New-Build Inspired by The Versailles Mansion?

2013-06-05T20:45:00.000-05:00

A new $40 million, 26,800 square foot mansion in southern Florida, dubbed "Playa Vista Isle", is currently under construction at 935 Hillsboro Mile in Hillsboro Beach. The French architecture was designed by Randall Stofft Architects and has been under construction since April 2011. But was this mansion inspired by another famous mansion under construction in southern Florida? 90,000 square foot Versailles, currently being built on Lake Butler in Windermere, Florida, sports a somewhat similar look. Apart from the enormous size difference of the two mega-mansions, the two homes are very comparable. Here are some comparison photos of the two mansions and their similar features.

So what do you think? Was this new Randall Stofft designed estate influenced by the super-mansion Versailles? Or are the matching mansions just a coincidence? Post in the comments what you think, we would love to hear your opinions.

13,462 Square Foot Oregon Mansion on Lake Oswego

2012-10-27T20:25:00.000-05:00

This extravagant 13,462 square foot house is located directly on Lake Oswego in Oregon. The 5 bedroom, 6.2 bathroom house was built for entertaining, featuring two gated entries, two boat lifts, a private elevator, huge gourmet kitchen, a full bar, media room, billiard room, office, exercise room, and infinity edge pool. The house is considered to be "The Ultimate Lake House", as it's literally built right on the lake. It was completed in 2009 and was previously listed at $11,600,000. It's now listed at $9,998,000. The address is 1500 Northshore Rd, Lake Oswego, Oregon. Click the link below for the website.

CLICK HERE FOR THE WEBSITE

Rosewood Estate in Bel-Air CA Listed at $46,000,000

2012-10-15T21:23:00.000-05:00

$46,000,000

Located in eastern Bel-Air in one of the most exclusive areas of Los Angeles is this incredible mansion dubbed the "Rosewood Estate". With over 1.75 acres of land and 23,639 square feet of space, this mansion is worth the astonishing $46,000,000. The home was completed in 2005 and it's said to be the finest example of Georgian architecture in the entire Los Angeles area. It offers 9 bedroom suites, 20 bathrooms, an oval-shaped entry hall, mahogany-paneled library, 120-guest ballroom, vintage diner, car museum, gym, and a full guest house.

The grounds of the estate are blanketed with formal gardens and manicured lawns. There is also a tennis court, mosaic tile pool, tree house and Koi pond. The entire estate is protected with high gates and a state-of-the-art security system. The address is 500 St Cloud Rd, Los Angeles, California. Click the link below for the listing.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LISTING

Partial Floor Plans I Have Designed Part 2

2012-10-10T21:17:00.000-05:00

Previously, I wrote an article featuring a rough sketch of some floor plans I designed for fun. In that post I said I would post again if I got back to it to show the progress I have made, so here it is. Only the first floor is finished, but you can see the floor plans below. The mansion is 15,203 square feet so far, and it includes a formal dining room, billiards room, library, guest quarters, his and her private offices, a conservatory, gym, wine cellar, multiple bars, an elevator, and underground parking. Look below for floor plans. Click here to see my previous post featuring these floor plans.

Also, I started on another very similar floor plan which serves as a revised version of the first one. This one offers larger rooms and a layout that 'flows' better in my opinion. Although unfinished, the first floor of this house offers 17,718 square feet so far, a library, maid's quarters (unfinished), his and her private offices (unfinished), multiple bars, a formal dining room, theater, 16-car garage, billiards room, and a 2 bedroom guest quarters with its own private kitchen and living area. Look below for the floor plans.

To make these floor plans, I use Chief Architect Home Designer (version 9.0). I don't remember how much it costs, but here is their website if you're interested. Also, below are a few other home design products by Chief Architect and some other companies.

Update on The Construction of Pensmore, The 70,000 Square Foot Missouri Estate

2012-10-08T20:32:00.002-05:00

Pensmore is an enormous mansion currently being constructed in the Ozarks. It's over 72,000 square feet and is said to have 13 bedrooms and 13-15 bathrooms. When completed in 2013, the estate will be a traditional French style and will be constructed completely out of concrete. This post will serve as an update to the construction of the mansion. Below are some videos to show the progress that has been made on the construction of the building. For more information on Pensmore, click the link below to go to it's official website.

CLICK HERE FOR THE WEBSITE

CLICK HERE FOR A VIDEO FEATURING PENSMORE

Newport Masterpiece House Plan with 10,275 Sq Ft

2012-10-07T20:36:00.000-05:00

Here is a newport style house plan complete with about 10,275 square feet of living space, 5 bedrooms, and 6 bathrooms. Designed with a finished walk-out basement and many entertainment features, this mansion plan would be a perfect second home for large family gatherings. The house boasts a formal dining room, library, office, music room, study, wine cellar, craft room, conference room, game room, media room, rec room, multiple garages, outdoor living areas, and an elevator. Click the link below for more information.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Newly Built New Jersey Mega-Mansion

2012-10-06T21:15:00.001-05:00

$19,000,000

This new construction was just completed in 2012 and it offers over 25,000 square feet of space. Situated upon 4.5 acres of land in Saddle River, New Jersey, the house offers plenty of amenities. There are 7 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, a large central hall, formal dining room, gourmet kitchen, breakfast room, private library/office, an indoor pool, and a private tennis court.

The house is a commercial grade construction made out of concrete and steel. The exterior is completely made up of stone and the interior offers stone, marble, and rare woods. The mansion is located at 105 Chestnut Ridge Rd in Saddle River, New Jersey. It's currently for sale at a price of $19,000,000. Click the link below for the listing.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LISTING

10,717 Square Foot Waterfront Home in West Bloomfield, Michigan

2012-10-04T20:53:00.000-05:00

This elegant 10,717 square foot mansion is located in West Bloomfield, Michigan and it sits right on the water. It kind of looks like a smaller, red-brick version of Russell Simmons' mega-mansion in Saddle River, New Jersey. The house offers 8 bedrooms, 9 full bathrooms, an In-law suite, gourmet kitchen, morning room, library, numerous entertaining rooms, a private tennis court and over 4 1/2 acres of waterfront land. The house was built in 1999 and the address is 5125 Middlebelt Rd, West Bloomfield, Michigan. It's currently listed at $7,300,000. Click the link below for the listing.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LISTING

120-Year Old Greenwich Estate Listed at $20,000,000

2012-10-02T19:52:00.001-05:00

Built in 1893, this historic estate boasts 14,967 square feet over 2 acres of sought after Greenwich land. The fully restored mansion is a Newport Arts & Crafts style and it has many features not found in homes today. Some of these include carved paneling, coffered ceilings, unique woodwork, leaded glass windows, and more. The list of amenities goes on, with things like a card room, banquet-sized dining room, library, solarium, exercise room, billiards room, and even a heated pool and hot tub with an adjacent pool house. The house includes 8 bedrooms and 8 full bathrooms.

Outside you will find parklike grounds and manicured lawns, a courtyard, a double driveway and views of the water. The mansion is located in the neighborhood of Belle Haven and the address is 1 Harbor Dr, Greenwich, Connecticut. It's listed at $20,000,000. Click the link below for the listing.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LISTING

21,000 Square Foot Arizona Mansion Listed at $9.95 Million

2012-09-30T20:25:00.000-05:00

Said to be one of the finest properties to be found anywhere in Arizona, this 21,012 square foot mansion is listed at only $9,950,000, which seems low for a home of this size and location. The 1-acre property is located on Camelback Mountain which offers fantastic city views. It's address is 5301 E Wonderview Rd, Phoenix, Arizona.

The mansion itself was built in 2008 and boasts 9 bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, an open foyer, numerous terraces and a large outdoor pool. Click the link below for more information on the house and the listing.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LISTING

Incredible $58,000,000 Mansion in Cambria, California

2012-09-25T18:51:00.000-05:00

Here is an incredible 32,500 square foot mansion located in Cambria, California. Listed at a jaw-dropping $58,000,000, the 11 bedroom, 12 bathroom mansion is sure to impress. The house is situated on a sprawling 80 acres of land and it includes every amenity you could possibly think of. Some of these include a private helipad, guest and staff quarters, showcase storage for exotic cars, a theater, wine cellar, a private vineyard, stables, and numerous outdoor living spaces spread out across many acres.

The house is called Castello della Costa d'Oro and it has it's own website. The home's address is Golden Coast Castle, Cambria, California and it's currently listed at $58 million, as stated before. Look below for a video.

CLICK HERE FOR THE HOME'S WEBSITE

European Mansion Design with Floor Plans

2012-09-22T22:15:00.001-05:00

Here is a 13,616 square foot European style mansion with 5 bedrooms and 5 baths. The house includes many amenities like a private library, formal living room, his and her master closets, an elevator, indoor tree house for kids and even a sky room (whatever that is). The house has a very unique style that seems to be a mix of mediterranean with moroccan influences. Look above for floor plans and renderings, and click here for more information.

A Look at Biglin Architectural Group

2012-09-17T20:55:00.000-05:00

Here is a closer look at Biglin Architectural Group, based out of Calabasas, California. Started in 2000, the company specializes in anything from medium-sized remodels to large-scale, multi-million dollar custom homes. Some of their completed works include Mediterranean, Italianate, Craftsman and Contemporary style homes and they can be found all around the Los Angeles area. Here are a few of their completed and current projects.

#1 - French Renaissance in Beverly Hills

This french-style mansion offers tons of space and is situated on a large parcel of land. Floor plans are also available.

#2 - Sunset Residence

Located on Sunset Boulevard, this stately mansion is very formal and it offers over 36,000 square feet. Click here for a more in depth article on this mansion.

#3 - Thousand Oaks Residence

This mediterranean mansion looks slightly smaller than some of the other mansions listed, but it's full of entertainer's amenities, including and outdoor pool with a waterslide.

#4 - Holmby Hills Residence

While finished pictures aren't yet available, I thought I would include this mansion in my post because it's interesting. With well over 40,000 square feet of living space and numerous outbuildings, this Holmby Hills mega-mansion is one of a kind. Here are some floor plans. Click here for more floor plans and renderings.

CLICK HERE FOR BIGLIN ARCHITECTURAL GROUP'S WEBSITE

20,000 Sq Ft French-Style Chateau in Texas

2012-09-13T20:31:00.001-05:00

$14,750,000

This French Chateau estate features 21,131 square feet of living space and over 10 acres of land overlooking Lake Grapevine. Built in 2005, the home is of overall high-quality and is beautiful inside and out. The house has 6 bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms, a huge foyer, formal dining room, gourmet kitchen, billiards room, library, wine cellar, theater, exercise room, and many more entertainment rooms.

Outside you will find manicured lawns, an infinity-edged pool with spa, waterfront views, a private pond, and a guest house that offers 3 additional bedrooms. The house is located at 1808 Point De Vue Dr in Flower Mound, Texas. It's currently listed at $14,750,000. Click the link below for the listing.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LISTING

CLICK HERE FOR A VIRTUAL TOUR

200 Acre Estate in Arkansas

2012-09-10T20:27:00.000-05:00

$2,000,000

This red-roofed, 13,000 square foot mansion sits on a sprawling 200 acres of land. The mansion is considered a "smart" home due to the home automation system and endless amenities. Some of these include a private theater, elevator, and a 5,000 square foot humidity controlled indoor pool with a whirlpool spa, dressing room, separate bathrooms and more.

The mansion has 5 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms and it was built in 2009. It's located at 318 Cr 331 in Cherry Valley, Arkansas and it's listed at $2,000,000. Click the link below for the listing.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LISTING

Modern Waterfront Mansion in Medina, Washington

2012-09-07T19:38:00.003-05:00

$9,995,000

This 9,100 square-foot mansion is located in Medina, Washington and it sits right on the water. Built in 2011, the house offers five bedrooms and seven and half bathrooms. The modern mansion offers large, open living spaces with clean lines and simple designs.

Some other amenities include spacious rooms, multiple kitchens, a recreation/media room, a sauna, indoor pool, private pier and 80' of waterfront with views of Lake Washington. The house is located on almost an acre of land and it's currently listed at $9,995,000. The address is 3320 78th PI NE, Medina, Washington. Click the link below for the listing.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LISTING

Floor Plans to Updown Court

2012-09-03T20:27:00.000-05:00

Updown Court is a renowned mega-mansion in England known for being one of the most expensive homes in the world. With 103 rooms and over 58 acres of land, it's also one of the largest. Here are the floor plans to the enormous mansion.

Also, here are some links to larger versions of the floor plans and a brochure about the estate.

FIRST LEVEL FLOOR PLANS

SECOND LEVEL FLOOR PLANS

PENTHOUSE FLOOR PLANS

LOWER LEVEL FLOOR PLANS

BROCHURE

*thanks to Homes of The Rich for finding these!

A Look At Landry Design Group

2012-08-31T18:46:00.000-05:00

Here are some of the many mansions designed by renowned Landry Design Group, based out of Los Angeles, California. Founded by skilled architect Richard Landry, they specialize in designing both modern and classic styles of homes and have designed many famous mansions in the Los Angeles area.

Many of the houses in the exclusive community of Beverly Park were designed by the Landry Design Group, including Alec Gores' mega mansion, 40 Beverly Park, 42 Beverly Park, 72 Beverly Park, and 61 Beverly Park Ct. Below are some photos of each mansion in order. For more photos and houses designed by the Landry group, visit their website here. Also, Richard Landry has a 328-page hardcover book, Private Estates, that features many of the previous estates he designed, complete with photos, descriptions, and behind-the-gates looks at the renowned estates in Landry's portfolio. Look below for more information.

Alec Gores Mega-Mansion

(49 Beverly Park)

40 Beverly Park

42 Beverly Park

72 Beverly Park

61 Beverly Park Ct

*All photos from http://www.landrydesigngroup.com/index.html

12,000 Sq Ft Waterfront New Build in Florida

2012-08-28T22:30:00.001-05:00

$9,999,999

Located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this 12,000 square foot European-inspired mansion is still under construction. The 7 bedroom, 11 bathroom mansion has 4 stories or amenities, including a huge kitchen, multiple garages, and office, and much more. The house will also be located right on the water so there is over 140' of dockage for yacht parking. The address is 4 Pelican Isle, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Click the link below for the listing and floor plans.

Note: After finding this article, it seems like this mansion has been planned for a while and construction is not moving forward. Hopefully the house will be finished in the future.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LISTING

CLICK HERE FOR THE OTHER ARTICLE

Contemporary Mansion in Russia, 22,604 Square Feet

2012-08-23T21:47:00.000-05:00

$29,000,000

This large and unusual contemporary mansion is located in Russia and it offers 22,604 square feet of living space. Constructed in 2012 out of wood, natural stone, and glass, this large mansion has a very modern feel. There are 4 bedrooms, 2 kitchens, a lounge, game room, indoor pool, central courtyard, spa, sauna, and even a staff apartment. The garage alone in this house is 6,400 square feet. Being located in Russia, I can't find the address, but you can look below for the listing.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LISTING

Contemporary Dallas Mansion with a Private Lake

2012-08-21T15:00:00.001-05:00

$10,000,000

This 14,748 square foot Dallas, Texas mansion is definitely unique. With interesting features on the inside and out, another mansion like this one would be hard to find. It has 8 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, and a very colorful interior that features a large formal dining room, wine cellar, library, gym, and much more. The kitchen in this house resembles a diner/cafeteria which is odd for a home like this. Some other amenities include numerous living areas and a master suite with a 2-story master closet.

The exterior of the mansion is a contemporary style and it boasts and outdoor pool, tennis court, multiple cabanas, landscaped gardens, waterfalls and a private lake. The house is located on almost 5 acres and it's on the market for $10,000,000. The address is 10660 Strait Ln, Dallas, Texas. Click the link below for the listing.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LISTING

CLICK HERE FOR AN AERIAL VIEW

50,000 Square Foot Mega-Mansion in Farmington, Connecticut

2012-08-19T22:56:00.001-05:00

$10,000,000

Currently on the market for only $9,999,999, this enormous 48,515 square foot mansion is definitely one of a kind. The house is owned by rapper 50 Cent and it has every amenity you could possibly need. There are 21 bedrooms, 25 bathrooms, a huge foyer that resembles a hotel lobby, an enormous kitchen with two islands, a theater, meeting/conference room, multiple game rooms, gym, indoor racquetball court, indoor pool, and even a nightclub!

However, for a house of this size, there seems to be a lack of quality throughout the home. Overall the mansion looks rather ugly and it resembles a hotel. It was built in 1985 and it sits on over 17 acres. The property is located on Poplar Hill Dr in Farmington, Connecticut. Click the first link below for the listing and the second link for an aerial view of the mansion.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LISTING

CLICK HERE FOR AN AERIAL VIEW

CLICK HERE FOR MORE PICTURES

*Photos from http://www.luxist.com/2007/05/20/50-cents-home-estate-of-the-day/

Two Castle-Like Mansions in Illinois

2012-08-16T00:33:00.000-05:00

$5,650,000

These two castle-like mansions located in Illinois are comparable in size, price and style. One mansion is for sale for $5,650,000 and the other is listed at only $100k more. In this article we'll take a look at the two homes.

This first mansion was built in 1925 and it has 8,855 square feet of living space. There are 6 bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms, an award-winning tennis court, a pool, formal dining room, sun room, and over an acre of landscaped grounds. Dubbed Halcyon Hall, the mansion is also a Historic Landmark Home. It's located at 344 Raving Dr in Highland Park, Illinois. Click here for the listing. Click here for more pictures.

$5,750,000

The second mansion is much newer, being built in 2002. Listed at $5,750,000, this house is only $100,000 more than the first, but has more space with 10,495 square feet. It's named Castello Della Luna and it boasts 6 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, an elevator, 7 fireplaces, two master suites, guest quarters, a 1,200 bottle wine cellar, library, and lots of living and entertaining space. The property is about 1 1/2 acres and the address is 1239 Oxford Ln, Naperville, Illinois. Click here for the listing. Click here for more pictures.

After looking at both mansions, which do you prefer? Leave your answer in the comments!

Sprawling Mansion in Scottsdale, Arizona

2012-08-14T21:17:00.000-05:00

$7,500,000

This picture-perfect mansion is 11,068 square feet and it's located in the foothills of Scottsdale, Arizona. The 5 bedroom, 10 bathroom mansion was built in 2002 and is now listed at $7,500,000. Some amenities include a media room, exercise room, office, 6-car garage, tennis court, pool, spa, and unsurpassed views of the McDowell Mountains and valleys below.

The house is a mediterranean style and it's built right into the side of the mountains on 10 acres of land. The address is 10500 E Lost Canyon Dr (Lot 15), Scottsdale, Arizona. Click the link below for the listing.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LISTNG

CLICK HERE FOR A VIRTUAL TOUR