Truman Capote’s Brooklyn Heights Home Could Set Luxury Real Estate Record


A home in the Brooklyn Heights area of New York City may set a record for a Brooklyn real estate sale. The NY Daily News reports that the 11-bedroom mansion where Truman Capote wrote “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” has hit the market for million with Sotheby’s Realty. The five-story Greek Revival townhouse was built in 1839 and has details that a Southerner like Capote might approve of including a columned porch along the rear of the house. Other gracious details include the elliptical mahogany staircase with rosette oculus window at the top, a double parlor with high ceilings and 11 fireplaces. There are two kitchens, a master suite with a bath and walk-in closet, an artist’s studio and library. One of the best features of the home might be the small but delightful rear garden.

The Daily News says that the home was owned in the 1950s by Broadway art director Oliver Smith, who rented the house’s garden apartment to Capote from 1955 to 1965. Legend has it that Capote would throw lavish parties when Smith left town. Capote also spent time in the Hamptons, living in a Sagaponack home which was on sale last year.

Gallery: Truman Capote’s Brooklyn Heights Home

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Truman Capote’s Brooklyn Heights Home Could Set Real Estate Record originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 11 May 2010 06:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What To Look For In Miami Luxury Real Estate

miami real estate

It is important to remember that the Miami luxury real estate market is an incredibly thriving segment of the state’s overall real estate industry. In fact, recent sales statistics show a marked increase in the value of the areas condominiums which indicates that anyone interested in acquiring luxury Miami real estate will not be finding any bargain basement prices.

Does that mean that Miami luxury real estate is out of most consumer budgets? Absolutely not! There are many neighborhoods and regions in the Miami area where a second home or rental property can be found for a very attractive and reasonable price.

Many buyers ask where and what to look for in Miami luxury real estate and the answer is quite simple – almost every neighborhood has luxury homes available and each is going to provide a surprising number of options and amenities.

Let’s look at a few neighborhoods to understand. The Downtown Miami neighborhood is, of course, full of retail and business offerings but just north and south of this district are two “booming” neighborhoods. Brickell to the south and the Design District to the north are both areas that provide the ideal answer to anyone looking for a home or investment property.

Brickell is often called the “Manhattan of the South” because of its financial, legal and governmental buildings and institutions as well as its many shopping, dining and retail areas. The region is home to single professionals, families and retirees and is one of the most dynamic neighborhoods in the city. Of course the Design District is something else as well. This is home to some of the most well-known design houses in the city, as well as the world. With more than one hundred professional shops and all of the accompanying stores, restaurants and businesses this neighborhood is also one where many people are snatching up condominium properties also.

Clearly it is a good idea to know your neighborhoods, or just to know what you want from your neighborhood when investigating Miami luxury real estate. For example, will you want direct access to a private marina? Do you want to be close to all of the shopping or night life? Is proximity to an airport necessary? All of these issues can help you identify the right neighborhood.

Additionally, there are some “basics” that all luxury properties must offer and these include views, comprehensive services, high-quality materials and construction, excellent facilities such as pools, spas and fitness centers and numerous floor plans to choose from.

Sunny Realty of South Florida features technologically advanced and Internet savvy realtors. They specialize in Sunny Isles real estate, Miami Beach luxury real estate and luxury condominiums. SunnyIslesMiamiRealEstate.com provides instant access to the best in Miami Beach real estate.

Luxury Real Estate Tips

If you are interested in purchasing luxury real estate, you likely have a great many questions about what options are available to you. Beyond trying to make a decision about what options are available to you today, you may also have concerns about how the volatility of the marketplace may impact your interest in purchasing luxury real estate. Through this article, you are provided with an overview of both what is available to you when it comes to luxury real estate as well as how the current state of the market generally is impacting the luxury market.


In looking at this, the pinnacle of that marketplace may include water view homes. Many people traverse the country indeed, the world in order to obtain luxury real estate in the form of water view homes. Simply put, people are drawn to the sunny states to obtain such residential properties with water views.


Overall, the ticket price attached to water view homes will be at the higher end of the property valuation scale. Obviously, residential properties with water views are in solid demand even in this time when the real estate market on other levels and in other locales are experiencing dips. However, with some effort, a buyer might be able to find some price reductions on these homes.


Beyond water view homes, there are also luxury homes and condos that do not have a water view but that are located on prime locations. These types of allow for many different housing options. For example, a Snow Bird who desires an elegant and idyllic condo can find such an option in the state of Florida.


As mentioned at the start of this article, many individuals are wondering how the overall state of the real estate market in the United States is (or is not) impacting the luxury market. Of course, at this point in time it is hard to find any segment of the real estate market that has been immune from the struggles, problems and issues that are becoming prevalent all of the more often.


With this in mind, while the luxury market is holding its own, there are occasions in which a buyer can obtain a better than expected deal when it comes to the purchase of a high end property. In short, by taking the time to shop around, a potential buyer may have the chance to obtain the proverbial dream home for an unexpectedly lower cost.

Lance Mohr is your Tampa real estate expert, with over 10 years of experience in real estate sales and 18 years of investing. He holds a real estate broker license in Florida, and is a member of top relocation firms. Lance can be reached at lance@lancemohr.com. Please visit http://tampa2enjoy.com and add http://tampa2enjoys.com/blog to your favorites section of your browser.

Can U.S. Luxury Real Estate Markets Sustain Home Prices?

Top 10 Luxury Home Markets To Watch for Price Increases or Reductions
The Unique Homes Magazine has listed 25 luxury home markets to watch in 2007 in its January issue. According to the Unique Homes report the 25 luxury markets will indicate where the luxury real estate market is heading to. These markets along with features that make them stand out from the rest are worth watching out for.
The following is a brief report on the top 10 luxury home markets to watch for price increases or reductions in 2007.
1. Annapolis, Maryland. The waterfront city located on Chesapeake Bay offers excellent boating and affordable prices compared to Washington’s luxury enclaves. With Washington and Baltimore within reasonable commute, this city is highly desirable.
2. Asheville, North Carolina. An eclectic ambiance and low-key lifestyle attracts people to Asheville which continues to remain one of the hottest places for luxury home buyers.
3. Aspen, Colorado. From a ski enclave this luxury market has grown into a platinum location. With its four-season appeal and restrictive zoning policies, Aspen is still a highly-sought after destination.
4. Atlanta, Georgia. The city offers several new upscale communities, numerous lifestyle amenities, retreats and much sought after waterfront luxury homes.
5. Austin, Texas. A strong real estate market that saw record gains in 2006, the reputable University of Texas, the scenic lakes and the great music attracts buyers to this hill country.
6. Bellevue/Medina, Washington. With prices going up at 28 percent, the market has still not peaked and several upscale neighborhoods are available at a lower price range when compared to other markets.
7. Beverly Hills, California. One of the top ranked luxury markets that is perpetually in demand, Beverly Hills continues to be untarnished and idolized as the Mecca for luxury. Hollywood Hills is currently a hot market for buyers.
8. Idaho. The growing resort markets in the state garner attention for the state that is making its presence felt in the luxury home market.
9. Jupiter, Florida. The boom has arrived here after Tiger Woods’ purchase of a 10-acre estate for $38 m. The market continues to surge on this exclusive island.
10. Manhattan Uptown, downtown, midtown. The luxury market is upbeat with record sales of more than $5 m in 2006 accelerated by Wall Streeters. Co-ops and town houses are favorites among buyers here.
If you are interested in buying or selling a home, condo or any other type of real estate in any of these markets, be sure to seek out the services of a real estate agent to advise you about current local market conditions.

Portabello – Luxury Real Estate Tour


Portabello – a $75 million dollar estate opens new doors of luxury and unheard-of amenities to create a grand-scale living and gala entertaining environment. Gracing three oceanfront lots in Cameo Shores, this contemporary masterwork is both defined by its stunning seaside site – and redefines the luxury lifestyle ideal. A study in sensuous curves, the home unfolds as a nautilus shell, with a sun-washed grotto at its center, surrounded by beautiful “chambers” including eight opulent bedroom suites and living areas that open to the sea. Portabello truly is a beautiful door to a new level of luxury on the incomparable Corona del Mar oceanfront. To learn more about this property visit www.portabello.com or http or to schedule a private viewing contact John McMonigle at 949-640-3604.

Celebrity Real Estate Round-Up – Jane Fonda & More.


From the LA Times Hot Properties:
–Arizona Cardinal Monty Beisel has listed his contemporary home in Encino, California for $2.395 million. The listing is here.
–Actor French Stewart and actress and interior designer Katherine LaNasa sold their renovated Hollywood Hills-area home in early March for $3.637 million and now their buyer has resold it for $4.08 million.
Oscar-winning rapper Juicy J has sold his Sherman Oaks house for $1.82 million.

From the Real Estalker:
–Jane Fonda is the latest celebrity to move into the Sierra Towers in West Hollywood picking up a modest one-bedroom rental.
–Cher’s son Elijah Blue sold a two-bedroom home in West Hollywood, California for $1.1 million in January.
–Sonja Morgan who is on the Real Housewives of New York City had listed her five-bedroom home in New York City for $7.25 million before pulling it off the market last month.
–Stephen Dorff has listed his Malibu beach house for $50,000 a month. The listing is here.
–Rumor has it that real estate developer Mohamed Hadid has finally sold the ten-bedroom store he built in Los Angeles’ Bel Air neighborhood. Last we checked the home was listed at $72 million but now it is listed as “Backup Offers Accepted” meaning that a deal may be in the works.

Gallery: $85 Million in Bel Air

–A home owned by actress Penelope Cruz has hit the market for $3.695 million. The listing is here.

Continue reading Sunday Real Estate Round-Up, 05/02/10

Sunday Real Estate Round-Up, 05/02/10 originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 02 May 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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