Boutique hotels | The Honolulu Advertiser

Read article : Boutique hotels | The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted on: Sunday, March 21, 2004

Boutique hotels

By Chris Oliver
Advertiser Staff Writer

In Paul Theroux's novel "Hotel Honolulu," the narrator becomes the manager of the last small old hotel in Waikiki ... "a kind of 'bowteek hotel,' " the owner, Buddy Hamstra, calls it. The fictional 80-room property with its Paradise Lost bar and assortment of eccentric residents lives in the shadow of becoming a "tear-down," replaced by one of the huge chain establishments.

Theroux's hotel may be fiction, but the concept of a "boutique-style" property — small, intimate and comfortable, with staff who remember your name from one year to the next — is very much alive in Waikiki.

"New York hotelier Ian Schrager gets credit for beginning the trend for smaller and more intimate lodgings," said Tia Gordon of the American Hotels & Lodging Association in Washington D.C. "He wanted to get away from the traditional desk-bed-bath hotel room and put more color and style into smaller and hipper properties."

Islanders are often asked by prospective visitors where they should stay, and we sometimes like to make a little getaway to Waikiki ourselves, playing tourist. Where to go? The Advertiser surveyed a number of smaller hotels offering a variety of price ranges and specialties in Waikiki.

Waikiki Parc

Waikiki Parc Hotel:For some, like Bob Good of Mesa, Ariz., a stay at the Waikiki Parc is "like coming home." He says the level of service is excellent. Photos by Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser

Hotel employees who remember your name is one reason Bob Good, from Mesa, Ariz., returns to the Waikiki Parc several times a year and says it's "like coming home." He gets a level of service he says is hard to find at hotels on the Mainland. "You can get a room anywhere, but not the quality of service I find here," said Good, 60. "I once left a suitcase behind, and a hotel employee going off their shift personally delivered it to me at the airport. They have the best staff of anywhere I've been."

Smaller and quieter than nearby sister hotel Halekulani, at the end of a cul-de-sac on Helumoa Street, the 297-room, recently renovated Waikiki Parc prides itself on delivering Halekulani-style service at a lower price.

"We have fewer public places in the hotel, so it tends to be quieter. Staff know who you are, and we tend not to have groups, so there is not so much movement," said Patricia Tam, vice president of Halekulani Corp.

Waikiki Parc also pays attention to changing visitor profiles, Tam said. "There's no longer a sharp division between business and leisure travelers. We cater to guests who are frequently doing both. This means an efficient business center and Internet service, workout room, and irons and boards in every room for the increasing number of female business travelers."

Tam said 20 percent of guests are return visitors. "For that to happen, guests must feel a personal tie-in. We are sincere about our services."

Waikiki Parc Hotel, 2233 Helumoa St., 921-7272, www.waikikiparc.com. Kama'aina rates from $125 a night.

W Honolulu

"Boutique" hotels became mainstream when Starwood Hotels & Resorts created its W line, including the W Honolulu, its fifth property, which opened near Diamond Head in 1999. One employee says W stands for "warm, witty, welcoming." Entering the low-ceilinged lobby, the W mood also is cool, chic and sophisticated, definitely mirroring hotelier Schrager's ideal of being a little "on the edge."

"At Diamond Head we're removed from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki," said Teri Orton, W's director of operations. "which promotes the feeling of tranquility. Our staff don't wear name tags, and we personally greet guests with fresh fruit juice and chilled oshibori towels to freshen up while their bags are brought in."

Guests are checked in upstairs in their rooms by "welcome ambassadors." The W has 44 rooms and four suites, including a 2-bedroom penthouse.

Decor and furnishings are Balinese, lighting intimate and subdued. Instead of a hotel lobby, W's entrance mimics a living room, with comfortable sofas that encourage guests to meet and linger.

Weekly guest events include "Revive Wednesdays," a wine and martini party beginning at 6 p.m., and "Wonderlounge" on Fridays and Saturdays beginning at 6 p.m. Diamond Head Grill is open for dinner nightly at 6.

W Honolulu, Diamond Head, 2885 Kalakaua Ave. 922-1700, www.whotels.com. Kama'aina rates from $174 a night for a Diamond Head room.

Outrigger Luana Waikiki

Outrigger Luana: Paige Showe and Derek Rogers relax on a 16th-floor lanai that offers a spectacular view of Waikiki. And keep in mind ... New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel, 2863 Kalakaua Ave., 923-1555, www.kaimana.com. At the quiet end of Waikiki, the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel has long been a favorite place for kama'aina to put out-of-town guests and also to get away themselves. The hotel's beachside Hau Tree Lanai is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Kama'aina rate is $116 per room, per night. Aston Waikiki Joy Hotel, 320 Lewers St. 923-2300, www.aston-hotels.com. The Waikiki Joy has 93 rooms with in-room jacuzzi baths and Bose stereo systems. Guests are greeted with a guava-lava smoothie on arrival and get one free hour with a keepsake video in one of the property's 12 karaoke studios. The hotel is intimate, popular with honeymooners and gay-friendly. Kama'aina rates start at $89 per room, per night and include continental breakfast. Aston Coconut Plaza Hotel, 450 Lewers St., 923-8828, www.aston-hotels.com. The 84-room Coconut Plaza has a bed-and-breakfast flavor. A cobblestone driveway leads to a gazebo garden area. Kama'aina rates start at $59 for a studio, per night, and includes continental breakfast. Aston Waikiki Beachside, 2452 Kalakaua Ave., 931-2100, www.aston-hotels.com. The hotel overlooks Waikiki beach and serves a three-course English tea on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Kama'aina rates start at $95 per room, per night. Royal Garden at Waikiki, 440 Olohana St., 943-0202. Small, quiet, Royal Garden at Waikiki has 202 rooms, two swimming pools, two jacuzzis and two saunas as well as Cascada, a French restaurant and Shizu, a Japanese eatery. Kama'aina rates start at $95 per room, per night. 'Ilima Hotel, 445 Nohonani St., 923-1877, www.ilima.com. 'Ilima has 99 rooms, a mix of studios, one- and two-bedroom suites and a three-bedroom penthouse. Ilima describes itself as family-oriented rather than a boutique hotel, with large rooms and a new conference center (for groups up to 50); 75 percent of hotel guests are returnees. Kama'aina rates start at $95. —Chris Oliver

Steve Winter, general manager of Outrigger Luana Waikiki, says the concept of the boutique hotels resides in the relationship between employee and guest. "The attitude is a desire to do something, not an obligation. It's knowing names, attentive service and ensuring the guest wants to return," Winter said.

Outrigger is converting the former 242-room Waikiki Terrace hotel into a 217-room condotel with an $11 million renovation. The units include studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments. The hotel program is managed by Outrigger to generate income for absentee landlords.

Part of the Outrigger Luana's boutique attraction is its location on Kalakaua Avenue at the Ala Moana end of Waikiki, almost surrounded by Fort DeRussy's 66-acre green belt. "Ocean on one side, city views on the other. There's not a lot of concrete around us, and it's spectacular at night," Winter said.

Luana's units are compact with cleverly built-in appliances; one- and two-bedroom apartments have a kitchen. There is a sundeck and pool, fitness room, coin-operated laundry and an activity desk. There is no restaurant in the building, but there are 15 eateries within a block or two. Ourigger Luana Waikiki, 2045 Kalakaua Ave., 955-6000, www.outrigger.com. Kama'aina rates begin at $126 a night for a studio, $195 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Aqua Bamboo

"Small, comfortable. hip and affordable" is how Lisa Maria Priester describes the Aqua Bamboo on Kuhio Avenue. Priester, 36, an interior designer with Architects Hawaii, stayed there over Valentine's Day weekend after reading about the newly renovated hotel in a travel magazine. "It's not a fancy resort, but they've done a good job," Priester said, viewing the hotel's neutral decor through a designer's eye. She said it has appeal for the contemporary budget traveler.

"Our studio apartment had two double beds and a plasma-screen TV. The lobby is beautifully furnished Indonesian-style and the rates, especially for kama'aina, are great," she said. Priester also liked the little journal in each room in which travelers can record their stories.

"There aren't too many true boutique hotels in Waikiki," said Bamboo manager Joseph Yamaoka, "but we do our best to provide a 'home away from home' experience for our guests." He describes it as B&B intimacy with hotel amenities.

One of three Aqua properties in Waikiki, Bamboo offers guest rooms with at least one private lanai (many have more than one), color television, in-room safe and shower with full tub and kitchen, all renovated in 2001. Amenities include ice and soda vending machines, concierge services, parking (for a fee), swimming pool, jet spa/sauna (at nearby Hyatt Regency for a fee), coin-operated laundromat, sundeck, barbeque grill, garden with pavilion.

Aqua Bamboo, 2425 Kuhio Ave., 922 7777, www.aquaresorts.com. Kama'aina rates start at $89 for a studio.

Pikake Suites

Take any back road in Waikiki, and between high-rise concrete towers are plenty of alternative lodgings. One block back from Kalakaua Ave., behind a big wooden gate, the Pikake Suites, a seven-suite, two-story building, opens this month after renovations, aimed at gay and honeymoon travelers. (It was formerly Ha'eheo Guest House and Magnolia Hotel.)

"We see our property as a comfortable sanctuary," said general manager Michael Lunde. The two-bedroom suites with lounge and small kitchen are elegantly furnished in Balinese style. There is a library/reading area, and a small fountain courtyard and jacuzzi. "Our guests are international as well as from the Mainland. Most will stay around a week," Lunde said. What's special about the place? "Hmmm, it's got to be the staff attitude. We're here to greet guests and ensure they enjoy their stay from the get-go," Lunde said.

Pikake Suites, 2566 Cartwright Road, 778-2283. No kama'aina rates; the two-bedroom suites are $179 a night.

Ohana Reef Lanai

Ohana Reef hotel manager Lester Shim says the 110-room property on Saratoga Avenue offers small-scale, more personal service. "I've worked in larger hotels where there is a "time poverty" problem, Shim said. "There are only so many minutes, with many people demanding your attention. Here at the Ohana Reef Lanai, it's less hectic and we can offer the same services without the hustle and bustle."

The Reef Lanai became the first smoke-free hotel property on O'ahu in November. "We took a risk, especially with business clients — no smoking anywhere — but we thought it was the right thing to do," Shim said. Prohibiting smoking guarantees guests a no-smoking room, something other hotels cannot absolutely promise, he said.

During the early morning in the small lobby looking out on Saratoga across from Fort DeRussy Park, guests can be seen coming and going, ducking into Buzz's restaurant in the hotel for breakfast (the restaurant is smoke-free, too).

The hotel offers a choice of standard, studio and large one-bedroom suites that can sleep families of six, and recently won an editor's choice award from Travel Holiday magazine for best hotel in its price range.

Ohana Reef Lanai, 225 Saratoga Ave. 923-3881, www.ohanahotels.com. Kama'aina rates from $85 per room, per night. A $79-a-night kama'aina special, which includes a free continental breakfast, is available, depending on hotel occupancy.

The Breakers

Mid-morning rain doesn't bother guests at The Breakers, an old Hawai'i-style resort on Beachwalk. In the central courtyard around the swimming pool, general manager Ethel Nada is on hand to chat with guests and suggest indoor activities, but many are content to read on their lanais and wait out the shower.

"Home, friends, family" are words Nada uses to describe the resort's ambience. Nada started out with The Breakers as booking clerk when it opened and has never left. The hotel is celebrating 50 years in business now. She knows her guests personally, 75 percent of whom are return visitors. Many of her staff have been with her for 20 years, she said.

"We consider ourselves an oasis among high-rises," Nada said of the Japanese-style budget resort. "Friends return here each year to meet up."

The Breakers does not market itself as "cool and hip," rather as "gracious Island living." Architecturally, the resort matches the Urasenke Tea House, with which it shares the property.

The Breakers, 250 Beachwalk, 923-3181, www.breakers-hawaii.com. No kama'aina rates; room rates begin at $91 a day, single; $94 a day, double.

Gower Self Catering Accommodation - Penrice Castle Cottages

Read article : Gower Self Catering Accommodation - Penrice Castle Cottages

The origins of the Penrice Estate can be traced back to the twelfth century when a Norman knight took the name of de Penrice and was gifted the land that became the Estate. A mile from the coast, Penrice Castle has panoramic views over Oxwich Bay.

On the Estate are fifteen lovely self catering Gower holiday cottages, sleeping between three and eight. Bookings are from Friday to Friday. A few are described below: For full details on each cottage please go to our main address.

Bayview Cottage Prices from £455pw to £1025pw in high season.

Situated in Penrice Village. Sleeps 6-7. Private parking. Gas central heating. A typical detached Gower cottage overlooking the village green. It has a lovely enclosed garden with wonderful sea views. Beamed ceilings and an open fireplace, flat screen tv and DVD.

One double bedroom, one twin bedded room, one single room and a single room with a pull out bed.

The stable outside has a ping pong table and darts board and there is an outside additional toilet.

Church Cottage Penrice Village prices from £355pw to £870pw in high season. Sleeps 4. Gas central heating.

Church Cottage is the oldest of all the Penrice cottages. It is on the green facing the church. The village clockmaker used to live here. It has a lot of old fashioned charm and atmosphere with a lovely enclosed cottage garden and large grounds.

One double bedded room and a twin bedded room with a downstairs bathroom with shower over bath. Open fire the dining hall and a cosy sitting room with beams and a flat screen tv and DVD.

Penrice Old Farmhouse Prices from £580 to £1320 in high season.

Sleeps 8. Gas-fired central heating. An imposing detached large farmhouse with extensive lawns and attractive outbuildings, including a listed Granary on staddle stones. A good holiday home for families who like plenty of space. This house also has the added advantage of an additional second sitting room and a games room where table tennis, darts are available.

Two king size bedded rooms and two twin bedded rooms. One bathroom and one shower room.

Back Field - Prices from £525 to £1195 in high season. Three bedrooms, sleeps up to 6.

Originally Back Field belonged to the adjoining Penrice Old Farmhouse as the animal sheds. During 2008 the property has been lovingly converted into top quality holiday accommodation. It is an 'L' shaped property with a very interesting exposed vaulted ceiling. There is a large kitchen/dining room and a good sized sitting room with a log burner and a flat screen television. The bedrooms have en-suites, two with baths with showers above and one of the doubles has a shower room. Both the doubles have king size beds. The house is light and bright with a mix of old and modern. Outside there is a large lawned area, a small patio with seating and a barbecue. There is a separate driveway to that of Penrice Old Farmhouse and a fence between the two properties. The garden is quite private with seasonal views across Penrice Top Park. Short breaks are available form October to Easter but not school holidays. Ideal property for children and the elderly as it is all on one level.

Garden House - Penrice Park Prices from £575 to £1320 in high season.

Sleeps 8. Gas central heating.

An enchanting detached house set in the park with its own private enclosed garden. Garden House was originally the head gardener's house. The old walled kitchen garden lies behind.

Two double bedded rooms and two twin bedded rooms. One bathroom and one shower room.

Hillside Cottage - Penrice Village. Prices from £365pw to £840pw in high season. Sleeps 4. Gas central heating.

One of the original Gower Cottages built by the Penrice Estate at the end of the eighteenth century. Hillside is a small cottage with two bedrooms and lots of charm. It has a small garden at the front and a larger raised lawn at the back with a lovely view of the countryside.

One double bedded room and one twin bedded room. Shower over the bath and additional downstairs cloak-room. Very traditional, cosy cottage.

Marsh View - Penrice Village. Prices from £450pw to £1020pw in high season.

Sleeps 5plus1. Gas central heating. The Estate's head carpenter used to live here. The views overlooking Oxwich Bay are wonderful and there is a large enclosed garden.

One double bedded room, 1 twin bedded room and one single bedded room with a pull out full size guest bed. Bathroom with shower over bath. Cosy sitting room with open fire, flat screen tv and dvd. Farmhouse kitchen with log burner.

Pitt Soggs Cottage- outskirts of Penrice Village. Prices from £395pw to £895pw in high season.

A recent conversion of an old building with a traditional exterior but a more modern interior.

Sleeps 4. Underfloor gas central heating.

Open plan layout downstairs. One double and one twin bedded room upstairs. one bathroom and one shower room. Very pretty traditional cottage outside with a modern twist inside.

The Kittles Prices from £395pw to £895pw in high season.

A recently renovated cottage built in the twentieth century with beautiful views over Penrice Park and Oxwich Bay in the distance. Sleeps 4. Gas central heating. One double and one twin bedded room upstairs with a bathroom with shower over the bath. Additional cloakroom downstairs.

Rose Cottage Penrice Village. Prices from £500pw to £1150pw in high season.

Beautiful views of Oxwich bay. Formerly the village inn called The Rising Sun where Dylan Thomas spent many school holidays.

Sleeps 6. Gas central heating.

One double bedroom, one bedroom with a king size bed and one twin bedded room. Bathroom with shower over bath. Additional downstairs cloakroom.

Sea View Cottage Penrice Village. Prices from £370pw to £860pw in high season.

A typical detached Gower cottage that was once thatched. Overlooking Penrice Village Green.

Sleeps5. Gas central heating One double bedded room, one twin bedded room and one single bedded room. Downstairs bathroom with shower over bath.

Estate Office Cottage Prices from £375pw to £855pw in high season.

A one storey two bedroom cottage, overlooking Penrice Park. Originally the Estate Office where tenants would come to pay their rent.

Sleeps 3. Gas central heating. Suitable for poor mobility.

One double bedroom with twin beds and one single bedroom with a 3ft 6 inch adjustamatic bed. Large bathroom with bath and separate shower.

Martha's Cottage Hayes Lane. Prices from £350pw to £815pw in high season.

One of a pair of semi-detached cottages up a little lane surrounded by fields and woods.

Sleeps 5. Gas central heating and an open fire, flat screen tv and DVD. Shared enclosed garden.

One double bedroom, one twin bedded room and one single bedded room. Downstairs bathroom with shower over bath. Very pretty cottage recently updated.

Shepherd's Cottage Hayes Lane. Prices from £350pw to £800pw in high season.

The second of a pair of semi-detached cottages up a little lane overlooking fields and a wood.

Sleeps 4. Gas central heating and an open fire, flat screen tv and dvd. Shared enclosed garden.

One double bedroom and one twin bedded room. Upstairs bathroom and additional downstairs toilet.

The Towers- New for 2010 is a one bedroom gatehouse that looks like a mini- norman castle. Both the bedroom and sitting-room are round as they are located in the tower itself. The Towers has just undergones extensive restoration to a very high standard and would be ideal as a honeymoon or romantic break location. Sleeps 2

Local Area:

Oxwich Bay, which lies in front of Penrice Castle, has a beautiful enclosed sandy beach that stretches east for about two miles from the village of Oxwich.

Cottage visitors have free parking for the beach, which is owned by the Penrice Estate and is ideal for swimming, fishing, waterskiing and windsurfing. Oxwich beach is the only bay in South Gower that allows dogs during the summer months. The secluded church on the rocks by the bay is one of the most romantic spots in the whole of Gower. There are tennis courts available within the grounds of the Estate for visitors use and fishing and a small rowing boat is available on the lake by prior arrangement with the owner.

Between the beach and Penrice Castle is Oxwich Marsh, a National Nature Reserve which is interesting for bird-watchers and nature lovers. Recent sightings have included the extremely rare Dartford Warbler.

Other attractions in the area include several golf courses, many other nature reserves and some wonderful castles and gardens. There are also numerous attractions for children in and around Swansea. Good pubs and restaurants are all nearby.

Area information

Gower was the first Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty, and has hardly changed since. There are beautiful beaches all within a short distance. Some fanatstic moorland and woods suitable for long walks. What could be better than at the end of your walking enjoying lunch in one of the local country pubs we have to offer. If you are into watersports there are beaches for surfing, wind surfing, swimming and boating plus lots more. Oxwich also has a company called Euphoria which hires out specialist water equipment, and Oxwich Beach was voted Best Beach in Britan by the Travel Magazine in 2007. Boat rides around the peninsula are always very popular and there is plenty of wildlife to see. Birdwatching, horse riding and golf are also very popular in the area. On a rainy day then just 30 mins away is Swansea itself, with art galleries, museums, a new leisure centre, marina,ten pin bowling, cinemas and of course one of the biggest indoor markets in Britain plus all of the usual department stores and lots of smaller shops.

Mumbles, a few miles from Swansea, is also great for individual shopping with lots of boutiques and restaurants plus the famous Joe's icecream parlour.

Local attractions

Penrice Estate owns Oxwich Bay which was voted the best beach in Britain 2007. We have a lovely sandy beach which is safe for children. There is a large car park which is free to our guests. Euphoria watersports work from the beach providing boat trips, wind surfing, water skiing and many more activities. Ideal for families there are two beach shops supplying snacks etc and toilets available. There is also a hotel on the beach offering bar meals.

At Perriswood just 5 minutes away there is an Archery centre that also has a number of birds.

Parkmill Heritage centre has plenty to offer for the younger members of the family and is no more than 10 minutes drive.

Catering

We have an in-house chef who will prepare meals which can be delivered to your cottage and be waiting for you in the fridge on your arrival. A menu can be supplied on request of the delicious dishes Julie can prepare. Food is available on a Tuesday and a Friday.

Payment information

Gas and the electricity are included in the price, as are the logs for the fires. We also supply all bed linen except cot linen. A travel cot and high chair are included in the cost. Additional cot and high chair sets are £10 extra. Dogs, a maximum of two, are £10 each per week. Towels are not supplied normally but are available to overseas visitors at a cost of £5 per set (one bath and one hand towel). Full use of the park and gardens at Penrice Estate and free entry to Oxwich Beach car park is also included. If more than 6 weeks before arrival a one third deposit is taken on a debit card. If less than 6 weeks before we take full payment.

Now this is a grand design and it's in Burbage

Read article : Now this is a grand design and it's in Burbage

This beautifully-designed modern home in Burbage hits that perfect point where a striking design doesn’t appear too abrasive.

When the current owners built this contemporary home in Rugby Road two years ago, the main drive was sustainability and low maintenance.

Now this property is on the market courtesy of Fine and Country, for a cool £650,000.

Built to high industry standards, it has exceptional insulation values and is supported by another rarity - an A-grade EPC rating.

With the balance of the warranty still available, this is an extremely economical house, and energy bills can be kept even lower with electricity provided by solar panels on the back of the house.

Additional benefits include an 11 zone gas-fired under floor heating to both the ground and a solid first floor.

A heat recovery whole house ventilation system is in place providing temperature control free from stuffy or stale rooms throughout.

Further modernities include A-rated aluminum powder-coated windows and doors, an alarm system, and a commercial quality Sarnafil single ply roof.

The front of the home in Rugby Road. Property for sale in Burbage with Fine and Country of Rugby.

Quietly tucked away on the street it still manages a double garage and a south west-facing private landscaped rear garden with a fishpond.

For living space, the property offers three to four reception rooms, four, possibly five bedrooms and four bathrooms, of which three are en suites.

Double doors open to the spacious open-plan hallway which has Amtico flooring that flows through most of the ground floor.

From here, an internal hardwood door gives direct access to the garage and there are full height windows and double doors overlooking the private courtyard.

A little further on a central oak staircase rises to the first floor with two stainless steel handrails.

central oak staircase ascending from the hallway to the landing in this contemporary home. Property for sale in Burbage with Fine and Country of Rugby." src="src" />

The central oak staircase ascending from the hallway to the landing in this contemporary home. Property for sale in Burbage with Fine and Country of Rugby.

Heading first in to the smart open-plan kitchen one can see an extensive range of cream-fronted base units including twin-pan drawers and an integrated Smeg dishwasher.

Cooks can enjoy a Bosch electric fan-assisted double oven with a five-ring gas hob and a bespoke extractor above.

There is plumbing for an American-style fridge/freezer unit - just what is needed for those hot days - and three full-height spice racks and storage cupboards.

There are Quartz work surfaces with a built-in drainer and an inset Blanco sink unit and mixer tap.

Heading back out into the hall way, and to the right of the staircase, doors lead to the cloakroom which has a close-coupled toilet and a contemporary washstand.

The well-fitted study offers shelving, cupboards and a work station and is tucked away with a telephone point and two windows.

central oak staircase. Property for sale in Burbage with Fine and Country of Rugby." src="src" />

A view from the kitchen, past a dining area towards the central oak staircase. Property for sale in Burbage with Fine and Country of Rugby.

In here an open doorway and curtains lead into the versatile media room which has black cabinets and wired for a large screen and surround sound.

It could provide a second office or a small sitting room for children if preferred.

On the other side the stairs, another door gives access to the private ground floor guest bedroom which has double doors overlooking the courtyard.

There are fitted quality wardrobes and an en-suite shower room, with a Grohe shower unit, pedestal wash hand basin, low-level toilet, quality ceramics, fitted mirrors, and an opaque window.

But the real selling point is the stunning open plan combined living, dining and morning room.

sunny winter afternoons. Property for sale in Burbage with Fine and Country of Rugby." src="src" />

The stunning open-plan lounge is light and bright and is perfect to enjoy those cold but sunny winter afternoons. Property for sale in Burbage with Fine and Country of Rugby.

This bright area provides flexible living space.

The main lounge area is double height with bi-fold doors overlooking the back garden and glazed windows above make it a very well-lit and impressive area.

The dining area is ideal for regular entertaining while the morning room has a side window overlooking the terrace and double doors to the garden.

This light and versatile area is designed for modern living and makes the ground floor extremely versatile and the space flows freely into the attractive garden.

Upstairs, the first floor landing has a large picture window with an inset roof window making this a visually stunning and bright area.

With full-height windows there is a fine vista from the galleried landing over the living area and the rear garden.

The master bedroom has engineered wood flooring with smart reading lights with TV and telephone points and two discreet slit windows with shutters allowing views of the ground floor.

Bi-fold doors (and insulated shutters) give access to the balcony which has a stainless steel and glass balustrade.

Bi-folding doors open out from the master bedroom onto the balcony over-looking the back garden. Property for sale in Burbage with Fine and Country of Rugby.

The en-suite has a double-width shower enclosure with sliding doors and a Grohe shower unit along with quality ceramics, a washstand with an oval basin and a close-coupled toilet.

A door leads to a dressing room with wardrobes, cupboards and drawer sets.

Naturally, this could provide a child's bedroom or nursery if required. It has engineered wood flooring with a window to the courtyard.

The second bedroom has a triple wardrobe along with storage cupboards. There are two windows and downlighters. The spacious family bathroom can also provide an en-suite to this bedroom.

There is a double-width shower enclosure, again with a Grohe shower unit, a white oval bath with freestanding monoblock tap a white washstand, and another close-coupled WC with fitted alcoves and storage.

There are porcelain floor tiles, wall ceramics and two full height opaque side windows allowing light to flood in.

The third double bedroom has a double wardrobe with downlighters and two windows.

The en-suite bathroom of the master bedroom. Property for sale in Burbage with Fine and Country of Rugby.

The en-suite has a close coupled WC, contemporary washstand and a shower enclosure with shower unit, porcelain floor tiles, wall ceramics, downlighters.

The convenient first floor utility room has plumbing facilities and houses the heating controls.

Like the ground floor, the first floor has low-level concealed lighting, downlighters, smoke alarm and an alarm sensor.

This property is nicely tucked off the road via a private driveway.

The garage to the front is at the end of a block-paved driveway providing ample parking for two large vehicles while the garage has an automatic up and over insulated sectional panel door.

There is light and power connected with a rear personnel door and a work bench.

To the side of the house is a well-stocked border with grasses, lavender and some colourful annuals.

There is a lockable side gate to the left of the garage leading to a deep storage shed for garden machinery.

On the far side of the house there is a private courtyard area with stone chippings and multi coloured paving slabs.

A wide gravel pathway leads round to the main garden.

The side garden and courtyard. Property for sale in Burbage with Fine and Country of Rugby.

The rear garden has been thoughtfully-landscaped and is a very low maintenance.

Facing south west it offers a good degree of privacy.

There is a sunny private terrace directly behind the house and a pathway leads to a seating area which offers the best view of the rear elevation.

The substantial fishpond was a feat of engineering with a raised viewing area, pump and filtration system.

It is raised above the garden and retained by a well-stocked rockery and some large pieces of local stone.

To the right of the path is high-quality astroturf with Welsh slate borders and two ornamental trees. There is a further slate border with a raised rockery planted with a colourful selection of grasses, heathers and specimen trees.

A view of the back garden looking back towards the house. Property for sale in Burbage with Fine and Country of Rugby.

The garden is enclosed on all three sides by wooden close boarded fencing, a neighboring garage wall, established conifer trees and a buddleia.

The elevated balcony is ideal to catch the last western rays of sunshine after a typical busy day.

Homes of this quality are rarely available so an early viewing is advised.

As the current owner, Gabriella said: “My husband and I had always wanted to build our own home, and when the opportunity arose in 2013 we jumped at the chance and we are absolutely thrilled with the result.”

For more details, and to make a viewing contact Fine and Country Rugby on 01788 820062.

SELLING POINTS

Number of bedrooms: 4 to 5;

Reception rooms: 4 to 5;

Bathrooms: 4;

Garden: Small, but beautiful;

USP: Amazing, unique contemporary home

Price: £650,000

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High-End Homes: French-style chateau on the Thornapple River listed for $1 million

Read article : High-End Homes: French-style chateau on the Thornapple River listed for $1 million

ALTO, MI – Located along a wooded stretch of the Thornapple River, this chateau at 5945 Tannon Court SE offers a French Country décor with Parisian accents.

Joann Amash, who is an aunt to U.S. Rep. Justin Amash, R-Cascade Township, has put the house on the market for $1 million with Realtor Robert Antonini of Coldwell Banker AJS.

Amash said she decided to put the 10-year-old house on the market after her husband, Mike, died last year and their children started to leave the nest. The family has owned the house for seven years.

Located on two acres in a subdivision half an hour southeast of Grand Rapids, the three story mansion offers views of the river from centrally located great rooms on each level.

Guests enter the home through a large foyer with porcelain tile flooring and a cherry-trimmed staircase. Off to one side, there’s a small room with faux-painted walls and a grand piano. The room could be converted into a home office.

Straight ahead is the great room with a large limestone hearth and a series of ornately draped windows that overlook a deck and a path down to the river about 200 feet away. In the summer, there’s a deck on the riverbank that allows for relaxing and offers a launching point for tubing, canoes or kayaks.

The great room opens up to a large kitchen with a large granite-topped island. Appliances are commercial grade with a hand-painted French country hood over the stove. An adjoining dining area is filled with light by windows that surround three sides of the room.

A hallway from the kitchen leads to a large laundry room that also includes an island for craft projects and a built-in desk for homework time. Another door leads to the three-stall garage with a flagstone floor.

The master suite on the ground floor features a large bedroom with river views and a see-through fireplace. The master bath suite features a powder room, walk-in closets, a glass-blocked walk-in shower and a Jacuzzi tub. Beaded chandeliers and wall sconces lend Parisian style to the suite.

On the second floor, there’s a great room that Antonini calls the “Safari Room.” Palm branch ceiling fans hang from the barrel ceiling. There’s a hearth with lion head corbels and a bank of arched glass windows overlooking the river.

Now configured as a large home office, the original owners used the upstairs great room as a play area for children. With 8,400-square-feet of living space, Antonini says the house is flexible enough so new owners could easily change the uses of the rooms through décor changes and minor alterations.

Also on the second floor, there are two full bedroom suites. Both feature full baths and large walk-in closets. On the ground floor, there are two more bedroom suites, each with a full bath – one with a steam shower.

Much of the lower level is dedicated to entertainment. There’s a large family room with a stone hearth and wet bar for parties. There also is a billiards room and a separate home theater room with a large wide-screen projection system.

For grown-up pastimes, the lower level also includes a well-ventilated cigar room and a tanning salon equipped with a tanning bed. The lower level also includes several large storage rooms and a two-stall garage and workshop that could be used to store watercraft or other toys.

Technologically, the house is up to date with security and lighting systems that can be centrally controlled and a surround sound system with built-in speakers throughout the house.

There are four furnaces that manage the heat and air conditioning in various portions of the house.

Jim Harger covers business for MLive/Grand Rapids Press. Email him at jharger@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter or Facebook or Google+.

Nags Head 403 | Outer Banks Vacation Rentals

Read article : Nags Head 403 | Outer Banks Vacation Rentals

The ultimate Nags Head vacation experience awaits you in this beautiful 12 bedroom oceanfront vacation rental. "The Stars" is conveniently located at the "Hot Spot" in Nags Head near shopping, restaurants, art galleries and local attractions. With 10 WELL-APPOINTED MASTER SUITES, there's no shortage of optimum privacy, relaxation and romance.

Pool dates are 4/15 - 10/21/17. HEATED POOL DATES 04/15- 6/3 AND 09/2 TO 10/21/17 - WEATHER PERMITTING - cost is $800. Sheets and towels are provided year round for full week reservations.

Every level welcomes you with new entertainment opportunites. On those rare rainy days, stay entertained in the recreation room on the ground-level, with a new large flat screen TV with a SURROUND SOUND HOME THEATRE. There's no need to run upstairs for a snack or treat, a built-in kitchen with microwave, icemaker and refrigerator will make it easy to enjoy snacks and drinks with minimal effort.

When your favorite game is on, head to the sports bar on the second-level, the SPORTS BAR boasts FOUR wall-mounted flat screen TVs, a sound system, billiard and foosball tables, a wet bar with a refrigerator, icemaker and microwave. One of the bedrooms on this floor has a shower which accomodates guests with disabilities. This floor also has a deck that overlooks the ocean and is equiped with another sound system.

After a long day at the beach, catch a movie on the 50" PLAZMA HDTV SURROUND-SOUND HOME THEATRE in the third-level great room. This level has a gas fireplace, a wet bar and a deck that overlooks the ocean. Enjoy the cable, 400 CD disc changer and the BLU-RAY DVD player.

Also on the third-level, you will overwhelm your senses in the grand master bath with 3 shower heads, whirlpool bath, sound system and hand painted beach mural. Enjoy the Stars ceiling view in the grand master bedroom. The spacious GOURMET KITCHEN featuring Audiovox 9" fold down TC with DVD/CD and radio, beautiful tile and granite countertops and top-of-the-line commercial appliances including a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Dacor Range with gas flame broiler in pure convection oven, which makes cooking for large groups a breeze.

This house boasts one of the highest points in Nags Head, compared to other oceanfront homes. There is a deck built at the level of the roof (forth-level). From this level you will enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as views of the town of Nags Head. This deck is spacious enough for several guests to enjoy a cup of coffee with the sunrise or sunset.

Make your vacation soundtrack with the pre-loaded CDs or the radio controlled by 11 keypads from the dune deck to the grand master bath. Wireless internet is available to keep you connected. Stream your favorite show or sport, or watch the action at the pool or out front from any of the 19 flat screen TV's
(14 of them are NEW for this season).

Outside, you will be treated to the private pool and hot tub with a lounge deck nestled in the dune with ocean views, speakers and a private walkway to the beach. A poolside and hot tub sound system are available for your convenience.

Baby Equipment Provided: 2 Highchairs; Baby Gates and 3 Pack and Play

THE STARS IN NAGS HEAD IS PERFECT FOR WEDDINGS AND LARGE FAMILY OR BUSINESS GATHERINGS. An event fee of $3,000.00 and a Security Deposit of $1,500.00 along with other fees apply. HEATED POOL AVAILABLE AT AN ADDITIONAL WEEKLY FEE.

GROUND LEVEL:
Access to pool and Hot Tub. Sitting room with 2 couches and a kitchenette complete with counter top M/W; Coffee Maker; Full Size Fridge; Ice Maker; and Small Sink. Full Bath accessible to and from pool with Shower Stall; Gas Grill; 2 Washers and 2 Dryers. On this level you will also find a Queen bedroom with a private bath (Tub/Shower combo); Bedroom with 2 sets of Bunk Beds with a DVD player and shared bath; King Bedroom with private bath and DVD player; Bedroom with 2 sets of bunkbeds share bath. All bedrooms have TV's.

MID LEVEL:
This level has 6 King bedrooms all have TV's; 2 of the Bedrooms have a DVD player and all have a private bath with shower stalls only. One of the King bedroom has a roll in sink and hand held bar near the toilet. The shower stall is not a roll in shower there is a lip to go over this room faces the ocean and has a deck access. This level also has a Recreation Room with a Pool Table and Foosball table; 4 Tv's; Surround Sound System; Kitchenette with a small sink; M/W and a mini fridge. Access to pool.

TOP FLOOR:
This level has 2 King Bedrooms one of the bedrooms has a jacuzzi tub and a beautiful separate shower and the other has a private bath with a shower stall. Both have TV's. Dining room has 2 tables one will sit 8 and the other 15 plus 5 seats at counter. The stove is commercial size to make cooking a pure enjoyment; You will also have the convenience of two dishwashers. The Living Room has a large TV; Blue Ray DVD player; Access to Deck; Gas Fireplace; You will also find a den with 2 chairs for the ones who love to read or sip their coffee while looking at the ocean.

3 hot properties under $1 million

Read article : 3 hot properties under $1 million

409 Richardson Place, NW

Shaw: 409 Richardson Place, N.W.

What: A renovated row home with three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms.

How Much: $949,000

Size: 1,325

Price Per Square Foot: $716

Setting:  Historic Shaw has again emerged as one of Washington’s most interesting and livable neighborhoods. Recent additions to the lively social scene include sports bars, new condominium projects, expanded entertainment venues, and world-class retail. This home is tucked away on a short brick block with very light traffic. With a walk score of 93, this location is ideal for relaxed and contemporary living. MetroRail is a short three blocks away and MetroBus is within a three-block radius.

Inside: Designed and completely rebuilt, this 19th century row house, offers a light-filled open floor plan on the first level, while still having artfully designed spaces for the dining and living room. Expansive windows throughout allow for natural light, which is a main attribute. The second floor has two large bedrooms and a luxurious bathroom. The added third level finishes a truly striking design with the master suite, spa-like bath, and a private balcony. All three levels boast nine plus foot ceilings. 

Outside: 300 square feet fenced in backyard. The all-important outside garden is fenced and has low-maintenance plantings and alley access to accommodate a bike and/or kayak.

Taxes:  $4,400 approximately

Brookland: 1324 Lawrence St., N.E.

What:Detached home with four bedrooms and three and half bathrooms.

How Much: $935,000

Size: 2,840

Price Per Square Foot: $329

Setting:  Home to Catholic University. The neighborhood has diverse housing stock. While row houses and duplexes lie at the area’s fringes, most properties at its core are detached single-family homes in colonial, Victorian and bungalow styles. Several sit on large lots creating a suburban atmosphere. Lined with storefronts and restaurants, 12th Street is the main street through Brookland.

Inside:  An architectural gem that is perched on a hill offering panoramic views and landscaped grounds. This home boasts original hardwood floors and woodwork throughout and was built in 1925. The home offers four bedrooms, three and a half baths, cathedral ceilings and more. Fully finished basement with side entrance that is great for guests.

Outside:Set on picturesque .17 acres. The rear deck steps down to gorgeous landscaping that’s ideal and large enough for any gardener. There is a large porch that’s great for traditional gatherings and a bench swing.

Taxes:  $3,797 approximately

Hill East:  1612 D St., S.E.

What: Renovated row home with three bedrooms and three and half baths.

How Much: $949,500

Size:  1,794

Price Per Square Foot: $529

Setting:  Located in trendy Hill East where development accelerated a decade ago and hasn’t slowed since. The boundaries of Hill East are Independence Avenue to the north, 19th Street, and the Congressional Cemetery to the east, L Street to the south and 14th Street to the west. The Hill East neighborhood is bordered by the Capitol Hill neighborhood to the west and offers a more affordable alternative to buying on Capitol Hill. The housing stock in the Hill East neighborhood has an eclectic mix of Federal-style row houses with a smattering of Victorian-style homes mixed in as well.

Inside:  Beautifully renovated 1,800-square-foot home with an open floor plan.  The light-filled main floor features a spacious living room, a large dining room, gourmet kitchen and a wall of glass looking out onto the deck and a private fenced yard. The two bedroom suites upstairs each have marble and quartz bathrooms. There is a sound system throughout. Completing the package is a bright one-bedroom plus den apartment on the lower level.

Outside: Over 1,000 square feet of fenced back yard with plush new grass and a deck. There is a large parking pad for two cars in the rear of the yard. The front has a covered porch.   

Taxes:$4,034 approximately

Information courtesy of Brent Jackson, associate broker, The Rob & Brent Group 

robandbrent@ttrsir.com, 202-263-9200.

Award-winning PGI Homes' Casa de Antigua boasts 'wow' factors

Read article : Award-winning PGI Homes' Casa de Antigua boasts 'wow' factors

The chandelier in the great room is one of the wow factors at Casa de Antigua.(Photo: Blaine Johnathan Photography, Blaine Johnathan Photography)

It took 34 hours for gloved workers to string the 2,000 crystals on 790 strands to create the chandelier that hangs as a focal point in the family room. Yet that is not the only "wow" factor. There’s a secret room, an elevator that is similar to a bank chute, and a floating wine display.

These "wow" factors were some of the reasons that PGI Homes’ Casa de Antigua in Cape Coral recently won two Aurora Awards. The home won for Best Single Family Detached Home in the 4,000 to 5,000 square foot category, and for Best Master Bathroom in a home priced between $1 million and $2 million.

"It was like putting together a puzzle," said Anthony Farhat, president of PGI Homes as he spoke of the intricate chandelier.

The chandelier has more than 2,000 prisms. (Photo: Andrea Stetson/Special to The News-Press)

His wife,Tia Farhat, designer director of PGI Homes, said that chandelier is definitely one of the biggest wow factors in Case de Antigua. There is also a smaller crystal chandelier in the kitchen.

"That is my thing," she said. “I think the chandeliers are the jewelry of the house and I love bling and I blinged it out on that one."

Another focal point in the great room is the wine room that has glass walls and wine bottles that are filled with crystals, suspended in layers and look like they are floating.

"We took that inspiration of the bling again," Tia Farhat explained. "We custom made the wine rings. I know whoever purchases the house will fill it with real bottles. Those bottles have crystals."

Around the corner is a very unusual elevator.

100 percent vacuum operated like the" width="180" height="240" />

The elevator is 100 percent vacuum operated like the ones in a bank drive-thru. (Photo: Andrea Stetson/Special to The News-Press)

"The elevator is 100 percent vacuum operated," Anthony Farhat described. "It is a pneumatic tube like the one that's used in a bank drive-thru. It is 37 inches and 360 degrees of glass."

The tube takes up much less room than a standard elevator and is also a unique visual feature.

"The pneumatic tube, that is super cool," Tia Farhat added. "It is like when you are at a bank teller and it just sucks it up like air pressure. It is also cool that it is open with all the glass. You still have that open feeling. I love it. It is a good use of space."

Farhat believes one of the reasons the home won for best master bathroom is the secret room. Behind a set of high double doors is a hidden room with a washer and dryer and a small sitting space. Farhat said a safe can be installed there or it can just be used as a small private room.

"We are starting to do more secret rooms in homes now," Anthony Farhat said. "We are seeing more people liking it."

The other advantage is this small laundry room is right in the master bathroom. While there is another larger laundry room at the other side of the house, Farhat said having one in the master suite is very convenient for the homeowners.

Another convenience is the European-style kitchen cabinets that open up instead of to the side. Farhat said that makes it easy to leave all the cabinets open while cooking and no one will hit their head on a door.

Farhat added another little touch when he created a pool caddy just inside the door leading to the pool bathroom. This area has cabinets for towels and other pool supplies.

There are other features that led to the design award in Casa de Antigua. The home has two, two-car garages for a total of four garages. A dual fireplace has two sides that can be seen in both the great room and the den. It burns ethanol which is scent-free.

Huge 24-by-24 inch shiny white porcelain tile makes the floor look almost like an ice skating rink. White quartz by the fireplace and a flat-screen television add to that modern white look.

Casa de Antigua in Cape Coral won two Aurora Awards" width="540" height="405" />

Casa de Antigua in Cape Coral won two Aurora Awards this year. (Photo: Blaine Johnathan Photography, Blaine Johnathan Photography)

The four-bedroom, five-bathroom home features two bedrooms downstairs and two more upstairs. All the bedrooms are en suites. Farhat describes the home as having one master bedroom and three mini-masters.

An upstairs living room and one of the upstairs bedrooms leads to a large covered terrace that overlooks the pool and canal. The pool area includes an infinity-edge pool and spa, a summer kitchen, and a terraced area leading to the water. There is also a boat dock and a little sitting area near the water.

The upstairs terrace has a view of the pool and canal. (Photo: Andrea Stetson/Special to The News-Press)

Farhat said there is no other home like Casa de Antigua.

"We never build the same house twice," he said.

Casa de Antigua spans 4,036 square feet under air and a total of 6,001 square feet of living space. It is priced at $2.39 million, fully furnished.

Farhat said he was honored to receive the Aurora award for Casa de Antigua. He also won Auroras for another Cape Coral house, Casa de Nautica, that is already sold.

The 36th annual Aurora awards cover homes in the Southeastern United States, offering awards in 55 categories. More than 400 entries were received this year. Judges are from the homebuilding industry, and represent the many areas of building and design, as well as geographic diversity.

Double doors in the master bathroom lead to a secret room. (Photo: Blaine Johnathan Photography, Blaine Johnathan Photography)

 

Read or Share this story: http://newspr.es/2wjdzTN

Versace Mansion: Inside South Beach's sensational hotel

Read article : Versace Mansion: Inside South Beach's sensational hotel

(CNN) —The world-famous Ocean Drive is one of the most photographed stretches of Miami Beach.

But, with its neon lights and sidewalk cafes serving beer-garitas for two, it's not known for being a high-end destination.

The exception, nestled amid low-rise Art Deco hotels, with streams of tourists strolling past, is the Villa Casa Casuarina -- better known as the Versace Mansion.

What many of those selfie-snapping tourists outside may not realize is that the former home of late fashion designer Gianni Versace isn't a museum or private home, but a hotel.

And it's a hotel where guests can sleep in what was Versace's bedroom. Or in the bedroom of his sister Donatella. Or perhaps the suite where Madonna used to stay when she visited Versace in the '90s and helped put the Miami Beach neighborhood of South Beach on the national scene.

If a $1,000-plus-a-night hotel room is out of reach, members of the public can indulge in the villa's Baroque grandeur with a dinner reservation at Gianni's, and an aperitif in the intimate, clubby Onyx Bar, in the space that used to be Versace's kitchen.

Since Versace's death -- he was shot dead on the steps of his mansion in 1997, thus the camera-wielding tourists outside -- the property has changed management a couple of times.

However even now, 20 years later, under the ownership of Jordache Enterprises, it retains the designer's over-the-top splendor. (Donatella auctioned off some of the home's contents in 2001, but what remains are the richly decorated walls, floors, ceilings and windows, plus the pool, garden and southern wing.)

The best-known property on Ocean Drive

House-turned-hotel:The former home of late fashion designer Gianni Versace has been transformed into one of Miami's most opulent hotels.

The unapologetic opulence of Casa Casuarina made it an obvious location for filming the upcoming TV series "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story", which will air on FX in early 2018.

This May, tourists along Ocean Drive were treated to in-costume sightings of the show's stars, including Penelope Cruz as Donatella, Ricky Martin as Versace's longtime partner Antonio D'Amico, and Edgar Ramirez as the designer -- who appeared on the balcony of Versace's former bedroom clad in a pink bathrobe.

The room is now known as The Villa Suite, and, like the rest of the mansion's interiors, it's as over-the-top on glitz as Versace's collections. The most arresting feature, also available in Donatella's bedroom, the Venus Suite, is a custom-made double-king-size bed.

No longer on show is Versace's $10,000 marble toilet with 24-karat gold-plated seat -- one of the items auctioned off by Donatella after her brother's death.

From flashy home to over-the-top hotel

Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace was murdered on the steps of the Miami mansion in July 1997.

Today, Casa Casuarina has 10 hotel suites, plus a restaurant and bar, a lounge that can be used for meetings, a rooftop and an elaborate Mediterranean-style Mosaic Garden, with tiles picturing icons of Greek mythology, chief among them Medusa -- who has a place of honor on the Versace brand's logo.

The most elaborate Medusa can be found in the Villa's 54-foot-long pool, inspired by Versace's "Marine Vanuras" collection and said to be made from more than one million mosaic tiles, thousands of them 24-karat gold.

The Medusa mosaic was crafted in Versace's home town, Reggio Calabria, Italy, and then taken apart and shipped to Miami Beach in pieces, where it was painstakingly reassembled.

Adjacent to the garden, in the "new wing" that Versace built when he acquired the mansion, is The Moroccan Lounge, which used to be his gym, and still houses his eight-person hamam Turkish steam room and shower.

The room where Madonna would stay, the Mosaic Suite, is located upstairs, where the singer apparently enjoyed the bathroom's acoustics and the bird's-eye view of the pool.

The history of Casa Casuarina

Versace purchased Casa Casuarina in 1992, after falling under the spell of the Magic City and the Spanish architecture of the grand house.

Next door was an Art Deco Hotel called the Hotel Revere, which Versace also snapped up, and demolished to make way for his garden, pool and the south wing, which used to house one of his libraries.

An estimated $32 million in renovations over three years transformed the historic property into a manse fit for a style king.

But even before his tenure, Casa Casuarina had a flashy history.

It was built in 1930 by Alden Freeman, whose father worked for The Standard Oil Trust and left him a fortune which allowed him to retire at 27 and build his dream house, inspired by the historic Alcazar De Colon in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Freeman lived in a top-floor suite and either housed his friends or rented the 23 remaining apartments.

Many of the architectural details of the house, including the key lime coral floors, the pillars surrounding the courtyard, and the decorative medallions of famous personalities (Cleopatra, Gandhi, Rockefeller and -- more dissonantly -- Mussolini and Lenin) date to Freeman's time, which ended with his death in 1937, when the house was sold and run as an apartment complex.

By the 1980s, the building fell into disrepair, although most of the original fittings and artworks survived.

Mansion mysteries

As with many famous buildings, Casa Casuarina has its share of mystery: There are rumored to be secret doors and passageways throughout the mansion, although a door that used to lead from Versace's bedroom to an entertainment den has since been closed off.

It's also said that Versace maintained a pigeon coop beneath the rooftop observatory, and would use the messenger pigeons to send notes to friends. Details are scant on these rumors, but what's certain is that The Villa will continue to intrigue visitors, no doubt even more so when the TV series hits screens next year.

Rebecca Wallwork is a freelance writer based in Miami Beach. She loves dogs, books and hotels and is the author of the 33 1/3 book "Hangin' Tough" (Bloomsbury Academic).

The Westbury Hotel, Mayfair - five star luxury in the heart of London

Read article : The Westbury Hotel, Mayfair - five star luxury in the heart of London

A Mayfair Staycation – The Westbury Hotel:

If only…

There are parts of London, like Mayfair, where most of us can only aspire to live.  Even if you shop on Bond Street and take tea at Sketch, actually living in Mayfair is out of reach for most Londoners.  So, why not live the dream and staycation at The Westbury Hotel in the heart of Mayfair, just around the corner from many of London’s designer boutiques.  Perfectly located for those who want to indulge in some top-end shopping, The Westbury is a classic five-star hotel with features that put it above many of the luxury hotel offering in London.

As London’s first 5-star American hotel, you might expect a few difference – the Westbury London was opened in 1955, the sister hotel of the original Westbury in New York City.  The design still has an American luxury feel to it, with lots of dark wood and mirrors, larger than average London hotel rooms and marble lined ensuite bathrooms with tubs.

I was lucky enough to be offered an upgrade to a Corner Suite for my stay – something the same size as a London flat, with a living room complete with dining table to seat four and a large bedroom.  Enough wardrobe space to encourage me to shop until I dropped and a stunning bathroom with a second powder room.

I didn’t really want to leave.  At all.

Especially as the hotel had thoughtfully provided a bottle of wine, water, fresh fruit, a platter of cold meats, cheeses and pickles and a truly tempting plate of macarons and petits fours.

The wine obviously needed to be tried and you should never eat on an empty stomach.  Most of the cheese and cold meats vanished…

And I can never resist a macaron or two.

My room came equipped with a Nespresso machine and pods.  There wasn’t a kettle that I could see, though that may have been simply down to lack of looking on my part.  I did, however, have a personal butler on call who I am sure would have obliged had I wanted tea, champagne or even caviar.  And the Westbury offers a full room service from all three of their restaurants so if I hadn’t had a table already reserved at Tsukiji, the small but perfectly formed Japanese restaurant, I’d have indulged myself and just stayed in the room all evening.  More of that experience in a separate post – there is far too much to cover to include details here.  And, I’ve already tried the Polo Bar (and been back a couple of times).  That leaves Alyn Williams at the Westbury – the hotel’s Michelin star fine dining restaurant – which I definitely want to try.

I was particularly impressed by the toiletries in the bathroom of the suite.  Asprey’s Purple Water is probably my favourite of the luxury toiletries provided by hotels.  With classic and restrained packaging, it’s something of a special secret.  I love the light, citrussy scent and am always impressed by the overall quality of the products.

Turn down arrived promptly at 6pm and provided a comprehensive service, drawing the floor to ceiling curtains and packing away the decor cushions and throws.  And, my guest for dinner turned up early enough to enjoy a glass of wine with me before we went downstairs.

There is something altogether luxurious about having dinner and just having to take the lift upstairs afterward.  I slept like a baby in the large bed.  Beautiful white cotton bed linen, fluffy pillows and a soft yet firm mattress all conspired to ensure the perfect night’s sleep.

Breakfast is served in the dining room used by Alyn Williams in the evenings.  It’s a large and comfortable space with contemporary touches.  There are neat pots of cereals, fruits, and yoghurts to one side.  But, of course, it’s the a la carte breakfast that I look forward to when I am staying in a hotel.

Here there’s a good range of teas and coffees brought to you by waiter service, together with individual baskets of breakfast pastries so you don’t have to search out the last pain au chocolat!

The cooked breakfast was immaculate – I have to admit that since I was alone, I ordered a full English with eggs, just to check they were properly prepared.  Of course they were.

After I’d eaten more than enough for the whole day I went back to my suite to pack up and (regretfully) go home.

But not without doing more than a little window shopping on my walk back to Green Park tube.

The Westbury is discrete and quiet.  Tucked away off New Bond Street, it is somewhere I’d recommend to anyone wanting to stay in central London.  Good size rooms, immaculate service and a level of comfort that is well above average combine to make this a great base.  Suites like the one I stayed in would be perfect for a small family or for someone wanting to use the hotel as a base for business as the sitting room can be completely zoned off from the bedroom.

But, if you simply want the best of London’s shops on your doorstep I’d look no further than The Westbury.

Thinking of visiting London?  Why not pin this post for later

The Westbury Hotel

37 Conduit Street,
Mayfair,
London,
W1S 2YF,
United Kingdom

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