Just Listed: Helen Mirren and Taylor Hackford’s Legacy Home for $17 Million

By Jacquelyn Elliott

Helen Mirren, the highly acclaimed actress, and Taylor Hackford, the esteemed film director, have listed their Sunset Strip home for $17 Million. The Hollywood power couple originally listed their home in the Summer of 2021, when it went under contract, but the sale ultimately fell through in the Fall.

The home has been listed by Joyce Rey and Stephen Apelian of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury.

Mirren and Hackford purchased the home in the 1980s. Built in 1911, the residence has only been called home by a total of 4 owners, exclusively Hollywood stars. The gated and secluded two-story single-family home is the perfect collaboration of luxury and privacy that any star could need.

Sitting on a little over 6.5 Acres, the estate encompasses 8 bedrooms, 8 full bathrooms, and 3 half bathrooms. A total of 6 fireplaces can be enjoyed from the living room, great room, library, kitchen, family room, and master bedroom. The detailed interiors, 9-foot high ceilings, and french doors are all complimented by the panoramic views of the Los Angeles city lights, which can be seen from almost every room.

Detached from the main home is a 3-bedroom guest house. Additionally, an office and an apartment sit above the 5-car garage. Stepping outside, residents may enjoy the views from the balcony or take a dip in the heated in ground pool. While this estate has little need for improvements, there is also room to place a tennis court in the yard.

Clearly fit for a star, the public record states the four previous owners as:

Dustin Farnum, the star of DeMille’s “Squaw Man”

Mark Hellinger, the writer/producer whose short story gave rise to Bogart/Cagney film “The Roaring Twenties”

Gail Patrick, the executive producer of the Perry Mason series and one of the first and most successful female producers in Hollywood

and finally, Helen Mirren and Taylor Hackford.

Who will be next?

February 9, 2023 Leave a comment

Kim Kardashian purchases $70.4 Million Malibu Mansion formerly owned by Cindy Crawford

with:Unique Homes Staff

By Jacquelyn Elliott

Reality TV star and fashion icon Kim Kardashian recently purchased a Malibu home for $70.4 Million. The Mediterranean-style mansion was formerly owned by supermodel Cindy Crawford before being sold to another owner in June 2018 for $45 Million.

Sitting on Pacific Coast Highway, a gated entrance opens to 3 acres of cliffside property overlooking the Malibu El Sol Beach. The two-story mansion is 7,450 square feet, with 4 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms.

The home eases from indoor comfort to outdoor entertaining. The kitchen and dining area, with a gourmet island and breakfast bar, has floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors which open to a wrap-around deck with seating around a fire pit. The open floor plan living room and sitting areas along with the space for outdoor entertainment are perfect for hosting the ever-growing Kardashian and Jenner Family.

The spiral staircase leads the way up to the mansion’s 4 bedrooms, all surrounding an interior courtyard. Kardashian’s master bedroom includes a private entry, sitting area, immaculate closets, 2 spa worth bathrooms, and a fireplace.

Stepping outside, previous owners carefully crafted landscape surroundings for privacy, making the property visible to none from outside of the gates. Incorporated into the landscaping is a full-sized tennis court and pool. Kardashian and her four children may use their private path to their remote access to Malibu El Sol Beach.

While the property was originally listed at $99.5 Million, this $70.4 Million sale is the largest residential purchase in Malibu this year and the fourth largest in California, as reported by TheDirt.Com. Kardashian will now call Leonardo DiCaprio and Neil Diamond, among others, neighbors.

December 13, 2022 Leave a comment

The Arsht Estate, Cover Property from the Summer 2022 Prestige Magazine, Sold!

with:Unique Homes Staff

By Brigitte Sinoradzki

Philanthropist and Businesswoman Adrienne Arsht has sold her waterfront property on Miami’s Biscayne Bay after listing it in January for $150 million with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty.

The compound, set on 4 acres featuring spectacular water views and two separate mansions, was sold for $106.875 million. This is the first time in Miami-Dade County’s history that a residential property has sold for an amount exceeding 8 figures.

Ashley Cusack, the listing agent of this extraordinary estate, worked closely with Ms. Arsht to find the perfect buyer to reside on the immaculate property. Ms. Cusack says, “It was an honor to work with Ms. Arsht in this endeavor and to have had the opportunity to represent this historic property. Her love and passion for her home was evident from day one, and resonated strongly throughout our marketing period. I am incredibly grateful for the support of everyone who was involved in connecting the perfect buyer to this breathtaking property.”

The home is incredibly rich in charm, character, and history. It is a storied home with 2 primary dwellings and 2 guest homes, plus a variety of accessory buildings. With over 400 feet of waterfront, the new owner will not only enjoy stunning views of Biscayne Bay, but also of the commanding Miami skyline. In an unparalleled neighborhood of Miami — neighboring the Vizcaya Museum — the Arsht Estate has hosted countless dignitaries, celebrities, and philanthropic leaders. If walls could speak, this estate would have a lot to tell.

Arsht was quoted in a press statement saying, “As the steward of this beautiful property, I am proud to leave its legacy to the next generations of caretakers. May they also enjoy the breathtaking view!”

This home sale broke the previous Miami-Dade record of $93 million set earlier this year when the founder of Intersystems bought three adjacent oceanfront homes in Golden Beach.

September 30, 2022 Leave a comment

Superstar Mariah Carey’s Atlanta Home Hits the Market for $6.5 Million

with:Unique Homes Staff

Mariah Carey, global pop superstar and the best-selling female musical artist of all time, has listed her Atlanta home for $6.5 million. The home is represented exclusively by Shanna Bradley of Ansley Real Estate Christie’s International in Atlanta.

Set on 4 private, gated acres in Atlanta’s tony Buckhead neighborhood, the Stephen Fuller-designed home offers the utmost in luxury. The beautiful nine-bedroom, nine-bath, four-half-bath home features 12,575 square feet of living space, including every amenity a discerning buyer could want: a custom kitchen, pool, pool house, tennis courts, home theater and workout room – even a recording booth.

The kitchen features a massive marble-topped island, bespoke cabinetry, appliances by ZLINE, Bosch and Sub Zero, and a sunny breakfast alcove. French doors in the kitchen lead to a backyard made for entertaining, with a heated pool, pool house and entertainment pavilion, tennis courts and a charming series of gardens.

A glamorous oversized primary bedroom suite includes a dressing room, private balcony, morning bar and a luxe fireplace surrounded by custom built-in cabinetry, as well as a lavishly appointed bath and an extra-large closet with custom shelving and storage.

The expansive terrace level offers a state-of-the-art home theatre, workout room, private guest suite and living room with fireplace. The living room opens to a large outdoor area which can be used for entertaining or a children’s play area. A recording booth can be found on the large third floor bonus level.

Finished to perfection, the home offers classic Southern architecture with intricate coffered ceilings and arched doorways throughout.

“With complete privacy and amazing amenities, along with graceful Southern architecture, this home is fit for the most discerning buyer,” said Bradley.

“I will always have a close connection to Atlanta! It was a perfect moment during COVID, but I will continue to spend time in New York City, my long-term residence,” said Carey.

The home will be shown by appointment only to pre-qualified buyers. Proof of funds is required prior to viewing.

About Ansley Real Estate Christie’s International

Ansley Real Estate Christie’s International is Atlanta’s top-selling luxury brokerage. Ansley represents the best of the industry and operates with the utmost integrity. Savvy, and entrepreneurial, Ansley creates opportunities for their clients and is consistently out front with tech, creative collateral, social media and brand. Ansley gives a portion of each sale to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, currently benefitting the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.

September 15, 2022 Leave a comment

Car-Free Communities

with:Marlene Ridgway

Culdesac will be the first neighborhood-scale community with zero residential parking, which will allow for more open spaces that can be used for socializing, events, and getting to know your neighbors.

Rendering by Opticos Design.

A five-minute city, car-free and golf cart centered communities are gaining momentum around the United States, from Port Aransas, Texas, to Tempe, Arizona.

With plenty of extra outdoor space, Culdesac will hold over 150 events per year, including concerts, food trucks on the plaza, outdoor yoga classes, and more that guests can enjoy close to home.

Rendering by Opticos Design.

Automobiles have long been a symbol of freedom and advancement, making it easy to overlook the strain they put on our communities and the environment. Even smaller cities are battling noise and air pollution as the number of cars per household increases. Long commutes, congested traffic routes, parking fees, and pollution have all encouraged a whole new way of thinking when it comes to cars.

Culdesac, in Tempe, Arizona is the first car-free community in the United States that has been built from top to bottom around the idea that cities can be made better. “The vision has always remained the same — to build cities for people and not cars,” says Culdesac’s general manager, Lavanya Sunder. Space that is typically reserved for roads, parking lots, and individual parking has been completely rethought in this rental apartment community. Parking lots and garages have been replaced with wide-open spaces that offer everything from fire pits and hammocks to water features and inviting courtyards.

Tempe, Arizona, offered the ideal canvas for a project like Culdesac. “We chose Tempe for its thriving job market, proximity to transportation, and forward-thinking, action-oriented local government,” says Sunder. These are among the added benefits when considering a car-free community.

“By removing parking lots, we were able to see all of the possibilities, twice the retail, triple the open space, and 55-percent landscape coverage, compared to less than 20 percent from comparable developments,” notes Sunder.

The community was designed as a five-minute city, meaning everything residents might need is within reach and life is at your front door. “Homes at Culdesac all open up to vibrant shared courtyards, versus impersonal hallways in traditional apartment complexes,” says Sunder. Seemingly small details such as this contribute to the overall atmosphere that is created when a place urges its residents to slow down. “Community is a key component of Culdesac. Culdesac will have over 150 events per year, including concerts, food trucks on the plaza, outdoor yoga classes, and more.”

Communities such as Culdesac are finding that residents are drawn to the idea of knowing their neighbors again. A notion that hasn’t been overlooked in other communities around the United States. Port Aransas, Texas, is a beautiful beach destination that is like traveling back in time. The eclectic atmosphere is entirely accessible by golf carts, including the 18 miles of beach, with spacious boardwalks that accommodate the carts and encourage foot traffic. The use of golf carts decreases traffic, noise and pollution, and creates a very relaxed pace around the island. Cinnamon Shore, the 1,000-acre, master-planned beachfront community is very walkable and designed with families in mind who want to enjoy the small-town feel in Port Aransas.

A private luxury community, Haig Point, on the northern end of Daufuskie Island in South Carolina is only accessible by ferry, and the island is almost entirely car-free. Residents and guests never have to worry about traffic, stopping for gas, or finding a parking space, as the island runs mainly on golf carts. Similarly, Fire Island, across the Great South Bay from Long Island, New York, is another popular summer retreat that functions smoothly without cars. Bikes, golf carts, and jet skis are the best way to experience the Fire Island’s top-tier accommodations.

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, “the mean number of vehicles in households is 1.9 personal vehicles…. Thus, it appears that households on average have more vehicles than drivers.” American cities, from New York to San Francisco, are struggling to provide enough space to merely park all of these vehicles, nevermind drive them.

Our personal space, green space, shared space, and even sidewalks have decreased significantly over the years as the need to accommodate a growing number of automobiles increases.

Communities such as Culdesac are hoping it is time for the urban form to be rethought and upgraded. “We also will have an “Extend Your Home On-Demand” Program,” says Sunder.

Communities such as Cinnamon Shore in Port Aransas, Texas, are embracing the idea that guests want a slower pace without sacrificing accessibility.

©istockphoto.com / IR_Stone

Car-free and golf cart centered communities are designed for those looking to reconnect with the outdoors and spend less time stuck in traffic.

©istockphoto.com / 300dpi

“Residents will have access to a variety of bookable spaces to allow them to expand and contract their home as needed.” A modern way of living has melded with the traditional idea of small-town communities. “Culdesac will have bookable guest suites, podcast studios, hosting spaces, and day-use office spaces to allow your home to adjust to your needs,” Sunder explains. “Why pay for a guest room 365 days a year, when you only use it a few times a month?”

Forever shifting to accommodate the residents’ needs, a car-free community like Culdesac is ideal for many people, even during these changing times amidst a pandemic. “The idea of life at your front door makes Culdesac Tempe a place that a variety of people with different needs are interested in — young professionals, students, families, remote workers, retirees, empty nesters, et cetera,” says Sunder. More spacious apartments and public workspace are functional for those residents who are working remotely, as they also don’t have to worry about commuting into an office every day. Since the pandemic, “we’ve seen increased interest from folks particularly from New York and San Francisco, and 50 percent of our waitlist are people coming from outside Arizona,” notes Sunder.

December 14, 2021 Leave a comment

Custom Gulf-front Home in Casey Key, Florida up for Auction

with:Unique Homes Staff

With 123 feet of private beachfront away from the crowds in Casey Key, Florida, this home offers a place to get away from it all.

“It’s really rare to find a new construction home on the Gulf, and this one is built to all of the latest codes and highest standards,” says Nate Schar, Director of Luxury Real Estate for Heritage Auctions. “The home is comfortably elegant, perfect for a refined, yet casual beach life.”

The 5,335-square-foot home features a kitchen with an island, Viking range, convection ovens, and custom cabinetry; a three-stop elevator; a main-level bedroom suite with a private office, closet with a dressing room, and direct access to a full-length veranda; and an upper level with split secondary suites that each include private baths, walk-in closets, and a large living area with balcony.

“The verandas facing the water are such a peaceful place to watch the sunsets over the gulf,” says Schar. “Wide enough for a dining table, you can entertain a crowd while overlooking your own private beach.”

Additionally, the lower level offers a well-proportioned 5-car garage with storage, flex space for gym or studio, a full bath, heated saltwater pool and spa, and an outdoor kitchen.

“The home is perfect for someone looking for a place that’s very private and quiet,” says Schar “It’s close to the nightlife and culture of Sarasota and Venice, but away from the crowds.”

The home will be auctioned without reserve on March 23. Previews held by appointment.

Visit Heritage Auctions online at HA.com/CaseyKey to view due diligence and terms of sale. Financing accepted.

February 18, 2021 Leave a comment

Under Pressure

with:Unique Homes Staff

The following is a

Unique Homes Online Exclusive

During the mid-year height of the Covid-19 pandemic, real estate agents comment on how the market stood, and in some cases prevailed, under enormous pressure.

This past Fall, luxury real estate agents from across the country spoke on Unique Homes’ first Zoom panel to discuss topics from the recent article “Space: The New Currency,” from Unique Homes Magazine’s recent Fall issue, written by Camilla McLaughlin. On this exclusive virtual panel, agents were able to discuss how the real estate markets of America endured (and continue to endure) through the turbulence that the Covid-19 pandemic has caused. Throughout the discussion, these experienced panelists spoke on the changes their area(s) have undergone and the how the pandemic has affected the homebuying process. We’ve highlighted some of our distinguished panelists and their unique experiences below.

Mauricio Umansky, Founder/CEO of The Agency

Los Angeles, CA

In the beginning of “Space: The New Currency,” Mauricio Umansky, Founder and CEO of The Agency, notes that in the midst of the pandemic, consumers who were staying at home also found themselves asking impactful questions regarding their homes and their futures: where am I sequestering versus where am I at home? What do I want my home to look like? What do I want my second home to look like?

As one of the opening speakers, Umansky adds that though many of these questions may not be answered right away, the pandemic proved to be a catalyst for many potential home buyers to start a dialogue with their local real estate agents. “Sequestering at home, stay in, shelter in place, whatever it is we want to call it, has caused a conversation that is equal amongst everybody, whether it’s politically driven, whether it’s answering ‘what do I want to do with my life?’ and understanding that we can now work and operate from anywhere.”

Courtney Hampson, Vice President of Marketing

Palmetto Bluff, SC

Palmetto Bluff is a community in coastal South Carolina that caters to a mix of primary and vacation homeowners. Courtney Hampson, Vice President of Marketing for Palmetto Bluff, says on the panel that at the beginning of the pandemic many residents were already staying in Palmetto Bluff due to Spring Break, and were mandated to stay due to the shutdown. Many stayed until May when the state began opening up again, and there were several instances where those who extended their stay ended up moving to Palmetto Bluff full time. About a particular couple from New York with young children, Hampson says “They literally walked down the street into our real estate office, went on our tour, looked at available homes, closed two days later, our fastest closing ever, and that was it. ‘This is where we are,’ they said, ‘This is the plan now.'”

During the panel Hampson also stated that the utilization of virual tours and showings became more widely utilized, so much that they had to include the option right away on their website.” She also noted that in the midst of everything, they found that buyers were buying almost like they were suffering from FOMO, or a Fear of Missing Out. “[Clients] are booking their stay at the hotel first, and … they have almost a fear of missing out. They’re not waiting to get here to look at real estate — they’re doing that virtually, going under contract and seeing their property the first time they come to visit.”

Carrie Wells, Coldwell Banker Mason Morse Real Estate

Aspen, CO

Though located on the opposite side of the United States, Carrie Wells of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse Real Estate in Aspen, Colorado, experienced similar situations as Hampson had in South Carolina. March is typically the latter part of the state’s skiing season, but due to the pandemic the season was cut short, and those visiting found themselves sequestering in Aspen — and staying. She remarked that you can see this reflected in the school district alone, where 175 new students were admitted and a wait list was created for the Aspen Country Day School, Aspen’s main private school. She also noted that with the help of Matterport virtual tour technology, many sales were able to happen, as clients wanted to be able to visit openings safely.

Wells remarked about her own experience with a New York family who stayed in Aspen until the summer. “He said, ‘I never realized that Aspen is so enjoyable in April and May,’ which are normally our off-season months. … People have experienced being here year-round, when they normally would not be here, and there’s so much to do other than downhill skiing that I think regardless of what happens with our winter, we’re still going to see our market continue to be strong.”

Frank Aazami, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty

Scottsdale, AZ

The title of the article “Space: The New Currency,” as well as the main point of discussion for the panel, was inspired by profound statement by Frank Aazami of Russ Lyon Sothebby’s International Realty. During the panel Aazami notes that when the pandemic began and people were sequestering, he noticed that areas that were previously difficult to sell beforehand, regions outside of Phoenix and Scottsdale such as Fountains Hills, Cave Creek, et cetera, were now like beacons that buyers were gravitating toward. Previously, there were no sales north of $3 million, but eventually there were closings reaching upwards of $4 and $6 million. The reasoning for this market change? Space!

In the article, Aazami notes that from his region of Scottsdale, Arizona, his experience during the pandemic that no matter what buyers were generally looking for — a vacation home, relocation refuge, et cetera — the key point he saw was that consumers were looking for a safe haven, with plenty of space. Not only that, but consumers are also requesting specifics when it comes to this space in order to make their purchases personal and customized to their lifestyles, from multiple offices and indoor gyms to view decks and larger patios.

Chris Bernier, Churchill Properties

Boston’s North Shore, MA

Located just 30 minutes outside of Boston, Chris Bernier of Churchill Properties notes during the Zoom panel that despite the usual trends of buyers looking for smaller, more minimalistic style homes, space really is the new currency. He affirms that many buyers in his market are flocking toward the larger homes. These market shifts are no doubt due to the pandemic shifting priorities.

“Our listing inventory is down 52 percent for single family homes in Massachusetts, so we’re running on half of what we were this time last year. And it’s just made a tremendously imbalanced seller’s market. Prices are up in Massachusetts, it’s just driving the market up.” With as much uncertainty, he adds that it’s also been hard to know exactly what the real estate cycle looks like, even though it’s always been a very predictable real estate cycle in Massachusetts. That all being said, he notes that from the pandemic to American politics at play, “with everything that’s going on, it’s been one of the best years in Massachusetts for residential real estate.”

James Torrance, Keller Williams Luxury International

Palm Beach, FL

James Torrance from Palm Beach, Florida, has much to say about the pandemic has shifted Florida into more than just a retirement or snowbird refuge, seen in these clips from the Zoom discussion. He notes further that in fact a large wave of buyers from California and more specifically Chicago brought interest to the area and helped close several sales, a rarity in his area. What was also interesting that he notices are the importance of the private schools and districts in South Florida, as he mentions that many buyers were finding schools they liked, then picking from available homes nearby.

This, alongside his points about the importance of homes with multi-functional spaces such as guesthouses and just the overall outlook on how the market has shifted, highlight just how much action Florida has seen in the past several months due to Covid-19’s effect on real estate.

Roxann Taylor, Engel & Völkers Dallas Forth Worth

Dallas, TX

As an real estate agent with 40-plus years of selling experience, Roxann Taylor of Engel & Völkers Dallas Forth Worth was a fountain of wisdom toward the end of the virtual panel. She highlighted much of what the other panelists had noted, including buyers prioritizing homes with large space as opposed to downsizing, and putting houses on the market through a near fully virtual process.

For More Unique Homes Online Exclusive content, click here.

January 13, 2021 Leave a comment