NYCOpenHouse

Mayor Snares Southampton Trophy Estate

 
Rumor has it that Mayor Bloomberg will soon close on a $20 Million Southampton mansion and from these historic pictures of the trophy estate I am duly convinced that it's well worth every 2,000,000,000 penny!  This circa 1910 Georgian House is approached by a private 1/2 mile drive and shares 35 lush acres with a pool, tennis court and stable.  "Ballyshear" overlooks the Peconic Bay and borders one of the world's top ranking golf courses.  The compound is definitely one of the most spectacular and important properties on Long Island and I congratulate His Honor on such impeccable taste.  A most fitting tribute to a self made billionaire! 

 
 
 

Laurence P. Mitchell

Buying Your First Home Workshop Presented by 1 Vernon Jackson in Long Island City. Find out Everything You Need to Know on Tuesday, July 26!

 
Buying your first home is a big deal and you want to be sure the final decison you make is the right one!  Mark your calendar for Tuesday, July 26 when Long Island City's chic new development 1 Vernon Jackson will hold a free First Time Buyers' Workshop to clearly explain the process of buying property in NYC and lead you through the maze of challenges in procuing a mortgage. Enjoy a glass of merlot and a pig in a blanket or two as the debate of buying versus renting is hashed out once and for all!  Steve Hartstein of First Meridian will be on hand to answer any specific financing questions you may have.  The architecturally striking condominium offers one and two bedroom units and is easily accessible via the "7" Train-- only one stop From Grand Central Station!  Where:  10-17 Jackson Ave. Long Island City  When:  7/26   5:30 to 7:30 p.m.  RSVP:  info@1VernonJackson.com or 718.472.1017.

Laurence P. Mitchell

Yearning for a Pricey Getaway?! Stay Home! NYC is Rated Most Expensive Destination in US!

 
No wonder friends clamour for dibs on that AeroBed!  According to TripAdviser.com the average day in the City costs vistors somewhere in the range of $370 (lodging, transport, meals).  Sounds to me like a good excuse to buy a pied-a-terre (always a good investment!).   Filling out the top five most expensive vacation spots in the US are:   San Francisco, Washington, D.C.,Chicago and Boston.  I guess this year you can Meet Me in St.Louis (wink!).

Laurence P. Mitchell

Is it Maui I See or Merely LA? Who Cares?!- Just Dive In! Tropical Paradise Hits Market

 
It's 100 degrees in New York City today and my heart is longing not for the balmy breezes of Southampton but rather a certain private water garden in the fancy La Habra Heights neighborhood of LA.  This tropical paradise overlooking Catalina Island and just a short distance from Disneyland would surely cool the temperature of any hot blooded New Yorker! Take a plunge via the secret tunnel water slide then meet me for a mai tai (or two!) at the six seat swim-up grotto bar just under the cascading falls-- my treat!  Imagine yourself as a self proclaimed King Neptune reigning over your own "sea" for a mere 7,800,000 clams!   Oh!  Did I mention this aquatic wonderland also comes with a 9,000 square foot house complete with casino (!) theatre, and wine cave?!  Details! Details!  To arrange a private tour, contact Orange County's #1 Agent- the affable Sean Stanfield of First Team Real Estate. 

Laurence P. Mitchell

Hampton Designer Showhouse Opens! Preview Cocktail Gala Saturday, July 23rd.

 

 

Mingle with the belle elite of the Design World at the Annual Preview Cocktail Gala marking the opening of the Hampton Designer Showhouse.  Propose a champage toast to Honorary Chairman Mario Buatta, the wildly talented and aptly crowned "Prince of Chintz" while trading "insider" information on kitchen re-dos with co-chairs Jamie Drake and Alexa Hampton. Bask in the talent of over 25 designers and artists in an amazing transformation of a contemporary rambling shingled cottage into a visual chef-d'oeuvre. Be sure to blow air kisses of gratitude to "Traditional Home" magazine for sponsoring this important fundraiser.   Adhering to the important principles of giving locally-- all proceeds benefit our own Southampton Hospital. 

 
PARTICULARS:

Hampton Designer Showhouse

 1224 Scuttle Hole Road, Bridgehampton

Gala: Saturday, July 23 6:00 to 8:30 Tickets: $225

Showhouse Schedule:  Monday through Sunday 11:00 A.M. to

5:00 P.M. July 24 to September 4, 2011.  Admission:  $30. 

Laurence P. Mitchell

Getting the Message Across-- Old School Chalkboard Decal with Rococo Style!

Sometimes even you need a reminder to remind "Honey" to collect Fido from his weekly swim lesson, pick up a another case of Krug Clos d’Ambonnay, give a well deserved raise to the majordomo.  Fret not as a stylish solution awaits!  Wall Candy Arts  offers an updated version of the tried and true family chalk board with a wide array of peel and stick chalkboard decals.  Super easy to install on any smooth surface and the special adhesive won't damage walls, appliances.  Pictured Rococo design measures 31.5" by 18.5" and sells for $36.00.  Think of it as diamond earrings for the SubZero!  Dustless chalk included!  The perfect gift for your favorite forget-me-not!

Laurence P. Mitchell

Above Ground Pools Get a Bad Rap! NOT FAIR! Make-Over Shows Why!

 

Before

 

I have a rather strong suspicion that I am standing solo among my chic and urbane crowd regarding my penchant for Above Ground Pools.  I've never owned one nor grew up with such a treasure but, to me, the possibilities are endless.  Where some might envision this amenity in a backyard strewn with broken trampolines, rusty wheel barrels and a motorless Ford or two, I see a magical aqua oasis beckoning with immediate relief from the summer sun.  I'm crazy for the sensation of walking on ground level though being under water up to my chest-- it's otherworldly and not able to be replicated in a water filled hole in the ground.  I concede, that yes, the very structure is not so inviting  but there are remedies one of which I am happy to present here.  I picture what a Park Avenue/Palm Beach Nana who's come upon "challenging" times might do and a plan immediate materializes. Step One:  camouflage pool walls behind a wall of 8 foot sunflowers.  If also trying to cut down on produce bills, a hedge of maize (corn) will equally suffice.  Always one for a grand entrance, Nana brings out an old step stair from a long ago chinoiserie four poster-  the perfect perch for a swan dive meticulously executed in homage to the old swan boats now serving as sentinels (she rescued these relics long ago from some pond in a Boston park- don't tell the cops!)  Set the mood with chachacha music from the Victrola, add a few Lily Pulitzer towels and top the palm trees with juicy orange slices. Nirvana! 

 

After

 
 
Laurence P. Mitchell

 

 

NYC Co-Op Sales: Second Quarter Market Report Has Promising News

 
 According to the recently released Prudential Douglas Elliman Second Quarter Sales Report there is good news in the Co-op sector of the Manhattan Real Estate Market.  During this period there were 1,366 co-op sales- 13.5% more than the 1,203 sales in the prior year quarter.  Median sales price increased to $700,000 which represents a 0.4% increase from $697,501 in the prior year quarter but notably 8.9% above $642,500 in this year's first quarter.  Biggest growth:  Two Bedrooms consituted 34% of total sales--up from 30.4% last year. 

Laurence P. Mitchell

Brooklyn Duplex is Heaven on Earth!

 

 
  

You'll find your real estate "calling" in this amazing one bedroom duplex in the former Norweigan Seamen's Church.  Experience a spirtual moment as you take in the apartment's domed ceiling, original church columns and moldings.  Rejoice in the fancy (and pricey!) Venetian Plaster that embellishes all the walls of the living room including the Cupola!  Perform this miracle for only $698,000!  450 Clinton Street in leafy Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn.  Open House - Sunday, July 17 from 12:00 to 1:30.  Prudential Douglas Elliman's Scott Klein will be happy to escort you on a grand tour!

Laurence P. Mitchell

 

Not Your Dad's Center Hall Colonial-- Forbes.com Showcases 12 Wacky Houses on the Market Now

 
 
The organically beguiling  "Mushroom House" in Pittsford, NY (asking $1.1 Million) is only one of a dozen unusual homes collected in a portfolio compiled by Morgan Brennan on Forbes.com.  An exotic mix of forms and materials defy any hint of cookie cutter thinking!  Check out the full line-up including a converted church, a suburban castle and even Frank Gehry's Schnabel House in Los Angeles:  Forbes.com Unusual Home Collection 

 Laurence P. Mitchell