Like living a fairytale: French billionaire's incredible 11th century turreted castle is transformed into an 850-acre luxury resort
-
Domaine des Etangs is open following extensive renovation
-
It was previously the holiday home of French oil baron, Didier Primat
-
When he died in 2008, his daughter helped to turn it into a hotel
-
It now boasts 27 bedrooms including seven suites and cottages on site
If you are looking for a regal stay, look no further than this 11th century turreted French castle.
Previously the holiday home of French oil billionaire Didier Primat, who passed away in 2008, Domaine des Etangs has just opened to the public as a one-of-a-kind fairytale resort.
Located in the south west of France in Massignac, the château is complemented by 850 acres of sprawling country retreat, nestled within the rolling Charente countryside.
+15
The enchanting Domaine des Etangs boasts 850 acres of sprawling country retreat nestled within the Charente countryside
+15
Previously the holiday home of French oil billionaire Didier Primat, who passed away in 2008, the property has just opened to the public as a unusual romantic resort
+15
There is accommodation to suit all, from seven unique suites to separate farm cottages spaced around the grounds, totalling 29 rooms
+15
Domaine des Etangs offers activities that make the most of its picturesque woodland surroundings, including cycling, horse riding and walking in the grounds
The honey-stone château is located three hours outside of bustling Paris, and offers a stay among quiet rural villages.
There is accommodation to suit all, from seven unique suites to separate farm cottages spaced around the grounds, totalling 29 rooms.
Domaine des Etangs offers activities that make the most of its picturesque woodland surroundings, including cycling, horse riding and walking.
For indoor types, thermal baths and a 40-seat restaurant are situated on the premises to leave anyone feeling like a pampered king or queen.
+15
Food is served fuelled by local, seasonal ingredients, much of which is grown in the garden or used from livestock on the property
+15
The property now boasts 27 bedrooms including seven luxury suites and quaint property cottages
The restoration project was undertaken by Primat's daughter, Garance, who collaborated with French landscape designer Camille Muller and architect Isabelle Stanislas.
They aimed to preserve as much of the castle's historic features as possible using the help of local craftsmen.
Original wooden beams and old stone walls have now been adorned with plush furnishings and family antiques to create an authentic royal retreat feel.
+15
The rural honey-stone château is located three hours outside of bustling Paris, and offers a stay amongst quiet villages and rolling scenery
+15
For the indoor types, thermal baths or a 40-seat restaurant are situated on the premises. Pictured is a comfy seating area to relax inside the château
+15
The enchanting castle of the Domaine des Etangs dates back to the 11th century
+15
Contemporary aesthetic: The restoration project was undertaken by Primat's daughter, Garance, who collaborated with French landscape designer Camille Muller and architect Isabelle Stanislas
Meals are fuelled by local, seasonal ingredients, much of which is grown in the garden or obtained from livestock on the property.
Sporty guests can play a round of golf at the 18-hole course located 20 kilometres away.
The magical château is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group, which features a number of hand-curated properties which include everything from tree houses to hidden coves.
Rooms are available from around £565 (low season) and up to around £1,917 (high season) a night.
+15
The restoration team aimed to preserve and as much of the castle's historic features using the help of local craftsmen
+15
Domaine des Etangs is now open for guests after the extensive renovation project
+15
Original wooden beams and old stone walls have been adorned with plush furnishings and family antiques to create an authentic royal retreat
+15
+15
The magical château is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group, which features a number of hand-curated properties which include everything from tree houses to hidden coves
Castles fit for a princess! Top 10 homes for sale that boast turrets (including one that is on the market for the first time in 300 years)
- They include a six-bedroom castle that is for sale the first time in 300 years
- The most expensive castle in our selection has an asking price of £10million
The newly-engaged Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have decided to set up home in a much more modest cottage in the grounds of London's Kensington Palace.
But the homes of royalty are often associated with majestic castles in stunning locations, such as Windsor or Balmoral. For anyone who aspires to a regal affair when it comes to finding their new home, MailOnline Property has selected 10 castles for sale that could fit the bill.
Some of the properties are hundreds of years old and come with acres of woodland, while others are more modern and showcase the latest designer kitchens. But they all have in common a tower or turret.
An Englishman's home is said to be his castle - but which of our 10 castles for sale would you choose to live in?
The turrets of a castle can be functional as well as stylish, often providing space for somewhere to sit and relax, while enjoying the views outside
However, a word of warning about living in a castle comes from property experts who insist that a Royal budget is often required to maintain them as it is not just the initial asking price that can be expensive.
Buying agent Henry Pryor said: 'Meghan surely deserves a castle but being an American she may have a warm, romantic notion of what one might be like perhaps based on Disney's famous fairy tale castle.
'Sadly most English castles are huge, damp, cold places that were designed to be intimidating and to scare away passing tourists. Without an army of servants places like Highclere Castle wouldn't function in the twenty first century as Downton Abbey and the upkeep of somewhere like Windsor Castle might be enough to dampen even her President's enthusiasm for property.
He added: 'We have a saying 'An Englishman's home is his castle' and I'm sure that wherever Prince Harry lays his hat Ms Markle will regard as their home.'
Here are the 10 castles for sale that MailOnline Property has selected, including several multi-million pound versions, as well as one for those who are on a budget.
1. Six-bedroom detached house in Ruthin, Denbighshire, North Wales, for £2,750,000
This beautiful castle in North Wales - called Castell Gym - comes with 48 acres and views of Snowdon Mountain
The modern and spcaious kitchen includes an inbuilt security screen above the classic oven
The sale of the six-bedroom property is being handled by estate agents Andrew & Co
2. Thirty-bedroom house in Kinlock Rannoch, in Scotland's Perth and Kinross, for £10million
The Dall Estate dates back to 1347 and is set in Scotland's stunning Highland Perthshire
The main house is a Scots Baronial Castle built by the renowned architect Thomas Mackenzie
The sale of the multi-million pound historic property is being handled by Asset Properties
3. Nine-bedroom castle in Ballaugh, Isle of Man, for £2.1million
Ravensdale Castle is on the Isle of Man and is for sale via estate agents Cowley Groves
The grandeur of the property is reflected in the spacious rooms with plenty of period features
There are three separate cottages linked by a large conservatory area with an indoor garden
4. Sixteen-bedroom house in Dumbarton in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland, for £1,530,000
An estate called Dalmoak has been on this Scottish site since the Middle Ages and was later part of the Royal hunting ground of King Robert The Bruce
The current building - Dalmoak Castle - was built by the architect Alexander Watt in 1866-68
The house was fully restored in the 1990s and is listed for sale with estate agents HouseSimple.com
5. Five-bedroom house in Borrowstounness in West Lothian, Scotland, for £400,000
A modern version! If you're looking to buy a modern castle, this contemporary home being sold via estate agents Purple Bricks could fit the bill
The main living room houses the turret in the far corner, where windows let the light flood in
The current owners have placed a desk and a cosy chair in the wood-panelled turret area
6. Four-bedroom house in Greenwich, South East London, for £2,750,000
You can get up close and personal with the turrets at this property in South East London
There are large picturesque windows, a fireplace and solid wood floors in the living area
The four storey house is part of a building that comes with well-maintained communal gardens
7. Three-bedroom apartment in Stirling, Scotland, for £315,000
This ground floor flat in Stirling is on the market with estate agents Slater Hogg & Howison
The flat boasts an array of original features including Corinthian pillars and a marble fireplace
There is a private garden at the rear of the property, with a circular flower bed and herbaceous borders
8. Two-bedroom house in Dollar, in Scotland's Clackmannanshire, for £324,000
The two-bedroom house is set within Dollarbeg Castle, which dates back to the 19th century
The kitchen is in the castle's former Great Hall - and today includes a large island and granite worktops
The sale of the historic propertyis being handled by estate agents Henderson Roche
9. Eight-bedroom detached house in Douglas, Isle of Man, for £3,950,000
The castle sits in three acres and is only half a mile from the nearby town centre
The property has been restored and is being sold via estate agents Cowley Groves
The eight-bedroom castle can be found on Douglas Head, which overlooks the bay
10. Six-bedroom house in Edinburgh, Scotland, for £6million
A rare opportunity: This 16 century castle is on the market for the first time in almost 300 years
The castle is being offered for sale via estate agents Sotheby's and offers a chance to create a beautifully renovated home
The property comes with outbuildings and is just three miles from the popular Scottish city of Edinburgh
|
|
With protesters filling the streets outside his home, Donald Trump has been forced to mastermind his administration from the confines of his $100million New York penthouse.
The president-elect is planning out his first term in the White House in gaudy surroundings - complete with gold-rimmed candy bowls, a toy Mercedes for his 10-year-old son Barron and an array of murals to Greek Gods.
The property can be found on Fifth Avenue - the site of constant anti-Trump demonstrations since the election - and is home to the Republican's business.
The three-story property has breathtaking views of Central Park and over-the-top decor starting with the gold and diamond front door that greets visitors.
Inside is an eccentric scene - floor-to-ceiling marble, chandeliers, pillows bearing Trump's coat of arms, statues and art worth millions of dollars.
Lap of luxury: Donald and Melania Trump's New York City penthouse is on the 66th floor of Trump Tower and features marble walls, floors and columns throughout. 24-carat gold accents like platters, lamps, vases and crown moulding that outlines each room and tableau ceiling
Art of the deal-maker: Classical art dominates here with a bronze statue of Eros and Psyche, one of the great love Greek love stories, and Apollo led by Aurora - the Greek goddess of the dawn, suggesting Trump sees himself in the mold of Apollo, Zeus's son, and one of the most powerful of the gods. But there is also family time with on the far right a portrait which appears to show his father Fred Trump, and possibly his siblings. His father also features on the central table, while the choice of book is expensive - it is worth $15,000
The penthouse is currently home to Trump, his third wife Melania, 46, and their son Barron, 10.
He also has four elder children, Donald Jr., Ivanka, Eric and Tiffany - with his daughter Ivanka who hit the campaign trail for him in a feisty race for the White House.
The coat of arms, a family portrait and an individual picture of Donald's late father Fred are proudly shown off in one sitting area inside of the penthouse.
The billionaire also has 'GOAT: A Tribute to Muhammad Ali'.
The book was limited to 1,000 individually numbered copies, each one signed by Muhammad Ali and Jeff Koons.
Its estimated value is $15,000.
And it appears the Trumps have a taste for art and some rather risqué statues.
Sitting above the white marbled fireplace is Apollo, Zeus's son, and one of the most powerful of the gods - being led in his Chariot by Aurora.
And on top of the mantle - Greek vases in Athenian style. They sit again, in perfect symmetry - and in height order with the other decor.
A statue of Eros & Psyche - one of the best love stories in classical mythology - towers over the picture of his father.
His 10-year-old son Barron also enjoys the finer things in life - placed right on the marble floor is a red Mercedes toy car along with a personalized license plate for the youngest Trump.
Perfect symmetry: Candelabras, two candy bowls as well as a Vogue and Vanity Fair book are placed strategically on each coffee table. On the ceiling is another classical reference. The chairs are Louis XIV-inspired, in common with the apartmen
In the sitting room, a fountain sits behind one of the two semi-circled, ivory couches.
Vogue and Vanity Fair books are placed strategically on each table, two candy bowls and candelabras polish it off.
Everything is in perfect symmetry.
The elegance and perfection of Trump's penthouse was the creation of designer Angelo Donghia - also referred to as 'the Saint Laurent of sofas'.
The renowned designer became a powerhouse in the 70s and 80s working with A-list clients such as Ralph Lauren, Barbara Walters, Mary Tyler Moore, Liza Minelli, Neil Simon and Diana Ross.
He was said to have created total environments - using the philosophy 'You should feel at all times that what is around you is attractive... and that you are attractive.'
Donghia received several awards throughout his lifetime including the Tommy Award for Fabric Design.
The Midas Touch: Donald and Melania's breakfast room is packed with intricate details including a gold rimmed glass of orange juice sitting on top of a gold tray, a gold-rimmed tea cop, and an antique clock. The furniture is also Louis XIVShare
In the breakfast room, a cup of tea and orange juice served in a gold rimmed glass sit neatly on a gold platter.
And the golden delight doesn't stop there; there are lamps, vases, crown molding and even golden cherubs that help to complete the posh modern-day palace.
Designer Donghia died in 1985, age 50, and was posthumously inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame.
His trademark featured attention to ceilings and 'fat' furniture.
Melania's office: A Louis Vuitton case of jewelry sits on couch as a reproduction of Renoir's 'La loge' painting is hung from the wall above. The original is in the Courtald gallery in London. La loge means the theater box and some art historians argue that the woman represents a mistress rather than a wife being taken to the theater. Renior painted it aged 33, when he was in dire poverty, and it was exhibited in 1874 at the first Impressionist Exhibition in Paris. A rather more modern feature on her desk is colored pencils - possibly with her son in mind
In Melania's office, a Louis Vuitton case of jewelry sits on couch as a reproduction of Renoir's 'La loge' painting is hung from the wall above.
The original is in the Courtald gallery in London.
La loge means the theater box and some art historians argue that the woman represents a mistress rather than a wife being taken to the theater.
Renior painted it aged 33, when he was in dire poverty, and it was exhibited in 1874 at the first Impressionist Exhibition in Paris.
A rather more modern feature on her desk is colored pencils - possibly with her son in mind.
Melania designs and sells a collection of watches, rings, bracelets and earrings for QVC that range in price from $10 to $162.
They all feature her signature 'M'.
Here they are shown in her Louis Vuitton jewelry case that has a price tag of nearly $10,000.
Her style mimics pieces that she herself owns such as the sun design flower earrings and a gold-linked watch.
She often uses mother of pearl and pave-style crystal accents in her watches.
When it came to creating the ultimate luxurious home for the Trumps, their designer kept Louis XIV in mind while picking furniture and textiles.
Louis XIV led the absolute monarchy during France's classical age, ruling from 1643 until 1715 - and was known for his aggressive foreign policy.
His political principles were not quite in line with democracy, as he ruled with complete control over the country and was known as The Sun King.
Family affair: A side-table is covered in pictures of Trump, Melania, the couple together and (center, right), their son Barron
The monarch was also known for his over-the-top decor.
Louis XIV transformed his father's modest hunting lodge and transformed it into Versailles, the largest palace the world had ever seen.
It was home to his court, the richest and most decadent of the era - and known, like Trump, for its gilt and its gold.
Designers took typical wood furniture and added shine to it - with gilt, bronze or solid silver, and it was all enhanced by lots of candlelight.
Much of his interior decorations showed off his political supremacy - for instance, the Hall of Mirrors was painted with depictions of various military victories he commanded.
That style is reflected in Trump's grandiose penthouse with 24-carat gold accenting the tableau ceilings, crystal chandeliers and the desk sitting in Melania's office.
Donald developed Trump Tower, which was completed in 1983.
It is home to not only the billionaire businessman but also to retail stores and other businesses.
He has used it as a platform for his successful presidential campaign, last year signing copies of his latest book in the lobby, and also holding a press conference there after signing an agreement not to run an independent campaign if he does not win the Republican nomination.
Celebrities like actor Bruce Willis and Portuguese professional soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo have also called it home.
Ivanka Trump gives glimpse of her father's $100m penthouse
Loaded: 0%
Progress: 0%
0:00
Grand jewels: Melania designs and sells a collection of watches, rings, bracelets and earrings for QVC that range in price from $10 to $162. They all feature her signature 'M'. Here they are shown in her Louis Vuitton jewelry case that has a price tag of nearly $10,000. Her style mimics pieces that she herself owns such as the sun design flower earrings and a gold-linked watch. She often uses mother of pearl and pave-style crystal accents in her watches
Vanity: Louis XIV's Hall of Mirrors in Versailles was painted with depictions of various military victories he commanded
THE TALE OF EROS - OR CUPID - AND PSYCHE: ARE THE TRUMPS TRYING TO TELL US SOMETHING?
Among those inspired by the tale were the Dutch artist van Dyck
Told in Ovid's Metamorphoses, Eros, the son of Aphrodite - the goddess of love - and Psyche, a beautiful human princess, were the original star-crossed lovers.
In the myth, the two meet after Psyche's parents failed to pay the due respect to Aphrodite and, furious, she sent Eros to carry out her revenge.
But Eros, who had been instructed to make Psyche fall in love with something hideous, accidentally scratched himself with his own dart and fell deeply in love with the princess himself.
Meanwhile, Pyche's father suspects he has incurred the wrath of the gods and is told at the Oracle of Apollo to expect a fanged monster for a son-in-law so Psyche is arrayed in funeral attire and exposed on a mountain to await her hideous bridegroom.
Luckily, she is rescued by Zephyr, the West Wind, and borne away to a meadow where Eros finds her lying in an enchanted sleep and, over some months and despite being invisible, manages to make her fall in love with him.
Despite her happiness, Psyche is desperate to find out the true identity of her husband and sneaks into Eros's room where in surprise at his beauty, she spills hot oil on him.
Eros flees and Psyche then spends years on the wilderness searching for her lost love, helped along the way by the God Pan and hindered by a panoply of deities including Demeter and Aphrodite herself.
Aphrodite has by this time imprisoned her son and sets Psyche a series of tasks - all dangerous. Although she completes them all, her travails don't end until Eros escapes and saves the day.
The two then have their marriage blessed by none other than Zeus, the king of the Gods, and Aphrodite is forced to end her campaign of harassment - giving the couple an unusually happy ending.
Despite the cheerful outcome, the story - one of the best known from Ovid - was later used as an allegory by classical and Christian writers for the fall of the soul.
In Christian writings, the tale is said to show what happens when a woman is tempted into the sin of illicit sex and the rewards that choosing marriage can bring.
But the Louis XIV-style apartment is just one of Donald Trump's luxurious properties.
His other larger-than-life mansion sits in the sunshine state.
Mar-A-Lago sits on 80,000 square feet in ritzy Palm Beach, Florida.
Trump purchased the estate for $5 million in 1985 and had the entire thing renovated with 58 bedrooms, 33 bathrooms, a 29-foot marble top dining table and 12 fireplaces.
He and his family, including daughter Ivanka, often spend weekends and vacation at the luxurious residence.
The property has perfectly landscaped gardens, pools and views of the Caribbean blue ocean.
His presidential ambitions have now given him the keys to the White House and Camp David.
But perhaps unusually for a presidential candidate, he now faces the prospect of downsizing having won the final race.
His presidential ambitions have now given him the keys to the White House and Camp David
60 MINUTES Correspondent Lesley Stahl interviews President-elect Donald J. Trump and his family shown here from left: Tiffany Trump, Donald Trump, Jr., Donald Trump, Eric Trump, Melania Trump, Ivanka Trump at his Manhattan home Friday afternoon, November 11, 2016
President-elect Donald Trump first televised interview since he won the election as seen on CBS's 60 Minutes
Donald Trump with members of his family (left to right) Tiffany Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Kai Trump, Melania Trump, grandson Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump and Eric Trump pictured in April 2016
-
Thomas Peterffy, 70, is the founder of security brokerage firm Interactive Brokers Group
-
He bought his 80-acre property in Greenwich, Connecticut, in 2004 for about $45 million
-
After extensive renovations over the years, he is now selling for $65 million
-
Peterffy had a net worth of $6.4 billion in September 2013
He is said to have paid $45 million for the sprawling estate about 10 years ago.
Now Hungary-born billionaire Thomas Peterffy - founder of security brokerage firm Interactive Brokers Group - is selling his expansive Connecticut estate, listing the 80-acre property for $65 million.
The home - about a one-hour drive from Manhattan - is exactly what one would expect from a country estate in Greenwhich, a leafy suburb that houses some of the richest people in the US.
Outside of the main house - which measures at 8,000 square and has eight bathrooms and eight bedrooms - there are also three guesthouses.
+18
Incredible property: Hungary-born billionaire Thomas Peterffy - founder of security brokerage firm Interactive Brokers Group - is now selling his expansive Connecticut estate, which he bought in 2004
+18
Sprawling: The home, which sits on 80 acres of land in Greenwich, Connecticut, has been listed for $65 million
+18
The stunning old home - about a one-hour drive from Manhattan - is exactly what one would expect from a country estate in Greenwhich, a leafy suburb that houses some of the richest people in the US
+18
Outside of the main house - which measures at 8,000 square and has eight bedrooms - there are also three guesthouses
+18
The main house, known as Conyers Farm, was first built in the 1900s and has undergone two renovations since
+18
Open space: The main living room opens out onto the luscious green backyard through Victorian-style doors
+18
Built in 1904, the property was once a working farm. The home includes eight bedrooms, a two-story library and a solarium
+18
Homey: Because of its age, the house is said to be quite 'homey' considering some of the others built in the area
+18
Opulent: The marble bathroom in the master bedroom is connected to the walk-in closet by double doors
+18
Selling: Peterffy had a net worth of $6.4 billion in September 2013
After buying the property in 2004, Peterffy, 70, oversaw some major renovations, and converted one of the guesthouses into an office.
The second guesthouse has three bedrooms and three bathrooms, and the third has four bedrooms.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the property is being marketed internationally by David Ogilvy & Associates, an exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate.
The house is known as Conyers Farm and was builty in the 1900s.
The place was renovated in 1980s before it was owned by Peterffy.
The main house has a two-story library which has a bay window, two covered porches and terraces.
There is also a 22-slot horse stable, where Petterfly keeps his six horses.
Also on the property is an old stone cow barn that no longer has a roof.
However it has come to be known as 'The Ruins' and has hosted many elaborate parties.
Due to its age, the house is considered quite 'homey' compared to the other properties in the area.
+18
Plenty of space: Seen here is one of the guest bathrooms in the main house of the property, now listed for $65 million
+18
The main house measures at 8,000 square and has eight bathrooms and eight bedrooms, some with working fireplaces
+18
Room with a view: The double-height entry hallway moves into to a beauiful sitting room that overlooks the back garden
+18
Outside of the main house there are also three guesthouses, one of which has been turned into an office
+18
The main house has a two-story library which has a bay window, two covered porches and terraces, such as this one
+18
Requisite: No country estate would be complete without a pool, set in the luscious back garden
+18
Among the many outdoor areas are three indoor terraces, to sit out the terrible winters in the area
+18
'The Ruins': What is left of a stone cow barn is now used as the venue of elaborate cocktails parties
California is used it's Hollywood endings, but now there's a chance you could live out your days in a castle that looks as though it has come straight out of a fairy tale.
Hume Castle in Berkeley is the quintessential medical monastery that belongs amid the hills of somewhere like France or Italy.
Yet this one sits just a few miles from San Francisco in the suburb of East Bay. The Gothic masterpiece at 2900 Buena Vista Way is hidden behind oak and olive trees making it the perfect hilltop hideaway for someone who wants to reside in a fortress, while still enjoying the convenience of big city living.
Hume Castle isn't in Italy but on the in the Berkeley Hills, just east of San Francisco
The home was designed by John Hudson Thomas in 1928 in the style of a 13th century medieval cloister in Toulouse, France
The home was built for Samuel and Portia Hume in 1929. He was the head of University of California, Berkeley's Greek Theater Department, while she was a respected psychiatrist
The 5,746-square-foot palatial home has been a California landmark since 1985, but it is hidden by olive trees and bushes making it almost invisible from the road
The Hume Castle on Buena Vista Way in Berkeley is on the market for $5 million
Built into the home is a central courtyard, public spaces, five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a massive fireplace, and enough bookcases to satisfy two professors and space for 2,000 books
The five-bedroom, seven-and-a-half bath home is arranged around a courtyard lined with stone Gothic arches
The unique property was initially listed at $5 million and this week the price was dropped to $4.5 million. The 5,746-square-foot home is by far the most expensive home for sale in Berkeley.
The house was the idea of Intellectual power couple Samuel and Portia Bell Hume who had traveled to Toulouse, France and came back inspired a wanted to build something resembling a monastery that they had seen on their travels.
The pair hired architect John Hudson Thomas, and in 1929 the masterpiece was complete.
Samuel had a significant career as a professor of dramatic literature and art at UC Berkeley, the director of the Berkeley Museum of Art, and a rare book dealer, while his wife Portia was a pioneer in the field of psychiatry and also taught at Berkeley.
The Gothic motif continues inside, with an interior made of stone and accented with ornate metal work
This historic architectural masterpiece by John Hudson Thomas was created in the style of a French cloister
The home feels like a castle with with a pair of carved lions, domed ceilings, and heavy wood beams among the decarations
The house is built around a courtyard with an actual well in the center. It has Gothic arches and a Bocce Ball court
From turrets on the outside to mysterious narrow passages inside, it is every bit a fairytale
The 5,746-square-foot home is by far the most expensive home for sale in Berkeley in northern California
The historic architectural masterpiece by John Hudson Thomas was created in the style of a French cloister with a real well in the center
The Gothic motif is also recreated in the interior of the home, resulting in “castle-like imagery” composed of domed ceilings and heavy wood beams and stone archways
With 5 bedrooms and 7 ½ baths, the home features a spiral staircase leading to a unique green bathroom
With 5 bedrooms and 7 ½ baths, the home has plenty of space to relax for a big family or visiting friends from out of the town
Each of the five spacious bedrooms have their own en suite full bathroom. The master bedroom and bathroom open out onto the magnificent Redwood deck with hot tub and Koi pond
This home can best be described as being in the transitional style between Romanesque and early Gothic
Just off the living room, there is a baronial dining room, featuring a handsome fireplace mantel with a frieze of cast concrete figures. A stunning chandelier of handcrafted cast iron enhances the romance of the setting
'It's magical,' said listing agent Bebe McRae of the Grubb Co. told SFGate. 'It takes my breath away.'
'I imagine it was a collaborative effort,' she said.'John Hudson Thomas was already doing some Gothic architecture at the time, and I know Portia had very strong ideas. I was told John Hudson gave Portia a pipe after the home was built because he said she ought to look as authoritative as she was.'
The attention to detail means the home is truly authentic with enormous wrought-iron chandeliers, a spiraling stone staircase, a wishing well, and grand rooms with vaulted and beamed ceilings, some as high as 25 feet. At the center of the home is a courtyard styled after a cloister.
While the architecture is reminiscent of medieval times, the home has all the comforts of a modern home with up-to-date plumbing, electrical and heating systems. The house even has solar panels to help with energy bills.
The views from the home look down on UC Berkeley, and out to San Francisco in the distance.
The Hume family lived in the house from 1928 until 1975, McRae said. The house was then briefly owned by an architect named Michael Sederin, she added, who remodeled the kitchen. The current owners have lived there since Sederin’s departure.
The current owners have lived at Hume Castle for the past 30 years but they're getting ready to downsize and move to something smaller.
In addition to being close to the university, the Hume Mansion is also within walking distance of parks, lakes and a golf course
The kitchen has recently remodeled and the place has been retrofitted with a solar heating system
The grounds include a bocce ball court, a grand terrace, a koi pond, and gardens on just under an acre of land
Hume Mansion delivered everything the couple who commissioned the building of the home in 1929 loved - dramatic architecture, old Europe, the best of Berkeley with sweeping views of San Francisco Bay from the expansive terrace
The site alone is spectacular, with amazing views of the San Francisco Bay and the Berkeley Hills
Views of San Francisco can be seen along with the Bay and the Oakland Bay Bridge
|
