2010年12月17日星期五

Celebrity Homes

Celebrities. We read about them, see them on big and small screens and some of us follow every bit of their lives.  But, have you ever wondered where they live?
Check out our feature on the homes of celebrities around the world…
[Please note that this post includes videos. If you are reading this article through e-mail

This video by Verm shows off the homes of some big time stars including the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Britney Spears, Calvin klein, Celine Dion, Elton John, George Michael, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, Michael Jordan, Michael Schumacher, Mike Tyson, Pete Sampras, Phil Collins, Ronaldo
Aerial views of more celebrity homes. Check out John Travolta’s home which has even got parking for the odd Boeing 707!
Here is a virtual walkthrough of Bill Gates home which was designed by James Cutler Architects and the architectural firm Bohlin Cywinski Jackson.
If you thought you have just seen it all, feast your eyes on Mukesh Ambani’s $2 billion residence(billion, yes!) at Mumbai which upon completion would become the world’s most expensive home. With a height of 173.12 meters, equivalent to that of a regular 60-storeyed residential building, Antilia(named after a mythical island) will have only 27 storeys in all, but would include amenities like six floors for parking, 3 helipads, a full floor for car maintenance, balconies with gardens , entertainment floor with 50 people seating floor, a refuge floor which would come in use in emergencies, facilities for athletics and a swimming pool and 2 full floors made of glass-front.
ambani home
The house was designed by Perkins + Will; you can watch the video walkthrough here:

Inside the Burj Al Arab

Being the only 7 star hotel in the world and with services and amenities enough to pamper even the gods, the Burj Al Arab could justify charging visitors an entry fee of around Rs.5000 ($100 approx).
After the scenic tour, if you are enticed to spend more time here, your options start from a modest Rs.50,000 (1000$ approx) and extend to a substantial 13 lakh ($28,000 approx) per night.
The Burj Al Arab was constructed by WS Atkins Partners Overseas, with concept architect Mr Thomas Wills Wright, and the interior design was handled by a team from KCA International, led by Ms Kuan Chew.
Here are a few snaps from the inside of the Burj Al Arab:
burj al arab pictures
Burj Al Arab Two-bedroom deluxe suite
burj al arab
Entrance to the Royal Suite
burj al arab
Royal Suite
burj al arab
Another view of the Royal Suite
burj al arab
Burj Al Arab presidential suite bathroom

Yet Another Luxury Caravan

Can’t say we are entirely unfamiliar with luxury caravans housing sports car garages. But ones with a jacuzzi (+ extras) on a 11-foot roof teak-floored terrace? Hell no, we haven’t seen one until now. Unveiled at Caravan Salon 2010, held in Dusseldorf, Germany, this baby has all the amenities that would make a celebrity feel pampered. And oh, it’s all yours if you can shell out 4 crore rupees ($840,000)
luxury caravan design
Check out the video. For those viewing this through email
sports car caravan
caravan interior
luxury sports car caravan
caravan terrace
luxury caravan jacuzzi

The World’s Most Expensive Penthouse ($305 Million)

There’s word going around that the world’s most expensive penthouse has just been snapped up by an unnamed Arab Sheik for a whooping $305 million. This 2 story penthouse, which is located in Monaco, includes a full height library, infinity pool, secure panic room with surveillance cameras, cinema rooms and every other conceivable symbol of luxury (not to mention stunning views of the Mediterranean). This home was designed by London based firm Candy and Candy who have been taking the design world by storm. Be sure to check out the videos we have included that show off more of their work at the end of the post.
But first the images…
most expensive home
A dramatic stairway leading into this romantic gallery features exquisite lighting design, beautiful surrounding sculptures and ornamental plants.
luxury-house-library
This elegant two-story library is every bookworm’s dream lounge!
luxury-dining
Here, the metallic coffer ceiling is reflected by two crystal chandeliers, which seem to take the cake in this lavish dining suite.

luxury-house-bedroom
The neutral bedroom is slightly more contemporary than the rest of the estate. We approve!
expensive-bed
This must be the matching master bath suite where the Sexta pendant lamp compliments the chaise and architectural details.
luxury-landing-room
The English garden effect in this dreamy veranda comes complete with a fancy swing that is long enough to nap on.

The double mirrors create an amazing illusion of a panoramic seascape from this cozy office niche