Silversea Silver Spirit - Come On! You Have Got To Be Kidding! This Ain't Luxury!

You have got to be kidding me!  What I am reading makes the Silversea Silver Spirit a virtual joke if you are talking "luxury" and just OK if you are talking premium.

Let me explain:  One thing I hate is "dumbing down" people so they eventually believe that marginal is acceptable.  Silversea seems focused on abandoning its luxury product on its new ship...and duping the guests into thinking it is OK.  (I am not so sure that is really working for many based upon the reports of long lines of dissatisfied guests bending the ears of management, but for some it does.)  Examples:

1.  Charging for things that should not included and eliminating things that Silversea cannot get away with charging for -

*As I previously noted, charging for specialty dining, such as  $200 per person for Le Champagne is offensively unjustifiable as is $40 or $80 per person (with or without sake) in Sheishen (the new Japanese venue).  Saying it is intended to reduce demand due to the size of the venue is absurd.  Reservations takes care of that.  Jack the price up so that most guests cannot or will not use a venue?  Please.   

*Charging for access to basic spa facilities.  I can understand charging for most spa items, but it is getting to be a bit much.  Also, there are reports of the mass market approach of pushing overpriced products.  (To be fair, on the Seabourn Odyssey that was also attempted by the contractor...for about a day...and then Seabourn shut down that sales approach.)

*Absence or limitation of complimentary drinks  when boarding and in public areas, for example, in the Show Lounge and, it seems, in the suites as well.

2.  Lack of Training and Poor Service -

*It is one thing for there to be some rough edges in service when the main restaurant opens, but it is another when some of the waitstaff don't know the difference say between risotto and a meat dish.  It is one thing if one dish is delayed a few minutes after everyone else is served, but serving one person while the rest of the table waits for a significant time?  Seriously, how limited was the training of the Silver Spirit staff not to review what the dishes are that are being served that evening or to understand that you reject the one dish and have it come out with the others?  (See my post:  Seabourn Cuisine - Seeing is Believing). 

*I can understand the suites not being stocked with the preferred beverages at the beginning of the Maiden Voyage, but not a week into it...especially when the guest repeated asks multiple people.  Obviously if the provisions were not loaded (because of logistics or financial issues), the answer is to simply advise the guest of the lack of provisions and to explain the options (if any) available.  Days of chasing people down and increased frustration is inexcusable...even on a mass market line.

3.  Serving Marginal and Repetitive Food (I can't call it "Cuisine") -

*This one really blows my mind!  It makes my complaints about the Regent Seven Seas Prime 7 restaurant serving oversized portions not being luxury sort of "over the top".  There is presently one guest onboard the Silver Spirit that posts on her own blog, Cruise Critic and Luxury Cruise Talk message boards.  I appreciate Debbie's efforts and candor, but alas it is clear to me that we work/live in two totally different worlds.  Here is a link to her photo of the dinner served in the al fresco dining venue on Deck 10 (Beef on a Stone).  Seriously, the presentation, quality of vegetables and salad are shocking...even for a mid-range steakhouse.  But if you look at the other food (not "cuisine") photos Debbie has generously posted, you may come to the same conclusion I did:  It is NOT luxury...not even close.

*I have looked at some of the Silver Spirit menu offerings and it is just, plain and simple, the same dishes served over and over again.  Changing garnishes, side dishes and spices doesn't change the base offering.  Again, it may be an issue of lack of provisioning or finances, but don't just serve it...explain why!  Treating guests like lemmings rather than intelligent and understanding folks makes absolutely no sense...and it is not luxury.

4.  What About the Ship?  One thing I find absolutely of great concern is that other than the televisions being embedded in mirrors (which is, by the way, a typical Ritz Carlton and other high end hotel treatment; especially in bathrooms) not much else has really be raved about...or even commented on.  (It is being noted - now that the novelty for some has warn off - that in the sitting area of the suites, the television is not actually embedded in the mirror, but shows as a black rectangle in the wall when turned off.) 

Seriously is that all there is to talk about?  There have been no raves about the main restaurant or the other public spaces...other than some guests enjoying STARS Lounge (which doesn't open until 9:00 p.m. because it shares a galley - which is inexcusable on a new ship) despite its service misses.  OK, some like the bar in the reception area and other don't, calling it similar to a hotel lobby.  (Now remember when I blasted Ralph Grizzle,the Avid Cruiser, for asserting it was equal to the Seabourn Square?  Check that out here:  Stupid Comparisons.)

Give Silversea Some Time - I am very confident I am not the only one with so many concerns.  And, to be fair, we all must give Silversea time to make corrections and adjustments and to admit, "Oops, that was a bad idea"...and to actually train its staff. 

Please remember that if people like me do not criticize there is less chance of things being improved.  Cheerleading may make some feel better in the short term, and they are obviously entitled to do it, but that is not what I do for my clients.  I try my best to give unbiased and accurate information...which is proven time and time again on this blog. 

Remember my blasting so many things about the Regent Seven Seas Navigator and the cheerleaders attacking me and claiming I was pushing Seabourn?  Well, Prestige Cruise Holdings, Regent's owner, had the same assessment I did...and invested a fortune to make corrections.  In other words, what I told you was true...not a push toward Seabourn.  Similarly, here I have given you some comparisons to the new Seabourn Odyssey and the Silversea Silver Spirit; not to push anyone to Seabourn, but to give you valid comparisons.

Join the discussion at The Gold Standard Forum!

Eye Candy of the Week – Arcos Vase by Asprey

 

 

PRODUCT

Arcos Vase

 

MANUFACTURE

Asprey

 

DESIGNER

Damián Garrido

 

MATERIALS

Sterling Silver

 

DIMENTIONS

39.5 cm wide by 41.5 cm high

 

DESCRIPTION

I just love the volume of this piece and the fact is made of sterling silver.  As you well know I am a big fan of sterling silver – It is my favourite material.  I also like the fact that they are two great pieces in one piece.  I am not so much fan of motion pieces but this is an extraordinary exception.

With a tag of £17,000 I guess this piece is a real eye candy, as much as I would like to have it. It is only ever for me to gaze upon.

 

YUMMY FACTOR

Unattainably Delicious  !!!

 

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Regent Seven Seas Navigator - She Is Finally Looking Like A Luxury Cruise Ship.

For years I have shunned the Regent Seven Seas Navigator due to her excessive vibration, drab and quirky interiors, horrible maintenance and systems issues and, let me think...could there be anything else as far as hardware goes????? (OK, she has wonderful suites and excellent bathrooms, but those were marred by various systems and maintenance problems.) BUT it seems she is no longer the Ugly Duckling!

Prestige Cruise Holdings, stuck with an Albatross, decided to make a huge investment, both in time and money, to make the Regent Seven Seas Navigator a wonderful, if not perfect, luxury cruise ship. While I have not been onboard, I have some inside information and "hot off the press" photographs to share with you.

First, the biggest issue: The Navigator's vibration. Without getting too technical, structure was added to the stern of the ship which added length and width and also changed the geometry (and therefore waterflow). This underwater feature is sometimes referred to as a sponson or "duck tail". New propellers and rudders were also added. The result is, according to sea trial information, that the vibration has all but been eliminated. I am not sure than any cruise ship has no vibration and it is yet to be seen what vibration is left, but "all but eliminated" effectively tells me to put the vibration baby to bed.

Second, there have been overhauls of the electrical, HVAC and plumbing systems. While I am sure there will some issues that will come up when the ship has full guest loads (one can't just make it perfect in one shot), the system-wide problems with the electrical system (deadship conditions), freezing cold in one area and uncomfortably warm in others (like the suites), and brown water and faucets falling off should all be things of the past.

Third, the galleys and many service areas have been gutted and totally rebuilt. These areas, usually unseen by guests, are critical to providing excellent service. With these weak links virtually eliminated, I am confident that some of the sorely lacking service will improve. (But this is not about the software, so I will leave that for another post.)

Fourth, there have been structural changes in some of the public areas, including the addition of Prime 7, the hallmark Regent Steakhouse. Check it out:

While I would not call it over-the-top, I really like the understated elegance. Those chairs, look like I could sit back quite nicely and enjoy some wine and linger over a very nice dinner. (It is hard to see the entire layout in the photograph, but what I see I really like.)

Fifth, the fun stuff: The redesign and refurbishment of the public areas. For example, the former ugly and awkward Stars Lounge, now makes a statement. It may or may not be your taste, but it show style and should draw people into it - having lost its dudgeon-like decor:

The Navigator Lounge has also been vastly improved. Gone is the blue "waiting area" feel. It now feels, at least from the photo, like a very nice place to read in the day or have a drink before dinner:

The Compass Rose, main dining room, also has been upgraded. Again, you may not like the large chairs, but they add comfort and some style in a room that, to me, was nothing more than a boring peach place to get food. Now "dining" seems very viable, though I cannot tell if the lack of sufficient tables for two or the poor placement of the waiter stations has been addressed:

As you may know, the Portofino concept has been abandoned on Navigator. The main alternative dining venue, La Veranda, has been updated as well.

Sorry I do not have photographs just yet of the new Pool Grill and Pool Bar, but I hear they are really beautiful and much improved from what I always perceived them to be...afterthoughts.

I also have a photograph of one of my favorite areas - even with the vibration - the deck aft of Galileo's. I don't know what was done in the lounge itself, though:

I also know the suites are all receiving new carpeting and any wear issues were addressed.

Keep in mind that these photographs do not take into account all of the huge onloading of hotel items, loose furnishings, restocking, etc. that is being finished up as I write this.

I am sure there will be some shakeout over the next few cruises, but I am far more willing to consider the Regent Seven Seas Navigator today than I have been for years.

What do you think of the improvements? Join the discussion on The Gold Standard Forum!

Steve Booshehmee Lists Sunset Strip House

SELLER: Steve Buscemi
LOCATION: Los Angeles, CA
PRICE: $6,250,000
SIZE: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
DESCRIPTION: Sited on one of the premier promontories above the Sunset Strip, this European Architectural feels as if it floats among the stars. All major room overlook a dramatic pool and grassy lawn to an unbroken, unobstructed sweep of view across the Los Angeles basin to the Pacific Ocean. The just completed renovation and expansion have created a remarkable two-story residence which combines contemporary luxury with a respect for the details of a distinguished origin.

YOUR MAMAS NOTES: While Your Mama was sipping gin spiked egg nog with the Dr. Cooter's family we received a missive from Big Dave over at Celebrity Address Aerial who let us know that snaggle-toothed actor/director Steve Buscemi–that's pronounced boo-SHEM-ee–listed a house high above Los Angeles' Sunset Strip with a sky high asking price of $6,250,000.

Mister Buscemi, well known for playing creeps and criminals on screen (The Sopranos, Miller's Crossing, Fargo, The Big Lebowski) also has a handful of nice credits on his IMDB for directing multiple episodes of Oz, The Sopranos, 30 Rock and, most recently, 4 episodes of the wicked and wonderful Nurse Jackie on the HBO.

Anyhoo, property records are a wee bit confusing on this one to Your Mama's holiday hacked and gin saturated mind, but as best as we can tell Mister Buscemi–a dead ringer for John Waters in a dark alley–bought the property in July 0f 2006 for an undisclosed amount of money. It could also be that he's owned the property since sometime in the 1990s. We don't know. The property consists of at least three–and possibly four–adjacent parcels sited on a small but significant promontory allowing for knee buckling views of the glittery lights of Tinseltown from downtown to the Pacific Ocean.

Property records show the recently rehabbed residence was originally built in 1942 and measures 1,956 square feet with 2 bedrooms and 2 poopers. However, listing information indicates the "European Architectural" includes 3 bedrooms and 3 poopers. Your Mama does can't say with certainty why the discrepancy, but we suspect it might have something to do with the recent renovation and expansion mentioned in listing information.

Sitting at the very tip of a hair pin curve on a cul-de-sac off dizzingly swervy Sunset Plaza Drive and fronted by an itty-bitty motor court and 2-car garage, the little-windowed front facade gives few clues to the exploding views that slap you in the damn face at the back of the house which is all floor to ceiling sliding glass doors that open to the back yard.

Listing photos don't reveal much of the interior spaces but, let's be honestly children, whomever buys Mister Booshehmee's Sunset Strip property at whatever price it eventually sells for probably will care little about the interior spaces with it's polished and reddish wood floors, 2 fireplaces and oddly configured but well appointed kitchen. For better or worse and like it or not, in Los Angeles, a house like this is all about that glittering carpet of lights and the small but flat back yard with its infinity edged plunge pool, spa, fire pit and patch of grass just big enough for a couple long bodied bitches.

From the looks of things, Your Mama would guess–and hope–that Mister Booshehmee and family have already moved on to bigger and better digs since there appears to be little in the way of day-core other than a couple of Barcelona chairs, a surfboard shaped glass dining room table with six white chairs and a trio of stainless steel stools pulled up to the breakfast counter in the kitchen. Besides, that orchid sitting on the coffee table in the living room is a dead damn ringer that this place is staged. Or at least, that's what Your Mama thinks.

Property records also indicate that Mister Buscemi owns a 2 bedroom and 2 pooper condo in a tawdry complex on the western side of Las Vegas that was purchased in October of 2006 for $200,000 as well as a house sitting on just more than an acre not too far from posh Park City, UT in the unfortunately named Heber City. It also appears, according to property records, that Mister Buscemi also owns house in the Park Slope neighborhood of his native Brooklyn, NY. which was purchased way back in June of 1997 for $579,000. But honestly butter beans, we're not sure of these things.

The Widda Safra's Real Estate Madness

Listen chickens, today is a travel day for Your Mama so we just don't have too much time to blather on like we usually do so in an effort not to leave y'all completely high and dry real estate wise we're going to drop a tidbit about some recent real estate activity at New York City's high-fallutin' 820 Fifth Avenue, without question one of Manhattan's most exclusive and coveted co-operative apartment houses and also one of the most difficult to get into.

International socialite Lily Safra, the widow of deceased Lebonese billionaire Edmond Safra who perished in a nasty conflagration that swept through the couple's penthouse in Monaco back in 1999, has long occupied the top floor of the ridiculously high-nosed 820 Fifth Avenue. She also, according to several of our better connected New York City sources, owns the smaller of the two maisonette units at 820. Your Mama doesn't know what she uses that apartment for so don't nobody bother asking. If we knew, we'd certainly tell you.

Anyhoo, the long elevator ride to the 12 floor must have gotten a bit annoying for the Widda Safra–or something–because on the 16th of December, according to the peeps at Property Shark, the kohl eyed and wildy rich woman snatched up the 4th floor of 820 Fifth Avenue for a toe curling $33,000,000 and, in turn, sold her 12th floor sprawler to hedge fund honcho Ken Griffin for an even more hair raising $40,000,000. Billionaires clearly weather recessions far differently than Your Mama and the Dr. Cooter do.

This is not–it might flabbergast the children to know–the first time the Widda Safra has owned the 4th floor of 820 Fifth Avenue. In the early naughts, the Widda Safra reportedly paid khaki pants king Tommy Hilfiger somewhere in the neighborhood of $18,000,000 for the full floor unit. As the story goes–and Your Mama has no idea if the story is really true–the Widda Safra purchased the palatial apartment for one of her two daughters who quickly had a real estate change of mind and decided she didn't want to live downstairs from mumsey after all. The apartment was flipped back on the market and eventually sold in 2003 for around $23,500,000, a tidy profit by any standard. The buyers: home builder Ara Hovnanian and his ar-teest wifey Rachel.

The Hovnanians had the 4th floor unit all did up and done over by dee-voon Dutch architect Piet Boon who worked over the 18-room beast into a minimalist vision in white, black and blue with elaborate and intricate moldings painted the same glaring white as the winter white walls, all the better to display their impressive collection of Hirsts and Matisses. Back in the early spring of 2008, the Hovnanians floated their very contemporary apartment on the market as a quiet listing–meaning it wasn't officially for sale, but for those with the right connections and the right number dollars in their bank accounts was indeed for sale–with an asking price widely reported to be a blistering $36,000,000.

The Hovnanians were, natch, no fools when the Widda Safra–the very same ladee who sold them their apartment–made it known she'd be willing to pay $33,000,000 to buy the apartment...again. They wisely saw a gift horse knocking on their finely feathered nest who not only has pockets deep enough to pay thirty-some million for the apartment, but also a gift horse with the necessary clout–not to mention a couple of current addys at 820 already–to pass muster with the notoriously stringent co-op board.

Your Mama hasn't any idea if Miz Safra plans on keeping all the gallery white walls and ultra-modern bathroom fixtures, but iffin she were to ask Your Mama, which of course she will not, we'd tell her she'd be a loon to trade out anything installed by the magnificent Mister Boon.

The Widda Safra is, all the children well know by now, currently entangled in an ugly legal imbroglio with Russian oligarch Mikail Prokhorov over the fifty-five million (or so) clams the billionaire gave the billionairess as a deposit on the purchase of her legendary estate La Leopolda in the South of France. In short, he backed out of the deal and wants his deposit back and she claims he's not entitled to its return according to French law. Their attorneys are duking it out in court and a ruling of the mess is expected in March of 2010.

photo: Property Shark

Silversea Silver Spirit - A New "Dream" Ship and Some Nightmares

I have not commented on Silversea's newest ship, the Silversea Silver Spirit, for a few days. The reason: I am tired of being told or perceived as being a Silversea basher. So I let the initial couple of days of nirvana go by and have been reading as much as possible from those who were or are onboard.

[Note:  There is a great discussion going on at The Gold Standard Forum.  Click on Luxury at Sea and then on Hardware]

The result is exactly what Seabourn has always claimed: It is the software; the people and service that make the difference. And with Silversea, it seems, that it was is sorely lacking. There are, of course, some of the best staff at sea...but then there are apparently a very large number of undertrained and/or overwhelmed and/or undermotivated staff. It also appears that some of the service has been limited in order to deal with the shortcomings.

Before discussing that, the ship itself is worthy of discussion. From what I have read and seen, the ship is (as previously noted) brown, brown and brown. That is not necessarily a bad thing, but if you are looking for modern design and flair, this is not the ship for you. It has been compared, to some degree, with an "old school" hotel. There are certain areas that seem to work well, such as Le Champagne (the $200 per person restaurant), the bar in reception area, etc. There are areas that don't, such as the show lounge.

The discussions have gone from how wonderful STARS (a tasting menu bar) is to the fact that it doesn't have its own galley, so the tasting menu isn't available until after 9:00 p.m. That seems like bad design as a result of cost-cutting. On a new ship dedicated galleys are an obvious inclusion (ala Seabourn Odyssey's Restaurant Two having its own galley back-to-back with the one for Colonnade). I am waiting to hear how it was designed that way so that it would not be a dining venue, but rather a late night snack concept. (I am not buying into that at all.)

I am not going to comment too much about the dining experiences because it is very difficult to get everything right in the first few days. The reports are of generally good to excellent cuisine, but a confused and inconsistent delivery (from wrong menu items, to unannounced changes in menu items, to truly worrisome room service issues.) I would note, by comparison, that Seabourn focused on making sure everything was as right as it could be when you stepped onto the Seabourn Odyssey as first impressions are so important. (I would also note, to be fair, that Seabourn has suffered some inconsistencies as the Odyssey has been out for a while and it seems keeping the small ship level of service on the larger ships is not as easy as hoped for.)

What blows my mind is some simple stuff, like bar service in the main show lounge simply does not exist. There is absolutely no excuse for this. Possibly as another cost-cutting effect of not installing a bar in the area, there simply is no service option. Even if offering just champagne, white or red wine, Silversea has to do something. It is, without a question in my mind, the installation of a philosophy of "Give 'Em Less" that is shocking.

The "fun" of the TVs behind the mirror in the suites seems to have quickly worn off, as the television is providing nothing better than second run movies, intermittent (at best) internet, etc. Stories of broken lights, no hot water, poor quality craftsmanship, etc. seem to be ubiquitous.

One other thing that is really bothering me is the extra charges. The word is Sheisin, the Japanese Restaurant, will charge $40 a person. The spa charges $20 a day per person for access to many of its facilities. Le Champagne charges $30 per person with no wine or $200 per person for a wine-pared menu. While Le Champagne's concept is a Silversea trademark, I think its pricing is absurd and to expand it to other areas offensive. This is supposed to be a luxury experience; not a pay as you go one. Seriously, what is the real cost of these experiences versus the cruise fare cost.

Two nights ago I dined at the the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe which opened just two weeks ago at Northstar-at-Tahoe, a 5 Star luxury ski resort, in its top restaurant, La Manzanita (operated by its James Beard Award winning chef, and San Francisco legend, Traci Des Jardins. For a total of $210 (including 20% tip) my wife and I had Maine Diver Scallops, Potato Mousseline and Black Truffle Nage and Red Wine Braised Shortribs, Horseradish Potato Puree and Herb Salad (both signature dishes) while my wife had Little Gem Lettuces, Roasted Chioggia Beets, Chevre and Winter Citrus followed by Steelhead Salmon, Celery Root, Roasted Chioggia Beets and Mustard Greens and we shared Warm Bread Pudding, Kumquat Marmalade and Bourbon Crème Anglaise and two bottles of Roederer Estate Brut Champagne (sparking wine). Can some tell me how you justify charging double that amount?

The rationale for charging $80 for a couple to dine at Sheisen escapes me as well. Yes, there is the issue of limiting demand, but that is easily done with reservations. One thing to keep in mind is that while the concept is nice, the problem is greater: People spending that kind of money don't want the feeling they are being "nickeled and dimed". The concept of fees to reduce demand is but one solution to a possible problem with overuse of a restaurant. Reservations are another...as Christian Sauleau knows from his long time involvement with Regent Seven Seas. (Seabourn went with a reservation system on the Seabourn Odyssey to limit demand and found that it actually created more problems than solutions...eventually abandoning it except for Restaurant Two - its high demand, and still no charge, tasting restaurant.) So Silversea starts out, knowing the Seabourn experience, by charging $80. I don't get it.

Obviously, I am not thrilled so far, but I also want to note that there is plenty of time to tweak, change and modify. There is an expectation of "This doesn't work, mechanically or operationally and must be changed...now how?" I still hold out hope that Silversea will be able both operationally and financially to make the Silversea Silver Spirit a true luxury experience.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Your Mama and the Dr. Cooter wish all the children the happiest of holidays and an even happier New Year filled with health, wealth and a bottomless pitcher of gin & tonics.

Taylor Swift Buys Big Girl Penthouse in Nashville

BUYER: Taylor Swift
LOCATION: Nashville, TN
PRICE: $1,990,000
SIZE: 4,062 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms

YOUR MAMAS NOTES: Iffin Your Mama is being honest–and we always are–we'd tell the children that the only bits and pieces we know about 20-year old country music sensation Taylor Swift is that purity ring wearing tweener singer Joe Jonas broke up with her over the telephone sometime in 2008 and that her moment to shine at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards was tarnished when she was accepting the Best Female Video award and a seemingly intoxicated Kanye West–he was, after all, clutching a half empty bottle of Hennessey while walking the red carpet earlier in the evening–clamored up on the stage looking like a damn fool with his ridiculous haircut and blathering on about beautiful and big booty-ed Beyoncé's Single Ladies video. Beyoncé looked mor-ti-fide, Kanye was asked to leave and, later, a very dignified Miss Swift very graciously accepted his apology. Lo-werd have mercy children, it's a good thing Kanye West didn't rain on our damn parade because Your Mama would not have been nearly as nice as Miss Swift. We'd have told Mister West to go, ahem, screw hisself and then smacked his ass clear back to the Middle Ages because we are not nearly as forgiving as young Miss Swift is when it comes to public displays of jack-assery.

Anyhoo, thanks to the gender neutrally named Robin Black down in Music City, we've also recently learned that the 20-year old singer/songwriter just bought her first home. A few minutes clicking and clacking through the interweb turns up multiple reports about young Miss Swift snatching up a dee-luxe penthouse condo at The Adelicia complex in downtown Nashville.

According to our Robin Black who forwarded property records supporting his claim, Miss Swift forked over a very grown up $1,990,000 for her new bachelorette pad. According to The Adelicia's website, little Miss Swift's penthouse measures an adult-sized 4,063 square feet and includes 3 bedrooms and 4.5 poopers. Miss Swift's new home also has a double height living room wrapped in floor to ceiling glass and divided into two seating areas by a huge freestanding fireplace, a wrap around balcony, gore-may kitchen, dining room and an 80+ square foot wine storage room, which is kind of ironic if not particularly funny since Miss Swift is not old even enough to drink legally. Two of Miss Swift's three bedrooms are on the main floor while the upper floor includes a study overlooking the living room, an entertainment room, laundry facilities, and a master bedroom with twin vanities, a glassy bathroom with separate tub and shower and a walk in closet larger than many studio apartments in Manhattan.

According to one report, Miss Swift is all kinds of excited about shopping for tile and wallpaper and taking off her cowgirl boots and putting on her interior decorator hat. She reveals her plans to do over the day-core in a, "whimsical, quirky, eclectic tree house" style. Oh dear. Listen to Your Mama here Miss Swift, because we like you and we want to help you from creating a decorating disaster of epic proportions. Do not, and we repeat, do not do up your penthouse like a damn tree house. Not only will you get tired of that crap in six months or a year, no one will ever want to buy it when you decide to sell it because, let's be honest hunny, there really aren't that many–if any–people who will ever be the market for a multi-million dollar penthouse in Nashville done up and worked over like a damn tree house. Okay?

The 18-story mixed use tower offers residents all the luxuries and conveniences a fancy, modern day apartment tower should, including a 3,000 square foot gym with a yoga/Pilates room, a sprawling rooftop deck with Olympic length lap pool and a couple of community barbecue grills, a private pool-side lounge with catering kitchen for private soirees, private conference rooms, a resident's only dog park, and 24/7 concierge and security services.

Other buyers at The Adelicia are reported to include Dancing With the Stars dancer turned country music singer Julianne Hough, Kings of Leon lead singer Caleb Followill, and filthy rich American Idol founder Simon Fuller who, like Miss Swift, also selected a penthouse unit according to property records. Maybe the can all get together at the private pool-side lounge for a meet and greet barbecue soiree.

Your Mama congratulates Miss Swift on her success–it's not every 20-year old who can purchase a two million dollar anything–and sincerely wish her a happy home and a Kanye West free MTV Video Music Award ceremony in 2010.

Christmas Dinner Table Decoration Ideas

When decorating for the holiday season many people remember to decorate the yard, the Christmas tree and the mantle, but what about the dining room table? You want your dinner guests to be transformed into the holiday season mood immediately upon entering the dining room. Decorating the table for the Christmas dinner is a great way to make the day even more memorable. I will admit that red, green, white, gold and silver are still my favorites and probably always will be. The Christmas Day is near and I wanted to share a few Christmas table decoration ideas

Our Holiday Card 2009

Happy Holidays from all of us at Meade Design Group!

It was another successful year for our annual holiday card, we gave ourselves high expectations after all of the positive feedback we received from last years card - this year we even included a little gift as a token of our appreciation to everyone who made this a great year for us including our colleagues, trades, retailers, friends, family and of course, our clients!

 

 

We wanted everyone to embrace their inner child and enjoy the holidays spending time with those important to them.This has been the year that we have all realized what is really important to us and we wanted a card that would reflect that. We also wanted to encourage everyone to get a little creative during their holiday!

We chose a simple retro-modern theme in a crisp red and white colour scheme (to match our holiday decor), with whimsical fonts and imagery. We also included a gingerbread man cookie cutter (secured with a white, linear textured ribbon) and a delicious recipe for everyone to try:

 

 

Ingredients

Makes 36

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for rolling
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/3 cup packed dark-brown sugar
• 1/3 cup unsulfured molasses
• 1 large egg
• Decorating sugar or sprinkles (optional)

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, spices, baking soda, and salt; set aside. With an electric mixer, beat butter and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in molasses and egg. With mixer on low, add dry ingredients; mix just until a dough forms. Place dough on floured plastic wrap; pat into an 8-inch square. Wrap well; chill until firm, 1 to 2 hours.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Divide dough in half. Working with one half at a time (rewrap and refrigerate other half), place dough on floured parchment or waxed paper; roll out 1/8 inch thick, turning, lifting, and flouring dough (and rolling pin) as needed. Freeze dough (on paper) until firm, about 20 minutes.
3. Loosen dough from paper. Cut out shapes, and transfer to baking sheets.
4. Bake until firm and edges just begin to darken, 10 to 18 minutes, depending on size. Cool completely on baking sheets. Decorate with sugar or sprinkles, as desired.

 

 

We also included the message:

“Embrace your inner child, have fun, and get creative with your loved ones this holiday season by making some tasty treats for everyone to enjoy.

We wish you all a safe, happy and healthy holiday season carrying into 2010 and beyond.

Cheers!

ivan, echo and jeff”

And finished it all off with a red wax bird-shaped seal.

 

 

We hope you enjoyed our holiday card this year – thank you so much to everyone, including our blog readers for making this such a special year for us!

PS – If you didn’t receive your card from us this year – we blame Canada Post!

Cher Hoists Hawaiian Hideaway Up on the Auction Block

SELLER: Cher
LOCATION: Lau'eki Street, Kailua Kona, HI
PRICE: $8-12,000,000 (estimated)
SIZE: 8,821 square feet, 6 bedrooms, 6 full and 2 half bathrooms

YOUR MAMAS NOTES: Not only has iconic singer/songwriter/actor/director/producer Cher been trying to unload* her massive mansion in Malee-boo, CA for an ear piercing $45,000,000–now reduced to a still booty clenching $41,000,000–she's also recently put a never occupied Hawaiian hideaway up for auction with a pre-auction estimated selling price between eight and twelve million clams.

The recently completed residence sits on a .76-acre lot at the fancy Four Seasons Hualalai community on the Kona-Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii. Altogether, according to listing information, the compound covers 8,821 square feet of interior space with 6 bedrooms and 6 full and 2 half poopers.

The main house is entered through a courtyard and covered porch where floor-to-ceiling mahogany doors slide open to reveal a seamless integration between the well-appointed–if too neutral for Your Mama's taste–interior spaces and outdoor spaces which all have dazzling views across the 4th fairway and to the glittering blue ocean. In the event of inclement weather or a rare chill on the air, sliding glass doors close off the main living space, which includes a vaulted ceiling inlaid with grass thatching, several seating areas, art niches, and mahogany detailing.

The dining room, according to listing information, has sliding doors on all four sides that can either close or open the space to the living room, kitchen and outdoors. The adjacent kitchen features a large center island, high grade appliances including dual convection ovens, dual dishwashers, a built-in espresso maker, and a dual-climate wine refrigerator.

The master suite, located within the main house, includes an expansive bedroom with walls of glass that slide open to a private lanai with views of the pool, golf course and ocean. The master bath has been fitted with double vanity with a wood counter top, a free-standing soaking tub and a walk-in shower as well as an outdoor shower.

In addition to the main house, there are 5 free-standing bungalows–four with bedroom suites and a fifth designed as a media room and bar–that surround an Zen-like courtyard with streamlined landscaping, walking path and fountain.

The infinity-edged swimming pool and spa has several lounging areas including a nearby lanai and a shallow shelf in the pool itself on which several chaise lounges eagerly beckon for Your Mama's big booty, Cher's surgically enhanced and unnaturally wrinkle-free face and a big ol' pitcher of gin & tonics. The backside of the swimming pool has a few palm trees for that island feel and a tumble of razor sharp volcanic rocks, which will cut a persons feet to bloody shreds if they make the damn fool effort to scramble across them bare footed.

The property is scheduled to be auctioned on the 18th of January so any of you children who might have a 10 or so million to spare and would like to own a Hawaiian hideaway custom-designed by Cher herself have a few weeks to get your financial affairs in order.

*The Malee-boo manse is not currently on the open market.

photos: Concierge Auctions

British Jokester Russell Brand Goes Hollywood

BUYER: Russell Brand (and Katy Perry)
LOCATION: Los Angeles, CA
PRICE: $3,250,000
SIZE: 4,706 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms
DESCRIPTION: Walled and gated, this stately home has been renovated and updated with style and flair. Wood floors, marble surfaces, and floor plan. The living room is large and bright, with den, formal dining room, a large chef's kitchen with family room, and 4 bedrooms/4.5 baths. The master bedroom is over sized and has unusually high ceilings and city views. The grounds are expansive, with rolling lawns, formal gardens, pool and spa, with a gated entry and driveway.

YOUR MAMAS NOTES: Okay chickens, Your Mama is going to try and clear up a little matter about the Los Angeles house controversial British comedian Russell Perry bought where he and girl kissing singer/songwriter Katy Perry will, allegedly, live in sin because we're hearing something very different that what has been widely reported.

Your Mama has received numerous emails the last few days from the children wanting to know if the international reports about Mister Brand buying Britney Spears' old house up in the Summit community above Beverly Hills, which–the poor lamb–has been unsuccessfully trying to unload for years.

We're not sure quite how that real estate rumor got started but, based on the very good word of Phoebe Fillsyourmamainonallthingslosfeliz, we can tell you that Mister Brand and Miss Perry did not only not purchase the former home of back in the superstar saddle Miss Spears', they didn't even buy a mansion in the guard gated Summit community at all. No babies, according to our well informed sources, Mister Brand bought a house in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles, a far cry from the not quite Beverly Hills Summit community.

Property records show the 4 bedroom and 4.5 pooper property was picked up for $3,250,000, which is only an itty bit higher than the $3,200,000 the tax man's records show the seller–award winning music video director Mark Romanek and his wife Brigette–paid for the house back in May of 2006.

Situated on a corner lot above lovely Los Feliz Boulevard, the residence stands four stories tall and measures, according to property records, 4,706 square feet. The walled, gated and highly hedged property can be accessed via a walk gate at the front of the house or an electronic drive gate at the side the leads around to a motor court and three car garage.

According to property records, the residence was built in 1922 but has subsequently been fully updated and renovated with modern standards and a contemporary aspect. The white-walled rooms have dark chocolate wood floors, marble counter tops, and numerous French doors that open to multiple awning covered terraces and balconies with views of downtown and beyond.

The formal entry opens to a large, square-ish, step down livng room with fireplace. The corner living room opens to a small den/library as well as the dining room with a trio of arched windows, a crystal dripping chandelier and a shimmering, blue and silver wallpaper applied to one wall. The gore-may, eat in kitchen has white cabinetry with glass fronted uppers, marble counter tops, a large work island with breakfast bar, lots of windows for lights and all the high end cooking accoutrement one can and should expect in a three and some million dollar house.

Upstairs, antique carved wood double doors open to the rather large master bedroom, which has high ceilings, a fireplace, city views and enough multi-paned French door to make a cleaning gurl hate you. The master bath has industrial feeling, dark gray concrete floors set off by luxe amenities like a double vanity, spa tub and separate shower. At the time of the sale, one of the other three bedrooms was finished with a stunning stenciled and gold leafed ceiling which is the perfect decorative accent to some of Miss Perry's rather inventive and colorful 1940s inspired outfits.

The terraced grounds have flat lawns, stone balustrades, fountains, swimming pool, spa and several terraces for outdoor entertaining and early afternoon cocktailing.
In addition to buying a big house in Los Angeles, Mister Brand has also, it has been widely reported, listed his glamorous and dramatically decorated and excessively wallpapered, 5-floor London terrace house (shown above) in November of 2009. Listing information shows Mister Brand's London house has a double reception room on the first floor, 3-4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms–one of which Mister Brand uses as an office/study and another as a yoga room, and a hot tub in the wee back yard. The property is currently listed at £2,500,000, which becomes a much more substantial sounding 4,006,080 U.S. dollars at today's rates according to Your Mama's currency converting contraption.

As for Miss Spears, well puppies, as fer as Your Mama knows, when she's not strutting her stuff while on tour she's hunkered down in a huge leased house in a double gated community in Calabasas, CA. Her former 6 bedroom and 6.5 pooper faux-Tuscan white elephant in the Summit community that Mister Brand was erroneously reported to have purchased does not appear to be currently listed on the open market nor, according to property records, does it appear to have been sold.

More Legal Wrangling Over La Leopolda

International socialite Lily Safra did not want to sell La Leopolda, her lavish and legendarily high-maintenance 20ish acre estate in the South of France. Back in late November of 2009, Your Mama heard from Miz Safra's man in Paris who told us, "A purchase proposal was spontaneously–and repeatedly–made by one potential buyer and was finally accepted last year. However, the purchase was never completed. The residence is not being sold and was never offered for sale." Our little pea brain translates that to: Miz Safra was not–and is still not–seeking a buyer for La Leopolda, but, let's be honest chickens, when someone offers you half a billion bucks for a house, you say yes.

The "potential buyer" was Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov who provided Miz Safra a reported £35,000,000 down payment for the purchase of La Leopolda. It is this titanic deposit that has Miz Safra and Mister Prokhorov duking it out in the French courts.

According to a recent report in the Telegraph, Mister Prokhorov's legal people told a court in Nice that in August of 2008 a promesse de vente–that's a sale agreement to all us English speakers–was signed by Mister Prokhorov signaling his intent to purchase the Belle Epoque mansion. The agreed upon price, according to the Telegraph, was a jaw dropping and record breaking £347,000,000, a number that included £17,400,000 for the furnishings.

According to Your Mama's currency converting contraption, those figures translate at today's rates to $50,139, 200 for the deposit, $24,926,400 for the furniture and a total purchase price of $497,095,000. For the sake of simplicity, let's just say that based on the reported numbers, Miz Safra agreed to sell La Leopolda for approximately $475,000,000, the furnishings for an additional twenty-five million clams all of which was secured with a fifty million smacker deposit.

The big deal was to go down in January of 2009 but apparently Mister Prokhorov, who is by some accounts Russia's richest man, got a serious case of the real estate cold feet and decided not to complete the high-priced purchase. He requested his deposit be returned. She said, "nyet," then issued a public statement saying the ginormous deposit would be donated to various charities. She's rich like that. He cried foul. Then they went to court.

Miz Safra's legal people say that, according to French law, purchasers lose their deposit if they bail on the sale after the promesse de vente has been signed. Mister Prokhorov's legal peeps insist the promesse de vente became null and void due to two "anomalies." Their first argument states that Mister Prokhorov was not given a seven day "cooling off" period during which a buyer can typically back out of a sales agreement without penalty.

Their second legal beef is a claim that Miz Safra's legal proxy unlawfully included the agreed upon price for the furniture in with the price of the house making for an inaccurate reporting of the transaction figures to the French government.

Miz Safra's legal peeps said, in effect, "Pffft, that's silly" and then, somewhat curiously, demanded Mister Prokhorov compensate Miz Safra a whopping £1,300,000–or, at today's rates, $1,862,320 for all us Americanos–for the cost of "moving furniture." We'd bet our long bodied bitches Linda and Beverly that request didn't sit well with Mister Prokhorov or his legal team.

Miz Safra's legal representative, an homme by the name of Jean-Michel Darrios, claims to have an ace in their legal hole regarding this whole brouhaha and is quoted in the Telegraph, "We have written proof that Mr. Prokhorov, via his lawyers, continued to confirm his intention to by the property well after the sale agreement."

A verdict is due in March of 2010.

MONOCHROME BEDROOM

Bed room with single bed 120 x 200cm. Though applies monochrome, this room still seen compact.


Kamar tidur dengan bed single berukuran 120 x 200cm. meskipun menggunakan satu warna, kamar ini tetap terlihat kompak. Dengan desain mebel yang minimalis, kamar ini terlihat elegan, mewah. Lemari pakaian berukuran 180cm, dibuat dengan menggunakan pintu geser, sehingga kamar tidak terasa sempit.

With furniture design which minimalist, this room seen elegant, luxuriant. Wardrobe has length dimension 180cm, made by using sliding door, so that room losts to narrowing.

NATURAL PANTRY

This pantry interior design as a whole is made by using wood colour. What combined with white granite for toptable and white paint of glossy for the cornice. Interior design from this pantry applies layout L-shape. This pantry interior design equipped with breakfast table with table height is 75cm. At peripheral portion of this breakfast table, there is openshelf as place of snack. breakfast table dimension design to be enough for 2 people.

Refrigerator, as home aplliance which must be owned, put down in left part of this pantry, causing facilitates whoever to take something from within refrigerator ( put down looks out on direct with line to step into activity area ).




The hobs of this pantry interior is at elbow window, causing facilitates to throw away smoke out of pantry. While washbowl put down at this pantry starboard.

As an aside...

...First we lost the New York Post's inestimable celebrity real estate writer Braden Keil who died in early 2009 after a long battle with skin cancer and who was replaced by his wife Jennifer. Then we lost the mighty fine Max Abelson at the New York Observer who moved on to greener pastures at the pink paper and who was replaced by the lovely Chloe Malle. And now we read that (celebrity) real estate writer Josh Barbanel who penned the Big Deals column and other stories for the New York Times was laid off.

Laid off. Another sign of the economic times and yet another sign of the rather fragile state of newspapers and print media in general. We'll miss Mister Barbanel's insight into the glittery world of New York City real estate and will cross our fingers and toes he lands on his feet, soon and solidly.

UPDATE: Nic Cage

Oh dear. Your Mama regrets to report that it looks like it may not be a very merry real estate Christmas for the financially embattled and beleaguered Oscar winning actor Nic Cage. After weeks wasted in escrow, his legendary estate on Copa de Oro Road in Los Angeles' posh and pricey Bel Air neighborhood–formerly owned by Tom Jones and Dean Martin–is back on the market with an asking price of $17,500,000.

A Bev Hills real estate insider we'll call Little Birdie whispered in our ear that the house has actually been in escrow a couple of times and that we should not be surprised if it goes into escrow again very, very soon.

photo: Pacific Coast News

Get more dining room

The round dining table and upholstered chairs make dining and conversation pleasant. Custom wallpaper and mirror add depth to the small space. Check out the unusual window treatments in this dining room design

George Lindeman Junior Lists Art Filled Mansion in Miami

SELLER: George Lindemann Jr.
LOCATION: Sunset Island, Miami Beach, FL
PRICE: $29,900,750
SIZE: 11,388 square feet, 7 bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms
DESCRIPTION: This historically significant waterfront property designed by Maurice Fatio encompasses 70,886 SF of land on which rests approx 11,388 SF breathtaking, Neoclassic home w/ a contemporary feel. The home sits on a tip lot on Sunset Island. From there, sweeping bay views & color-soaked sunsets provide a dazzling backdrop to this crown jewel, aptly named, La Tranquilla. An Olympic-sized pool blends effortlessly into the verdant & well-manicured surroundings of this tropical haven spanning 1.63 acres.

YOUR MAMAS NOTES: Your Mama suggests the children get right up, grab a nice big cup of coffee, spike it with whatever makes yer head spin and settle in for the long haul because we won't be getting to the meat of this real estate matter for quite some time.

George Lindemann, Sr., one of the United States' wealthier citizens, made tens of millions developing the first permanent-wear soft contact lens and later made well over a billion bucks selling a nascent cellular technology concern to the Bell Atlantic Corporation. Currently, Mister Lindemann is chairman of the board, president and CEO of the Southern Union Company, the largest natural gas pipeline company in the United States. Mister Lindemann is said to own as much as 10% of that company and, additionally, a significant stake in Verizon and a whole mess of Spanish language radio stations too. The Lindemanns, George Senior and his wife Dr. Frayda Lindemann, are major philanthropists, patrons of the arts and regulars on the upper crust party and charity circuit in New York, Palm Beach and beyond. Together they have three adult children: Adam, Sloan and George Jr.

Now that we know who the primary players are in our little game of real estate what's what, we're going to present an admittedly incomplete run down of the very fancy residential real estate holdings and transactions of the Lindemann family because, let's be honest, it's always fun and exciting to whittle away an hour or two looking at and marveling over how wildly, filthy, stinking rich people live.

George Senior and Dr. Frayda, who happen to be besties with fallen financier Walter Noel and his well kept wife Monica, famously sold their ocean front mansion on Blossom Way in Palm Beach in June of 2008 for a heart stopping $68,500,000. The buyer is widely reported to be Venezuelan big living banker and polo pasha Victor Vargas. The elder Lindemanns, who are based in Greenwich, CT, decamped to a smaller but still huge ocean front mansion father north in Palm Beach, which they bought in September of 2008 for $23,500,000 and hired high class architect Peter Marino to work over.

In 1986, according to property records, Mister and Missus Dr. Lindemann purchased a townhouse on swank but staid Sutton Place in New York City that once was owned by Aristotle Onassis. They sold the house a few years later for $8,375,000 and, unfortunately, Your Mama loses all track of their New York City real estate trail right then and there. However, Your Mama is hard pressed to believed these two luxe-livers haven't since bought themselves a pricey and posh apartment in one of the better buildings on Park or Fifth Avenue.

Anyhoo, since at least mid 1980s, according to property records, the Lindemann family seat has been a 9+ acre water front estate on Indian Field Road in Greenwich, CT. In addition a waterside swimming pool, tennis court, private beach, guest house and acres of lush landscaping, there is, according to property records, a very dignified 12,639 square foot, 12 bedroom Tudor-style mansion that would make a robber baron weep. As best as we can tell from peeping and poking around property records, the stately estate is now in the name of Sloan Lindemann, however we're pretty sure it's still occupied by the elder Lindemanns. Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

Speaking of Sloan...In the late 1990s, she and her investment banker/natural health-care and housecleaning products pushing huzband Roger Barnett lived in Manhattan at 550 Park Avenue in a 4,500 sq. ft. sprawler with 12 rooms. In late 2000, they traded up to a 33-foot wide, 5-floor Georgian style mansion on East 69th Street that records show they picked up for $11,050,000. At the time Mister and Missus Barnett bought the townhouse, according to a report from the time, the 1881 structure had a marble foyer, library, a full width living room, a dining room with 14 foot ceilings, two single bedrooms and three two-bedroom suites that shared 5 poopers and, natch, staff quarters. There were–and perhaps still are–separate passenger and staff elevators because, apparently, people with more money than the damn Pope don't always like sharing elevators with the help. Our research turned up multiple reports that stated the interiors were done up and did over by architect Peter Marino who–as we mentioned earlier–has had a hand in several homes of Sloan's folks. Back in mid-2007 there were rumors running around the upper crust real estate circles that Mister and Missus Barnett were quietly shopping their townhouse around for somewhere in the neighborhood of $62,000,000,000. It was rumored (and reported) that Mister and Missus Barnett had previously received one offer in the mid-fifty million clam range, but they didn't go for it. Silly rabbits.

In early 2005, after selling their ocean front weekend house at the bottom of Squabble Lane in Southampton, NY to pet product tycoon Leonard Hartz for $20,000,000, the Sloan and Roger Barnetts packed up and headed west where they bought a massive mansion in San Francisco from Ingrid and Reuben Hills of the Hills Brothers coffee fortune. According to previous reports and property records, the 1931 built manse, situated on a particularly peacocky block of nabobish Broadway Street, measures 11,455 square feet and includes 9 bedrooms, 9 or more poopers, a central courtyard and panoramic views encompassing the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. The purchase price is unknown but the hoity-toity house was last listed at a staggering $29,500,000. It had been listed, the children might get a kick out of knowing, as high as $45,000,000. To give the children a feel for the sort of west coast neighborhood the east coast Barnetts landed, their nearby neighbors include billionaire Larry Ellison, oil rich socialites Ann and Gordon Getty, Levi Strauss heir Peter Haas, and dashing writer and tech entrepreneur Trevor Traina–whose father was once married to prolific romance writer Danielle Steel–and his stunning wife Alexis. As best as Your Mama can tell from property records and previous reports, the Barnetts live primarily at their San Francisco mansion but continue to maintain their Manhattan townhouse, but don't nobody quote us on that because we really don't know nuthin' from a nutcracker.

Sloan's brother Adam Lindemann, a heavy hitting New York City-based contemporary art collector, used to live in a 10th floor spread at 730 Park Avenue when he was married to his first wife, socialite Elizabeth Graham. That is, until they went splitsville in the early naughts. The formerly happy couple also owned a 4.62 acre, 5 bedroom and 4 pooper property on North Street in Greenwich, CT they sold in September of 2001 for $3,583,000 as well as another house on Fords Lane in quietly ritzy Rye, NY that was sold in October of 2002 for $10,500,000. Ex-Missus Lindemann sold the 5 bedroom and 5.5 pooper co-operative apartment at 730 Park Avenue post-dee-vorce, in June 2006, for $21,500,000 and moved her things just one floor down into an 11-room bacherlorette pad at 730 she bought in August of 2006 for $10,500,000.

In 2006, Mister Lindemann remarried former gallerist Amalia Dayan, who herself has a rather impressive family pedigree. For a time they lived in an art-filled apartment at the Time Warner Center surrounded by high priced and high profile pieces by big fish artists like Jack Pierson, Glenn Brown, Damien Hirst, and Jeff Koons. One of the bedrooms in the high-floor condo, shared by two of Mister Lindemann's three daughters from his first marriage, was wrapped in wallpaper by Japanese super star Takashi Murakami. The art consuming couple have traded that apartment in–or soon will be–for a David Adjaye designed carriage house on East 77th Street that record show Mister Lindemann bought in May of 2004 for $6,750,000. On weekends, Mister and second Missus Lindemann either head up to the Catskills where they own a mock-Tudor done over with the assistance of artist Richard Woods–which means it's probably an extravaganza of faux bois–or they head out east to Montauk where property records show that in December of 2007 Mister Lindemann spent $15,000,000 on a 3.31 acre bluff top and ocean front property with a sizable shingled cottage built in the 1970s, which they also had David Adjaye do over.

Now then, let's get to the man of the hour, George Lindemann Jr., whose unfortunate claim to fame is that in the late 1990s he did some time in the pokey after he was convicted of insurance fraud related to hiring some thug to electrocute one of his show horses in order to collect a quarter of a million clams in insurance money. After being sprung from the big house, Mister Lindemann re-created himself from a horseman into a philanthropist and voracious contemporary art collector based in Miami, FL. Thanks to Mimi MiamiBeach we've learned that the former felon has put his historic, art-filled Miami Beach mansion on the market with a toe curling $29,900,750 asking price. If that number doesn't cause the children to bust out in a case of hives, maybe the bank account draining $210,269 in annual taxes and $15,000 per year homeowner association fees will.

Public property records on George Junior's Sunset Island estate are a wee bit confusing and convoluted, as they often can be when dealing with billionaire families who have co-mingling financial interests in family businesses and trusts. According to one of our interweb sources, George Junior purchased the property through a trust in June of 2000 for $8,425,000. In 2004, the property was transferred from the trust directly to George Jr. and his mother Dr. Frayda. At some point between 2004 and 2008, George Senior and sister Sloan were added on the records and in early 2008 the property was again transferred from that group of Lindemanns directly to an eponymous trust controlled by George Junior.

Listing information shows the simply but meticulously manicured 1.63 acre lot claims 453 feet of water front and hosts a 1936 Neoclassical beauty designed by famed high society architect Maurice Fatio. According to listing information, the sprawling single story concrete block stucco residence, called La Tranquilla, measures 11,388 square feet with 7 bedrooms and 7.5 poopers. At the front, an electronic gate opens to a large circular drive. The driveway leads around one side of the house to a small motor court and 3-car garage and on the other side, a path from the driveway leads around the house to the water where there is private dockage. A vast, piazza like patio stretches between the two wings at the back of the house and a rectangular, Olympic length swimming pool and spa extends from the back of the house towards the water.

The "W" shaped concrete stucco built residence retains its original character on the exterior and every convenience and modern amenity has been added to the beautifully proportioned interior. However, as lovely as the house may be, it's a wee bit difficult for Your Mama to look past all that blue chip contemporary art that is practically bursting out through the arched French doors and black shuttered windows. Just a few of the notable artists Your Mama recognizes around the house include Fred Tomaselli, John Currin, Anish Kapoor, Keith Haring, Matthew Ritchie, Marc Newsom, Raqib Shaw, Shiro Kuramata, and Wendell Castle just to name a few. Your Mama encourages the children to call out any other big–or not so big–name artists represented in George Junior's undeniably impressive collection.

Given that George Junior is shoulder deep in the Miami art scene and a major player in the city's fun in the sun Art Basel Miami Beach, Your Mama would not bet our long bodied bitches Linda and Beverly that he'll be leaving the area. But then again, what do we know? If we've said it once we've said a thousand and one times, who are we to understand the real estate ways of the ridiculously rich?

George Junior's name–plus that of another Lindemann–also appears on the records a Miami Beach condominium at theIl Villagio complex on Ocean Drive that was purchased in April of 2006 for $2,950,000. In July of 2009, records also reveal, George Junior spent an undisclosed but, based on mortgage information, enormous amount of money on an 11,113 square foot house in Aspen, CO.

Ain't life sweet for the children of billionaires?