Real Estate

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Alyssa Mammano – April 02, 2020

Tom Brady Moving into Derek Jeter's Tampa, FL Mansion

We presented a few options of homes Brady could have bought now that he's a Tampa Bay Buccaneer last week, but it turns out the NFL quarterback will be renting the former home of baseball legend Derek Jeter. Brady has officially arrived in Tampa Bay and has chosen to move his family into Jeter's former residence on Davis Islands. According to local radio personality JP Peterson, Brady was allegedly spotted at the residence on Wednesday. Peterson spoke with local realtors to estimate a rental price of $75,000-$100,000 per month. https://twitter.com/FanStreamJP/status/1245531780964331520 Jeter built 58 Bahama Circle in 2011, according to Zillow, which spans nearly 22,000 square feet with seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms. The waterfront home has two boat lifts providing access to the Bay, expansive outdoor terraces wrapped around the massive pool and spa outdoor area. The home is surrounded by a privacy fence and lush greenery for a feeling of seclusion among a neighborhood of prominent homes. In case that you are in the process of moving, we recommend reaching out to Fox removals specializing in home, office, heavy and fragile moves while also coming with comprehensive insurance their teams practice strict furniture protection policies to care for your belongings as if they were their own. Brady signed a $50 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for two years, with an additional $9 million in performance incentives. Derek Jeter is a Hall of Fame shortstop who is currently the CEO and part owner of the Miami Marlins. Shop Mansions Featured image via " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen>

By Alyssa Mammano – April 01, 2020

Home of the Day: Massachusetts Mansion for a Car Collector

Location: Weston, Massachusetts Address: 49 Possum Road Price: $7,950,000 Bedrooms: 4 bedrooms Bathrooms: 5 total bathrooms Square Feet: 6,434 total square feet View Listing This exquisite custom built estate nestled on 2.56 private acres in Weston's most desired Golf Club area boasts superb custom craftsmanship, unparalleled attention to detail and a floor plan that perfectly balances gorgeous public and private spaces. Magnificent windows and French doors to the terrace/gardens make cascading light and natural beauty part of the interior design, which features a living room with barrel ceiling and stunning wall of arched windows, formal dining room/butler's pantry, ultimate professional-level chef's kitchen with vaulted octagonal breakfast room and spectacular hand-crafted post-and-beam cathedral family room with floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. A marvelous first-floor master suite has a paneled library and bedroom with fireplaces, exercise room and spa bath. The fantastic game room/bar is plumbed for remodel as a second master, with three bedrooms on the second floor. The fabulous six-car heated/air-conditioned 1,799-square-foot attached car barn is perfect for an auto collector. View Listing Have an incredible property to share with our audience?Click below Showcase Your Listing

By Alyssa Mammano – April 01, 2020

David Beckham Buys Penthouse at One Thousand Museum in Miami

Soccer superstar David Beckham will soon be spending more time in Miami at his newly-purchased penthouse atop the One Thousand Museum designed by Zaha Hadid. ONE Sotheby's International Realty represented both sides of the sale; the company is the exclusive listing agency for the iconic tower and the sale was also brokered by ONE Sotheby's agent, Robert Hite. Beckham Brand Limited, the partnership and licensing company owned by David Beckham, closed on the full-floor penthouse on Tuesday. The new sky home has 11,046 square feet with five bedrooms and six and a half bathrooms. It is one of ten penthouses in the newly-constructed building. https://www.instagram.com/p/B-cV57SBkXJ "With the launch of our new MLS club, David and his team will be spending significant amounts of time in Miami. One Thousand Museum is a very special building and we are excited to join the community there," said a Spokesperson for David Beckham. https://www.instagram.com/p/B-cS_89gQ-z View One Thousand Museum Photography via One Thousand Museum

By Alyssa Mammano – March 31, 2020

Architecturally Unique $40.5 Million Mansion with a "Batc...

Six standard-size lots combine to create the landscape for Residence 950; an architecturally unique residence adjacent to the famed Lombard Street in San Francisco. The 9,500-square-foot estate was recently listed for $40.5 million and sits hilltop with an expansive 270-degree view overlooking San Francisco and the Bay. Presiding over an entire city block, the home is designed for entertaining and can easily accommodate 300 guests. Beneath the original home, a subterranean level was excavated to create a sumptuous lounge and walk-out entertaining area. This level comes complete with a stunningly designed bar and exquisite limestone flooring. Also on this level, homeowners will approach a four-car garage through a "Batcave" lit tunnel. Once inside, the garage features a 360-degree turntable, Tesla charging station, catering accommodations and a dog wash. " width="680"> The five-bedroom, six-and-a-half-bathroom main home is connected to a one-bedroom, one-bathroom wellness cottage with spa amenities through a garden of lush greenery and outdoor entertaining accommodations. Outdoor dining is complemented by a retracting projector screen and hidden speakers. The cantilevered, four-sided infinity-edge pool also conceals underwater speakers. View Listing Presented by The Altman BrothersJosh Altman and Matthew Altmanwith Douglas Elliman Real Estate

By Alyssa Mammano – March 30, 2020

Exquisite Mansion in Prestigious Knoxville Neighborhood

Imagine a scaled-down version of the Biltmore or a European country chateau and you’ll have an idea of this true work-of-art overlooking 10 acres of horticultural excellence. Located on a quiet, prestigious drive in close proximity to downtown, the University of Tennessee, the airport, great schools, shopping, restaurants, and churches, this is as private as it gets in Knoxville’s most desirable zip code. Through the gated entry, across the charming bridge to the stately residence, you’ll find consistency of thought in the design and execution, quality of materials and craftsmanship, and attention to every detail, seen or unseen. You’ll also find whimsical touches, such as the electrified secret cave and its grotto-like patio, the hand-painted, circus tent playroom, and the working 1940s warship bell atop the garage. More than 12,000 square feet of finished living space include two enormous master suites and three additional ensuite bedrooms, two full kitchens, and a number of glorious rooms for entertaining and relaxing in museum-quality splendor. The downstairs is its own complete living quarters. Both the main level and lower level walk out to the pool and park-like grounds. From quarter-sawn hardwood and Indiana limestone flooring to the masonry and brick exterior, copper guttering and slate roof, every element has been carefully considered and much of it has been imported. The construction, materials and craftsmanship are unparalleled. The grounds of this estate are an extraordinary canvas. Thousands of hand-selected and artistically placed trees have been nurtured into maturity, creating a splendid arboretum that shades a myriad of beautifully maintained outdoor spaces. The home and its surroundings are truly an oasis in a city that has it all – a vibrant downtown, every cultural amenity, the UT Volunteers, four beautiful seasons, the Great Smoky Mountains at its doorstep and exceptionally friendly neighbors. If you’re looking for a remarkable home in a state with no income tax within a day’s drive of New York and Miami, look no further than 1909 Rudder Lane. Offered at $6,895,000. View Listing Richard A. SmithBerkshire Hathaway HomeServicesDean-Smith Realty865.588.5000 office865.384.1696 cellras@dean-smith.netwww.richardasmithrealestate.com

By Alyssa Mammano – March 27, 2020

Spa-Like Retreat in an Idyllic Mountain Setting

Each home has a story, a vision, a dream. This was a forever home that envisioned precise specifications for luxury, comfort, livability. No detail was too big or too small. Each piece of the home has a purpose. Each element geared toward perfection. Asian design inspirations bring a sense of peaceful existence throughout the home. Monochromatic color schemes and simple lines make use of natural materials, patterns of light and space to a create harmonious experience. Floor-to-ceiling windows invite the outside in year-round: a 270-degree panoramic view of the ever-changing, wild ranch lands below, to the granite faces of the Tetons. Striking sapele and redwood transitions create artful entrances from room to room. An impressive architectural staircase with bold lines and soft curves delivers you into the living room with stunning Teton views. Expansive windows provide 365 days of sunsets over the Tetons. The Library offers extraordinary views for a quiet place to work or relax. Acoustically perfect, this room has surround sound speakers for the perfect movie watching experience. Exquisite built-in bookcases hold hundreds of books. " width="680"> Interior elements artfully blend bold architectural elements such as custom lighting of Christian Liaigre to the soft details of New Zealand wool carpeting. Custom cabinetry by Wayne Williams incorporates organization systems in each cabinet to ensure absolute efficiency. The large professional kitchen with Wolf Sub-Zero and Miele appliances also includes a Butlers pantry, 120-bottle wine/beverage refrigerator, custom cabinet and drawer organizers, Sun Valley bronze cabinet pulls and black granite sinks. The spacious main level is perfect for entertaining. Enjoy the warmth of the four-sided fireplace masterpiece wrapped in bronze and custom designed glass doors that swing open, roll up or tilt for exceptional operational use. Downlighting highlights the reclaimed logging planks, creating a centerpiece like nothing else. The guest bathroom features Dornbracht-Tara Platinum fixtures, while the studio showcases fumed oak built-in cabinetry. A sandstone surround completes the fireplace, and full wall-to-ceiling windows provide an inviting ambiance. The rich colors in the sapele and redwood sapless paneling highlight the height of the rooms, only to find exquisite silver travertine as a striking contrast in each of the bathrooms. Allison Berger pendant light fixtures hang gracefully above the his and hers sinks. Beveled glass medicine cabinets provide ample storage for all your personal items. A steam shower complete with teak flooring provides for the ultimate spa experience. Chroma-fusion in the shower glass provides privacy. Tucked into the southern corner of the home are twin bedrooms. Light and bright mirrored rooms with built in furnishings are perfect for families or guests. Large windows provide plenty of natural light. Automated sheers and shades offer muted sunshine or darkness depending on the mood. Whimsical panels above the beds add color and a place for expression and art. The panels are interchangeable to grow with the occupants of the rooms. An adjacent bathroom is conveniently located for the twin bedrooms, including double sinks, glass inset shelving and large drawers. A family suite in the lower level has two oversized bedrooms and an extra large spa-style bathroom complete with two sinks, steam shower and large bathtub. Beautiful onyx panels offer a warm glow between the bathroom and guest rooms. A large walk-in closet will accommodate several guests. View Listing Ted DawsonBroker/Owner307-690-8170Ted@C21JH.comC21JH.com

By Alyssa Mammano – March 26, 2020

The World’s Priciest Penthouses

In a realm where luxury is a necessity in order to elicit interest, penthouse living at the pinnacle of the market is other-worldly. The private lives of the world’s most elite luxury real estate buyers remain discreet, however, a glimpse into the top offerings of penthouses around the globe provides a glimmer of this sequestered lifestyle. Antila | South Mumbai In a category all its own, the Antila tower is actually entirely owned and utilized as a personal residence by business magnate Mukesh Ambani and his family. At an estimated $1-2 billion USD to construct, Antila is considered the world’s second most expensive home after the Buckingham Palace. The 400,000-square-foot property is located on Altamount Road; one of the world’s most highly-priced streets. Of the total 27 floors, Ambani utilizes the top six as his residence. The remainder of the floors are used for guest suites, a salon, and ice cream parlor, a 50-person theater, a private mega-temple and garage space for 168 cars. La Tour Odéon | Monte Carlo, Monaco In a country where luxury real estate prices are notably exorbitant, La Tour Odéon holds the record for the world’s most expensive penthouse at $335 million USD. Atop the 49-story concrete and glass tower presides the five-floor penthouse boasting 31,500 square feet. Front-row accommodations for the Grand Prix include spectacular Mediterranean Sea and city views to be savored from floor-to-ceiling glass walls. With an additional Trex decking that are an option with grooved-edge boards for perfectly consistent spacing and no visible screws on top. A water slide descends from the dance floor above, down an entire story into the private rooftop infinity pool. However, to be surrounded by the world’s wealthiest, Monaco luxury real estate buyers must become full-time residents. One Hyde Park | Central London London’s most expensive flat rings in at $196 million USD and is owned by the building’s property tycoon developer. In a neighborhood proclaimed to be Central London’s most exclusive, the penthouse at One Hyde Park overlooks London’s Knightsbridge and Hyde Park. The flat comes with a 70-foot pool, pedicure room, theater and library, and is protected around the clock by guards trained by the Special Forces. Security measures also include panic rooms and bulletproof glass. Hotel dry cleaning and room services provided by the five-star Mandarin hotel next door are also extended to the residents of One Hyde Park. The Woolworth Tower | New York, New York Dating back to 1913, this historical landmark recently underwent renovations to convert its top 30 floors into residences, including the seven-story penthouse at its crown. Conceptualized by F.W. Woolworth and Cass Gilbert, the Woolworth tower was the tallest building in the world for two decades. Inside its green copper crown is a 10,000-square-foot shell listed for $110 million awaiting a buyer to reimagine its residential layout. Amenities included in the purchase of this blank canvas include a private elevator, 24-foot ceilings and a 400-square-foot observatory with views of the New York City skyline in every direction. Opus | The Peak, Hong Kong The Presidential Unit in Hong Kong’s Opus tower boasts 5,500 square feet on the top floor of the architecturally significant building. Designed by famed Canadian architect Frank Gehry, Opus adopts the designer’s asymmetrical, curved style considered to be disruptive in design styles of architecture. Sustainability is at the forefront for this residential property, as it utilizes rainwater for irrigation and offers electric car charging stations. Priced at $65 million USD, the Presidential Unit encompasses four en-suite bedrooms on its interior, and an additional 1,500-square-foot rooftop deck complete with a Jacuzzi. View Luxury Penthouses and More Photography of Antila Tower, South Mumbai via Zricks.com Do You Have a Luxury Penthouse that Deserves to be Showcased Here?Contact Us Now to Promote Your Listing!

By Alyssa Mammano – March 26, 2020

Luxurious Florida Waterfront Estate Exudes European Flair

Five years in the making, this magnificent estate brings European distinction to the Key West vibe of Ponce Inlet. Just a stroll away from Light House Park and nearby waterfront restaurants, its three-and-a-half acres include 130 feet of Intracoastal waterway frontage, a deep-water dock and an expansive, stone-paved motor court. Return from Ponce Inlet’s magnificent beaches and fabulous fishing jetty through the regal entry gates and along the 500-foot, oak-canopied driveway. The main estate’s exterior is exquisitely finished with travertine stone and set with imported French windows and Italian doors. Inside, spellbinding crystal light fixtures from Milan and Carrera marble flooring lend unique elegance and class. The grand entry of the 10,000-square-foot estate showcases a sweeping iron staircase designed by architect Luis Beltran and a domed ceiling designed and built by Poli Verona in Italy. Equipped to entertain, the estate boasts two full kitchens with cabinetry imported from Aster Cucine in Italy. The mesmerizing millwork of the two-story gathering room leads to a ten-seat home theater and an adjacent lobby bar that could rival that of the Plaza Hotel in New York. Retire up the marble staircase or ride the wood-adorned elevator to the expansive master suite. West Indies mahogany flooring and ceiling beams exude warmth and comfort in the master bedroom. The master bath complex features book-matched marble, a steam shower and an exercise room with his and hers water closets. Custom-built shelving in the expansive walk-ins and a vast outdoor waterfront veranda complete the master enclave. With an inviting two-bedroom guest house, a luxurious floating-edge pool with generous decking and a pergola-covered spa tying together the grounds, this home truly has it all. View Listing Realty Pros AssuredBill Navarra386.334.9991Bill@RealtyProsAssured.comwww.billnavarra.com

By Alyssa Mammano – March 25, 2020

Pharrell Williams' Newly-Listed $17 Million Mansion has 3...

Unique in architectural style and location, Pharrell Williams' Beverly Hills mansion just hit the market for $16.95 million. With a vantage point overlooking Los Angeles, the compound is clad in glass providing endless views of the canyon below. Enter the gated drive to approach a more than 30-vehicle motorcourt and resort-like grounds. Encircled in tranquility, the property features indoor and outdoor waterfalls, Koi ponds and a grotto. Stone structures, terraces and custom sculptures are displayed throughout. Ten bedrooms and 11 bathrooms are encompassed within the 17,245-square-foot home. A marble staircase adjoins the two levels and wood accents and jagged lines continue the architectural aesthetic. A dramatic crystal light fixture juts from the ceiling of the formal dining space. The views are the centerpiece throughout the home, with an atrium-like feel from the indoors and sweeping views from the outdoor spaces. An expansive pool highlights the grotto waterfall and a swim-up full outdoor kitchen. A sports court complements the outdoor design surrounded by lush greenery. In all, the estate is an entertainer's dream. View Listing Presented by The Altman BrothersJosh Altman and Matthew Altmanwith Douglas Elliman Real Estate

By Alyssa Mammano – March 24, 2020

Lee Iacocca's Former Residence Listed for $26 Million

The estate of the late Lee Iacocca is listing his former Bel Air residence for a huge profit at a whopping $25.999 million. Iacocca is the famed Chrysler executive who saved the company from bankruptcy by convincing the federal government to lend him a $1.5 billion bail out, and then steered the enterprise toward record profits during the 1980s. After retiring from Chrysler in 1993, Iacocca lived in this sprawling California compound until his eventual passing in 2019. Ever the negotiator, Iacocca reportedly snapped up the property at $4.25 million after its builders were forced to default on the loan and the lender went into federal receivership. Initially listed for $11.9 million during its construction, a Hong Kong buyer bought the property, but then backed out, eventually causing the FDIC to repossess the property and allowing Iacocca to get a killer deal. If the estate does sell for close to $26 million, the Iacocca's will have profited nearly 600 percent. The $26 million asking price is due in large part to the location of the property off Sunset Boulevard on Chalon Road. In close proximity are the famed Bel-Air Country Club and Hotel Bel-Air. Behind private gates, the 11,000-square-foot main house resides at the end of a tree-line driveway, encompassing five bedrooms and eight bathrooms on over an acre of land. Masterfully designed in traditional Tuscan stylings, the home features high ceilings and meticulous craftsmanship. Four ensuite guest rooms and an open floorplan make entertaining easy. In fact, lavish entertaining of many influential guests did take place in this estate over the years of Iacocca's residency. Celebrities such as Bob and Dolores Hope, Frank and Barbara Sinatra, Barbara Davis, Priscilla Presley, Betty White and many others graced this hallowed abode. View Listing Photography via Tyler Hogan Photography / Hilton & Hyland

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