Thursday, July 28, 2016

Like living a fairytale: Connecticut estate with THREE guesthouses for $65M





Like living a fairytale: French billionaire's incredible 11th century turreted castle is transformed into an 850-acre luxury resort

  • Domaine des Etangs is open following extensive renovation
  • It was previously the holiday home of French oil baron, Didier Primat
  • When he died in 2008, his daughter helped to turn it into a hotel
  • It now boasts 27 bedrooms including seven suites and cottages on site


If you are looking for a regal stay, look no further than this 11th century turreted French castle.
Previously the holiday home of French oil billionaire Didier Primat, who passed away in 2008, Domaine des Etangs​ has just opened to the public as a one-of-a-kind fairytale resort.
Located in the south west of France in Massignac, the château is complemented by 850 acres of sprawling country retreat, nestled within the rolling Charente countryside.
The enchanting Domaine des Etangs​ boasts 850 acres of sprawling country retreat nestled within the Charente countryside
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The enchanting Domaine des Etangs​ boasts 850 acres of sprawling country retreat nestled within the Charente countryside
Previously the holiday home of French oil billionaire Didier Primat, who passed away in 2008, the property has just opened to the public as a unusual romantic resort 
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Previously the holiday home of French oil billionaire Didier Primat, who passed away in 2008, the property has just opened to the public as a unusual romantic resort
There is accommodation to suit all, from seven unique suites to separate farm cottages spaced around the grounds, totalling 29 rooms
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There is accommodation to suit all, from seven unique suites to separate farm cottages spaced around the grounds, totalling 29 rooms
Domaine des Etangs offers activities that make the most of its picturesque woodland surroundings, including cycling, horse riding and walking in the grounds
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Domaine des Etangs offers activities that make the most of its picturesque woodland surroundings, including cycling, horse riding and walking in the grounds


The honey-stone château is located three hours outside of bustling Paris, and offers a stay among quiet rural villages.
There is accommodation to suit all, from seven unique suites to separate farm cottages spaced around the grounds, totalling 29 rooms.
Domaine des Etangs offers activities that make the most of its picturesque woodland surroundings, including cycling, horse riding and walking.
For indoor types, thermal baths and a 40-seat restaurant are situated on the premises to leave anyone feeling like a pampered king or queen.
Food is served fuelled by local, seasonal ingredients, much of which is grown in the garden or used from livestock on the property
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Food is served fuelled by local, seasonal ingredients, much of which is grown in the garden or used from livestock on the property
The property now boasts 27 bedrooms including seven luxury suites and quaint property cottages
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The property now boasts 27 bedrooms including seven luxury suites and quaint property cottages
The restoration project was undertaken by Primat's daughter, Garance​, who collaborated with French landscape designer Camille Muller and architect Isabelle Stanislas​.
They aimed to preserve as much of the castle's historic features as possible using the help of local craftsmen.
Original wooden beams and old stone walls have now been adorned with plush furnishings and family antiques to create an authentic royal retreat feel.
The rural honey-stone château is located three hours outside of bustling Paris, and offers a stay amongst quiet villages and rolling scenery
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The rural honey-stone château is located three hours outside of bustling Paris, and offers a stay amongst quiet villages and rolling scenery
For the indoor types, thermal baths or a 40-seat restaurant are situated on the premises. Pictured is a comfy seating area to relax inside the château
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For the indoor types, thermal baths or a 40-seat restaurant are situated on the premises. Pictured is a comfy seating area to relax inside the château
The enchanting castle of the Domaine des Etangs dates back to the 11th century
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The enchanting castle of the Domaine des Etangs dates back to the 11th century
Contemporary aesthetic: The restoration project was undertaken by Primat's daughter, Garance​, who collaborated with French landscape designer Camille Muller and architect Isabelle Stanislas 
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Contemporary aesthetic: The restoration project was undertaken by Primat's daughter, Garance​, who collaborated with French landscape designer Camille Muller and architect Isabelle Stanislas
Meals are fuelled by local, seasonal ingredients, much of which is grown in the garden or obtained from livestock on the property.
Sporty guests can play a round of golf at the 18-hole course located 20 kilometres away.
The magical château is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group, which features a number of hand-curated properties which include everything from tree houses to hidden coves.
Rooms are available from around £565 (low season) and up to around £1,917 (high season) a night.
The restotation team aimed to preserve and as much of the castle's historic features using the help of local craftsmen
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The restoration team aimed to preserve and as much of the castle's historic features using the help of local craftsmen
Domaine des Etangs is now open for guests after the extensive renovation project 
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Domaine des Etangs is now open for guests after the extensive renovation project
Original wooden beams and old stone walls have been adorned with plush furnishings and family antiques to create an authentic royal retreat
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Original wooden beams and old stone walls have been adorned with plush furnishings and family antiques to create an authentic royal retreat
The magical château is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group, which features a number of hand-curated properties including everything from tree houses to hidden coves
The magical château is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group, which features a number of hand-curated properties including everything from tree houses to hidden coves
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The magical château is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group, which features a number of hand-curated properties which include everything from tree houses to hidden coves














































 

 

Connecticut estate with THREE guesthouses for $65M

  • Thomas Peterffy, 70, is the founder of security brokerage firm Interactive Brokers Group
  • He bought his 80-acre property in Greenwich, Connecticut, in 2004 for about $45 million
  • After extensive renovations over the years, he is now selling for $65 million
  • Peterffy had a net worth of $6.4 billion in September 2013


He is said to have paid $45 million for the sprawling estate about 10 years ago.
Now Hungary-born billionaire Thomas Peterffy - founder of security brokerage firm Interactive Brokers Group - is selling his expansive Connecticut estate, listing the 80-acre property for $65 million.
The home - about a one-hour drive from Manhattan - is exactly what one would expect from a country estate in Greenwhich, a leafy suburb that houses some of the richest people in the US.
Outside of the main house - which measures at 8,000 square and has eight bathrooms and eight bedrooms - there are also three guesthouses. 
Incredible property: Hungary-born billionaire Thomas Peterffy - founder of security brokerage firm Interactive Brokers Group - is now selling his expansive Connecticut estate, which he bought in 2004
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Incredible property: Hungary-born billionaire Thomas Peterffy - founder of security brokerage firm Interactive Brokers Group - is now selling his expansive Connecticut estate, which he bought in 2004
Sprawling: The home, which sits on 80 acres of land in Greenwich, Connecticut, has been listed for $65 million
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Sprawling: The home, which sits on 80 acres of land in Greenwich, Connecticut, has been listed for $65 million
The stunning old home - about a one-hour drive from Manhattan - is exactly what one would expect from a country estate in Greenwhich, a leafy suburb that houses some of the richest people in the US
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The stunning old home - about a one-hour drive from Manhattan - is exactly what one would expect from a country estate in Greenwhich, a leafy suburb that houses some of the richest people in the US
Outside of the main house - which measures at 8,000 square and has eight bedrooms - there are also three guesthouses
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Outside of the main house - which measures at 8,000 square and has eight bedrooms - there are also three guesthouses
The main house, known as Conyers Farm, was first built in the 1900s and has undergone two renovations since 
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The main house, known as Conyers Farm, was first built in the 1900s and has undergone two renovations since 
Open space: The main living room opens out onto the luscious green backyard through Victorian-style doors 
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Open space: The main living room opens out onto the luscious green backyard through Victorian-style doors 
Built in 1904, the property was once a working farm. The home includes eight bedrooms, a two-story library and a solarium
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Built in 1904, the property was once a working farm. The home includes eight bedrooms, a two-story library and a solarium
Homey: Because of its age, the house is said to be quite 'homey' considering some of the others built in the area 
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Homey: Because of its age, the house is said to be quite 'homey' considering some of the others built in the area 
Opulent: The marble bathroom in the master bedroom is connected to the walk-in closet by double doors 
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Opulent: The marble bathroom in the master bedroom is connected to the walk-in closet by double doors 
Selling: Peterffy had a net worth of $6.4 billion in September 2013
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Selling: Peterffy had a net worth of $6.4 billion in September 2013
After buying the property in 2004, Peterffy, 70, oversaw some major renovations, and converted one of the guesthouses into an office.
The second guesthouse has three bedrooms and three bathrooms, and the third has four bedrooms.  
According to The Wall Street Journal, the property is being marketed internationally by David Ogilvy & Associates, an exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate.
The house is known as Conyers Farm and was builty in the 1900s.
The place was renovated in 1980s before it was owned by Peterffy. 
The main house has a two-story library which has a bay window, two covered porches and terraces. 
There is also a 22-slot horse stable, where Petterfly keeps his six horses. 
Also on the property is an old stone cow barn that no longer has a roof. 
However it has come to be known as 'The Ruins' and has hosted many elaborate parties. 
Due to its age, the house is considered quite 'homey' compared to the other properties in the area. 
Plenty of space: Seen here is one of the guest bathrooms in the main house of the property, now listed for $65 million 
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Plenty of space: Seen here is one of the guest bathrooms in the main house of the property, now listed for $65 million 
The main house measures at 8,000 square and has eight bathrooms and eight bedrooms, some with working fireplaces 
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The main house measures at 8,000 square and has eight bathrooms and eight bedrooms, some with working fireplaces 
Room with a view: The double-height entry hallway moves into to a beauiful sitting room that overlooks the back garden 
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Room with a view: The double-height entry hallway moves into to a beauiful sitting room that overlooks the back garden 
Outside of the main house there are also three guesthouses, one of which has been turned into an office 
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Outside of the main house there are also three guesthouses, one of which has been turned into an office 
The main house has a two-story library which has a bay window, two covered porches and terraces, such as this one 
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The main house has a two-story library which has a bay window, two covered porches and terraces, such as this one 
Requisite: No country estate would be complete without a pool, set in the luscious back garden 
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Requisite: No country estate would be complete without a pool, set in the luscious back garden 
Among the many outdoor areas are three indoor terraces, to sit out the terrible winters in the area 
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Among the many outdoor areas are three indoor terraces, to sit out the terrible winters in the area 
'The Ruins': What is left of a stone cow barn is now used as the venue of elaborate cocktails parties 
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'The Ruins': What is left of a stone cow barn is now used as the venue of elaborate cocktails parties 

California is used it's Hollywood endings, but now there's a chance you could live out your days in a castle that looks as though it has come straight out of a fairy tale.
Hume Castle in Berkeley is the quintessential medical monastery that belongs amid the hills of somewhere like France or Italy.
Yet this one sits just a few miles from San Francisco in the suburb of East Bay. The Gothic masterpiece at 2900 Buena Vista Way is hidden behind oak and olive trees making it the perfect hilltop hideaway for someone who wants to reside in a fortress, while still enjoying the convenience of big city living.
Hume Castle isn't in Italy but on the in the Berkeley Hills, just east of San Francisco
Hume Castle isn't in Italy but on the in the Berkeley Hills, just east of San Francisco
The home was designed by John Hudson Thomas in 1928 in the style of a 13th century medieval cloister in Toulouse, France
The home was designed by John Hudson Thomas in 1928 in the style of a 13th century medieval cloister in Toulouse, France
The home was built for Samuel and Portia Hume in 1929. He was the head of University of California, Berkeley's Greek Theater Department, while she was a respected psychiatrist
The home was built for Samuel and Portia Hume in 1929. He was the head of University of California, Berkeley's Greek Theater Department, while she was a respected psychiatrist
The 5,746-square-foot palatial home has been a California landmark since 1985, but it is hidden by olive trees and bushes making it almost invisible from the road
The 5,746-square-foot palatial home has been a California landmark since 1985, but it is hidden by olive trees and bushes making it almost invisible from the road
The Hume Castle on Buena Vista Way in Berkeley is on the market for $5 million
The Hume Castle on Buena Vista Way in Berkeley is on the market for $5 million
Built into the home is a central courtyard, public spaces, five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a massive fireplace, and enough bookcases to satisfy two professors and space for 2,000 books
Built into the home is a central courtyard, public spaces, five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a massive fireplace, and enough bookcases to satisfy two professors and space for 2,000 books

The five-bedroom, seven-and-a-half bath home is arranged around a courtyard lined with stone Gothic arches
The unique property was initially listed at $5 million and this week the price was dropped to $4.5 million. The 5,746-square-foot home is by far the most expensive home for sale in Berkeley.
The house was the idea of Intellectual power couple Samuel and Portia Bell Hume who had traveled to Toulouse, France and came back inspired a wanted to build something resembling a monastery that they had seen on their travels. 
The pair hired architect John Hudson Thomas, and in 1929 the masterpiece was complete.  
Samuel had a significant career as a professor of dramatic literature and art at UC Berkeley, the director of the Berkeley Museum of Art, and a rare book dealer, while his wife Portia was a pioneer in the field of psychiatry and also taught at Berkeley. The Gothic motif continues inside, with an interior made of stone and accented with ornate metal work
The Gothic motif continues inside, with an interior made of stone and accented with ornate metal work
This historic architectural masterpiece by John Hudson Thomas was created in the style of a French cloister
This historic architectural masterpiece by John Hudson Thomas was created in the style of a French cloister
The home feels like a castle with with a pair of carved lions, domed ceilings, and heavy wood beams among the decarations
The home feels like a castle with with a pair of carved lions, domed ceilings, and heavy wood beams among the decarations
The house is built around a courtyard with an actual well in the center. It has Gothic arches and a Bocce Ball court
The house is built around a courtyard with an actual well in the center. It has Gothic arches and a Bocce Ball court

From turrets on the outside to mysterious narrow passages inside, it is every bit a fairytale
 The 5,746-square-foot home is by far the most expensive home for sale in Berkeley in northern California
 The 5,746-square-foot home is by far the most expensive home for sale in Berkeley in northern California
The historic architectural masterpiece by John Hudson Thomas was created in the style of a French cloister with a real well in the center
The historic architectural masterpiece by John Hudson Thomas was created in the style of a French cloister with a real well in the center
The Gothic motif is also recreated in the interior of the home, resulting in ¿castle-like imagery¿ composed of domed ceilings and heavy wood beams and stone archways
The Gothic motif is also recreated in the interior of the home, resulting in “castle-like imagery” composed of domed ceilings and heavy wood beams and stone archways
With 5 bedrooms and 7½ baths, the home features a spiral staircase leading to a unique green bathroom
With 5 bedrooms and 7 ½ baths, the home features a spiral staircase leading to a unique green bathroom
With 5 bedrooms and 7 ½ baths, the home has plenty of space to relax for a big family or visiting friends from out of the town 
With 5 bedrooms and 7 ½ baths, the home has plenty of space to relax for a big family or visiting friends from out of the town 
Each of the five spacious bedrooms have their own en suite full bathroom. The master bedroom and bathroom open out onto the magnificent Redwood deck with hot tub and Koi pond
Each of the five spacious bedrooms have their own en suite full bathroom. The master bedroom and bathroom open out onto the magnificent Redwood deck with hot tub and Koi pond

This home can best be described as being in the transitional style between Romanesque and early Gothic
Just off the living room, there is a baronial dining room, featuring a handsome fireplace mantel with a frieze of cast concrete figures. A stunning chandelier of handcrafted cast iron enhances the romance of the setting
Just off the living room, there is a baronial dining room, featuring a handsome fireplace mantel with a frieze of cast concrete figures. A stunning chandelier of handcrafted cast iron enhances the romance of the setting
'It's magical,' said listing agent Bebe McRae of the Grubb Co. told SFGate. 'It takes my breath away.'
'I imagine it was a collaborative effort,' she said.'John Hudson Thomas was already doing some Gothic architecture at the time, and I know Portia had very strong ideas. I was told John Hudson gave Portia a pipe after the home was built because he said she ought to look as authoritative as she was.'
The attention to detail means the home is truly authentic with enormous wrought-iron chandeliers, a spiraling stone staircase, a wishing well, and grand rooms with vaulted and beamed ceilings, some as high as 25 feet. At the center of  the home is a courtyard styled after a cloister.  
While the architecture is reminiscent of medieval times, the home has all the comforts of a modern home with up-to-date plumbing, electrical and heating systems. The house even has solar panels to help with energy bills. 
The views from the home look down on UC Berkeley, and out to San Francisco in the distance.
The Hume family lived in the house from 1928 until 1975, McRae said. The house was then briefly owned by an architect named Michael Sederin, she added, who remodeled the kitchen. The current owners have lived there since Sederin’s departure. 
The current owners have lived at Hume Castle for the past 30 years but they're getting ready to downsize and move to something smaller.

In addition to being close to the university, the Hume Mansion is also within walking distance of parks, lakes and a golf course
The kitchen has recently remodeled and the place has been retrofitted with a solar heating system
The kitchen has recently remodeled and the place has been retrofitted with a solar heating system

The grounds include a bocce ball court, a grand terrace, a koi pond, and gardens on just under an acre of land
Hume Mansion delivered everything the couple who commissioned the building of the home in 1929 loved - dramatic architecture, old Europe, the best of Berkeley with sweeping views of San Francisco Bay from the expansive terrace
Hume Mansion delivered everything the couple who commissioned the building of the home in 1929 loved - dramatic architecture, old Europe, the best of Berkeley with sweeping views of San Francisco Bay from the expansive terrace
The site alone is spectacular, with amazing views of the San Francisco Bay and the Berkeley Hills
The site alone is spectacular, with amazing views of the San Francisco Bay and the Berkeley Hills
Views of San Francisco can be seen along with the Bay and the Oakland Bay Bridge
Views of San Francisco can be seen along with the Bay and the Oakland Bay Bridge

 
 























































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