A 15,000-square-foot residence in the Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles, overlooking a country club, presents countless opportunities for over-the-top, garish embellishments. But instead of succumbing to those temptations, this home’s new owner, a fortysomething media entrepreneur, and his design team exercised uncommon and laudable restraint when reconceiving the circa-1926 house. The team comprised interior designer Jerry Meyer, architects Walter Meyer (no relation to Jerry) and A. Thomas Torres, contractor John Finton, and landscape architect Maureen Barnes. The owner purchased the residence three years ago and then gave his charges a one-year deadline to renovate and furnish it. In that time, they created a house that reveals its charms gradually, one room at a time, instead of all at once. “There are a lot of parts to the home that are appealing, but not competing,” explains Walter Meyer. “Each room can stand alone and has its own personality. But at the same time, there’s a tremendous sense of continuity. It’s a true example of the whole being the sum of its parts.”

The 1.5-acre property encompasses a pool filled with salt water, a double garden with water features and sculptures, and numerous entertaining spaces. “The backyard is visible from almost every room in the house, so it was important to create a strong connection between the inside and out,” explains Jerry Meyer.

Inside the home, the design team was cautious to keep the rooms on a human scale. To create a warmer sense of arrival, the height of the home’s original entryway was reduced from 28 feet to 14 feet. The color palette for most of the home’s furnishings—red, fuchsia, and coral—was indirectly determined by the sepia-toned, 19th-century French wallpaper panel hanging in the living room and by the homeowner’s fascination with the romance of red. Beyond the living room and looking out to the garden and swimming pool, the game room and dining room areas offer the homeowner multiple options for entertaining. “He didn’t want a space that was so large that a small dinner party would feel uncomfortable,” says Meyer. “So to the right of the dining room, in the game room, I designed a table with a square insert that normally holds a Man Ray–designed chess set.”

Also convenient for entertaining is the lower-level catering kitchen located just below the home’s family kitchen, which is designed for daily use. Outfitted with stainless steel appliances, including multiple ovens, burners, and refrigerators, the catering kitchen features a dumbwaiter, making it easy to transport food upstairs to the dining room.

Other entertaining areas include the theater, theater lounge, wine room, and billiard room, which are located in their own wing adjacent to the main house. On the home’s top floor are spaces that give the homeowner ample space to relax, including a master suite with a custom-designed bed, a 400-square-foot closet, and an antique-inspired bathroom—one of 17 in the home. 

“The home is a true Italian Renaissance hilltop villa,” says Walter Meyer. “Even though you can see the city in the distance, as soon as you enter through the home’s gates, you feel as though you’ve escaped the chaos and are in your own private retreat.”

ECOSSE Moto Works, Inc. is the premier luxury marque of distinctive, limited-production motorcycles created for discerning enthusiasts. Founded in 2001, the company spent three years perfecting The Heretic through three complete prototype iterations. The final prototype, X-3, remains at the company’s headquarters and is reserved for a collector or museum.

While forming a cherished brand, ECOSSE intends to build several different models with the same underlying theme: a synergistic combination of innovation, craftsmanship and technology with a nod to the company’s racing influence. The models share chassis styling, materials and certain elements to instantly alert consumers of the ECOSSE pedigree. Yet each serves a distinctly different purpose and is handcrafted in limited quantities to motivate innovators, collectors and aficionados to place their names on the waiting list for each new model.

The Heretic

starting at $74,800

ECOSSE’s flagship model, The Heretic, combines a highly engineered chassis, massive torque, wicked attitude, sleek lines, exquisite detail and race-bred components in a refined package. Fighting conformity is at the heart of The Heretic whose very name conjures up images of rebellion, utter uniqueness and an aversion to all things standard. Any color, any finish. Only 100. Ever.

Iconoclast Series by ECOSSE

Dare to be different: Luxury and performance unite on this rare beauty. 11 editions. $88,000.

Designed and handcrafted by leading artisans in mechanical design, welding, machining, and carbon-fiber formation who exude passion. ECOSSE creates as many parts as possible at their U.S. headquarters (including fine details like custom bolts, logo badges, and hand-pouring the urethane for the fuel tank mounts and handlebar dampening system). Only the very best components in the world make it on an Iconoclast Series motorcycle. Special motor and exhaust as well as a timeless color scheme make this a coveted collector’s item.

ECOSSE SPIRIT ES1 Superbike Experience

F1 on 2 wheels: The World’s Lightest, Fastest, Best-Handling Superbike. One edition: $3.6 Million

Created by two seasoned Formula 1 (F1) engineers. The design drivers behind the ES1 are relatively simple: light weight, low aerodynamic drag and improved rider ergonomics. But achieving profound improvements in all areas has required genuinely inventive steps to bring F1 technology to the motorcycle world. Using state-of-the-art CAD, FEA and CFD software, the ES1 features:

• Integrated & fully stressed engine/gearbox
• Novel suspension design
• Optimization of aerodynamics, ergonomics and packaging
• Constructed primarily from carbon-fiber composites
• Key rider/development process participant

This once-in-a-lifetime experience includes:

• Bespoke, high-performance, customized ES1 machine
  Serial #01
  Fitted to buyer’s measurements
• Parts spares plus full factory support
• Unprecedented participation in, and exposure to, the development and testing process including facility and track outings worldwide – participation dependent on buyer’s interest level
• Riding development with champion racers and sessions at renowned U.S. race schools – participation dependent on buyer’s time availability/interest level
• Custom apparel, gear and paddock support equipment equivalent to a MotoGP racer’s arsenal. Customized BRM performance watch
  • Special high-performance race-spec engine tailored to customer’s needs
  • 230 hp
  • 250 mph
  • 265 lbs
  • .16 coefficient of drag
  • World-class components

Contact Information

www.ecossemoto.com
303.246.3080

Caribbean Culture

The Central American country of Belize is a British Commonwealth where the local population speaks fluent English and the area’s rich culture heritage appeals to all ages. Visitors commonly enjoy two leading indigenous musical forms (Punta and Brukdown), and experience a vibrant developing visual art and film culture. Awe-inspiring archaeological sites and museums offer a chance to explore the custom of early Mayan civilizations. Traditional Mayan, Garifuna, Mesta and Creole festivals provide another chance to experience the area’s colorful heritage.

Easy Access

Palmetto Bay Resort is just a short flight from the southern United States with major airlines offering several per day to Belize City:  Continental from Houston; American from Miami; US Airways from Charlotte; Skyservice from Toronto; and Delta from Atlanta. Complimentary transportation (to and from Placencia and to the local airport) will round out services that put owners at ease.

Real estate ownership in Belize is without restriction, with foreign buyers taking full title and enjoying the same rights as Belizeans. For more information about opportunities at Palmetto Bay Resort visit http://www.palmettobayresort.com/.

Luxury Yachts: How many times have you stared out drearily at the bleak company parking lot, the hot urban sun beating down on your car, willing the paint to peel back from the frame, or watched as an inch-thick layer of ice formed on your windshield after an hour of being pelted by freezing rain? During those moments how often did you close your eyes and envision yourself sailing on a private yacht through crystal blue waters, being waited on hand and foot without a care in the world?

While buying your own private yacht and hiring a full-time crew, chef and maid, plus paying for the privilege of docking in a marina, is a few years away (as in light years), enjoying the luxury of sailing to exotic destinations aboard a world-class yacht-that’s all yours during your cruise-with private staff whose mission it is to make sure you’re happy, is closer than you think. PrivatSea is an exclusive yacht club, offering Members luxury cruising aboard an exceptional fleet of superyachts. The Club’s prestigious fleet of yachts is offered to discerning vacationers to provide the ultimate in the discreet “escape.” Every yacht is hand picked for its pedigree, crew experience and security criteria. On board, every Club member is treated as if the yacht were their own. The Club takes care of every detail leaving our Members free to enjoy a truly relaxing vacation in the height of luxury.

So, the next time you’re stuck in traffic, waiting a seeming eternity for a cab or listening to annoying ringtones while waiting in line at the bank, think about how you would enjoy a 6 day Mediterranean cruise, starting in Cannes and ending in Porto Cervo, Sardinia. Then ask yourself, are you ready to take to the sea?

Technorati Tags: Privat Sea Yacht Club, Privat Sea, Yacht Club, Cannes, Sardinia, Luxe

Luxautica Ultimate Car Club recently opened its doors at the former Millenia Art Gallery adjacent to the Mall at Millenia in Orlando, Florida. The building, which once housed rare German paintings and Italian glass sculptures, underwent a $2 million renovation to make room for more than 20 German and Italian sculptures of a different kind. The impressive in-house display features two Ferrari Enzos, two Maserati MC12s, a Bugatti Veyron, Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR, and Spyker C8 Laviolette ―just to name a few. “The difference between us and others like us is the caliber of car,” says Payam Matin, general manager. “Our [Porsche] Carrera GT is the only one that wears Scuderia red paint, and one of our Enzos only has 900 miles.”

The incredible automotive collection and a wide selection of membership packages allow patrons to tailor a specific plan to fulfill individual preferences. The standard memberships start at Silver for $38,500 and 1,200 points and end at Platinum for $99,500 and 3,750 points. Your membership level determines your point tally, and each car carries a different value. For instance, a Bentley GTC or Lamborghini Gallardo is yours for the weekend at 30 points per day, while the Bugatti Veyron, Maserati MC12, and Ferrari Enzo are valued at 1,000 points per day. An Ultimate membership is available nationwide with priority access to all of the cars and free delivery anywhere in America. With the luxury of swapping automobiles every three months, these members can select up to four supercars on an annual basis or two vehicles on a six-month basis. Costs for this membership are negotiated based on the variety of cars requested, and all memberships require a $15,000 initiation fee. “By servicing and maintaining all of the cars, we take the hassles and headaches out of owning a supercar,” says Matin. (877.666.6878, www.luxautica.com)

Technorati Tags: Luxautica, Car Club, Millenia Art Gallery, Millenia

Amnesia III, the latest custom yacht from Benetti’s shipyards in Livorno, Italy, shares the same name as two previous motoryachts the owner built with Benetti, but at 196 feet in length, it is 30 feet longer than Amnesia II. It also features the latest electronics, VIP salon on the bridge, and technical advances in the steel hull and aluminum superstructure. “I know I put the yard under strain with my challenging requests,” says owner Graham de Zille. “But we had to go further, keeping the best of the previous yachts and moving forward with an up-to-date design. We also wanted to improve its layout.”

The five-stateroom interior was designed by Redman Whiteley Dixon, the award-winning British yacht design firm. The light-hued interior is defined by West African anigre wood bulkheads with walnut detailing, and wenge furniture. The owner’s suite has his-and-hers bathrooms, dressing rooms, and a study, and the yacht also has two enormous salons and a massage room. Taking a leaf from the previous Amnesia, the crew quarters and their circulation throughout the yacht are separate from the guests, which should make Amnesia III as popular for chartering as its forefather ship. The yacht accommodates 12 guests and 16 crew, and its twin 1600-hp Caterpillar 3512B diesels give Amnesia a cruise speed of 15 knots and a transoceanic range of 5,000 nautical miles. (011.39.0584.3821, www.benettiyachts.it)

Technorati Tags: Benetti, Amnesia III, Livornor, Italy, Custom Yacht, Amnesia, Yacht

Luxury Jet Adventures: Committed to excellence in luxury travel and exotic recreation, Millionairesconcierge.com has out done itself with it’s jet fighter package. Arrangements begin with a Limousine or helicopter transporting you to Fighter Jet Headquarters. There awaits an L39 Albatross Fighter jet that starts your adrenalin pumping before you are even off the ground. As fast as you can dress the part (helmet, flight suit, parachute, oxygen mask) and go through a preflight briefing, your manned hour-long demonstration flight in the fighter jet begins. How does flying at over 700 mph, sound?

With a racing heritage that dates back to the early 1930s and exclusivity on par with the Ferrari Enzo, the 2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione is at the forefront of automotive prominence. The 8C appellation is derived from the straight 8-cylinder engine found in Alfa Romeos from 1931 to 1939. Today it refers to the stout V-8 working beneath the carbon fiber front hood of the Competizione.

It is easy to admire the vehicle’s design. Pronounced curves along the body recall such 1960s-era Alfas as the Type 33 Stradale and the TZ, while the bobbed rear end is unabashedly modern. A triangular front grille, fender air vents, triple aspect headlights and big, circular taillights are signature styling traits that render the 8C instantly recognizable as an Alfa Romeo. The credit for design goes to Wolfgang Egger, who recently left Alfa to become Audi’s head of design.

For better responsiveness through the mountain passes, Alfa engineers incorporated a Sport button on the center console. When activated, the transmission’s shift intervals become faster, throttle response is heightened, and the electronic traction control allows for a bit more oversteer. All of this equates to an enhanced driving experience.

The 4.7-liter engine is built at Ferrari’s Modena factory and derived from the Maserati GranTurismo’s 4.2-liter V-8. It produces 444 hp and 354 ft lbs of torque, which is enough to propel the 8C from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and to a top speed of 182 mph. While the large slotted Brembo brakes will slow the car in a hurry and comfortable steering distinguishes this car as more of a grand tourer than a hardcore supercar, like the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. And with this power, the 8C’s interior is fitted with carbon fiber seats and a center console cluster reminiscent of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano.

Alfa Romeo plans to build just 500 of the hardtop vehicles and deliveries begin this Spring. Company officials have recently released plans to produce a convertible variation called the 8C Spider for fans of drop-top motoring. So if you missed out on the coupe, the Spider may be a pleasurable alternative.

If you’ve got the money you can get a beautiful new white and shiny
yacht, or you can step back into the past with a sailing yacht like
Lulworth. We first saw Lulworth in 2006 after
her major refit but the yacht was built in 1920. The yacht was put back
in the water after 70 years and a 15 million euro renovation. The
152-foot teak beauty is listed at 19.5 million euros (over $30 million).

Technorati Tags: lulworth, sailing yacht for sale, yacht

Easter has returned from decades of obscurity in St. Petersburg, and now hosts a variety of processions, church services and festivals. Take advantage of the ‘Easter Dreams for Art Lovers’ package from The Rocco Forte COllection’s Hotel Astoria between 20th and 25th March 2008 and you too could sample the celebratory atmosphere. Prices start at 64,050 rubles (approximately 1,830 euros) and includes 3 nights accommodation, Champagne, private tours of the Hermitage Museum and the Imperial Palaces, a Russian classical massage and a Russian Table buffet at Davidov restaurant.