Here’s a treat for architecture lovers everywhere: a mid-century masterpiece that bears the signature of architect extraordinaire, Frank Lloyd Wright, is now up for grabs in New Canaan, CT.
Known as Tirranna — a moniker inspired by an Australian Aboriginal word meaning “running waters”, as the home is cantilevered over a pond and overlooks a waterfall on the Noroton River — the property is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s largest residential properties.
It was also one of the legendary architect’s last projects, built by Wright in 1955, just a few years before his death in 1959.
Photo credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
But this isn’t just a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed property.
The architect also lived here while building the Guggenheim Museum — and even used some of the scalloped glass windows from the Guggenheim Museum project to complete the home’s south-facing greenhouse.
Now, the sprawling 7,000-square-foot Tirranna house is on the market, listed for $8 million with Marsha Charles and Albert Safdie of Coldwell Banker Realty.
Inside an $8M Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home
The property, also known as the Rayward-Shepherd House or the John L. Rayward House, sits on 14 acres of protected land in New Canaan, Conn., a Fairfield County town that consistently ranks as one of the wealthiest towns in the country.
Photo credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
And while location is the name of the game when it comes to luxury real estate, this property has so many things going for it that the great location pales in comparison to some of its most enviable attributes.
Clocking in at a generous 7,000 square feet, the 7-bedroom, 8.5-bath home blends geometric complexity with nature’s flowing curves, in typical Frank Lloyd Wright style.
Throughout the home, the architect combined and contrasted soaring ceilings and open living spaces with cozy and cocoon-like mahogany-paneled bedrooms.
Photo credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker RealtyPhoto credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
The living room and dining area opens to an expansive circular patio that overlooks the pool and nature reserve beyond.
Related: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin house and its three (tragic) lives
The home’s functional wood-paneled and stainless-steel kitchen epitomizes the mid-century modern aesthetic, while each of the bathrooms are spa-like and adorned with spectacular wood panels and unique features.
Photo credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker RealtyPhoto credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker RealtyPhoto credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
A 200-foot covered outdoor walkway leads to a greenhouse with caretakers/guest quarters, along with a carport. This is a full one-bedroom house with a lovely kitchen, cozy bedroom, and full bath.
Photo credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
There are a few other structures and amenities on the property, including a cozy guest studio with a full bath, a tennis court, a large barn, a wine cellar (which is actually a converted bomb shelter), a playhouse, and even a rooftop observatory complete with a telescope.
Public records show that the current owners/sellers bought the property in 2018 for $4,800,000. At the time, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Tirranna house had been listed for the first time in 20 years, and sported a similar price tag of $8 million.
A fusion of nature and architecture
From an architectural standpoint, Tirranna embodies Wright’s classic hemicycle design, seamlessly blending curved lines with rectangular angles, and combining geometric and spatial complexities for optimum functionality.
Photo credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
Standing as a perfect example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic architecture, which strives for a perfect balance between man, nature, and design, Tirranna reflects nature’s flowing curves and incorporates many of the architect’s staple design elements.
That includes low-slung roofs, Philippine mahogany walls, large windows, and Cherokee red concrete floors with radiant heat. It was built of concrete block and glass, trimmed with mahogany.
Related: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ennis House also known as The Blade Runner House
The current owners have lovingly maintained the original architectural integrity, preserving details like built-in bookshelves, brass hardware, original lighting, cabinetry, and furnishings.
Photo credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
But it’s not just the house that comes with an illustrious name attached to it.
The beautiful grounds of the property were thoughtfully designed by Frank Okamura, the landscape architect known for restoring the Japanese gardens at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden in the late 1940s. The Japanese-born American horticulturist is also known for helping popularize the cultivation of bonsai in America.
Photo credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
Along with Charles Middeleer, another famous landscape architect of the time, Okamura carefully designed the landscape to ensure privacy, making Tirranna the ideal sanctuary for those seeking a tranquil lifestyle.
Photo credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
As the brokerage that holds the listing told us via email, “Tirranna is more than just a home; it’s a mid-century masterpiece that will transport you to another time and place.”
We couldn’t agree more.
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Hedgelawn Farm isn’t your typical New England homestead.
With three luxurious buildings and over 28 acres of preserved woodlands, the property on 191 Roxbury Road offers an idyllic rural retreat. It was listed in April for $9,500,000,
On the property’s highest point sits the 4,500-square-foot barn house, which was originally built as a tobacco barn in 1865. Its newly renovated interior contains much of the original post-and-beam structure.
This three-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom converted barn is the crown jewel of the property.
“The current owners purchased the property in 2007 and took inspiration from luxury Manhattan penthouses when designing the barn house,” says Jack Wagner, the property’s representative. “They also tried to keep as many historic elements that they could.”
Converted barn at 191 Roxbury Road
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One of two pools on the property
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The guesthouse and cottage
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Barn house living room
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Barn house kitchen
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One of three bedrooms in the barn house
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One of the bathrooms in the barn house
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The one-bedroom cottage
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Part of this renovation included an upscale “wellness level,” which has a Zen garden and a deluxe bathroom space.
The property’s other two buildings consist of the original home, which dates to the 1700s (now a California modern, two-bedroom, 2.5-bath guesthouse), and a small one-bedroom cottage.
These buildings were renovated and offer a blend of modern luxury and historic craftsmanship.
The thoughtful landscaping includes picturesque trails, two pools, a six-car garage, and a summer garden pavilion. The scenic space overlooks hundreds of acres of Steep Rock Land Trust.
Hedgelawn Farm is just an hour’s drive from Hartford and New Haven, making it a bucolic getaway for those working in any of the major surrounding cities.
Watch: Very Un-Florida: $16.9M Gothic Revival Mansion Stands Out in the Sunshine State
As we head into the heart of winter, there’s nothing more romantic than curling up in front of a beautiful fireplace, am I right? I certainly have fireplaces on the brain right now. We’re lucky enough to have four – count them – four fireplaces in our new/old house. Yes, that sounds excessive to me too, but it was the only way the house was heated for I don’t even know how many years (though we do have central heating now, thank goodness). I’ve never designed a fireplace before, let alone four so I’m trying to figure out what the heck to do! I’ve gathered my top seven inspiration images to give you a sense of where I’m currently headed.
Our dining room, living room, master and guest bedrooms will each feature a fireplace. Very cool? Yes. A touch overwhelming? Absolutely! Two of the fireplaces will be entirely decorative – our dining and guest bedroom. The other two will feature gas inserts. Regardless of their function or lack thereof, I still want to pay homage to the heritage of the house and create some stellar focal points. But there are so many variables to consider. There’s scale, size, the types of materials you use, any decorative elements, what the hearths should look like…the options are rather endless I’m afraid.
After scanning reams of Pinterest pages and doing some Google image searches I have begun to zero in on the general look I think we need to go for. I’m particularly drawn to 19th century Louis XV style mantels. Their curvature is so sexy! The designs often featured ornate carvings and some sort of crest at the center. But then again, stately English styles that featured a cleaner square design are also rather fetching. They certainly lend themselves to my more minimalist aesthetic. So then I’m torn. I do know that our original fireplaces also featured arched openings so I think at least one or two will need to have that design element.
With the clock ticking down on our remodel, it’s time to go into decision mode. I’d love to hear which fireplace you love the best. And if you happened to dealt with putting new fireplaces into old houses please share any tips or tricks you might have! I’ll be sure to compile all the knowledge and share it back out.
If you missed any of our remodel updates CLICK HERE
If you’re curious about the before pictures CLICK HERE
If you want to see more of my design inspirations CLICK HERE
What I’ve learned about renovating an old house CLICK HERE
image 1 via // 2, 3 via vogue.com // 4 via // 5 via // 6 via new york times // 7 via pinterest
But few can compare to the Falcon Nest home in Prescott, Arizona.
And while the property may also be known as The Palsolaral House, we’re going to keep referring to it as the Falcon Nest — a title fit for a villain’s lair, a rather appropriate potential role for this quirky house.
The 10-story home, designed by Phoenix architect Sukumar Pal, is a unique residence that once held the title of “world’s tallest home”, which it lost in favor of the South Mumbai home of business magnate Mukesh Ambani — a true high-rise, counting 27 stories.
And if you want a home that’s truly unique (and don’t mind relocating to the Copper State), know that the Falcon Nest home is headed for auction on May 25. That means you can snag the architectural wonder for considerably less that the $1.5 million price tag, with the bid starting at $750,000.
Image credit: Sotheby’s International RealtyImage credit: Sotheby’s International Realty
10 Stories of Unique Living Space
The 6,200-square-feet of living space are neither common, nor forgettable.
Featuring expansive glass ceilings and striking views that stretch for miles, the Falcon Nest’s interiors are equally unique as its exteriors, making it a true architectural rarity.
With three bedrooms and four baths, the Palsolaral House also comes with an impressive 2,000-square-foot solarium, also equipped with two bedrooms, two baths, and a kitchen.
A hydraulic elevator provides access from the garage level to the sixth floor. With minimal energy consumption, a small footprint, and utilizing natural elements to heat and cool the home free from cost, the home exemplifies passive solar technologies and alternative power sources.
If you’re considering joining the auction that takes place on May 25, 2017 on Concierge Auctions’ mobile bidding app, here’s a photo tour of the unique property:
Image credit: Sotheby’s International RealtyImage credit: Sotheby’s International RealtyImage credit: Sotheby’s International RealtyImage credit: Sotheby’s International RealtyImage credit: Sotheby’s International Realty
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Tax Credit housing provides affordable living options to income-restricted renters. DC Tax credit apartment housing can be found throughout the District, and we’ve rounded up some great options to choose from. Not sure if you qualify for Tax Credit apartments? Check out our guide here for … [Read more…]
In today’s modern world, the house goals of yesteryear are a distant memory.
Long gone are the days of window shutters, oversized crystal chandeliers, multiple small rooms, intricate designs, wrought-iron railings, small windows, and large porches with overhanging beams.
Modern mansions favor simple and clean designs with open spaces.
While traditional mansions offer intricate and elegant details, today’s luxury homes feature straight lines, geometric shapes, a flat or low-sloped roof, and clean exteriors with little to no texture.
Luxurious homes of the past featured building materials such as brick, wood, plaster, stucco, and stone. Meanwhile, contemporary mansions favor newer, more technologically-advanced building materials including reinforced steel and concrete.
And windows, lots and lots of floor-to-ceiling windows.
Sophisticated smart homes are all the rage, as are connected outdoor spaces, white rooms and simple color palettes, open floor plans, glass walls allowing for ample natural light, green features, security settings, and the utmost privacy.
While traditional mansions typically featured a number of small, single-purpose rooms, modern floor plans include seamless open-ended spaces.
After all, one cannot be confined to small spaces while living that luxurious lifestyle!
A closer look at 18 of our favorite modern mansions
When it comes to stunning estates, we’ve got you covered.
From wraparound pools featuring panoramic views to glass walls for days, to dream chef kitchens, to seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces, we’re taking a look at 18 modern mansions that have knocked our socks off.
And we think you’ll (really, really) like them too.
A Marc Whipple-designed modern mansion with a wraparound pool
Designed by acclaimed architect Marc Whipple, this massive 11,200-square-foot home in Beverly Hills is quite a stunner.
Photo by Tyler Hogan, courtesy of Sally Forster Jones of Compass
Offering six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and two half baths, the multi-million dollar manse features disappearing walls of glass, so that its residents can enjoy the stunning views from each and every room.
Speaking of views, they’re completely unobstructed, with downtown Los Angeles, Catalina Island, and the coastline on full display. Those lovely landscapes can be seen from the home’s stunning wraparound pool.
Other luxurious amenities include a movie theater, a secret Zen garden, gym, guest house, glass wine cellar, gated driveway, and an outdoor kitchen.
Photo by Tyler Hogan, courtesy of Sally Forster Jones of CompassPhoto by Tyler Hogan, courtesy of Sally Forster Jones of CompassPhoto by Tyler Hogan, courtesy of Sally Forster Jones of CompassPhoto by Tyler Hogan, courtesy of Sally Forster Jones of Compass
This Beverly Hills manse had its moment of fame a few years back, when it was rented by Rockstar hitmaker Post Malone. It was later listed for sale with a whopping $26 million asking price.
A breathtaking Hollywood mega mansion with museum-quality energy crystals throughout
Built in 2021, this mega mansion is located in the heart of Hollywood.
Boasting panoramic views of downtown Los Angeles, the Pacific Ocean, and the canyon, the home offers six beds, nine baths, and nearly 10,365 square feet of living space.
Photo credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The Agency
The sophisticated smart home features museum-quality crystals sourced from around the world and placed with extraordinary care throughout to energetically enhance the residence.
Offering double-height ceilings and incredible indoor/ outdoor living spaces, the California compound also includes a custom home theater, fitness center, wine cellar, second living room and all the finest custom finishes.
Photo credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The Agency
Setting a new gold standard for Southern California living, the picturesque backyard — which is front row to the city and canyons — features a beautiful sparkling pool/spa, a built-in BBQ area, and a grassy green lawn.
See more of this unique Hollywood mega-mansion here.
A striking $150M modern mansion in Bel-Air with 360-degree views
This beautiful home in Bel-Air has all the bells and whistles you’d expect in a modern mansion (and then some).
Photo credit: Matthew Momberge courtesy of Compass
Designed by award-winning architecture and design firm, Saota, the private compound is perched on a promontory high above the city — opening up to unobstructed, 360-degree views of Los Angeles.
Set on a 1.15-acre lot, the swanky crib offers nine bedrooms and fourteen baths spread across 20,841 square feet.
Some of the luxury amenities include an infinity pool with a secluded cabana and pool-side sunken fire pit, three separate staff quarters, and a one-bedroom guest house with a separate, private pool.
Photo credit: Matthew Momberge courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Matthew Momberge courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Matthew Momberge courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Matthew Momberge courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Matthew Momberge courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Matthew Momberge courtesy of Compass
This magnificent manse was owned by George Ruan, co-founder of online coupon-clipping company Honey (now part of Paypal).
The Razor House in San Diego, the real-life Iron Man house
The one-of-a-kind architectural masterpiece known as The Razor House was designed in 2007 by San Diego-based architect Wallace E. Cunningham.
Photo credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The Agency
The striking concrete and glass mansion — dubbed ‘the Iron Man house’ due to its resemblance to Tony Stark’s mansion in the famous Marvel movie — is perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Offering endless concrete terraces, the stunning estate has mesmerizing views of surrounding hills and the ocean below.
Photo credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The Agency
Featuring several outdoor lounge areas, the luxurious three-story home comes with six bedrooms and six baths, with nearly every room opening up to jaw-dropping views.
In 2019, Grammy Award-winning singer Alicia Keys and husband Swizz Beatz bought The Razor House in a $20.8 million deal.
Villa Vella, one of Europe’s finest contemporary homes
Spanish dream house, anyone?
Dubbed Villa Vela, this sprawling 23,476-square-foot property is located in the sun-bathed province of Andalusia, Spain.
Photo credit: The Agency
Sitting behind its own gates, at the end of a sweeping driveway, Villa Vela offers a total of six bedrooms and six baths.
The posh property has been designed to be free-flowing and, as such, has an open plan, including floor-to-ceiling retracting windows that open directly onto a terrace that stretches from one end of the house to the other.
Photo credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The Agency
Not to mention, each of the suites has its own outdoor space, and they also all connect directly to the vast upper terrace, its lawn, garden, and dining area, and benefit from breathtaking views.
A futuristic, yacht-shaped mansion perched high atop the Los Angeles hills
This 17,000-square-foot modern residential oasis in the upscale LA neighborhood of Brentwood is redefining luxury living.
Photo credit: The Agency
Southern California-based architectural firm de Loren & Associates purposefully designed the building by superior wellness standards, without sacrificing on design but rather adding to it.
Inspired by the clean lines and interior spatial layouts of yachts paired with the motion of the sea, the curving exterior facades are reminiscent of ocean waves, wind, and clouds that make not only for an exhilarating lifestyle but also appealing to the eye.
The modern mansion boasts seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and three powder rooms across three levels.
Photo credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The Agency
Featuring a massive list of upscale amenities, the beautiful Brentwood home offers a 610-bottle wine cellar, commercial speed glass elevator, movie theater, state-of-the-art gym, a 300 sq. ft. green wall, and a lower-level entertainment area with a full bar, pool table and more.
And there’s plenty of room for Stormi and Wolf to explore! Turns out, this luxurious residence is owned by none other than rapper Travis Scott.
A newly-built Encino mansion with bright, airy, and warm interiors
We can’t get enough of this amenity-rich mansion with modern interiors and a killer guest house.
Photo credit: LA Light Photography and The Luxury Level
The seven-bedroom, eight-bathroom Encino home offers 9,081 square feet of living space enclosed within a private, gated estate with surrounding landscape.
The stunning estate is a beautiful example of modern California living, with picture-perfect interiors, exquisite finishes, jetliner views, and plenty of attractive amenities.
Featuring warm wood tones, the large windows and Fleetwood doors open up to unobstructed views and plenty of natural light.
Photo credit: LA Light Photography and The Luxury LevelPhoto credit: LA Light Photography and The Luxury LevelPhoto credit: LA Light Photography and The Luxury LevelPhoto credit: LA Light Photography and The Luxury LevelPhoto credit: LA Light Photography and The Luxury Level
The carefully thought-out finishes give the home a modern vibe that extends into the bedrooms as well. The second level of this luxury Encino home has four bedrooms, including the master suite, which walks out to a 1,200-square-foot balcony with a fire table.
Naturally, this wonderful modern manse caught the eye of a famous buyer; it’s now owned by Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson and husband Justin Mikita.
A modern 4-story house facing one of the most beautiful coastal shorelines in all of California
We love this modern mansion set in the most desirable area of Manhattan Beach, The Strand, an oceanfront neighborhood lined with modern-looking mansions that typically sell in the $5 million to $15 million range.
Photo credit: Paul Jonason courtesy of Stroyke Properties Group
Spanning 6,978 square feet of modern living space, the home offers six bedrooms and eight baths.
Designed by renowned L.A. studio KAA Design, this four-story home was envisioned around life, in all its texture, at the beach.
Rather than cluster sleeping areas on a single floor, they’re strategically spaced across the four levels, with the third floor being home to a primary suite with a private office that’s luxuriously sequestered in the style of a penthouse.
Photo credit: Paul Jonason courtesy of Stroyke Properties GroupPhoto credit: Paul Jonason courtesy of Stroyke Properties GroupPhoto credit: Paul Jonason courtesy of Stroyke Properties GroupPhoto credit: Paul Jonason courtesy of Stroyke Properties Group
The private elevator takes residents and guests down to the beach room, which is level with the Strand itself, and lounge on the patio, front row to a peaceful scene of sea, sand, and sky.
Read more about this beautiful modern mansion here.
A $70M contemporary marvel that reimagines luxury living for the 21st century
Located in the coveted Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, this modern mansion is what happens when a star-studded team consisting of award-winning architect Noah Walker, AD 100 interior designer, Jamie Bush, and renowned landscape designer, Christine London LTD comes together.
Image credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The Agency
Spanning 19,000 square feet, this beautiful abode is set on a sprawling four-acre lot and offers six bedrooms and 12 bathrooms alongside many recreation rooms.
The plush property has 270-degree views of the city, ocean, and canyon, and a long list of amenities that include a theater room — with acoustical wall paneling and a commercial cinema-quality projection system — a gym with a steam room, a 75-foot indoor lap pool, outdoor architectural pool and dual offices.
Image credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The AgencyImage credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The AgencyImage credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The AgencyImage credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The Agency
We first covered this luxurious contemporary home when it first came to market last year with an ambitious asking price of $70 million.
Just a few months later, it was purchased by music mogul Scooter Braun (better known as Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande’s manager, and Taylor Swift‘s manager-turned-foe) for $65 million.
The Ora House in San Diego, where contemporary architecture meets serene living
In the hilly, seaside neighborhood of La Jolla in San Diego, a modern cliffside mansion has all the dream house vibes.
Street view of the property. Photo credit: Blue Heron
Built by Blue Heron’s BH Elite custom home division, the Ora House, as the property has been named, is a true architectural marvel.
The stellar design team incorporated the same innovative biophilic design and advanced Savant technology used in Blue Heron’s flagship home, VM001 in Las Vegas, to “enhance the flow of life while creating an overall sense of peace and natural wellbeing.”
The cliffside estate is set in La Jolla’s exclusive Bird Rock Waterfront enclave and totals 8,878 square feet of living space.
Photo credit: Blue HeronPhoto credit: Blue HeronPhoto credit: Blue Heron
The architectural marvel has five bedrooms and eight baths across its four levels, with each level embracing the outdoors with spaces tailored for both entertaining and private moments.
A striking celebrity compound with a modern heptagon-shaped house
Check out this contemporary compound in La Crescenta, Calif.
Photo credit: Cameron Carothers courtesy of Compass
Designed by AD100 architect Michael Maltzan, this dramatic, heptagon-shaped house has spaceship vibes, is surrounded by seven exterior walls (some made out of glass), and is anchored by an open-air courtyard that sits right at the center.
Nearly all the rooms of the house come with sliding floor-to-ceiling windows that open up to either the serene courtyard or beautiful mountain and city skyline views.
Some of the stand-out features of the modern mansion include a primary suite with an entire wall of glass that opens up to a generously sized balcony and a particularly unique bathroom with a blue curved penny-tiled wall surrounding the shower.
Photo credit: Cameron Carothers courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Cameron Carothers courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Cameron Carothers courtesy of Compass
This unique home was owned by Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Michael Peter Balzary, known professionally as Flea.
A $25 million Napa Valley glass house with killer views
Surrounded by over 40 acres of lush grounds set amidst California’s world-class wine country, this striking architectural home goes by the name of Karinya.
The highly suitable moniker originates from the Australian aboriginal culture and is simply translated as “peaceful home.”
Image credit: Adam Rouse courtesy of Coldwell Banker
Built in 2017, the stunning estate is nestled in the small community of Deer Park right next to St. Helena in Napa County.
Spanning 8,837 square feet, the impressive residence was built with natural materials, a deep connection to the valley’s views, and a design that boasts both beauty and luxury.
Not a detail is spared at Karinya, with many luxurious features such as endless walls of glass, a 2,000-bottle wine room, and an acoustically-designed media/ theater room.
Image credit: Adam Rouse courtesy of Coldwell BankerImage credit: Adam Rouse courtesy of Coldwell BankerImage credit: Adam Rouse courtesy of Coldwell BankerImage credit: Adam Rouse courtesy of Coldwell Banker
Fitting a modern dream house, it also comes with a detailed smart home system with mobile phone control access that controls the music, air conditioning, security and programmable LED recessed lighting in 11 separate zones and a fire sprinkler system.
See more of this lovely Napa Valley home here.
A modern mansion that was once featured in the Oscar-winning “La La Land” movie
Set in the popular Encino neighborhood of Los Angeles, this modern mansion offers an impressive cutting-edge design.
Photo credit: Compass
The six-bedroom home wows with its soaring ceilings and walls of glass that bring the outdoors in.
Complete with an infinity pool and spa (with a cascading waterfall) and a nifty pool/guest house with a sundeck for outdoor entertainment, the home is peppered with outdoor spots to relax and enjoy the lovely Cali weather.
In case you’re getting a strong sense of deja vu, this beautiful home was featured in the popular film, La La Land.
As the story goes, Mia (played by Emma Stone) and her friends attend a lavish party hoping to meet influential people in the business and finally get their lucky break.
You guessed it, this memorable movie scene was filmed at this gorgeous Los Angeles estate.
A celebrity chef’s former home with a massive kitchen anchored by a 24-foot stone island
Located in the coveted Via Bluffs enclave of Pacific Palisades, this modern mansion spans 6,500 square feet of luxurious living.
Photo credit: credit: Smith Cho / Compass
Offering massive sliding windows that open up to beautiful views of Potrero Canyon and beyond, the sumptuous five-bedroom, five-bathroom home is filled with natural light streaming in from the surrounding floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors, while the skylights pour even more light onto the main and top floors.
The Pacific Palisades property also flaunts features like a dual-faced fireplace, a nearly 24-foot kitchen island, and a distinct living room that’s pouring out onto the outside deck overlooking the pool.
A large open-layout living area is anchored by an impressive dream kitchen.
Photo credit: credit: Smith Cho / CompassPhoto credit: credit: Smith Cho / CompassPhoto credit: credit: Smith Cho / CompassPhoto credit: credit: Smith Cho / CompassPhoto credit: credit: Smith Cho / Compass
This beautiful home was once owned by celebrity chef, Everyday Italian, and Giada At Home star Giada de Laurentiis.
A beautiful modern mansion tucked in the Hollywood Hills
Built in 2019, this Marc Whipple-designed home is a true Hollywood gem.
Located on the glamorous Sunset Strip, in the Hollywood Hills West neighborhood of Los Angeles, this home oozes that clean-lined modernist approach, while still offering warmth and comfort.
Photo credit: credit: Jonathan Ducrest and Tom Hunter
The posh property incorporates five bedrooms, six bathrooms, as well as two half-bathrooms, all with breathtaking views spreading from the Hollywood sign right to the Pacific Ocean.
The main entrance offers an open-concept kitchen and three terraces that total 5,000 additional square feet of outdoor living space.
And, the middle level features a second living room and a luxurious ‘floating glass box’ master suite.
Photo credit: Tom Hunter Photography.Photo credit: credit: Jonathan Ducrest and Tom HunterPhoto credit: credit: Jonathan Ducrest and Tom HunterPhoto credit: Tom Hunter Photography.Photo credit: credit: Jonathan Ducrest and Tom Hunter
All the bedrooms offer easy access to the infinity pool, which provides stunning views of the surroundings and a perfect setting to enjoy summer nights and sunsets in complete privacy.
A Malibu gem that’s often rented to high-profile celebrities
This Malibu celeb magnet is the epitome of indoor-outdoor Cali living, featuring large glass walls that seamlessly blend the interior with the grounds.
Perched above the Pacific Ocean, the three-bedroom, three-bathroom, 2,100-square-foot Malibu mansion is every bit the modern gem.
Photo credit: Hagai Aharon
It’s the perfect property for entertaining, as it includes an infinity pool with fabulous ocean views, a spa, and a fire pit.
The entertainment continues inside, as the house includes not one, but three indoor fireplaces, as well as a media room, making sure you stay entertained throughout the entire year.
Amenities include everything you could possibly need, from in-unit laundry and air conditioning to five parking spaces, an outdoor patio, and a cabana.
The house not only rents out to celebrities such as Matthew Perry, Cardi B, and Taraji P. Henson, but it’s also owned by one.
Betty Moon, a celebrated Los Angeles musician, songwriter and producer, currently owns the plush property which she recently renovated before listing it for rent.
An impeccably designed modern mansion that embraces indoor-outdoor living
Located in the upscale neighborhood Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles, this three-story home was designed and built by renowned developer/designer duo David and Eliana Rokach.
Photo credit: The Agency
This multi-million dollar mansion offers a sprawling 13,543 square feet of modern living space and packs nine bedrooms and twelve bathrooms.
Boasting unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Canyon, the stunning estate offers an open-concept living/dining room finished in a chic, contemporary style.
The living room features custom-made electronic sliding steel doors that open to a beautiful outdoor area, which features a barbecue area, a grassy backyard, and an infinity-edge swimming pool opening up to views for miles.
Photo credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The Agency
A modern hillside lair with canyon views
Situated in Los Angeles’ coveted Brentwood neighborhood, this hillside lair with expansive living spaces, eco-friendly details, and ultra-high-end finishes gives us serious dream house goals.
Photo credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of Compass
The main entrance features a Japanese-imported Yakisugi front door and bonsai adorned atrium that leads to the open-concept living space.
Here, a chic palette of luxurious stone and reflective glass is accented by unique designer details, and floor-to-ceiling windows provide natural light throughout the day.
Photo credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of Compass
Offering sweeping views of the canyon, the four-bedroom home comes equipped with the latest technology for entertainment, comfort, and sustainability.
This includes a full automation system, Lutron Solar System lighting, home theater and surround sound from Bang & Olufsen, a home gym, and much more.
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If you are looking to buy a house, I have a bunch of home buying tips that will help you sort through all of your options, understand the real cost of a home (and help you save money), and make the right choice.
Buying a house is a huge purchase.
In fact, it is usually the largest purchase a person will ever make.
The median U.S. home value is $226,800 and the median price of homes currently listed is $291,900, according to Zillow. And, there are some areas that have much higher average home prices, like four to five times more.
Purchasing a house is a huge commitment, and it’s easy to get excited and forget to think about some very important things before plunking down a huge amount of money. There are just so many factors to think about, and not everyone will have the same concerns.
To help you through the home buying process, today’s post is going to be like a mini first time home buyer guide. I’m going to cover some of my best home buying tips, like:
Whether or not you should rent instead of buy
How to set a budget (one of the most important steps to buying a house for the first time)
Deciding what you want in a home
How to research the true cost of a house
Thinking about how long you’ll live in an area (recouping your costs)
How to avoid feeling rushed
Do you really need the house you’re about to buy
Whether you are a first time home buyer or if this is your second house or more, these are all things you should be thinking about.
Actually, these are the exact same things me and Wes have thought about before buying our sailboat and RV. They might not be “normal” homes, but they are what we live in. Plus, they are still very large purchases that need to be carefully thought out.
The home buying tips that I’m about to give you are to help you analyze what’s best for your situation – whether that’s a 5000 sq. ft. house, a 500 sq. ft. tiny home, an RV, a condo, etc.
I’ve said it already, but buying a house is a large purchase! And, everyone has felt that dreadful feeling that comes after making a large purchase and realizing that you have made a mistake. Perhaps you don’t realize for months or years later, but you eventually understand that you should have thought out your purchase a little bit more.
No one wants to feel this way after buying a house!
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Here are my best home buying tips.
Should you rent instead?
Before we started RVing, we sold our house and rented one for a little while. This raised quite a few eyebrows and led to questions about renting vs. buying from nearly everyone.
I even had several people tell me that I was making a stupid mistake.
I wasn’t surprised, though. Many people believe the myth that if you are renting a home you don’t know how to manage your money and that buying is always better, no matter what.
That couldn’t be further from the truth.
Sometimes buying can be the better decision, but there are times when renting can fit a person’s situation much better.
Buying a house can have a lot of positives, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right step for everyone.
To determine if renting is better for you, you’ll want to think about things such as:
How long you think you’ll live in the area.
Whether or not you’re ready to purchase a house, financially and/or responsibility wise.
Buying a home sometimes may be cheaper than renting, and the other way around.
Nearly everyone says that a house is a good investment. Many people will even go as far to say that doing anything other than owning a house would be a complete waste of money.
However, I don’t agree with that at all.
Buying a house isn’t for everyone. You shouldn’t just jump at the opportunity to buy a house, especially any ol’ house. And, you should think about all of the factors before deciding that buying a house over renting one is the best and only decision for you.
For home more renting vs. home buying tips, please read My Opinion Of The Great Renting vs Buying Debate for more information.
Set a budget before you look at homes.
“What’s the smartest way to buy a house?”
The smartest way to buy a house is to first think about your budget.
One of the first things you will want to do is to set a budget – you can’t go very far in the home buying process without one. It’s how you will know what you want to be pre-approved for, and a realtor will need that information to really help you shop for homes.
You will want to set yourself a budget when it comes to the home as well as all of the other expenses that go along with owning a home.
You will want to look at your overall financial situation and analyze:
The income you earn.
The stability of your job.
The amount of money you have saved for the down payment, other home expenses, etc.
Your credit history and credit score.
The total monthly amount you feel comfortable paying for a home. Make sure you look at all the costs involved!
Your total amount of debt.
When buying a house, it takes realizing all of these factors to understand what you can truly afford and be comfortable with.
However, many people justify buying a house that is over their budget, but that is a bad plan.
See, banks often pre-approve people for a mortgage payment that is higher than what they can afford to pay. You pre-approval number is not a good gauge of what you can afford because it doesn’t factor in the total cost of the house.
What you can afford takes that above list into consideration, not just the number a bank gives you. Because of that, it can be a very bad idea to go over the number the bank pre-approves you for. You should always stick to an amount that you can afford.
When determining what you can afford, you will want to think about ALL of the costs that come with buying a house and living in it. This means that your research should not end with the purchase price of the house – it actually goes way past that, as discussed in a later section of my home buying tips.
Think about what you want in a home.
If you are like most people, you’ve spent years thinking about what you want in a home.
Now is the time to make a list of those things. This is an important step when it comes to home buying for beginners.
Buying a house can lead to a crazy amount of new feelings – happiness, stress, excitement, and more. This can sometimes make every house you look at seem like the perfect one, and that’s because they all seem so new and exciting. This even happens with houses that don’t have everything you need. And, it definitely happens with ones that have more than you need.
Before you put an offer on a house, you should think about the reasons for why you want a specific house. This is one of the first steps to finding a house that’s right for you, as this can make sure you are getting exactly what you want and need, rather than just being happy with any home.
I recommend creating a wish list that includes all of the things you want in a home. Your wish list could include things like:
The square footage of the home
Size of yard
If you want a fenced in yard
How many bedrooms and bathrooms you desire
The age of the home
The quality of the schools
The parking situation and whether or not there is a garage
The size of the kitchen
Pool or no pool
Style of home
Whether you want to be in the country or the city
Your budget, and this one is extremely important!
And, you’ll also want to create a list of things that you want to stay away from, such as if you don’t want a place with a pool, a home with a lot of yard maintenance, a home that is a fixer upper, and so on.
By having this wish list on hand, you’ll know exactly what you should be looking at, and what you should avoid.
Research all of the expenses.
Like you just read, the listing price of a home is not all that you should look at.
When you find a home that you think is right for you, you need to make sure that you can afford all of the costs that come with that home.
Just because you can pay the monthly mortgage payment doesn’t mean that you can afford everything else that goes with it. There are ongoing costs when buying a house, which is something that many homebuyers forget about.
In fact, U.S. homeowners, on average, spend more than $9,400 per year in hidden homeownership costs, and maintenance expenses cost homeowners an average of $6,300 per year in unavoidable hidden costs, according to MarketWatch. These include things like homeowners insurance, property taxes, and utilities. So, this is one of the best home buying tips to help you stay out of a bad financial situation.
Before making a home purchase, you should think about how much the home will cost you in the long run. There are many ways to think of this, such as:
Property taxes. These vary widely from town to town. You may find yourself looking at two similar houses with similar price tags, but the property taxes may vary by thousands of dollars annually. That is a LOT of money. While it may seem small when compared to the actual home purchase price, remember that you have to pay property taxes annually, and a difference of just $3,600 a year is $300 a month.
Gas. Many homes use gas to run the hot water heater, the stove, and so on.
Electricity. Generally, the bigger your home, the higher your electricity bill.
Sewer. This isn’t super expensive, but it is generally around $30-$50 a month.
Trash. This isn’t super expensive either, but it does cost money.
Water (and possibly irrigation). Depending on how you use water and where you live, water bills can vary widely. I know many who live in areas where the average water bill is a few hundred dollars each month.
Home insurance. Home insurance can be cheap in some areas but crazy expensive in others. Don’t forget to look into the cost of earthquake, flood, and hurricane insurance, and know that it can add up quickly depending on where you live.
Maintenance and repairs. No matter how old your home is (even brand new homes), repair and maintenance costs will eventually come into play. In fact, U.S. homeowners pay an average of $3,435 per year in annual optional costs, including house cleaning, yard care, gutter cleaning, carpet cleaning, and pressure washing. But, don’t forget about things like needing a new roof or other repairs that may come up! Those are big expenses that you will need to be able to save up for.
Homeowners association fees. This can also vary widely. You should always see if the house you are interested in is part of an HOA. Often, the fees are high and involve rules you may not like.
Home furnishings. Furnishing your home can be done cheaply, but I know some who buy huge homes and can’t afford to put anything in them, such as a table, a bed, and so on. Why own a $500,000 house if you don’t have any furniture?
Always remember to add up the total cost when deciding to buy a house!
Estimate how long you will live in the area.
This is one of the home buying tips you might not think of because you are so anxious to be moving. How could you possibly think about moving again already?!
One of the best tips before buying a house is to think about how long you will live there.
Here’s why this is important to think about – it usually takes around five years to recoup the costs you paid to purchase a house. If you only live in a house for one or two years, then you may lose money on closing costs, due to the volatility of the real estate market, and more. Plus, it usually takes some time and legwork to buy a house, so you may not want to do it again so soon.
This is why you’ll want to think about how long you’ll be living in the area before you purchase your home.
You’ll want to make sure that the house will be suitable for you for at least five years, so you’ll want to think about things such as:
Are you happy with the area?
How are the schools?
Is the house big enough if you plan on starting a family?
Do you plan on working in the area for at least 5 years?
And so on.
You really need to think about your future when deciding to buy a house.
Don’t feel rushed.
“How long should you give yourself to buy a house?”
This is one of the home buying tips that is hard during a seller’s market, which is what’s happening in many areas right now. Knowing that homes are selling very quickly, you may feel rushed to find a house and put an offer in.
It’s also tempting to jump on a house the minute you find something you like, but if the purchase can wait 24 hours, then you may want to delay it. This will allow you more time to think about the purchase, go over your budget again, let any butterflies you have about the home purchase go away, and so on.
You will be able to make a much more rational decision if you think about your decision for at least 24 hours.
Plus, for all you know, you may even realize that you don’t want the house at all!
Do you really need or want that home?
“How do you make sure you get the house you want?”
Finally, the last of my home buying tips is to think about whether or not you actually need the house you are about to buy. It sounds easy enough, but many people do not even think about asking this question. When in fact, it is one of the most important questions to ask when buying a house (or any large purchase for that matter).
Really dig deep and ask yourself this simple question. Sure, you might think you want the house, but have you also been able to spend time thinking about the rest of my tips?
Do you know the full cost of the house? Are you okay spending that much? Does the house have everything you need?
Purchasing a home is a huge investment, and it deserves a lot of time and thought for you to make the best decision.
Have you bought a home recently? What other home buying tips should people think about?
Today, I have a great debt payoff story. I’ve known Lauren for years – pretty much ever since I started Making Sense of Cents years ago! She was one of the first blogs I read actually.
Lauren Mochizuki is an ER nurse, wife, and mother. She and her husband paid off $266,329.01 in 33 months. They also purchased their fixer-upper dream home, and renovated it without going into debt. Enjoy her story below!
The Background
Female, age 25, nurse, recently married, living her life with no regard to finances. Frequently dines out, goes to concerts, travels to foreign countries, never volunteers to work any extra shifts, lives beyond her means. Purchased a brand new Subaru Forester, husband also purchased a brand new car, lives in an 1,100 square foot condo.
Total debt owed: $266,329.01.
My Story
My name is Lauren, I’m a registered nurse, wife, mother, blogger at www.casamochi.com, and firm believer that you can live an amazing life within your means! I didn’t have a clue what budgeting actually meant.
When my husband first brought up the idea of budgeting, I was incredibly resistant. I thought that budgets were boring, restrictive, and I didn’t want to compromise my spending habits. I couldn’t have been more wrong about my ideas surrounding budgeting.
Looking back eight years ago, I realized that change is difficult, but the outcome was worthwhile. We are now debt free!
Other debt payoff stories:
Inspiration to Become Debt-Free
Eight years ago, we had some friends that were doing radical things to become debt free. We thought they had lost their minds. They were working lots of overtime, and paying down their debt. At the time, it sounded very extreme, and obscure.
Then one day, after reading Dave Ramsey’s “Total Money Makeover” and having a long discussion with our aspiring debt-free friends, he said “I want us to become totally debt-free too.”
I was ready to give my husband a swift karate chop when I heard that. It never occurred to me that we had money problems. Our bills were being paid on time, we put aside some money in savings, but most of all, we were having so much fun with our money!
Our debt breakdown was:
Credit card bills: $1,871.31,
The balance owed for two new cars: $31,211.10,
Mortgage balance for our condo: $233,346.60.
Total Debt $266,329.01.
Figuring out my “Why”
My husband kept pitching the idea of “Financial Freedom” to me, and that sounded pretty amazing, and at the same time daunting. I wanted to support my husband, and if becoming debt-free was something that was important to him, and in reality important for US, then I decided that I should give it a try.
I went from 0-60 very quickly. I not only took on this journey of debt-freedom; I lived it, breathed it, and became incredibly passionate about it. I also read “Total Money Makeover”, which fired me up even more. It was an easy read, for a “free-spirit” like me.
Accountability Partner
My husband and I became budget accountability partners. He is the President of the Budget, and I’m the Vice-President.
Together, we make decisions about how our money is spent, our work schedules, family schedules, and our future. Having an accountability partner is something that is helpful for being successful on a budget. Whether it’s a friend, sibling, or coworker, find someone you trust, and respect, and most importantly hold you accountable for your decisions.
Establishing our Monthly “Budget” Meeting
At the end of each month, my husband and I decide how we are going to spend our money for the following month. We call it our monthly budget meeting.
For example, if we made $5,000 one month, we would assign each dollar to a budget category (examples: utilities, mortgage, toiletries, work expenses, groceries, savings, etc.) for the following month.
I am the social events planner for our family. During our budget meetings, I always have our monthly calendar open. This step is key to having a successful budget meeting. We check the following month events for birthdays, showers, events, or weddings so that we can budget appropriately. This helps to avoid any budget surprises.
We would also plan out all of the extra shifts we would be working during this time to cover these expenses.
It took us nearly 6 months to really get the hang of budgeting and tackling any issues that would arise. It felt like the first several months, we kept discovering new budget categories that needed to be added.
We also started planning for big expenses all year long such as: yearly memberships, property taxes, car and house insurance. We were also mindful of bills where a discount was given for yearly payments instead of monthly payments.
Special holidays such as Christmas, is a budget category that we allocate money to all year long. This allows us the freedom to enjoy the holiday without wondering how we are going to pay for it.
Establish Rainy Day Savings
Unexpected costs had occurred, and we weren’t prepared. Thankfully we had some money saved, but we realized it wasn’t easily accessible if we needed it for an emergency!
We quickly transferred that money into a different account (from a whole life insurance plan into a regular savings account) where it could be readily available to us. It’s a good idea to have 3-6 months in your emergency fund.
Reducing our Expenses
After reviewing our monthly mortgage payment, we decided to refinance. We changed our mortgage from a 30-year-fixed mortgage to a 20-year-fixed mortgage. This single-handedly saved us thousands of dollars in interest.
Next, we checked every single utility bill and figured out how to bring down the monthly costs. We were very successful with this process, by shopping around for utility providers, to decreasing our consumer habits (figuring out ways to use less water, electricity, etc), we managed to decrease most of our monthly utility bills.
Two other areas we changed to save additional money: meal planning and thorough review for big purchases. I started weekly meal planning, and I try to only grocery shop on a full stomach. Don’t allow yourself to waste food and money if there isn’t a specific meal plan in place.
If there were big purchases that my husband and I would want to make that were over $50, we would have a conversation with each other, and sleep on it. If we still wanted the item after a few days, and if there was money in the budget, then the purchase was justified.
We inadvertently had lots of no spend weekends. A really frugal, and fun weekend for us would include time spent with friends and family at the beach. Bonfire, barbeque or dutch oven meals would help reduce weekend spending, and they were delicious (my favorite are the dutch oven nachos)! A major discovery in this whole process was that time is one of our most precious assets, and spending time with others is priceless, and doesn’t require additional money.
Increasing our Income
In order to achieve our goal, we HAD to increase our income.
We were both incredibly thankful to have the opportunity to work extra shifts at our jobs. I acquired a second job as an emergency room nurse, and my husband and I worked as if our lives, our future, and dreams depended on it.
I’m talking: multiple 16 hour shifts a week for myself, and 60-120 hour work weeks for both myself and my husband (we were intentional to make sure that our mental and physical states were not in jeopardy). We were on fire for this “financial freedom” that we were working towards. As Ramsey would say, we were “gazelle intense.”
We attended money conferences (we saw Dave Ramsey speak several times), listened to financial podcasts (You Need a Budget), and read blogs (Making Sense of Cents, Mr. Money Mustache), and books (The Millionaire Next Door, Start, The Go-Getter) that would encourage, and inspire us to keep working towards a debt-free life.
Selling items also became a means to make more money. We had garage sales, and sold things on eBay, and craigslist. We wanted to be good stewards of our resources, and therefore sold items we no longer needed. For several months, we were living off of 30% of our household income.
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The Visual Aid and Celebrating Milestones
My husband and my mother-in-law pulled their creative resources together, and created a visual aid! It was a picture made of felt material, of a mound of dirt, broken into many pieces that sat beneath the ground and a beach scene (our happy place).
We kept the visual aid in our bedroom. It would be one of the first things I saw every morning when I woke up, and one of the last things I saw before I went to sleep. It was a great reminder of our debt-free journey.
My husband and I created many different milestones to celebrate along our journey.
We celebrated every time we paid off $5,000, and we would remove a piece of dirt from our visual aid.
We printed out our mortgage amortization schedule, and celebrated every time we turned a page in our mortgage amortization schedule, and every time we saved another $5,000 of interest on our mortgage.
When the principal became greater than our interest on our mortgage payments, we celebrated. It felt like we were constantly achieving a different victory!
Every month after a budget meeting, my husband and I would take a picture with our visual aid, we would write down the month, and if we celebrated any milestones that month!
Our “celebrations” would include apple cider or champagne toasts, making a nice dinner at home, or simply reflecting on our goals accomplished that month.
After thirty three months, when we finished paying off all of our debt, I put all of the pictures together and made them into a photo album for my husband! It’s so rewarding to look back and reflect on all the sacrifices, and all that we accomplished together! I still get teary-eyed when I look at it, and enjoy sharing this book with our children.
This journey was one of the most challenging, and meaningful things we have ever done together.
Keep your eyes on the prize
Don’t play the comparison game. I was the most successful when I kept my focus on our own progress. It was very distracting when I looked around at what everyone else was doing. I kept reminding myself that I didn’t want to be like everyone else, I wanted to be debt-free!
This whole process was difficult, challenging, life changing, and incredibly rewarding! There were times when I felt like giving up, and just burnt out. When I felt like giving up, my husband would continue to encourage me to keep going. He reminded me what we were working towards, and that we were positively changing our financial trajectory forever.
Work Hard, and Stay the Course
Thirty-three months can seem like an eternity when you are in the thick of it. If you are living radically, any time spent during this season can seem like a long time.
We had a few months where life’s challenges happened, and things would get in the way of our goals. We didn’t let that deter us, instead, it gave us more motivation to continue on.
After a laborious thirty-three months, we became totally debt-free! We were also expecting our first child. I still remember the day we went to the bank to pay our final mortgage payment, and the day we called in to the Dave Ramsey radio show and did our “debt-free” scream.
One year later, we purchased our fixer-upper dream home in Orange County, California. We paid half of the total price of the home as our down payment. Three years after that, we completely renovated the home without going into debt. We have a mortgage now, but it is very reasonable, and it’s the only debt that we have. I no longer have to work full-time, but work per diem as a nurse, and my husband rarely picks up any overtime shifts.
We now enjoy spending lots of time together as a family.
Plant Seeds of Joy and Generosity
Maya Angelou once said “When we give cheerfully, and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.”
I would highly encourage being generous with your resources because it’s good for the soul, whether it’s writing someone a kind note, buying someone’s coffee behind you, or giving to a non-profit organization or church.
During our entire debt-free journey, we donated 10% of our income, and it was always the first thing we budgeted. This may not be for everyone, but we discovered that there is lots of joy to be had when things are given from a grateful heart.
We were first inspired to become debt free because of our friend’s story. We now share our story in the hopes of inspiring others, and that it is possible if you are willing to work for it. The timeframe for becoming debt-free might be long, and difficult, but it will definitely be worth it.
If you are thinking of becoming debt-free, find your passion, and don’t let anything stop you! As Colin Powell once said “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.” You can do this!
Author bio: Lauren Mochizuki is an ER nurse, wife, and mother. She and her husband paid off $266,329.01 in 33 months. They also purchased their fixer-upper dream home, and renovated it without going into debt. On her blog www.casamochi.com, she is sharing her home renovation story, encouraging others to become debt-free, and that one can live a great life while being on a budget.
United Airlines’ Denver hub is getting a big face-lift.
Not only is the airline adding stunning new gates with Instagram-worthy bathroom areas, but it’s also debuting three new and revamped lounges in the coming months.
It all starts this summer with the opening of a new club in the A-West concourse, between gates A25 and A27. This will become United’s first lounge in Denver’s A concourse. It’ll also be a major upgrade for flyers leaving from this pier since you’ll no longer need to take the train just to use a lounge.
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Then, later this summer, United will reopen the B-East club, which has been closed for the past few months for renovations. Once complete, it’ll become the largest club in the network, spanning a whopping 36,500 square feet.
Once the B-East club opens, United will close the existing B-West club and renovate it in a similar style to its other club in Concourse B, with completion scheduled for 2024. United will then build a Polaris lounge in Denver, but that’s still a couple of years away.
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
When all is said and done, United will have over 100,000 square feet of club space in Denver, including its novel Club Fly concept. But the improvements aren’t just about a bigger footprint.
Each new club will be designed to reflect the Mile High City and Colorado, and there’s a lot to get excited about. Don’t believe me? Come along for a first-look hard-hat tour of the new A-West club.
2-story layout
United’s A-West club will feature a two-story layout — one of the few lounges in the network to span multiple levels.
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ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Once you take the escalator up to the reception area, you’ll find touchless entry gates that will let you into the lounge. From there, it’s your choice as to whether you’d like to hang out on the first or second level.
UNITED
Both will offer fantastic views of the concourse and tarmac, as well as copious amounts of natural light. The lounge’s west-facing window seats are sure to be the most popular during Denver’s dramatic sunsets over the Colorado Rockies.
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ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
The new A-West lounge will measure 24,900 square feet across both levels.
Colorado-themed design
From the moment you step inside, you’ll definitely notice a ton of improvements compared to United’s existing Denver clubs, beginning with the design.
UNITED
United is going with a Colorado theme for this lounge, and based on the renderings, you’re sure to be impressed. Expect plenty of natural wood, along with gray carpets, blue accents and tan leather finishes.
UNITED
At the moment, the lounge is still very much under construction, but you can already begin to see the Colorado inspiration. For instance, United installed gabion walls around the perimeter of the entrance hallway in a nod to the rock-filled walls that line Interstate 70 to prevent boulders from falling onto the road.
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ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
This club will also feature two fireplaces — one on each level. A wood-filled wall display will flank the fireplaces under natural oak-lined ceilings. Assuming that the finished product looks anything like the renderings, it’ll likely feel that you’ve entered a cozy ski lodge rather than a busy airport terminal.
UNITED
In fact, that’s exactly how Alex Dorow, United’s managing director of lounges, premium services and hospitality, conceptualized this new space. “If Ralph Lauren had to build a ski chalet, what would it look like?” he asked the team during the design process.
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Amenities for the post-pandemic world
Aside from the finishes, United is purposely designing the space for a post-pandemic world. That means you’ll find more private workstations here than in most other United Clubs, in order to support those who are working from the road.
There will also be a few high-top coworking tables that’ll be perfect for solo flyers.
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ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Also, the dining area will feature a mix of one-, two- and four-top tables and booths, which will suit those traveling alone or with friends and family.
UNITED
Speaking of dining areas, United is working to upgrade the lounge catering, said Dorow, and he teased locally inspired options that will rotate seasonally. “When we say local, it’s not just in the look and feel; it’s also in what you taste,” Dorow explained.
The three new Denver lounges will all feature United’s signature hydration walls and personal water bottle refilling stations. According to Dorow, the airline received feedback that more and more travelers want spouts to fill their own water bottles — a request that United is happily addressing in its newest outposts.
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ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Notably, the new A-West United Club will not offer shower suites, which is a bummer considering that the airline is planning to move its long-haul international flights to the A concourse in the coming years.
You will find gender-specific restroom facilities (featuring private, floor-to-ceiling stalls), an all-gender restroom and a family room on each level.
As with United’s existing lounges, expect fast and free Wi-Fi and convenient access to power outlets and USB ports.
A surprise is coming
While the new lounges seem like they’ll be a major upgrade for United’s Denver hub, Dorow didn’t spill all the beans during the hard-hat tour.
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
In fact, he teased an all-new amenity that’ll debut in all three of the new Denver clubs. “As we open up these lounges, you’re going to see some new ways that allow customers to also get to know one another,” he said.
He didn’t share specifics, but he kept mentioning “fun artifacts” and “games.” What that means is anyone’s guess, but the good news is that we’re just a few months away from finding out.
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Better yet, even if this surprise is a dud, at least the rest of the lounge will bring some much-needed improvements to United’s Denver hub.
If we were to ask you to imagine your dream home, what would your mind conjure up?
Perhaps you’d love a penthouse in the skies or a palatial property with sweeping gardens. What about a lush forest paradise away from civilization or an opulent oceanfront property?
Maybe a hillside mansion with an infinity pool or a good ol’ swanky apartment in a coveted address is more your style.
What if we told you that you no longer need to choose just one view or destination because you can have it all?
A luxurious penthouse on the NJORD Superyacht. Photo credit: Ocean Residences
Welcome aboard the NJORD, a one-of-a-kind superyacht that redefines luxury living as we know it.
Aptly named after the Norse god of the wind and seas, NJORD is being developed by Ocean Residences Development and German shipyard, Meyer Werft.
A look at the luxury homes aboard the NJORD Superyacht
Once completed, NJORD will offer 117 private residences that range from 1,500 to 9,000 square feet with two to six bedrooms. There will also be 16 duplexes and triplexes that have their own private elevators.
The prestigious homes will be priced from $8.5 million to $70 million.
The project is expected to be completed by 2026, but the first ten homes aboard the NJORD Superyacht are already up for grabs. And they’re quite spectacular!
Bedroom of a luxury residence on the NJORD Superyacht. Photo credit: David Linley | Ocean Residences
To add a personalized touch, the developers have brought many interior designers and architects on board including Kelly Hoppen and David Linley who have worked on the first 10 units as well as Jean-Michel Gathy, Francesca Muzio, Sabrina Monteleone, Taylor Howes, and 1508 London.
Inside a luxury residence on the NJORD Superyacht. Photo credit: David Linley | Ocean ResidencesInside a luxury residence on the NJORD Superyacht. Photo credit: David Linley | Ocean ResidencesInside a luxury residence on the NJORD Superyacht. Photo credit: David Linley | Ocean ResidencesInside a luxury residence on the NJORD Superyacht. Photo credit: David Linley | Ocean Residences
Future residents can choose from 15 different floor plans and — while each residence is intended to be unique — there are also certain similarities like floor-to-ceiling windows, smart home technology, Gaggenau appliances, and of course, private balconies with spectacular views of the ocean.
Inside the luxury homes of the NJORD Superyacht. Photo credit: Ocean Residences
The epic 948-feet superyacht also includes other features like gourmet kitchens with custom cabinetry by Studio Becker, walk-in closets, ensuite bathrooms, personalized housekeeping, laundry, and tailoring services.
The luxury doesn’t end there though.
The vessel comes with a travel and excursion concierge for the more adventurous residents, a Eurocopter 160, four superyacht limo tenders, two dive and fishing boats, a dive center, and an excursion lounge.
The deck of a penthouse aboard the NJORD Superyacht. Photo credit: Ocean Residences
All of the residents’ culinary requirements will be taken care of in the six world-class restaurants and bars on board.
For the health and mental well-being of residents, there’s the Chenot Spa and Wellness Center and a Chenot Gym and Fitness Center.
Other than that, there’s also a telescope space observatory, a golf simulator and pro shop, a gourmet market and shops, a kids club, outdoor terraces, and multiple pools.
Lastly, the party never has to end thanks to the onboard nightclub, jazz lounge, and 10,000 -bottle wine cellar.
The first 10 private NJORD residences are now on the market
While the groundbreaking residential project is only slated for completion in 2026, the first private homes aboard the superyacht have recently been listed for sale.
The living room of a luxury residence on the NJORD Superyacht. Photo credit: David Linley | Ocean Residences
The sales and marketing for the first ten residences aboard NJORD will be led by global real estate brokerage The Agency, with CEO/founder Mauricio Umansky and principal & managing partner Santiago Arana at the helm.
“We are proud to represent the sales and marketing for the first ten incredible residences aboard NJORD, one of the most innovative and exclusive residential offerings in the world,” says Mauricio Umansky.
“With its thoughtfully designed residences, endless array of amenities and philanthropic and scientific purpose, buyers have the unique opportunity to live aboard one of the finest vessels to ever be built,” Umansky added.
Bedroom of a luxury residence on the NJORD Superyacht. Photo credit: David Linley | Ocean Residences
If Mauricio Umansky’s name rings a bell but you don’t know where from, you might know him from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (he’s Kyle Richard’s husband).
You’ll also be seeing a lot more of him on Netflix’s Buying Beverly Hills, which follows him and his stellar team of real estate agents. And we’re kind of hoping the new reality series will also give us a closer look inside the NJORD Superyacht and its luxury residences.
“We’re delighted Mauricio Umansky and Santiago Arana of The Agency will be at the helm of sales and marketing for the first ten luxury residences aboard NJORD,” said Kristian Stensby, Founder and CEO of Ocean Residences Development.
“With their combined record-breaking career success, global reach and white-glove service, we can’t think of a better team than The Agency to represent NJORD, the finest address everywhere in the world.”
Luxury meets sustainability
NJORD is more than just a collection of upscale residences.
The NJORD Superyacht. Photo credit: Ocean Residences
It’s an adventure around the globe and, according to Alain Gruber, COO of Ocean Residences Development Ltd, residents can choose to either completely relax or participate in the activities and expeditions planned by the concierge.
The best part about NJORD (other than the fact that you will get to circumnavigate the planet) is that you will do so sustainably.
The developers aim to build it under strict environmental regulations to minimize its carbon footprint.
The vessel will not only use carbon-neutral fuel but also include a professional oceanographic laboratory, a cloud computing system, multibeam echo sounders, and other resources to help the scientific community tackle environmental issues like climate change.
Talk about a new wave of residential living!
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