Madison Who’s Who Blog

Madison Who’s Who members may have already perused the photos featuring Mel Gibson’s estate, but for those who may have missed it, the link below will take you to dozens of pictures testifying to the reasons why the asking price is $39 million.

What is striking, or so it seems, is one can easily imagine Gibson as master of this manor, or perhaps this writer has seen Braveheart too many times.

From the link…

“Old Mill Farm is a design by architect Charles Lewis Bowman built in 1926 for his horse lover client, G.L. Ohrstrom. The home is one of the last great manor homes in Greenwich and is significant not just for the architecture but for the fact that it has 77 acres of land.

The home itself is an Elizabethan-inspired Tudor mansion of 15,800 square feet and the property has 15 bedrooms and 18 bathrooms total. The jaw-dropping room of the place is the great hall which has a 40-foot cathedral ceiling with a stone minstrel’s gallery, walk-in fireplace and leaded glass ceilings. The grounds, which were done by landscape designer James Doyle, include formal gardens and a maze. There is also a terrace pool, tennis court, greenhouse, stable, staff houses, log cabin and a pond on the property. For your $39.5 million you really do get a chance to slip into a whole other world.”
(Source)

There are more private islands for sale than one might imagine. Rainbow Island, located on Bridge Lake in British Columbia seems to offer the best of both worlds. The package combines an “island of 63 acres with a romantic old cabin and a waterfront lot of 2.15 acres with a log chalet.” (click image to enlarge)

Kiplinger.com’s Island-Buyers Checklist cautions that the old shibboleth still applies. Location is the first priority, especially where ease of mainland access is a strong consideration. With a lodge and dock directly across from Rainbow Island, that criteria is well satisfied.

The checklist goes on to warn of white sand beaches which tend to host a disproportionate amount of sand fleas. The other counsel includes that obtaining permits for what you can actually do on your island can become a tangled weave. There is also the consideration that the rambling home that you imagine building can be twice as costly to build on an island than on the mainland - unless you have your own barge to haul heavy equipment and building materials.

Though a daydream for most, it doesn’t hurt to ruminate on the possibilities.

“Rainbow Island is the only private island on pristine Bridge Lake. It is approximately 63 acres (25 ha) with about 5200 feet of prime waterfront. Bridge Lake is 7 km long and located in the beautiful Interlakes area, 50 km east of 100 Mile House, BC. This region is well-known for its recreational beauty, abundance of wildlife, crystal clear lakes and creeks. Miles of maintained walking trails throughout the island make it possible to experience the magic feeling amongst majestic virgin fir trees. There are a number of spectacular bays and several excellent building sites to construct your dream home. A night in the old, charming cabin lingers as an unforgettable experience in the memory.”
Vladi Private Islands

We are pleased to have many brokers and Realtors in the roster of Madison Who’s Who membership. Please feel free to send us a special or unique piece of property and we’ll be please to post on it. Just leave a comment. Until then, those who are searching in the hills of Tennessee for an serene and ample executive retreat will do well to examine this gorgeous home that includes a 2200-sq.ft. guest house.

“This Majestic, elegantly designed estate is truly the jewel of Tennessee . This 10.92-acre property is a safe haven on a private hilltop, offering the ultimate in graceful Southern living.

The 30-foot gothic columns at the entrance announce the distinguished craftsmanship and finest materials used to build this spectacular architectural gem.

Highlights

“Highlights of the 10,000-square-foot main house include a vignette of formal, uniquely designed living and entertainment areas on the first floor. Soft color tones are reflected in the finest quality furnishings, delicate murals and décor.

Features include Italian marble fireplaces, magnificent chandeliers, soaring ceilings, a large formal dining room, spectacular gourmet kitchen, built-in plasma televisions, a customized sound system throughout, Steinway piano and a full-size bar with seating. Smart house technology centralizes all systems.

An elevator and grand Italian marble staircase connect to the second floor and five bedrooms and five full and one-half baths. A spacious and lavish master bedroom suite offers his-and-her baths, large closets, a Jacuzzi, marble fireplace, entertainment center and balcony view of the gardens.

Other bedrooms are spacious with full baths. A separate 2,200-square-foot guest house of equal décor features two bedrooms, two full baths, a kitchen/dining area, living room and laundry area.

Beautifully landscaped grounds, terraced gardens, overflowing waterfalls/pools merge with marvelous sunsets and stunning views on a grand scale.”
from LuxuryRealEstate.com

If a retreat in Idaho has been a day dream, here is an additional image to add to the scenario. A paradise within a paradise in the form of an island on pristine Lake Pend Oreille (quoting 16,000,000).

“Memaloose Island can be found on Lake Pend Oreille in remote, beautiful North Idaho. It is a short boat trip from a deeded shoreline access to the thirteen acre island with over 6,000 feet of waterfront. Watch eagles soar above, pristine water lap against the pebble beach, and sunsets from the bluff.

Immerse yourself in the rich history of the area, or lose yourself in the tranquility of the island and the lake. Lake Pend Oreille is the largest lake in Idaho, surrounded by public lands, and vast mountain ranges. Unique wildlife, unexplored shorelines, uncharted depths and stunning vistas make this lake one of the most spectacular lakes in the world. Memaloose sparkles like a small gem on this dazzling lake.

Just 22 miles away, Sandpoint has been called the best small town in the west by Sunset magazine. Sandpoint offers medical facilities, a small airport, recreational opportunities, shopping, and fine dining in a quaint small town atmosphere. Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort is also located in Sandpoint and offers 2,350 acres of ski-able terrain. Several golf courses, including the Northwest’s premier Hidden Lakes Golf Course are close. In addition, the Northwest avails itself of some of the finest fishing and hunting in the country.

The current zoning of the island is rural. It is serviced by power and has a sixty gallon per minute well. There is a small, habitable cabin and several rustic outbuildings. A large portion of the island is forested in old growth pine. The topography allows for a potential helicopter pad, or seaplane landing area in a protected cove. There are several spectacular building sites. A preliminary engineering study is available for serious inquiries only.”
from Private Islands Online