Luxe Living

A 22,000 square foot estate on the West Coast isn’t enough for the genetically gifted married duo of supermodel Gisele Bundchen and star quarterback Tom Brady. Now, the NY Post reports that the hot couple are on the hunt for a new place to call home in New York City. Just this week, Gisele was spotted checking out an $11,495,000 duplex in the new Walker Tower luxury development at 212 W. 18th Street.

The supermodel, sans husband Tom, toured a 3-bedroom, 2,800-square-foot condo that includes a 400-square-foot terrace and stellar views of the Empire State Building. Brady wasn’t touring the home with Gisele this week because the Patriots just started their organized team activities in Boston. He is pulling his weight though, as he just signed a lucrative contract extension that will help pay for this pricey pad.

The Post reported that sources close to the couple say the gorgeous duo are shopping the city’s real estate listings and are looking to spend between $9 and $12 million dollars for their Big Apple abode.

Will it be this stunner? We’ll have to wait and see…

Legendary NBA coach Pat Riley is making a play in the real estate game by putting his longtime beachfront Malibu home up for rent for $18,500 a month. Riley and his wife purchased the oceanfront abode on July 14, 1989 for $1,600,000, back when ‘Riles’ was still winning championships with the Showtime Lakers in L.A. Since then, Riley has moved onto more NBA titles in Miami, first as head coach and more recently as Team President of the Heat, which might mean he’s spending less time on the West Coast.

The home is located within an exclusive gated enclave off of Broad Beach Road, and has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms,  plus an office where Riley likely spent many late hours breaking down the Celtics defense or writing plays for the likes of Magic Johnson, while waves crashed a few feet away.

The floor plan includes a large living room with fireplace, open kitchen, and walls of glass for great, natural light. Outside, expansive patios have limitless views of the Pacific Ocean. Riley and his wife won’t be missing the summer in Malibu, though, as the rental isn’t available until September 1, 2013.

Even when they do rent it out, they won’t be going far. They also own the house two doors down, which has 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and 2,088 square feet. They paid $7,000,000 for it in February 2007.

Images via the MLS.

Zack Greinke‘s golden arm is making headlines yet again. This time, it’s not for landing the starting pitcher a massive $147 million six-year contract with the LA Dodgers. It’s also not for being the culprit behind last week’s Dodger vs. Padre fight- one of MLB’s biggest brawls this year which landed him on the disabled list for eight weeks with a broken collarbone.

Instead, Greinke’s arm is on the spotlight again for signing off on a snazzy piece of West Coast real estate – a $4.6 million dollar, newly constructed Studio City compound. The Florida-born right-hander can now watch that dramatic bench-clearing fiasco on repeat in the comfort of his fabulous new California haven while recovering from his “war” wound.

Surrounded by the famed LA communities of the Hollywood Hills, Beverly Crest, and Sherman Oaks, Studio City is a happening Southern California neighborhood with an average for-sale asking price of around $1.3 million. With LA’s  inventory and new construction numbers relatively low, this 2012 newly constructed, seven-bedroom, 10 bath retreat comes as a breath of fresh air. With California craftsmanship seen throughout, the gated, two-structure compound delivers a cabin-like aura with unique architecture, an open outdoor floor plan, a wrap around porch, and sleek hardwood floors.

Located at the foot of a hill, the beautifully landscaped grounds made up of trees and shrubs give the property plenty of privacy. A fire pit, water fall, walking bridge, spa and two-tiered pool also add to the tranquil ambiance creating a uniquely peaceful LA sanctuary.

Images via MLS.

Philadelphia Eagles’ DeSean Jackson has a lot to be proud of. Not only can he say he’s a star player for the NFL, who just recently signed a new 5-year, $51-million contract, but now he can also cross that finish line of becoming a first-time homeowner! After several years of renting in Los Angeles, Jackson has moved on up and purchased a 3,837-square-foot home in Tarzana, CA for $1.65 million.

Being the showman and big spender that he is, this modest purchase does comes as a surprise to some as the multi-million dollar wide receiver shelled out less than $2 million. However, the property exudes charm and personality and is close to his hometown Long Beach, CA. With prime LA location and some pizzazz to fill the appetite of a pro-athlete, the home seems like a perfect off-season retreat for some much needed R&R.

Located in prime South Tarzana, CA, the four-bedroom, six-bath property is a traditional, gated, family home offering luxury and comfort at every turn. The all-white property features beautiful french doors, hardwood floors, crown molding and open living spaces. The living room welcomes you with a beamed ceiling and exquisite glass tile fireplace and leads you to a large family room and elegant dining area with chandelier and backyard access. An upgraded chef’s kitchen is the focal point of the home and includes stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, a breakfast island and a cute windowsill seating area.

The exterior of the home includes a pool and grassy area, along with a one-bedroom, one-bath detached studio suite with French doors and gaudy black and white checkered flooring.

Images via MLS.

Ray Lewis, the once legally embattled NFL champion who retired from the Baltimore Ravens last month, is selling a stunning South Florida mansion. The newly minted Super Bowl champ just placed his dramatic oceanfront estate in Highland Beach, Florida on the market for $4,995,000. Lewis’ new gig on ESPN, which will include regular appearances on Sunday and Monday night shows, some pregame spots on Sundays and occasional SportsCenter shows, means he’ll be spending his “retirement” in ESPN’s Bristol, CT headquarters, rather than lazy days on the beach.

Lewis’ for-sale home in a prime Florida neighborhood comes complete with endless ocean views, seven-bedrooms, eight-and-a-half-baths, a wineroom, office and fourth floor roofdeck. The gourmet kitchen is equipped with state-of-the-art Thermador and Sub-Zero appliances.

Upon opening the front door you are amazed at the ocean and in awe of the wall of windows and views that surround. Large living and entertaining areas are perfect for formal or more casual beachfront entertaining. The master bedroom has a dual-door entrance, sitting area and closet. The master bath incudes his-and-hers sinks and a glamourous vanity area, large jacuzzi style tub, shower and water closet.

All bedrooms have their own private bathrooms and are situated nicely throughout the home. Enjoy evenings overlooking the ocean from the top floor roof deck with elevator access, barbeque area and granite bar for serving and dining.

For Allen Iverson, the undersized but uber-talented former NBA All Star, it’s been a rough few months dealing with a recent divorce, losing a child custody battle, and a foreclosure on his Atlanta mansion. One could say that AI has left as many homes behind as he did defenders with his legendary cross over, which makes even the great Michael Jordan look bad.

Two of his former homes have recently hit the market. One is a beautiful home in the Villanova, PA area, and the other is listed here, which is an amazing property in Gladwyne, PA.

The Gladwyne property is gorgeous, but has a bit of an infamous reputation (like Allen Iverson’s play on the basketball court). It’s the same location where he hid out in 2002 after allegedly threatening two men with a handgun in a Philadelphia apartment, while searching for his wayward wife.

Considered one of the finest estates in the Philadelphia suburbs, his Gladwyne mansion is in cherry condition and recently renovated. The 1.91 acre lot is on an exclusive street in a prime area and features completely manicured grounds as you make your way up the private driveway. Visitors will be greeted by a voluminous, two-story reception hall that would be reminiscent of a basketball court if it weren’t for the custom finishes and marble floors.

There’s an elegant living room with a fireplace that features palladium windows and custom wood floors while the formal dining room is perfect for low key evenings or more formal dinners.

Any chef would be impressed with the kitchen, featuring wood-mode cabinetry, butler’s pantry, an expansive center island, and granite counters throughout, while being connected to a spacious breakfast room with views of the pool.

The family room features another fireplace and has additional custom wood floors that seem to bring the home together, while also offering French doors that lead to the deck and backyard.

You’ll find beautiful, custom, vaulted ceilings in the renovated library, which would be a perfect place to lose yourself in a book or review game tapes for your next NBA opponent.

On the 2nd floor is a luxurious master suite with a sitting room, walk-in custom closets and marble bathroom. Throughout the floor you will find four additional large bedrooms with bathrooms.

Despite the posh set-up throughout the rest of the house, it’s perhaps the lower level that will provide the most enjoyment, with features such as a home theater, exercise room, playroom and finally a wine cellar and tasting room. NBA All Star or not, it would be hard to miss a shot at this amazing property.

NBA Baller Chris Bosh is showing us the literal meaning of the term now that his Pacific Palisades home has hit the rental market for $45,000 a month, according to The Real Estalker. The NBA star who currently dribbles for the Miami Heat is away from this home so frequently that it’s time to temporarily give it up to some well-heeled renters for a while. But don’t cry for Chris, he has an incredible Miami mansion that he and his wife bought in September 2010 for $12,333,000. That home is a gated and glassy 12,368 square foot modern mansion on the water.

Chris’ for-lease place is a real palace in the Palisades. For a mere $45,000 a month, you’ll get a wonderful ocean-view gated estate on approximately an acre-and-a-half. Secluded at the top of a knoll, the home has spectacular unobstructed views of the gorgeous Pacific Ocean and mountains. The outdoor area is punctuated with a resort-style infinity pool with swim up bar and lounge areas. A huge outdoor eating area features a full outdoor kitchen with pizza oven. There’s even an outdoor shower and large flat grassy area, perfect for extravagant entertaining. Inside, you’ll find a movie theatre, bar area with billiards, basically a total sports bar within the house.

The home is perfect for the CEO-type, with it’s ultra-luxurious office/library. Last but not least, the home has a huge master suite with dual master baths with huge walk-in closets and large ocean view balcony with spa off the master.

For those who need a little extra help around the (giant) house, this lease comes with fully-equipped staff quarters.

The name Joe Montana is synonymous with Super Bowls, clutch performances, and San Francisco. He’s adored throughout the region for putting Northern California on the pro football map in the 1980′s, which is why his former townhouse — located beneath famed Coit Tower — is sure to garner interest from prospective renters.

If that’s not enough star power to grab your attention, it should also be noted that Joe previously ‘passed’ this place to his buddy, wide receiver Dwight Clark, when he ‘traded’ up and moved out. Clark, of course, was the recipient of one of Montana’s most famous passes — a play known as ‘The Catch‘ — which catapulted the upstart 49ers over the Dallas Cowboys into their first Super Bowl and effectively marked the beginning of a sports dynasty.

So where did a three-time Super Bowl MVP hang his helmet? In a one-bedroom, luxury townhouse at the prestigious 101 Lombard Street building, primely located at the foot of Telegraph Hill near the Financial District and the beautiful Embarcadero waterfront. When not walking to some of the world-class restaurants in the area, tenants can enjoy the resort-style swimming pool and hot tub and impressively well-manicured grounds.

The two-level unit features sweeping views of San Francisco Bay and the Bay Bridge: both visible from dual patios and a private roof deck, perfect for pondering the latest game plan (or financial plan, or dinner plan, depending on the profession of the new tenant). And with the America’s Cup events taking place in the Bay through 2013, this townhouse will provide a perfect vantage point.

The townhome’s main level features the kitchen, dining, and living rooms, as well as a wood-burning fireplace. On the lower level resides a bedroom suite which includes a walk-in closet, walk-out deck, and a bathroom with all the whistles and flags bells and whistles. Last but not least, go upstairs and find the private roof deck in all its glory.

Luxury extras include two Internet-enabled HD televisions with unlimited streaming movies, as well as an iPhone compatible speaker system, handmade furniture, original art, and a concierge and full-service doorman.

No matter what happens with Joe Montana’s former team, the 49ers, in Super Bowl XLVII, the person who lands this townhouse will truly be a winner.

Tennis ace Serena Williams is serving up her luxurious LA condo to a new buyer. According to property records and The Real Estalker, Williams’ Wilshire Boulevard home is in escrow for $1,850,000. By the looks of the listing photos, Williams used the condo as a West Coast pied-à-terre for a couple years when she spent time in the City of Angels. She purchased the soon-to-be-sold condo in September 2002 for $1,275,000. Four years later — after more success and lucrative endorsement deals — she spent $6,612,000 on massive, seven-bedroom mansion in Bel Air. She and sister Venus also share a champion-worthy Florida mansion.

Whomever is plunking down the dough to take Serena’s small-ish condo off her hands is buying into the luxury Los Angeles building, The Remington. The 15th floor condo is spacious, with two bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, and a den/office that comes complete with the most amazing city views. Light and bright, the condo has an open floorplan and a direct access elevator. The gourmet kitchen features high-end appliances. And throughout, you’ll find hardwood floors, balconies, walls of windows. The master suite comes with dual marble baths, limestone floors, and walk-in closets, while The Remington — a full-service building — offers a concierge, valet, pool/spa, gym, rec room, wine storage, and additional storage rooms.

Love him or hate him – there’s no in between – Barry Bonds is one of the biggest sports characters of the last two decades. Rocketing to superstardom in Pittsburgh and helping make a forlorn franchise a regular in the playoffs while winning his first league MVP award, Bonds made it clear he had all the tools to become one of the greats. He took his talents back to Northern California in 1993, where he was born and raised, to play for the San Francisco Giants and resurrected that franchise while winning 6 additional MVP awards (4 in a row at one point), leading the team to the World Series in 2002, and cementing his place in baseball history. Of course, this was before the BALCO scandal and perjury investigation which has cast a shadow over Bonds’ mountain of accomplishments to the chagrin of some and the delight of others. So where does a sultan of swat live?

What can possibly be a large enough space for a larger than life character such as Bonds? Well, how about a 17,100 square foot palace of a home in Beverly Hills?

Word on the street is that Barry is putting his expansive, fully furnished property on the market for a cool $25 million. So what does the home of a baseball superstar offer? Well to start, 7 bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, and a two-story guest house, all situated on a manicured property modeled after a fine Italian Villa, from the olive tree-lined private drive to the Tuscan-style architecture.

The features of the home, like Barry’s 73 home runs in a single season, boggle the mind. With high ceilings up to 30 feet high throughout the grand living and family rooms and special details such as Italian floors and hand-painted murals, it’s a dazzling home. The gourmet kitchen (of course, this is a Tuscan-style home right?), feeds into a roomy dining room that is perfect for entertaining.

Should we stop there? Well, Barry didn’t stop playing until he was 43 and still a dominating hitter, so we’ll keep going. The rest of the home includes a walnut-paneled office and custom home movie theater with seating for 12. If you’re feeling tense the home also features a full service spa, including steam room, jacuzzi and body therapy rooms.

It wouldn’t be California living without some outdoor fun and this home delivers. There’s a full outdoor kitchen with pizza oven and wet bar, manicured lawn, swimming pool, cabana, and multi-use sport court.

In short, this home should be in the hall of fame. Maybe Barry too?

Check out the full listing from The Agency here.