Trulia Luxe Living

When it comes to high-priced New Jersey real estate, it’s getting real. Just this morning,  The Real Housewives of New Jersey‘s very own Joe and Melissa Gorga re-listed their stunning European-influenced mansion for $3,800,000, according to US Weekly. This is not the first time this very home has hit the market. In 2010, before they first appeared on the reality show (and shortly after completing construction of the home), they listed it for an optimistic $4,100,000.

When talking about why they’re moving, Joe Gorga told US Weekly, ”I’m a builder. I custom-built the houses we have lived in and will do the same with our next one. We tried Montville, but it just wasn’t for us. We want to go back to Franklin Lakes, which is closer to where I work, and we’re looking at a couple of properties now.”

Built in 2009, the home features six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, four fireplaces and a three-car garage. The Gorga’s for-sale house features rich, thematic detail and is set in a prestigious yet tranquil and private location near major highways to New York City. Upgrades to the home include an extra-thick English slate roof with copper gutters and leaders, custom stone and a Florida stucco facade, Italian marble foyer with inlays, dual marble stairways, custom tray ceilings, high-end kitchen and baths, rounded-cedar French doors and cedar windows, gorgeous wood paneling, arched hallways with thick, continental-inspired moldings, delicately curved built-in bookcases, luxurious fireplace mantles and gleaming hardwood floors in rich hues. The home also has additional luxury details, such as domed ceilings and a circular wrought-iron banisters.

Devotees of the New Jersey version of the “Real Housewives” franchise will remember that Joe Gorga installed a $50,000 recording studio for wife Melissa in the basement of this very home. The listing makes no mention of the studio, which means that it probably goes with the family (in pieces, of course) when they move into their next stunning home.

The Gorgas also have their vacation home in Toms River, New Jersey on the market for $520,000.

The man behind the making of Toy Story, A Bug’s Life and Finding Nemo, Pixar cofounder and Walt Disney Animation Studios president Ed Catmull, is looking to bid his park-like, Kentfield, CA estate farewell – he has just listed the property for $10.9 million. For the past twenty-six years Catmull has been heading Pixar Studios, and most recently been overseeing animated films at both Pixar and Disney alongside chief creative officer John Lasseter following the Disney acquisition in 2006. His soon-to-be-ex California home town of Kentfield is about thirty minutes from Pixar Studios,  located in Emeryville, CA., and about forty five minutes-to-an-hour from tech hub San Francisco.

Given Catmull’s ultra-creative mind and decades of animating experience, it’s no surprise his exquisite, custom-made estate pops with storybook charm. The three quarter acre parcel is simply majestic with expansive level lawns and views of Mt. Tamalpais and the Southern Marin Ridgeline. Built by Steve Wisenbaker, the six-bedroom, eight full and two half bath property is designed with a South Hampton personality. The white trim against the white walls and white coffered ceiling pairs beautifully with the dark hardwood flooring. The interior is furnished with modern minimalistic influence creating an elegant and traditional atmosphere.

A beautifully-lit island sits in the center of the spacious gourmet kitchen fully equipped with state-of-the-art appliances, including a Charvet Caumartin Range. The master suite features an exquisite walk-in closet and vintage ceramic tub. The upper level opens to the main patio, garden and pool with attached water slide. The exterior grounds are lined with lavish landscaping giving the home lovely vast hues of green – a perfect Bug’s Life paradise.

The estate also includes an executive sized home office, a spa-sized gym, a separate maid’s quarter and library. State-of-the-art technology is also incorporated throughout, although does not include your own private Wall-E. A 7-car auto court and underground 2-car parking allows for plenty of room for your real and/or animated Cars.

Fall Out Boy Bassist Pete Wentz has just purchased a rocking new pad in Studio City, CA, according to public records. Ashlee Simpson’s ex-husband is currently dating model Megan Kamper, and the two were recently photographed picking up home goods at a LA-area Target…and now we know why.

Wentz purchased the new place on April 13, 2012 for $1,050,000. The four-bedroom, three-bathroom, nearly 2,000 square-foot home is situated in the foothills amongst a forest of tall trees, waterfalls and exotic plantings. The property has been lovingly maintained and enhanced over the years and the interiors are filled with designer touches. The open-plan living, dining and kitchen have a wood burning fireplace and a wall of French doors open to a grand, Wisteria covered veranda. The convertible third bedroom or den also open up to the lush outdoor area. Upstairs is the master suite, office and guest bedroom and third bath. The custom baths feature vessel sinks, glass tiles, stone and custom cabinetry.

Outside, lush grounds surround the house and meandering pathways take you to a tree shaded spa, Japanese tea house, children’s play house, waterfalls and architectural koi pond. The separate guest quarters and bath complete this amazing property. Hardwood floors, recessed interior lighting, extensive outdoor lighting, security cameras, built-in speakers and music are just a few of the many features that make this the perfect nest for Wentz.

When Wentz was still married to Simpson, the two lived in a pricey place in Beverly Hills.

Golf legend Fred Couples has a new clubhouse!  After years of residing in La Quinta, CA, Couples has purchased a stunning, Spanish Colonial revival home in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles. According to public records, Couples paid $4,557,000 on April 4, 2012 for a four-bedroom, four and a half bathroom, 5,661 square foot home.

The estate is set behind gates on picturesque South Carmelina Ave. Beautifully designed and crafted, the property features gorgeous gardens, beau detailing and top-notch finishes throughout. All spaces flow seamlessly together and to the outdoors for the ideal California lifestyle. Gas lanterns and a private courtyard entry way lead to the gracious foyer with a sweeping staircase, a step-down living room, formal dining room and inviting library. A fabulous cook’s kitchen and family room opens through French doors to the loggia, outdoor living room with fireplace, sparkling pool, spa and detached poolside guesthouse. The home was originally designed as a five-bedroom home with maid’s quarters, but it is currently being used as a three-bedroom with an oversized laundry room, upstairs family room and vast his & hers master closets.

In November 2011, Couples listed his 5,173 square-foot, four-bedroom, five-bathroom home in La Quinta for $4,195,000. That home is now off the market.

Much to the chagrin of ex-wife and former star of the “Real Housewife of Beverly Hills” Camille Grammer, Kelsey Grammer and fourth wife Kayte have bought a new palatial pad nearby in the 90210. After years of East Coast living in New York City, Kelsey and Kayte are settling into a new Beverly Hills abode while they wait for the imminent arrival of their twins.

Kelsey and Kayte purchased the restored Spanish Colonial Revival on April 25 for $6,500,000, as first reported by The Real Estalker. The home has 6 bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms and clocks in at 6,093 square feet. The home has a soaring, two-story entry that leads to a galleria with a step-down living room. The enchanting pool and gardens are the focal point of the lower and upper gallerias that boast arched windows and wood-burning fireplaces. The entry level includes a formal dining room, guest bath, play or media room, intimate den, butler’s pantry with full-size, refrigerated wine storage and a large utility room with bath (or possible maid’s room).

The residence also features a detached 3-car garage, gated motor court and separate guest house.

Camille and Kelsey Grammer famously filed for divorce in 2010, after it became known that Kelsey had met a new love while starring on Broadway in New York and wanted out of his 13-year marriage to Camille. After two years and a dragged-out battle over custody and finances (no prenup, people!), they finalized their divorce in mid-February 2011. He wed fourth (and current) wife Kayte two weeks later. The babies-on-board announcement came a few months later.

Camille currently lives in a nearly 5-acre spread in Malibu, and owns homes across the country, including one in Beaver Creek, Colorado that is currently on the market.