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.

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.

Guess Hogan doesn’t know best after all, at least when it comes to real estate. Former Wrestlemania super-star, Hulk Hogan (real name: Terry Bollea) sold his 17,145 square foot Tudor-style mansion in Bellaire, FL for $6.2 million. The property has been on and off the market since 2006 and was originally listed for $25 million, then discounted to $9.24 million in July 2011.

Formally the set of the Hogan family’s short-lived VH1 reality TV show, “Hogan Knows Best,” this 8-bedroom, 5 full /3 partial bathroom single family home was originally built in 1996. It sits on an acre and a half of land,  high on a bluff with views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Clearwater Pass to the Gulf of Mexico.

The new owner, who ever he/she may be, must love water sports because this home caters to swimmers and boat-lovers alike. The property features a beautifully landscaped pool and spa, as well as a dock and two boat lifts and “space for a personal watercraft” – a.k.a you can park your yacht here, no questions asked.

Cohabitation alert! US Weekly is reporting that ‘The Bachelor’ duo of Ben Flajnik and Courtney Robertson are taking the next step in their relationship – moving in together. The two were spotted hauling boxes into the San Francisco apartment that Ben shares with two roommates in San Francisco’s trendy Marina district.

According to the US Weekly inside source, the engaged duo aren’t shacking up with roommates permanently and are eager to find a great place of their own. The insider said “this arrangement is just temporary… they want to get settled in as soon as possible.”

So, with the San Francisco rental market on fire, they’ll have a lot of competition for a great place. As a matter of fact, San Francisco is one of the only markets in America where it’s cheaper to rent than buy. And with their brief romance and rocky start, these two lovebirds should stick to a lease. You know…just in case.

Here are 5 great San Francisco apartments Ben and Courtney should consider for their next move:

3655 Broderick Street – 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom – $3,400 a month

Very large 1 bedroom in a great location. The building has an elevator (rare in older San Francisco buildings). The particular apartment is a corner unit with a new kitchen with granite counter tops,  stainless steel appliances,  refinished floors, a separate tub/shower, large closets and new windows.

2170 Vallejo Street - 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom – $4,750 a month

Impeccably cared for, this 1200+ square foot condo offers customized luxury at its finest. Perched on the North side of Pacific Heights, 2170 Vallejo is ideal for a stroll down into The Marina and Cow Hollow for dinner, or shopping and nightlife on Fillmore Street. This decadent unit is truly a rare find. Features include: One of 2 units on floor 3 with no connecting walls in a 10-unit building, sunny southern exposure with oversized bay windows, Art Deco period detail with modern remodel, recessed lighting, original refinished hardwood floors, 10-foot beamed ceilings, wood-burning fireplace with carved mantle, sleek custom designer gas kitchen with brushed aluminum cabinetry, conceiled fridge and drawers, granite countertops, outfitted with Gannenau oven, hood and range, vintage tiled bathroom featuring deep tub with shower, custom mirrored cabintry with recessed shelving, abundant closet space with double mirrorred doors, linear entry system, elevator in building, permitted street parking, and laundry room in building.

2374R Vallejo Street – 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms – $4,300 a month

This property is located in the exclusive Pacific Height neighborhood, but close to the hustle and bustle of Ben’s favorite haunts. It has been completely updated but retains its vintage character. It has panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. It has granite counters and stainless steel appliances (gas range). Beautiful hardwood floors throughout. Lots of light. The washer and dryer are inside the unit. It is close to public transportation and within walking distance of Union St., Filmore St., Chestnut St. and Alta Vista Park.

Pixley Street - 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom – $4,000 a month

Top floor, completely remodeled with with old charm and character–the best of both worlds! Gorgeous 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom flat in a quiet, 2 unit building. Newer hardwood floors throughout, high ceilings and lots of windows make the apartment feel open, airy and sunny. Small office desk/nook off the kitchen Almost brand new bathroom with deep, sunken tub. Luxury, eat in kitchen white marble counters, gas oven, dishwasher, ample cabinet and counter space. Overhead lighting throughout and a decorative fireplace in the living room. Rare for San Francisco, a washer and dryer is in-unit. The unit also comes with a shared patio in the back of the building, a storage area in the garage and 2 car tandem parking.

3018 Gough Street - 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom – $3,400 a month

This is the upper unit flat in a 2-unit building. So spacious that it feels like a single family home. Never before rented,  this flat (officially classified as a condo) has a large kitchen with small eating area next to a free standing gas fireplace. There is a separate laundry room at the far end. Off the kitchen is a large dining room with original hardwood floors and built-in hutch. Along side of the dining room through glass French doors is a huge carpeted living room with gas burning fireplace. The two rear bedrooms are side-by-side and both have refinished original hardwood floors. This flat has loads of natural light with a large skylight at the top of the stairs.

Which San Francisco apartment do you think Ben and Courtney should move into?

Less than a month after former ‘Real Housewives of New York‘ cast member Kelly Bensimon listed her East Hampton mansion for $12 million, she’s already price-chopped the property by a third. The new asking price for the two-story, 5,800 square-foot, five-bedroom home is $8 million.

Bensimon’s up-for-grabs Hamptons spread is an amazing property, located south-of-the-highway on prestigious Further Lane, most known for its celebrity residents and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Maidstone Country Club and East Hampton Village. According to the listing, the traditional-style home is “the perfect blend of chic city design mixed with Hamptons comfort and charm.”

The custom interior boasts 5,800 square feet of entertaining space, featuring a sun-filled formal living room with fireplace and French doors, a luxurious master suite with fireplace and private terrace leading to a bonus office or guest space, and a sleek stainless steel kitchen, which opens up to a spacious family room with fireplace and dining area. Additional amenities include vaulted ceilings showcasing rustic wood beams, powder room, den, extensive decking, and an oversized versatile bonus room with potential for additional guest space. Outdoors, the picturesque 1.2 acre grounds offers magazine worthy landscaping, a heated gunite pool and a charming pond.

It’s no secret Kim Kardashian lives a very public life. With the ever-present reality show cameras trailing her to capture every riveting moment of her life, it’s not really a shocker that she’s also facing the very scary downside of fame – the stalkers, creepers and unwanted guests ringing her front doorbell. It was reported that last week, an unknown man showed up at Kim’s home in Beverly Hills with a ring (not the 20.5 carat ones that she prefers), but a ring of her doorbell. The man showed up with luggage and sources say that he stated that he was there to stay with the TV star and he was supposed to be working on her reality show. Kim freaked, the cops were called, and the man was removed from the premises.

TMZ first reporting the stalker and now says that Kim has decided that she needs a new, more private place to call home. She’s interested in exclusive gated communities in Los Angeles, including Mullhulland Estates, where Paris Hilton, Charlie Sheen and Robbie Williams all own massive mansions. Lucky for Kim, there is a killer home on the rental market within Mullhulland Estates that is right up her alley.

Located on one of the best lots in Mulholland Estates, this property on exclusive Durham Road is for rent for $40,000 a month. This unique 4 bedroom, 6 bathroom home was designed with Craftsman-Asian fused architectural and is surrounded by lush, tropical landscape giving the property a private and luxurious setting that Kim craves, all while boasting breathtaking Los Angeles views.

While Kim says she wants privacy and to fly as under-the-rader as possible, we all know that wherever Kim moves next, the cameras will be there to document her every move.

Paris Hilton’s former home could be your personal Hollywood Hills party pad – for $16,000 a month. This particular property gained notoriety when Paris gave access to the camera crew from MTV Cribs. On Cribs, Paris paraded around the home, giving viewers an insider view of her three closets (one just for shoes!), multiple bedrooms and other glamorous spaces. It was also the home she lived in during her legal troubles and 23-day jail stint in June 0f 2007. Pesky paparazzi were a constant presence around this North Kings Road home, likely the reason she chose to sell the home that year and start fresh somewhere new. She was able to sell the home in just 10 days.

The current owners chose to eventually rent the home out at $20,000 a month. With no takers, the home has a brand new 20% price cut and is now asking $16,000 a month for a chance to live in a home that has some serious tabloid cache. Keeping it all in the family, the listing agent is Paris Hilton’s uncle, Mauricio Umansky of The Agency. A semi-star in his own right, Mauricio currently stars on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills with wife Kyle Richards.

According to the listing information, the home’s exterior is an old world Spanish designed in the 1920′s. The interior is designed in French Regency old Hollywood Glamour style. This home is perfect for entertaining with great indoor/outdoor flow, boasting a beautiful pool with cabanas and lawn space. The home features 4 bedrooms, although one has been converted to to the ultimate closet (it’s Paris Hilton – would you expect anything less?). Also on the property are separate guest quarters with a separate office.

Tori Spelling and her husband, actor Dean McDermott are new buyers in the seaside town of Malibu. Purchased on September 29, 2011 for $2,400,000, Tori and Dean’s new home has 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and clocks in at 2,052 square feet. The Los Angeles Times describes the property as being “covered in native landscaping, organic gardens and lawn. The single-story home, built in the 1960s and since renovated, features bamboo floors, a vaulted living room ceiling, and a wall of built-in book shelves. Custom-built sliding doors lead outside to multiple decks and sitting areas.”

Tori and Dean just welcomed their third child, a daughter named Hattie. In the midst of all this home buying and baby-having, the Spelling-McDermott clan also found the time to sell their six-bedroom, 6.5-bathroom, 6,718 square-foot Tuscan-style villa in Encino, CA. Tori has been vocal in the press and gossip magazines about her desire for more and more children. With the three she has now, and any more that may come along, they’ll quickly outgrow their brand new Malibu digs.

Here at Trulia, we don’t have a crystal ball, but we can see that Tori and Dean’s newly-purchased Malibu home is 4,000 square feet smaller than the home they just sold in Encino. Normally we don’t see a growing Hollywood family downsize that significantly. What we do know is that the new house is in a prime Malibu location and sits on about 1.75 acres – the perfect amount of space to knock down the existing property and build something bigger and better. We’ll be keeping our eyes on this one.

The HGTV show Selling LA is a staff favorite around Trulia HQ, and we were especially loving last night’s episode. The gregarious Gary Gold of Hilton & Hyland was featured as the listing agent for a stunning $10,995,000 home on a private, gated bluff in Beverly Hills. Viewers got a peek inside the beautiful 6-bedroom, 9-bathroom, 7,294 square-foot home. With panoramic ocean and city views, there isn’t another property like this in 90210.

A long, private driveway brings prospective buyers to a cobblestone motor court with capacity for 14 car parking. The media, grand kitchen, formal dining and formal living rooms all have breathtaking views. A huge master bedroom offers his and her baths, 2 terraces and a study. There are 3 additional suites, as well as maids quarters and a separate guesthouse. The expansive grounds feature a stunning pool area and terraces throughout. Perfect for life in Beverly Hills, this home features a party deck with a commercial bar & grill and putting green. While Gold is seeking a buyer for this property, it’s also available as a lease for $45,000 a month.

Here at Trulia, we seem to have a curious fascination with The Real Housewives. Whether they’re in Beverly Hills, Orange County, New York, Atlanta, or New Jersey, we love peeking into these ladies’ homes and lives every week. Last night we bid adeui to the most recent season of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, so today, let’s peek inside a home in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, the town made famous by the show.

While not actually owned by a “Real Housewife,” we can only anticipate that any of the New Jersey women would love to call this place home. This magnificant Colonial Manor was custom built in 2003. The extraordinary attention to detail, design and construction is evident throughout this home. This home sits majestically on a lovely large lot on one of Franklin Lakes most prestigious streets. The two story dramatic entry foyer has an ultra wide sweeping staircase a formal living and dining room. The stunning kitchen is by Bilotta with wood mode cherry glazed cabinets and every feature imaginable.. The great room has a two story fireplace flanked by two story Palladian windows and a sensational cherry bar. The lower level allows you to walk out to a pool, spa, and a playing field. A stone outdoor kitchen is an elegant and grand addition to the outdoor entertainment space. This home is warm and inviting, offering a richly appointed sophisticated lifestyle in a country setting.