No word yet, but Howard Stern and the lovely Beth are definitely in the market. Stern has brought it up on his popular Howard Stern Show Radio program, mostly due to tax purposes. In additon to comments on the Howard Stern Show - Mansion Edition, Howie was overheard telling lunch companions that he wants a change because he is tired of paying New York taxes, which are among the highest in the nation. He said he wants to take advantage of Florida’s lack of state income taxes and business friendly environment.
Several sources confirmed Stern, 59, has looked at a half dozen mansions so far. He is ready to spend up to $20 million and wants waterfront in Jupiter or Palm Beach Gardens.
“He’s been looking at beachfront and places alongside the Intracoastal,” one spy said, “mostly in the $15 million to $20 million range.”
Just how serious is Stern about buying a new home or mansion in Florida? This is his second weekend searching for property in the past two weeks!
If he were to purchase a little something here, Stern would join a well-stocked stable of celebrities in the area, including golfers Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy; singers Kid Rock, Alan Jackson, Bruce Springsteen and Olivia Newton-John; MLB pitcher Carl Pavano; movie star Burt Reynolds; NBA legend Michael Jordan, among others.
Stern owns an 8,400-square-foot apartment in Manhattan that he bought in 2008 for $15.1 million, and a 16,000-square-foot mansion in the Hamptons.
Sunday, 31 March 2013
Turquoise Dream Kitchen * Cozinha Turquesa de Sonho
I'm not gonna talk about the weather... Only a kitchen like this one would make me forget such bad weather today! Crap...
Have a nice Sunday everyone. I'm going to wait for the best TV moment for today. New episode of Revenge on ABC!!... Can't wait!...
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Eu hoje nem quero falar sobre o tempo! Só sei que... só uma cozinha turquesa, como esta, me faria esquecer o tamanho temporal! Bolas!
Vou tentar esquecer e aguardar o momento mais esperado do dia. Um novo episódio da minha série favorita o 'Revenge' (a transmitir ABC, nos EUA). Por cá só emite às 3as.
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| Veronica Swanson in her Manhattan kitchen via Harper's Bazar |
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| dinning area |
Até Amanhã
Ana Antunes
(Thank you for sharing my passion for beautiful homes)
Saturday, 30 March 2013
Filming Locations: Argo (2012)
The following movie posters are from the original "fake" movie in 1980:
Argo is a 2012 historical drama thriller film directed by Ben Affleck. This dramatization is adapted from the book The Master of Disguise by CIA operative Tony Mendez, and Joshuah Berman's 2007 Wired article "The Great Escape" about the "Canadian Caper", in which Mendez led the rescue of six U.S. diplomats from Tehran, Iran, during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis.
The film stars Affleck as Mendez with Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, and John Goodman (previous Encino resident now owned by David Hasselhoff) in supporting roles, and was released in North America to critical and commercial success on October 12, 2012. The film was produced by Grant Heslov, Ben Affleck, and George Clooney (Studio City resident). The story of this rescue was also told in the 1981 television movie Escape from Iran: The Canadian Caper, directed by Lamont Johnson.
Upon release, Argo received widespread acclaim and also received seven nominations for the 85th Academy Awards and won three, for Best Film Editing, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Picture. The film also earned five Golden Globe nominations, winning Best Picture – Drama and Best Director, while being nominated for Best Supporting Actor for Arkin. It won the award for the Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture at the 19th Screen Actors Guild Awards with Alan Arkin being nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role. It also won Best Film, Best Editing, and Best Director at the 66th British Academy Film Awards (Wikipedia).
On a side note, Argo, is "based on a true story and is not a true story" according to Ben Affleck. What this means is that drama and Hollywood flair was added to make this story more interesting and worth 2 hours of your time watching. There are many fictionalized events shown in this movie that if you wanted to experience the true story, you are better off reading the book. Wikipedia does a good job of listing the historical inaccuracies if you are interested in knowing the truth.
One last thing, this film is a good example of US Military and War propaganda glorifying and validating the efforts to fight various wars, occupy other countries, etc. The fact that this film won an Oscar Best Picture and was also presented by First Lady Michelle Obama to Ben Affleck at the awards ceremony seems highly suspect. At any rate, the movie is obviously well directed and still worth watching. I just wanted to share some personal opinions. And now for the filming locations.
Argo was mostly filmed in LA and not in Iran. To discover the other locations, I recommend visiting the following sites:
- LA Times
- Discover Los Angeles
- IAMNOTASTALKER
- The Location Guide
- LA Curbed
- Central Intelligence Agency (allow for viewing the actual documents from 1980 available on their site)
The American Embassy in Tehran, Iran actually used the VA Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center 16111 Plummer St., North Hills, CA 91343. The VA hospital is rather large with 18 similar looking buildings. This facility bore resemblance to the American Embassy in Tehran with the red brick institutional look which is why it was chosen. The producers of the film made did an excellent job of blending in "70's Iran" with the VA hospital using exterior shots from buildings in Turkey as you cant even tell that this was actually filmed in North Hills. According to IAMNOTASTALKER (also check out the link for other shows and movies filmed there), Building 4 was used for this film including some of the interior shots.
Tony Mendez and John Chambers discuss their plans for producing a fake movie to rescue the hostages at the Smokehouse Restaurant 4420 W. Lakeside Dr., Burbank, CA 91505 which is actually located across from the Warner Bros Studios which was also used in the film (see below). Its not known if in the true story, these guys met at the Smokehouse but its highly plausible considering many movie stars and Warner Brothers personnel eat lunch at the Smokehouse.
The Warner Bros. Studios 3400 W Riverside Dr., Burbank, CA 91522 was used as the backdrop for where the fake movie company, Studio Six Productions was created. Additionally, the studio was called "The Burbank Studios" at that time during the 70's and 80's when it was shared with Columbia Pictures before it was later changed to the infamous WB logo for Warner Brothers as it shows today.
You can view more SFV Filming Locations here.
Friday, 29 March 2013
Celebrity Real Estate: Rush Hour Actor Chris Tucker Unloads Last Tarzana Home
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| Image courtesy Estates of Today |
Chris Tucker initially rose to fame starring alongside Ice Cube (Encino resident) in the 1995 film Friday. His acting career exploded with the Rush Hour series where he earned $20 million in the 2001 film, Rush Hour 2, and $25 million in the 2007 film, Rush Hour 3, which made him the highest paid actor at that time. Additionally, he received 20% of the gross against his salary from Rush Hour 3. He recently co-starred alongside Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, and Robert De Niro in the 2011 film, Silver Linings Playbook which Tucker's performance was well received by critics. He is scheduled to appear in the 2014 film Rush Hour 4 which begs the question, how much will he earn for that film?
With all this success, Chris Tucker, acquired a massive portfolio of luxury homes which I will talk about in detail later. However, with success comes failure and Tucker (or his accountant) either forgot, ignored, or simply miscalculated his income tax liability to the tune of $11 million over several years according to TMZ described back on July 28, 2010. Fast forward to January 30, 2013 and $7 million still remains unpaid which the IRS slapped a lien against the Tarzana property featured in this post. Its also possible that Tucker owes additional back taxes to the State of California but that is unconfirmed. The breakdown of income taxes owed is as follows (according to the lien filed against the Tarzana home on January 30, 2013):
- 2001 - $1,450,922.00
- 2002 - $3,876,925.23
- 2005 - $502,018.55
- 2006 - $1,385,882.34
- Total = $7,215,748.12
REDUCED ANOTHER 300. PRICED FOR IMMEDIATE SALE! THIS IS A STEAL!!! Gorgeous Plan 5 home in the exclusive guard gated Mulholland Park! AMAZING VIEWS! One of the Best City Lights & Golf Course View Locations. 5bed/7bth - 6399 sqft. Spacious Int. w/ Open Floor Plan. Prop ft. Gourmet Kitchen w/ 3 Ovens, Walk-in Pantry, Brkfst Nook & Bar. Three Fireplaces, French Doors, Towering Ceilings, Natural Illumination, Wet Bar, Butler's Pantry, Study Rm & Upstairs Loft w/ Bath. Master Retreat offers Panoramic Views, Sep Sitting Room w/ Fireplace, Spacious Balcony, Large Bathroom, and Walk In Closets. Four Junior suites each offer private bathrooms. Inviting Pool & Spa Opens to Endless Views. 4 car garage + motor court for parking. GREAT HOME. Incredible Value!
Chris Tucker originally acquired this property back on November 27, 1996 for $1,113,500 which was essentially a brand new home purchase fresh off the success of Rush Hour. Tucker first heaved this home on the market back on April 14, 2011 for $2,499,000 probably due to the tax complications. Tucker listed again at the same price on June 24, 2011 and September 6, 2012 where it was reduced to $2,299,000 on September 11, 2012. The sale price of $2.1 million translates into a profit of $986,500 before taxes commissions, carrying costs, and any renovation expenses to help pay for the IRS lien which is obviosuly still not enough.
Which brings up the discussion of Tucker's other real estate holdings in the SFV.
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| Images courtesy Carproperty.com |
Back on November 13, 2009, Tucker sold his second Tarzana home (shown above) in the same community as the home discussed above and literally the house next door for $3 million. Tucker acquired this property on July 13, 2001 for $2.4 million which coincides with the success of Rush Hour 2. This home was originally listed for $3.8 million in spring 2008. The home is slightly larger than the first home mentioned above measuring 7 Beds/8 Baths on 6,549 sqft on a total lot size of 0.76 acres also built in 1995. The sale of this home netted a profit of $600,000 before taxes, commissions, carrying costs, and any renovation expenses which was probably also used to wind down the IRS obligations. Its not known why this home was purchased but maybe for family, staff, or rental income. Your Mama at the Realestalker blogged about this home. The listing description states:
This dramatic and elegant view estate, a previous model, offered "fully furnished" will take your breath away. A property with exceptional scale and volume, extraordinary detailing that creates an architectural sophistication, exquisite landscape and impeccable hardscape combine to define this home as Mulholland Park Estates Rare Premier Properties. Over 6,500 sqft. of luxury living on almost 32,000 sqft. lot, 5 bed, library, home theatre, upstairs game room, 8 bth with spectacular city lights views are some of the highlights of this most distinctive home. An elegant sweeping wrought iron circular staircase floats into the most sumptuous master suite that is warm and inviting. No expense was spare on the spacious gourmet kitchen that exemplifies style and function. Pristine entertainers grounds w/ pool, spa, water features. It's being offered for sale "fully furnished".
Tucker acquired another home (shown above) which can almost be drawn in a straight line north across the SFV to the Santa Susana mountains. Tucker paid $1.3 million on September 21, 2008 for a Granada Hills home in a gated community after the success of Rush Hour 3. This home measures 6 Bed/5 Bath on 5,300 sqft on a total lot size of 0.95 acres built in 2001. It appears that this home was purchased for his baby mama and son, Destin Christopher Tucker according to Your Mama at the Realestalker. The listing description states:
EXTREMELY MOTIVATED SELLER!! 6 BD, 4.5 BA, ALMOST 5300 sqft. LARGEST PREVIOUS MODEL HOME IN THE GATED BRIDLEWOOD ESTATES. VERY HIGHLY UPGRADED, FEATURES INCLUDE DRAMATIC ENTRY, BEAUTIFUL CENTER ISLAND KITCHN W/ DINING AREA, ELEGANT FORMAL DINE, LARGE FAMILY ROOM W/ BUILT IN BOOK SHELVES & MEDIA CENTER, SPACIOUS L/R W/ VOLUME CEILINGS, 2 DWN STRS BEDROOMS, COFFEE BAR IN MASTER, WALNUT HARDWOOD FLOORS, INCREDIBLE MASTER BATH W/ HIS & HERS MASSIVE 41,250 SQ FT LOT W/ BASKETBALL COURT, HUGE FLAT GRASS AREA, SPLIT LEVEL PATIO AREA & LOTS OF ROOM FOR RV GARAGE & POOL.
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| Image courtesy Google Maps |
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| Image courtesy Google Maps |
Which now leads to the other properties across the nation starting with Georgia where Tucker was born and currently resides. I dont normally blog about properties outside the SFV but Tucker's vast holdings really sparked my curiosity to share here especially since one of them was a massive $4 million short sale.
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| Image courtesy Google Maps |
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| Image courtesy Google Maps |
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| Image courtesy Zillow |
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| Image courtesy Bing Maps |
Now we move south to Florida.
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| Image courtesy Zillow |
There was one home purchased in Montverde, Florida (shown above) on June 20, 2007 for $6 million which gained national media attention when the home was later listed as short sale and sold on March 14, 2012 for $1.7 million or a massive $4.3 million hit to the banks balance sheet. This home measures 5 Bed/6 Baths on 5,907 sqft on a total lot size of 0.95 acres built in 2006. This home was purchased after the film, Rush Hour 3. This home was also covered by Your Mama at the Realestalker back on July 28, 2010.
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| Images courtesy Watson Realty Corp. |
There is a second home in Montverde (shown above) linked to Chris Tucker but I am not able to confirm. This home measures 4 beds/3 Baths on 3,730 sqft on a total lot size of 21,780 sqft built in 2005. This home was last sold on April 10, 2008 for $400,000. Its possible that Tucker either rented, previously owned, or this home is listed in error.
We now travel west to Nevada.
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| Image courtesy Google Maps |
This concludes the review of Chris Tuckers massive real estate portfolio. As you can observe, Tucker loves real estate. Its not know why Tucker has so many homes but typically celebrities acquire many properties if they tend to work in multiple locations, spreading their wealth by helping family member with shelter, and vacation homes. However, owning many properties require constant upkeep and maintenance as well as payment of taxes, insurance, HOAs, etc. All of these expenses add up over time and could be the reason why Tucker was delinquent on taxes which may or may not be the reason for the lack of payment. At any rate, Tucker still has an extensive collection of properties across the country. The question becomes, does he need to sell more to satisfy IRS obligations? Only time will tell.
You can view more SFV Celebrity Real Estate here.
Other celebrities in Tarzana and architecturally significant properties include:
- NFL star DeSean Jackson who recently purchased a $1,650,000 home.
- Grammy winning mixer Chris Lord-Alge who sold for $2,550,000 in March 2013
- 2x Emmy Winning Producer, Mark Wilding, who recently sold for $1,085,000 in September 2012.
- Selena Gomez purchased Jonah Hill's former home in August 2012.
- Gregory Ain designed Kaye Residence which was available and currently delisted.
- Bruce Boxleitner and Melissa Gilbert who have sold for $839,999 in March 2013 after two years of trying.
- Scary Spice of the Spice Girls recently sold a home for $3 million to Charlie Sheen ex Brooke Mueller who later sold for $3.150 million.
- Anton Yelchin's parents and former home.
- A. Quincy Jones Mid Century Modern home.
- Soap star Kristoff St. John owned a 5 Bed/5.5 Bath mansion from 2005 to 2007 who sold it to DJ Paul of the Three 6 Mafia who sold at a loss in 2010.
- Lamar Odom and Khloe Kardashian who purchased in 2009 for close to $4 million.
- NFL star Keyshawn Johnson.
- Dr. A.E. Abdun-Nur Residence by Paul Williams.
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