Globe Trotting: The Chinese gambling mecca of Macau...

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? Previous: Glamping Photographed; Ninja Turtles Creator Lists; More!

? Next: A Colonial Transformed by Caribbean Architect Oliver Messel

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Globe Trotting: For sale in San Juan, Puerto...

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? Previous: Chicago Prof Selling $16M NY Pad; Gavin DeGraw Lists; More!

? Next: Basketball Legend Michael Jordan Shoots for $29M in Chicago

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Globe Trotting: Under the Tuscan Sun Villa Rents For Staggering Price Tag

× Like us and you'll find top breaking news in your Facebook newsfeed. Sign up for our daily email newsletter and get top stories and breaking news delivered to your inbox. Monday, February 27, 2012, by Sarah Firshein

If the Eat, Pray, Love HSN home line doesn't quite do it, now there's a better, more complete way to indulge those decadent divorcee fantasies. In fact, some might argue that this is a truly excellent way of spending any monies earned in, say, a settlement: Bramasole, the villa featured in Under the Tuscan Sun, is available for nightly rental. In the 2006 flick, Diane Lane gazes upon the dilapidated structure—actually the stuccoed farmhouse on a two-house property—and espies its sunny, post-renovation future. This, as well as the main house, were renovated in real life and boast a total of 10 bedrooms and a shared pool, heated Jacuzzi, charcoal grill, and pizza oven outside. The place may be stunningly beautiful, but the price—a staggering $2,451 to $3,831 a night—quickly puts the brakes on any dolce vita daydreaming.

· Bramasole [Italian Villas via Hooked on Houses]

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Globe Trotting: An Immaculately Kept Vineyard in the Bordeaux Countryside

× Like us and you'll find top breaking news in your Facebook newsfeed. Sign up for our daily email newsletter and get top stories and breaking news delivered to your inbox. Thursday, February 16, 2012, by Rob Bear

Located in the famous winemaking region of Bordeaux, the Château De Seguin has been owned by the Carl family since 1973. Their company, Carl Wines, supplies French wine to the American food emporium Trader Joe's, not the most glamorous of buyers, to be sure, but this magnificent property makes up for any shortcomings with the wine. Set on 430 acres of rolling countryside—230 of which are planted with grapes, including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc vines—the château itself is a two-story white structure with pointed turrets that is dwarfed by the enormous stone winery next door, which houses the cavernous cellars. The property also includes a wine museum, reception rooms, and various outbuildings for storage, while a picturesque swimming pool and immaculate period interiors keep the owners happy with their $14.6M purchase.
· Château De Seguin [Christie's]

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Globe Trotting: Philadelphia-based Interface Studio Architects has submitted...

× Like us and you'll find top breaking news in your Facebook newsfeed. Sign up for our daily email newsletter and get top stories and breaking news delivered to your inbox. Wednesday, February 1, 2012, by Sarah Firshein

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? Previous: Inside MF Global Chairman Jon Corzine's Hoboken Penthouse

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Globe Trotting: A Pitch-Perfect Piano Nobile Flat on Venice's Grand Canal

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Set on the piano nobile of the Palazzo Calbo Crotta, a palatial house on Venice's Grand Canal, this three-bedroom, three-bath fairytale apartment was restored by the current owners, a British couple who are selling to pursue their dream of a farmhouse in Tuscany. When the pair purchased the apartment, it was still undergoing a radical restoration, with conservators working through layers of black grime in the magnificent dining room, with "no electricity or water" and "doors and windows were rotten." Undeterred, the couple signed a contract to purchase the palatial flat, which includes frescos dating from the 1760s that depict the Dido and Aneas allegory, believed to have been painted by Giustino Menescardi. While most of the apartment, including the gorgeous grand salone, were restored to their period grandeur, the kitchen and bathrooms were updated to modern standards, with Phillipe Stark fixtures and sleek modern cabinetry. The price, as one might imagine, is only available on request, but chances are this is one of the most expensive properties currently on the market in Venice.

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Globe Trotting: Meet the House That Comes With its Very Own Putting Green

× Like us and you'll find top breaking news in your Facebook newsfeed. Sign up for our daily email newsletter and get top stories and breaking news delivered to your inbox. Friday, January 27, 2012, by Sarah Firshein

Photo via Freshome

Now that Phil Mickelson and Greg Norman are both trying to unload their homes, where ever will these links masters land? Perhaps in Fukushima, Japan, where Japanese architecture firm no.555 has designed a boxy, modernist residence with a putting green—or, technically a mini golf course—traversing the two main volumes. It's just about as cool as that rooftop putting green in Brooklyn. Below, find a full-on shot of the house.

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Globe Trotting: The much jabbed-at Stirling Prize-winning architect...

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? Previous: Alex Ovechkin Watch

? Next: @cettedrucks

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Globe Trotting: Here Now, 20 Tiny "EcoLofts" Above Mexico's Wine Country

× Like us and you'll find top breaking news in your Facebook newsfeed. Sign up for our daily email newsletter and get top stories and breaking news delivered to your inbox. Friday, January 20, 2012, by Sarah Firshein

Photo via Arch Daily

This is rather awesome: Endémico Resguardo Silvestre, a series of 20 modernist hotel rooms, of sorts, each 215 square feet, perched above the Valle de Guadalupe wine region in Mexico. Designed by architect Jorge Garcia and completed last year, the so-called "EcoLofts" are part of a 99-hectare development that also includes a winery and housing. Composed of a steel frame (a plentiful material in the region) and wood, each room hovers above the ground without touching it—part of the architect's vision of keeping the landscape undisturbed. (Minus—as one anonymous Curbed commenter points out—the steel supports and the poured concrete entry deck.) Below, find another photo.

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Globe Trotting: Direct Flights from Angkor Wat for This Cambodian Escape

× Like us and you'll find top breaking news in your Facebook newsfeed. Sign up for our daily email newsletter and get top stories and breaking news delivered to your inbox. Thursday, December 22, 2011, by Rob Bear Photos: Song Saa/Wall Street Journal

Inspired by a traditional Cambodian fishing village, at least architecturally, the luxury resort of Song Saa is Cambodia's first private island development. Consisting of 27 individual villas, most of which have already sold to Asian buyers, the resort can be reached by speedboat from the nearby Sihanoukville international airport or directly from the famous temples at Angkor Wat via seaplane. One of the few unsold units, this one-bedroom, one-bathroom villa measures 3,200 square feet and boasts stunning water views, a private pool, and an aesthetic developed by Australian owners Rory and Melita Hunter. Rory, previously of advertising firm Saatchi & Saatchi, and Melita, a designer, happened upon the unspoiled islands while exploring in a fishing boat. The one-bedroom villa is currently offered for $1.75M.
· Cambodian Over-Water-Villa [WSJ]

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Globe Trotting: Spain's Juzcar, where Sony Pictures unleashed...

× Like us and you'll find top breaking news in your Facebook newsfeed. Sign up for our daily email newsletter and get top stories and breaking news delivered to your inbox. Tuesday, December 20, 2011, by Sarah Firshein

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? Previous: Here's What the Novogratz Holiday Card Looks Like This Year

? Next: Good Causes

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Globe Trotting: Seoul's New Tower Seems Familiar, and Not in a Good Way

× Like us and you'll find top breaking news in your Facebook newsfeed. Sign up for our daily email newsletter and get top stories and breaking news delivered to your inbox. Thursday, December 8, 2011, by Sarah Firshein

Photo via Design Boom

Set to be finished in Seoul, South Korea, in 2015: two 850-plus-tall residential towers connected by a 10-story "pixelated cloud." Designed by Rotterdam-based architecture firm MVRDV, the complex will include housing, restaurants, green space, a hotel, and a gym. Great. As today's Gizmodo headline bluntly asks: "What the hell were these architects thinking?"

· MVRDV: the cloud [design boom via Gizmodo]

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Globe Trotting: While the MFA Boston celebrates it's...

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Globe Trotting: This is Seriously the Most Awesome Rooftop Pool of All Time

× Like us and you'll find top breaking news in your Facebook newsfeed. Sign up for our daily email newsletter and get top stories and breaking news delivered to your inbox. Friday, October 21, 2011, by Sarah Firshein First two photos: Flight Path Aerial Photography via WSJ; remaining photos: Ken Leong

There's nothing like a truly delicious and absurdly lavish amenity to jostle a sleepy Friday morning: this 2,181-square-foot penthouse, covered today in the Wall Street Journal, is so mindboggling that we can't help but take another look. The two-bedroom, three-bathroom Vancouver apartment, which will feature in an upcoming Reese Witherspoon flick and once played host to Owen Wilson, is being sold by the owner/developer—co-founder of Canadian Springs Water Co.— who says he's "living a little quieter lifestyle now than when I first started the project." Meaning the full-scale renovation that produced a gleaming modernist kitchen, a private elevator, and, of course, the crown jewel: a 40-foot lap pool whose acrylic floor serves as ceiling for the hallway below. Why the hell would anyone give such a property up? "[L]iving in the [penthouse] can be a little too social at times," the owner adds. (We're playing the world's saddest song on the world's smallest violin over here.) Ask? Roughly $3.4M American dollars.

· Swimming Cool in Chinatown [WSJ]
· 50 133 Keefer Street, Vancouver, BC [Ken Leong]

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Globe Trotting: By Land or By Sea: The Many Housing Options in Holland

× Like us and you'll find top breaking news in your Facebook newsfeed. Sign up for our daily email newsletter and get top stories and breaking news delivered to your inbox. Friday, October 7, 2011, by Rob Bear

Thanks to its collection of canals, the Netherlands manages to have quite a varied housing stock for a nation that's been known as one of the "Low Countries" for hundreds of years. This multi-use building in Delft, has recently had it's price chopped down to $3.9M. Now that's no small sum, but considering the structure dates to the early 1600s, was once home to the local butter factory, had its ornate facade rebuilt in 1775, and fronts on the historic town square, it may still qualify as a value. Plus, for that authentic Dutch feel, a canal runs past the rear of the 5,900-square-foot house. After the jump, we'll take a look at Amsterdam and a converted tug boat with a '50s-style kitchen.

? Few of Amsterdam's storied canal houses remain on the market for long, but some apartments in the grand homes are currently lingering on the rental market. This one, located on the city's innermost canal, Herengracht, is currently for rent for $9,300 per month. A duplex in a house dating from 1655, this apartment enjoys a lush rear garden and a glassed-in sunroom, along with two bedrooms, two baths, and a chef's kitchen.

? For those ready to spend a bit more time, and money, living on Amsterdam's canals, this three-bedroom apartment, which lies just north of the historic city center, is currently listed for $938K. Separated from the canal by a roadway, the apartment thankfully enjoys use of a spacious backyard, while large porches and tall windows allow residents to take advantage of the green space.

? For $912K, this entire building is for sale between Herengracht and Kaizersgracht, with a commercial space on the first floor and a four-story apartment. The interiors aren't particularly well finished, but the electrical system dates from 2000 and the kitchen from 2005. With those updates, the place should be ready for a stylish renovation, but good luck putting in an elevator to service all those floors: Amsterdam is very strict about modifying historic buildings.

? This last one is a bit of a curveball. While it looks out of place at first glance—it is a tug boat after all—the interiors have been refinished to make this a decent home, particularly for those who like a retro look in the kitchen. The $271K vessel is currently lying in Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel, a canal town north of Rotterdam, meaning it could probably navigate any number of Dutch canals.

· The Boter Huis -National Monument Building In Delft [Viviun]
· Centre, Amsterdam [Point2]
· Nassaukade 15 [JLG Real Estate]
· Herenstraat 7 [JLG Real Estate]
· Tug [Apollo Duck]

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Globe Trotting: All too often we run into...

× Like us and you'll find top breaking news in your Facebook newsfeed. Sign up for our daily email newsletter and get top stories and breaking news delivered to your inbox. Friday, October 7, 2011, by Rob Bear

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? Previous: Dwelling

? Next: Stephen Fanuka on Unicorns, Leather Sinks, and Lindsay Lohan

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Globe Trotting: Five Croatian Coastal Residences with Classic Chic Potential

× Like us and you'll find top breaking news in your Facebook newsfeed. Sign up for our daily email newsletter and get top stories and breaking news delivered to your inbox. Wednesday, September 28, 2011, by Rob Bear

The Croatian coast has emerged from years of political turmoil and too-close-for-comfort warfare to become one of the most desirable resort areas in Europe. With prices far below the stratospheric heights of the Italian Riviera or Amalfi Coast and similarly gorgeous vistas, there's plenty of potential here. The architect Steven Harris and interior designer Lucien Rees Roberts demonstrated the potential of the region's real estate last year, when they renovated this 15th-century limestone structure into a stylish summer getaway. Situated on a high bluff on the island of Lopud, the house has a clean white, grey, and black interior and incorporates the original stone walls, which combine to form one seriously desirable escape. Sadly, not all Croatian pads have received such a high-brow renovation, but let's take a look at some with potential.

? For something close to the Harris-Rees Roberts starting point, this 15th-century stone manse is also set on Lopud, with plenty of outdoor space, views of the water, and a traditional red tile roof. The listing for the 2,100-square-foot unpolished gem doesn't list a price, but is sure to remind potential buyers that the Sunday Times called Lopud "one of the top ten secret Mediterranean islands."

? Located near Dubrovnik in southern Croatia, this waterfront "Captain's House" was built back in 1872, but might require even more work than the 15th-century version. The 12-bedroom pile doesn't reveal its interior in the listing—which is almost always a bad sign—but the ivied patio offers a little encouragement. The coveted waterfront and quay must be responsible for the $1.22M asking price.

? Zaton might sound more like a distant star system than a seaside resort town, but this quaint village serves up some pricey properties. This $2.38M villa has been renovated, but the next buyer might want to correct some of the less-than-stylish snafus. That price includes plenty of space though, with seven bedrooms and two guest apartments.

? Located in Diocletian’s Palace in the city of Split, this apartment has the potential to be a royal pain in the ass. It's in need of a complete overhaul, including basic plumbing, electric, and heating, but the loft-like space has some serious potential if executed properly. Sorry, there's no sea view, but this historic property is cheaper as a result, at $668K.

? This last one is a move-in ready modern masterwork on Brac island for those too timid, or simply too busy, to conduct a renovation in a foreign country. The price is only available on request, but with an infinity pool, waterfront location, and a tasteful, if not distinctive, design, it will probably command a hefty premium.

· Villa San Spirito [Steven Harris Architects]
· Historic Villa, Lopud [Savills]
· Waterfront Captain's House [Savills]
· Villa with Pool, Zaton [Savills]
· Palace Apartment, Split [Savills]
· Superb villa, Brac island [Savills]

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Globe Trotting: Rent This Villa at the End of a Peninsula at the End of the World

× Like us and you'll find top breaking news in your Facebook newsfeed. Sign up for our daily email newsletter and get top stories and breaking news delivered to your inbox. Wednesday, September 7, 2011, by Rob Bear

Located hundreds of miles east of Madagascar, the tropical island of Mauritius is one of the most remote vacation destinations for American travelers. Renting this stylish villa should make the grueling travel tolerable though. Posted on an island, connected to the mainland by a narrow stone causeway, L'Ilot is a four-bedroom hideaway that enjoys 360° views of the lagoon and a contemporary style that's rare in the tropics. The villa rents for $1400 per night in high season, which includes daily maid service, prepared breakfast, and, for better or worse, high-speed internet.
· L'Ilot - villa in Mauritius [official site via The Travel Files]

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Globe Trotting: Five Megamansions in the Caribbean's Most Famous Tax Haven

× Like us and you'll find top breaking news in your Facebook newsfeed. Sign up for our daily email newsletter and get top stories and breaking news delivered to your inbox. Friday, August 26, 2011, by Rob Bear

The Cayman Islands have been a tax haven since the days of Weekend at Bernie's and the original Wall Street. The curious thing is that once the tax dodgers are done with the dodging they go and splash out on an extravagant island getaway. We don't even want to know what kind of tax savings are necessary to justify the purchase of this $60M beachfront behemoth, called Castillo Caribe. The 48,000-square-foot mega-mansion fronts on a spectacular white sand beach and boasts cavernous interior spaces that make this place seem more like a private resort than a home, for better or worse. Not surprisingly, the listing focuses more on the "tax neutral environment" than the luxe features.

? Sea Wind, a $10M mansion on the beach at North Sound is a little short on listing description, but at 23,000 square feet it's sure to pack some luxury features. There's a boat house, vaulted ceilings, an expansive chef's kitchen, and a sea-view bathtub, along with a party-ready pool and patio, and that's just in the photos.

? This seafront estate, dubbed Brisas del Mar (apparently a common name in all languages), is listed for $9.4M, but, like the last place, has a listing that's short on details. Here's what we do know: the 14,000-square-foot residence includes nine bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a three-car garage, and a caretakers residence.

? The brokerbabble returns with a vengeance on the listing for Villa del Mare, located on the white sand beaches of Rum Point. Despite the spectacular location and similar space—14,550 square feet—compared to the last place, this seaside manse is listed for $7M, which is starting to sound like a deal in these parts. The broker really fawns over this one, even the width of the lot: "The double width of 200ft increases the sense of grandeur and gives due deference to the stately proportions of this luxury beach front Villa."

? Casa Coyaba is a $12.8M Caribbean castle with 19,000 square feet, eight bedrooms, 12 baths, a 1,000-square-foot great room, two professional-grade kitchens with walk-in freezers, a tennis court, and a $1M home automation system. Plus, this place is being sold completely furnished, right down to the $8K custom mattresses, silk and linen sheets, and All Clad pans.

· Castillo Caribe [Sotheby's]
· Sea Wind [Sotheby's]
· Brisas del Mar [JamesList]
· Villa del Mare [JamesList]
· Casa Coyaba [official site]

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Globe Trotting: Shigeru Ban Tapped to Design Massive Cardboard Cathedral

× Like us and you'll find top breaking news in your Facebook newsfeed. Sign up for our daily email newsletter and get top stories and breaking news delivered to your inbox. Tuesday, August 30, 2011, by Sarah Firshein

Cardboard and earthquake-relief master Shigeru Ban has taken a break from selling off $11.5M NYC penthouses and is in the process of designing and building a temporary replacement for an 1864 Anglican cathedral that was demolished in the massive earthquake that struck New Zealand in February. The modernist architect plans to use 86 heavy-duty cardboard tubes, each weighing 1,100 pounds, to construct the roof; other components include a stained-glass window and a foundation made from shipping containers. When all is said and done, the 80-foot-tall church, aptly located in the town of Christchurch, will hold 700 people and cost $3.5M to build. However, Ban's doing the project pro bono; as he told The Telegraph, "a cardboard structure will stay in the minds of people forever—it is loved by them."

· Hermes Booth in Milan Uses Starchitect-Approved Cardboard [Curbed National]
· A Look at Shigeru Ban's Minimalist Shelter for Earthquake Victims [Curbed National]
· Shigeru Ban's Metal Shutter House Penthouse Finally Sells for $11.455M [Curbed NY]
· New Christchurch cathedral to be built out of cardboard [The Telegraph via Gizmodo]

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