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Yesterday

by Roberta Murphy

For those who still haven’t made travel plans, there may be some surprising resort bargains to consider–while other large and super-luxurious resorts are stalled under construction and financing difficulties.

Crisis in Paradise via Breitbart shares some disturbing news:

  • Cap Cana, a luxury resort under development in the Dominican Republic is now reportedly paralyzed. A mega resort with four luxury hotels, villas (with roof tiles on the ground), three golf courses and a large yacht marina, Cap Cana is just one of many luxury resort projects “affected by the economic tsunami that has paralyzed the global financial markets,” said Cap Cana President Ricardo Hazoury.
  • The massive Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas has laid off 800 workers, blaming low occupancy rates.
  • Puerto Rico’s Caribe Hilton is also laying off employees because of rising cost and those pesky occupancy issues.

If reasonable air fares can be snagged, this could be the year for luxury travel bargains!

 

19-Nov-08

by Eve Sieminski
Most of our readers know that I tend to recommend wines under $20 per bottle, but Grant Street Vineyard’s 2005 Zinfandel justifiably pushes the pricing envelope at $25 for a surprising and beautiful wine.

I received this Zin yesterday via UPS (yes you can order it online), opened it at 5 to breathe and took my first sip at 6.  I immediately considered it a really nice Zin, not too heavy and one that can be used with many a meal.

To my surprise the longer this wine sat in my glass (not the bottle), the better this gorgeous Zin opened up.
My final pour did not even taste like my initial tasting! In this wine I found complexity, richness, fruit and full body without being heavy or leaving you wanting to pucker from those tannins.
This is really unlike any Zinfandel I have come across in a long time.
I am of course partial to Zinfandel, but would recommend Grant Street to all who are hesitant to try this variety, fearing it would be too heavy for their tastes. No so! Feel free to serve this wine with almost any meal. My husband and I drank ours while dining on shrimp scampi and pasta and it was wonderful!
Grant Street Vineyards is a family owned and operated vineyard started in 1990 by Jim and Susie Wycoff. The label is a sketch of the historic family home. I really could taste the love and dedication in their wine. This Zinfandel has done so well that by the time you read this they may be sold out. They do have a 2005 Cabernet that is still available (hurry before that sells out too!) and I am told by Ryan (Jim and Susie’s son) the 2006 is coming and will prove to be just as exceptional.
If you  visit their web-site: www.gsvineyards.com, you can read their story. I’ll be following it closely.

Wine Tasting Tip:
Always begin with a clean clear glass and pour less than an inch into your glass. Always begin with the lightest wines first (white, sparkling, rose’ etc) and then work your way up to the heavy ones (Zins, Cabs, etc). The reason for this is that it helps keep taste buds sensitive so you can enjoy and appreciate each wine you taste. Nibble on a cracker, snack on some cheese–or simply have a sip of water between tastes in order to help preserve your palate.
Na zdrowia!


 

12-Nov-08

by Roberta Murphy

It seems that almost daily we hear about segments of the broad luxury market losing not only their luster, but even their footing. There are reports that luxury retailers are bracing for a crash slowdown, and that even real estate in super-rich Dubai is beginning to show signs of weakness.

In fact, says Tim Blixseth, It’s as if the whole world had a financial heart attack.

Wall Street’s credit crisis has not only invaded Main Street (and vice versa), but is crippling segments of the once-impervious luxury real estate market.

This morning, we hear that Blixseth’s Yellowstone Ski Resort has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This invitation-only ski and residence club for  340 uber-rich ($1.5 million buy in) is located in Montana’s Gallatin Mountains near Bozeman.  The club has 340 members including Bill Gates, former vice president Dan Quayle, Comcast’s Stephen Burke and cycling star Greg LeMond–and all have to be wondering if the resort will even open this season.

If Chapter 11 protection is granted and the club is able to get a $4.5 million loan, Yellowstone Resort will be able to open its powdery slopes this winter.  Looming on the other side of the mountain, though, is around $343 million in debt that is owed to creditors and contractors. Most of that debt, $307 million, is reportedly owed on a loan arranged by Credit Suisse in 2005.

Edra Blixseth took control of the resort last August, after her divorce from Tim Blixseth was finalized and has reportedly  been trying to sell some of the Blixseth’s other luxury properties located around the world. The Yellowstone Club is valued at $778 million, according to court filings–not including unsold memberships, which may be worth as much as $336 million.

Like other property holders and developers around the world, Yellowstone Club members and the Blixseths are hoping that recovery from this financial heart attack will quickly bring credit flowing through the world’s clogged financial arteries.

 

01-Nov-08

by Roberta Murphy

Our shrinking global village is an abiding source of amazement, and I often marvel at the diversity of countries represented by the readers (or perusers) of this blog.

Just for fun, I decided to check the countries of origin for the past 30 hours.

Most visitors (or at least the internet service) hail from the United States. But the balance of the world, according to our SiteMeter account, is also well-represented.

Offered in the order of their visits are luxury readers and seekers hailing from Hong Kong, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Bangladesh, American Samoa, Croatia, Pakistan, Malaysia, Spain, Egypt, China, Europe(?), Canada, Argentina, Ireland, India, Italy, Norway, United Arab Emirates, El Salvador, Czech Republic, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, Australia, Russian Federation, Hungary, Philippines, Syrian Arab Republic, Polant, Brazil, Georgia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Romania, Macedonia and Portugal.

There were several “unknowns” and one major surprise: No visitors from Mexico during the 30 hour period studied.

We are grateful to all visitors and readers at Luxury Home Digest, but most likely have Google and Yahoo to thank for their website translation capabilities. At the same time, we are humbled by the number of people from other countries who have taken the time to learn the English language.

To all our visitors

  • Arabic - Ahlan Wa Sahlan
  • Australia - G’day Mate
  • China -  huan ying
  • Czech Republic - Vitejte
  • Denmark - Velkommen
  • Dutch (Netherlands) - Welkom
  • France - Bienvenue (the first ‘n’ is nasal)
  • German - Willkommen
  • India - Swaa-gat hai
  • Indonesia - Selamat Datang
  • Ireland - Failte romhat
  • Italy - Benvenuto
  • Japan - Yookoso (welcome to our city)
  • Malaysia - Selamat Datang
  • New Zealand - Kia Ora - Hello (”Key or ra”)
  • Norway - Velkommen (”Welkommen”)
  • Poland - Dzieñ dobry (daytime)
  • Poland - Dobry wieczór (evening time)
  • Portugal - Muito Bem Vindo (”MOO EEN toe bain VEENdoe”)
  • Romania - Multumesc
  • Tagalog (Philippines) - Mabuhay
  • United States (South) - How Y’all Doin’?
  • Yugoslavia (Serbia) - Dobrodosli

 

26-Oct-08

by Roberta Murphy

Eve Sieminski (aka the Polish Contessa) is our guiding light for fine wine–especially for those premium wines that fit within most budgets.

And that may be one of the finest luxuries of all.

Eve’s latest oenophilic enthusiasm comes unedited (and I am headed to Costco tomorrow!):

Hi Roberta!

Here is a review of Kirkland’s Merlot.
Generally I tend to shy away from any generic or name brand wines. Kirkland’s Merlot definitely fits into this category. As an avid Costo shopper, though, I am always cruising the wine aisles to see if there is anything new to sample, or anything that just catches my eye. I have to tell you the Kirkland Merlot did neither–but I did pick it up just to see what the label read:
I saw: 2005 Masters cask series, 14.5 alcohol content and from Napa Valley…..hum…..hum…..As I am intently reading the label, a fellow shopper sees I am perplexed.
She asks: “Have you tried this wine before”? Why no, I haven’t….. she advised, “Do yourself a favor…. try it”!
Now I have had this same advice in many a wine store and have experienced some bitter outcomes. Still, I love the Kirkland brand, and decided to give it a try–and put one lone bottle in my basket.
Upon arriving home, I immediately opened the bottle for breathing. Unfortunately, I couldn’t wait! Twenty minutes later I poured myself a glass.
HUMMMMM….
The nose is really nice. Swirl, swirl, swirl…. Sip, WOW!
Not only does this not taste like any Merlot I have ever had, but it is actually really assertive and bold! Can you imagine a Merlot like this?
I really like this wine, and the woman at Costco was right.
Mocha and cedar notes finish off this fine wine (yes FINE WINE!); all this, and for $9.99 per bottle!!!!
You can order online with 2 bottles going for $19.99. If you want to impress without having to pay out the nose, this is a great wine to serve.
I am sitting here, sipping this wine and writing this blog……. run, run run, while this fantastic wine is still on Costo’s shelves!
Wine Tip:

The matter of wine glasses is important but way overstated at the present moment. A glass designed for a certain red can make those aromas more obvious, and prettier. But the same glass won’t ruin another wine.

In fact, just about any glass that has a tapered bowl can express the aromas in a wine. And while the high-end glasses can enhance an aroma, once you pour the wine in your mouth, one glass is pretty much the same as another.But most of the enjoyment of a wine comes from the aroma, so choose a glass that enhances the aroma.

Finally, make sure the wine glasses you use are clean. Glasses stored in cardboard probably smell like a cardboard. Glasses need to be rinsed and dried with a clean, cotton cloth.

Pour and enjoy!

 

19-Oct-08

by Roberta Murphy

Downtown Oceanside Terraces Beach Area condosWhen the combination of urban luxury and sandy beaches come together, we might think of high rises in Miami, Los Angeles, La Jolla or Honolulu.

San Diego County now boasts a second urban and beach destination: Oceanside Terraces, the new luxury midrise residence in downtown Oceanside.

We spend a great deal of time here and  think we are in heaven, because we are dealing with amazed guests and interested buyers all day long.

Many step off the new Sprinter train next door, having come for a day trip from inland Escondido, Valley Center, San Marcos or Vista-or from San DIego to the south, They cant resist checking out Oceanside’s version of luxurious high rise living. Others come from Los Angeles, Orange County, North Dakota, Connecticut, Manhattan, Tucson, Las Vegas and Scottsdale–and are no less amazed.

The most excited guests, though, are Oceanside residents, who watched the construction of Oceanside Terraces over the last few years.

They understand the significance of this six-story multi-use building with prime retail on the first floor, offices on the second, and residences and penthouses on the fourth through sixth floors. They know that downtown Oceanside is becoming a walkable community and is on its way to becoming a shining model for urban living. They also know they have 3.5 miles of great beaches, the longest wooden pier on the West Coast, a balmy year round climate, and some of the friendliest people in San Diego County.

They are also savvy and know that Oceanside Terraces offers the coastal urban lifestyle so many buyers are seeking:

  1. They want spacious single level homes large enough for guests, entertaining and long-term living.
  2. They want close proximity to the beach. (How about 400 yards?)
  3. They want a walkable community that offers fine dining, shopping, museums and farmers markets.
  4. They want secure buildings, adequate covered parking and large lockable storage for bicycles, surfboards and other toys.
  5. They want to be close to public transportation. (How about a train and transit center on the adjacent block?). They want an easy train ride to downtown San Diego to see Padres games, San Diego Civic Center theater productions, or perhaps enjoy dinner or a day in San Diegos Old Town or Gaslamp District. The appeal of more distant travel also beckons as a possibility with Amtrak.

Oceanside Terraces offer floorplans that range from 1730 to almost 2600 square feet. Prices range from the high $500s to $1.7 million and many boast sparkling ocean views.

For additional information, call Roberta Murphy at 760-402-9101 or Eve Simnski at 760-518-2264.

 

17-Oct-08

by Roberta Murphy

Every library should try to be complete on something, if it were only the history of pinheads.
–Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (1809-1894)

The ultimate luxury home library

The ultimate luxury home library

A home library, more than any room in a home, has the potential to reflect the essence of its owner. Here is a place to organize and keep those books that are both acquaintances and lifelong friends. The home library is also often where collections are kept, if only because they make such good companions for books.

Both collections and books record the passing and lasting interests and passions of its owner–and deserve a room of their own.

And though a home library would likely complement and merge with the design of the home, the quintessential home library would