Amazing Abodes: 10 Stunning Homes Around the World

Published on: 01 December 2018 Last Updated on: 27 June 2021

The global housing market is reportedly shifting. Now, some of the most luxurious homes around the world are being sold at a fraction of what they cost a few years ago.

While it may be the dawning of a worldwide seller’s market, there are plenty of expensive homes exceeding the average buyer’s price range.

Even if you can’t fork over mega-millions for a mansion of your own, it’s fun to imagine what it might be like to live in the world’s most luxurious residences.

Amazing Abodes: 10 Stunning Homes Around the World

Read on for an inside peek at ten of the world’s most stunning abodes!

1. Beverly House, Beverly Hills, California:

The Beverly House is within walking distance of the iconic Sunset Boulevard and has been in many major motion pictures. It appeared on-screen in major box-office hits, such as “The Godfather” and “The Bodyguard”.

Designed by the famous architect, Gordon Kaufman, the Beverly House is on the market for a cool $135 million dollars. But, if you don’t want to commit to a mortgage, you can rent the star-studded digs for a mere $600,000 dollars a month.

If you’re looking to move out west, you could always sell your home to Otranto Real Estate. It won’t get you $135 million, but it’s a start, right?

2. Luxury Italian Villa, Otranto, Italy:

This luxury Italian villa has stood the test of time since its construction, which dates back to 1840. Perched on the coast, overlooking the sandy shores, and full of charming courtyards and gardens, this one-of-a-kind 16-room property is breathtaking, even in pictures.

It’s currently for sale, but the price isn’t open to the public. The price tag on this stunning display of Italian architecture is available by application only.

3. Buckingham Palace, London – One Of The Most Famous Homes Around The World:

It’s easy to see why this royal beauty is fit for a queen.

As the home of Queen Elizabeth, there’s no chance of buying this castle for yourself. But, you can visit and tour the castle’s grounds. Buckingham Palace is open to the public during specific times throughout the year.

It’s unlikely that you will get around to viewing all 775 rooms. But, many of the staterooms are available for viewing and they are every bit as glorious as you might imagine. In fact, every inch of Her Majesty’s royal homestead is worth the price you will pay for admission to the royal grounds.

While you’re there, make sure that you swing by Windsor Castle, which marks 900 years of royal architecture. If you want to see the actual home of the Queen, you will want to head to Edinburgh where you can visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Both are open to visitors all year.

4. Antilla, Mumbai, India:

Mumbai

The Antilla is a 27-story skyscraper that’s owned by the fifth richest man in the world.

Mukesh Ambani, the world-famous billionaire, had the luxurious tower built for his own private use. His wife visited New York and fell in love with Asian interior design, causing him to design the tower for her.

Antilla is the world’s largest and most extravagant residential property. The home cost the businessman around $2 billion dollars.

5. The Playboy Mansion, Beverly Hills, California:

It’s not the original Playboy Mansion, which was in Chicago, but Hugh Hefner’s final party house is bigger and better than the first.

Hefner, known for his partying lifestyle and hosting exclusive soirees, placed his mansion on the market for $200 million. However, the deal included a caveat that he would be able to use the address to party until he passed.

Eventually, the Playboy Mansion sold for half of the original asking price. The Greek millionaire who owns Hostess, the brand that makes Twinkies dessert cakes, bought the home.

6. Fleur de Lys Mansion, Los Angeles, California:

The former home of Mariah Carey recently sold for $102 million dollars, paid in cash by an anonymous buyer. Its spread includes 12 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms. There’s also a 3,000 square foot wine cellar, tasting room, two-story library, expansive ballroom, swimming pool, tennis courts, and a spa.

The Fleur de Lys Mansion, built in 2002, modeled the French castle known as the Palace of Versaille, which had been the most decadent home of its time. The Palace of Versaille was the home of Marie Antoinette, who became famous for her narrow-minded extravagance.

Supposedly, a crowd of peasants once stood in arms outside of her palace complaining that they hadn’t even a crumb of bread to eat. The wealthy Mademoiselle supposedly responded “Let them eat cake”, even though we now know that isn’t accurate.

The socialite’s supposed response, absurd to those hearing it, has defined Antoinette as one of the most out of touch characters to ever grace the pages of history books.

The quote is still cited when referring to the overwhelming differences in thought between social classes.

7. Xanadu 2.0, Medina, Washington:

Owners Bill and Melinda Gates built their sprawling Washington home with many cutting-edge features. As the mastermind behind one of the century’s most notable companies, Gates created the tucked away abode to match his tech-savvy image.

A few of the unique amenities of Xanadu 2.0 include an underwater music system, a separately-housed swimming pool, and a trampoline park with 20-foot ceilings.

The 66,000 square foot home has 24 bathrooms in all, 10 of which are full baths.

In addition, it also has 6 kitchens, male and female locker rooms, a sauna, and a 2,300 square foot reception hall. The reception hall has a wall-to-wall limestone fireplace and a massive video screen for entertaining. It can seat up to 150 people or accommodate up to 200 guests if standing.

Also interesting is the home’s heating and light system. They are controllable using a pin-passcode that guests can set according to their personal preferences. The house’s sheltered design aids in reducing energy usage and regulating temperatures.

Gates also houses his ancient Da Vinci manuscripts here, which he acquired in 1994 for over $30 million dollars at an auction. He can display additional artwork, stored on $150,000 worth of storage devices, via the $80,000 computer screens adorning the walls.

8. Acqua Liana, Florida:

Florida

This property’s claim to fame is that it holds the title for the world’s most luxurious eco-mansion.

The 15,000 square foot home boasts 7 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, a waterfall spa that’s lit with fire, floating sun terraces, and an arched aquarium wet bar. It’s almost hard to believe that such extravagant details could also be eco-friendly.

Still, for any doubters, there are plenty of “green” qualities throughout the luxurious homestead. Acqua Linea has superior air quality, $120,000 worth of solar panels, ultra-efficient appliances, and extra LEED features. This helps the eco-mansion to maintain an energy-neutral setting most days.

Its’ designer created the home, not only to be sustainable living quarters but also as a work of art. His visits to exotic tropical locations such as Bali and the South American rainforests inspired him.

9. Palazzo Di Amore, Beverly Hills, California:

Jeff Greene, an LA real-estate mogul, owns the Palazzo Di Amore, which is Italian for “Castle of Love”. He listed the home for $195 million dollars but has since lowered the asking price by at least $66 million.

The sprawling compound is an entertainment mecca. It features a rotating dance floor, laser light system, and a high-tech DJ booth. There’s also a bowling alley, game room, theater, and parking space that can accommodate up to 150 cars at a time. The hard part is getting your friends to come over, it’s getting them to leave!

10. Kensington Palace, London:

Valued at $222 million dollars, Kensington Palace sits on one of Britain’s most exclusive streets, which also known as London’s “Billionaire Row”.

When the homeowner, Laski Mittal of India, purchased the 55,000 square foot palace for $128 million dollars, it was the most expensive address on the market. In addition to owning the famous mansion, Mittal also owns the world’s largest steel manufacturing company.

Kensington Palace was once home to the de Rothschild family. It’s located near the current home of Prince William and Duchess Kate Middleton.

Looking Into Buying a Mansion of Your Own?

If you’re interested in purchasing one of the mansions above, you’ll be happy to know that several of these properties are currently up for sale. But, there are also plenty of other homes around the world priced for much less in the event you aren’t prepared to spend millions (or billions) of dollars.

But, before you invest in any type of real estate, there is some crucial information that you need to know.

Ready to start searching for your own dream home?

Check out this post for a list of essential things to know before buying a new house!

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Elegance of Zebra Blinds: Functionality and Style

Zebra blinds, also known as transitional shades, have emerged as a popular window treatment option for those seeking a harmonious blend of style and functionality. These versatile window coverings are gaining recognition for their unique design and ability to transform any space. In this article, we will delve into the world of zebra blinds canada, exploring their features, benefits, installation, and maintenance. Let's embark on this journey to uncover the elegance that zebra blinds can bring to your home. What Do You Know About Zebra Blinds? Zebra blinds are a modern and innovative window treatment solution that gives homeowners optimal control over light and privacy. They consist of two layers of fabric with solid stripes and alternating sheer, giving them their distinctive appearance. The ingenious design allows you to adjust and control the position of the fabric layers, creating varying degrees of light filtration and privacy. The Zebra blinds are available in different shades, transitional shades, alternating shades and others. These solid bands offer privacy and then block out the lights. It can help you get the soft, diffused glow in your space. These zebra blinds are available in different options. You can fix them in different places, the living rooms, the bedrooms, the home office and others. They offer you a contemporary, modern look that complements the different design styles. Benefits of Zebra Blinds The Zebra blinds are available in different shades and styles, as we mentioned above. But they are more used for the advantages they carry. Here, we provide you with the advantages that you have with the help of the zebra blinds. So, let's get started with the discussion to have a better understanding of the facts. 1. Light Control Zebra blinds offer exceptional control over natural light. You can perfectly balance a well-lit room and a shaded private space by aligning the sheer and solid stripes. This adaptability is especially valuable for rooms with changing light conditions throughout the day. It requires mention that you need different shades of light for different occasions. If you have control over the amount of lights entering your house, you can undoubtedly be able to regulate the temperature of your home. 2. Privacy Maintain your privacy without sacrificing natural light. Zebra blinds allow you to obscure the view from the outside while still enjoying the scenery outdoors. It's an ideal solution for homes in densely populated areas or those facing busy streets. Among the top requirements that you have, privacy is undoubtedly one of them. From this aspect, the zebra blinds are of great benefit without a hint of doubt. 3. Stylish Aesthetics Zebra blinds are not just functional; they also serve as a stylish design element in any room. Their contemporary look complements various interior styles, from modern to traditional, making them versatile. There are different categories of zebra blinds that define your core requirements. You have to be highly specific about your own requirements. They help you get the best look and feel. But you can not shift your focus or attention from the aesthetics. This is the reason they are effective in terms of the overall look and feel of both your zebra blinds and at the same time, the aesthetics. 4. Easy Maintenance Keeping zebra blinds clean is hassle-free. Regular dusting or gentle vacuuming is usually sufficient to maintain their pristine appearance. Their durability ensures they remain an attractive window treatment for years to come. What you simply need is to allocate some minutes, once or twice a week. It will be more than sufficient to provide you with the necessary maintenance. Installation Installing the zebra blinds has their own fun and, at the same time, their own challenge. You can say that there are both positives and the negatives. But you can not overlook the fact that you, too, have your own requirements. Installing zebra blinds is a straightforward process that can be done by a professional or as a DIY project. Here's a basic guide: 1. Gather Your Tools To begin, you'll need a measuring tape, a level, a screwdriver, and a pencil. 2. Measure Your Windows Accurate measurements are crucial for a perfect fit. Measure the width and height of your window frame, noting down the dimensions. 3. Mounting Brackets: Attach the mounting brackets to the top of your window frame, ensuring they are level. 4. Install the Blinds Insert the zebra blinds into the mounting brackets and secure them in place. 5. Test Operation Test the blinds to ensure they raise, lower, and adjust smoothly. Another angle of this action is the availability of time. You may not have sufficient time for installation. Or it might be possible that you are not good at it and it's not your among your priorities. Then, in that case, you make the best of professionals. They have a thorough knowledge of the nitty-gritty of the art. They can help you out with the inputs. Maintenance Tips Buying aesthetically appealing zebra blinds will not be enough; you must also focus on maintenance. It involves your daily time investments. You must mop it daily or do it twice or thrice a week. It may be that you don't have sufficient time. But if you can not mange your maintenance, then in that case you must take the help of helping hands, be it the To keep your zebra blinds in pristine condition, follow these maintenance tips: Regularly dust or vacuum the blinds to prevent dust buildup. Spot clean any stains with a mild detergent and a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the fabric. Conclusion In conclusion, zebra blinds offer a unique combination of functionality and style for your windows. Their innovative design can help you control light and privacy effectively while adding a touch of elegance to your living spaces. Whether you're redecorating your home or simply looking for a practical window treatment solution, zebra blinds are an excellent choice. So consider these points while you look to select zebra blinds for your home. Read Also: Inspiring Window Treatment Ideas Replacement Windows – Benefits of Vinyl Windows 10 Tactics To Maintain Clear Windows

10 Best Spiky Plants To Decorate Outside Your House

“Flowers are for Tinder dates. Plants are for soul mates.” Growing up, I watched with awe how my mother would convert any space, indoor or outdoor, with some love and a whole lot of plants. While some plants are your usual Begonias and Fuchsias, what attracted me the most was the collection of spiky plants my mom was obsessed with! So it was only natural when I moved to my own place, my ideas on the decor were heavily inspired by my mother’s natural tastes. I couldn’t help filling spaces in my home with plants, and I soon realized I had developed a specific taste for plants that are spiky. But, of course, I refuse to believe that I am alone with my tastes. There have to be more people like me, and this article is for your guys! Keep reading to find out more on the same. Click Here Read Out: 10 Best Aesthetic Plants To Buy In 2022 10 Best Spiky Plants To Decorate Outside Your House: “Don’t let the fear of limited space keep your from buying plants.” Exactly! If you are wondering about the limitation of space, don’t! Because I am here to help you out with alternatives to outdoor spiky plants - if there’s no space inside, hopefully, you will make some outside for these babies. Scroll down to find out the top ten spiky plants for decorating the outside of your house. 1. Agave A native American plant, the Agave thrives the best in arid and hot conditions. The best part? This dark green plant can tolerate droughts and also happens to love the sunlight - perfect for keeping outside your home, and it doesn’t even require a lot of care. Another great thing about this plant is that it lives for nearly three decades. Since there are several species of the Agave plant, it is a little difficult to tell you the approximate growth level of these spiky babies. However, on average, these plants grow somewhere between six to ten feet. But smaller variations might grow up to only four feet. 2. Golden Barrel Cactus Scientifically known as the Echinocactus Grusoni, the Golden Barrel Cactus is a cute addition to any home garden. These cuties are plants with spiky leaves and can grow up to 3 feet on both sides (length and width). Also, the woollen hair in white colour on top of the yellow needle-like spikes only adds to the visual effect of the plant. Although these Golden Barrel Cactus need plenty of watering, sunlight exposure, for some strange reason, is hardly a requirement. In fact, while planting these spiky plants, you will find out they are avoiding the sun by themselves. So it is wiser to plant these in a space place in your garden. 3. Holly Plant Popular as a Christmas symbol for many years, the Holly plant is a classic hedging plant that often provides both shelter and food to the wildlife. Even birds like Robins or Blackbirds feed on the red berries of this spiky plant. And if that was not enough, this plant also happens to be a great source of nectars and pollen for attracting bees. The holly plant is a pretty cool feature for your garden because it brings in so many aspects. Moreover, the spiky leaves act as a deterrent for intruders. Also, since these plants grow slowly, they can easily go up to 30 or even 40 feet in some cases. Holly plants thrive best in well-drained soil that’s slightly acidic but not dry under the sun. 4. California Fuchsia Are you up for some blooming, red addition to your outdoor garden? Then California Fuchsia is probably the best alternative for you especially if you are looking for some low-maintenance plants! The plant radiates the whole summertime floral vibes that can improve anyone’s mood exponentially. And if you are living in some dry area, then this one is surely meant for your garden. The best part? California Fuchsia is primarily known for its flowers which keep growing through Spring, Summer, and straight into Fall. A colourful garden for most parts of the year - isn’t that what gardening dreams are made of? Just one thing - you need to be careful of the vertical spikes in the flowers. Read More: 10 Best Foliage Plants To Buy In 2022 – Must Read! 5. Crown of Thorns Don’t go on its name because Crown of Thorns is one of the most appealing spiky plants out there. The best part about these plants? The Crown of Thorns can easily tolerate droughts and resist heat, making gardening these babies very convenient. In fact, try to avoid overwatering at all costs! Popularly known as the Euphorbia Milii, the Crown of Thorns happens to be the Christ Thorn since it is one such succulent with actual spiky leaves, which are thick, fleshy, and shaped like tears. Native to Madagascar, these spiky plants can grow nearly five to six feet tall. 6. Bougainvillea Plant You already know how beautiful a Bougainvillea plant can be and especially as outdoor decor. But did you know that these are great for security reasons too? Someone once told me how all beautiful things have thorns, and these beautiful Bougainvilleas are no different. The dense, thorny branches of the Bougainvillea plant can keep intruders at bay while adding color to the outdoor decor of your home. Moreover, these tall spiky plants can easily resist droughts and, in fact, thrive well under sunlight. 7. Devil’s Walking Stick Scientifically known as the Aralia Spinosails, the Devil’s Walking Stick is literally named after its characteristic sharp, stout spikes prevalent on its leafy, green stems, branches, and stalks. Native to the forest areas of America, the Devil’s Walking Stick is popular for the clusters of umbrella-like white flowers. This is literally a Devil’s Walking Stick that can grow up to 30 feet on average - the long stems, the orange prickles, the spiny leaves, and the white flowers are all characteristics of these spiky plants. Not only can these tolerate several urban pollutants, but they also can thrive well in a wide variety of soils. 8. Honey Locust Did you know that these spiky plants that go by the name of Honey Locust can grow somewhere between 60 to 100 feet, on average? Aren’t these perfect for stabbing some intruder and boosting the security around your home? In fact, the black or dark grey barks can easily camouflage the thorn once the sun goes down. - perfect foliage plants for your home! The best part? The Honey Locust is a plant that can easily adapt to any situation and thrive well under urban conditions. These can resist droughts and grows well in soil that is well-drained as well as moist! You May Love To Read This: 10 Best Trailing Indoor Plants To Buy In 2022 9. Honey Mesquite Plant Scientifically known as the Prosopis Glandulosa, the Honey Mesquite Plant is native to deserts located in Northern Mexico. Not only can these plants resist droughts, but they can easily survive under conditions that are dry and hot. The best part? Those beautiful yellow flowers and the twisted trunks only add to the aesthetic pop outside your home. The plant is characterised by rough barks and long thorns, both of which help in making these plants the perfect defence hedge for your home. 10. Porcupine Tomato Native to Madagascar, the Porcupine Tomato has a refreshing vibe, especially when it blooms in Summer with that beautiful purple tint. The leaves might fool you with beauty since it’s more like a cover-up for the upright thorns the plants are best known for. The Porcupine Tomato is one of those spiky plants that thrive the best in well-drained soil and sun exposure. You can always plant it inside a container and strategically position the plant in different areas of your garden, creating a sort of surprise for any unwanted visitor. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Q1. Why Are Desert Plants Spiky? The spines and hair on a dessert plant prevent moisture loss by stopping the wind-effects. These can also help by casting little shadows on other plants. Moreover, the shininess of these spiky parts also helps in reflecting away the sun's rays. Q2. What Is The Name Of The Spiky Plant? A popular spiky plant that has been used for decor as a houseplant for several years is the Dracaena plant. Popularly referred to as the Spike Plant, the Dracaena plant is now competing with other varieties of spiky plants. Q3. What Are Lucky Plants? The best lucky plant that you can opt for is the Feng Shui plant. This plant is popular because it is considered lucky in terms of love, fortune, luck and prosperity. The other alternatives to lucky plants are Orchids, Bamboo, Rubber plants, and the like. Wrapping Up: “Home is where the plants are” Now that you have a fair idea of some cool spiky plants names perfect for decorating the outside of your house, what are you waiting for? It’s time to bring in some new, spiky members home. Get yourself a beautifully thorny cactus or some much-needed Bougainvillea for the safety of your property - or opt for any other spiky plant! Don’t forget to let us know in the comments below your thoughts on the same. Read More: 10 Best Tall House Plants To Buy In 2022 Grow these flowering plants in your home garden 5 good luck plants that deserves a place in your home

5 Myths about Roofing Services to Avoid

Whether you are looking for a comprehensive roof repair service for an old building or a new roof installation, employing a professional commercial & roofing company can help you achieve your investment goals in a cost-effective manner. That being said, due to prevalent misconceptions about roofing services, may commercial property owners overlook the importance of hiring a professional roofer that not only enhance the life of the roof but also adds value to overall property investment. This blog post covers five common myths about commercial roofing companies and their services that commercial property owners must avoid to realize the real benefits of commercial roofing companies. Myth 1: “Roofing is a one-time investment” Regular roof maintenance program helps in keeping your roof in shape. It also preserves the roof warranty, as many manufacturers nullify the warranty if they find out that the particular roof lacked proper attention. Additionally, having a proper roof maintenance plan in place helps investors in filing a roof insurance claim. Image source: azhandymanroofing.biz Myth 2: “All commercial roofing companies are the same” As a commercial property owner, you should not make a mistake of trusting every local roofing contractor. It is likely that the contractor you hire turns out to be a “storm chaser” who set-up a temporary office in a particular region and then moves to another storm hit location. This, in turn, can affect you in the long run, when you require their assistance for warranty or other services, as they won’t be there for the help. Search for reputable commercial roofing companies that will always be there to assist you at every step. Myth 3: “Cheap roofing materials can get the job done” The type of roofing material that goes in your roofing system has a great impact on its long term sustenance. It is, therefore, important to choose the right material suiting your needs, prevalent climatic condition, and the budget. That is when a professional roofer can help you select the right roofing material without having to run from pillar to post. Myth 4: “Roof repair is a DIY Job” It is usually less expensive to fix things using a DIY approach, but for a job as complex as a roof repair or installation, DIY is not the right thing to do. The complexity of the project requires expertise, the right set of tools, and safety measures to ensure quality repair or installation. A licensed roofer has required expertise and skills to examine and carry out roof repair in a cost-effective manner. Myth 5: “Gutters play no role in the roofing system” You are committing a huge mistake if you overlook the maintenance of roof gutter as part of your roof repair services. While roof shields the home from rainwater, gutters keep the rainwater away from the exterior walls and foundation. Over time, unkempt gutters accumulate debris resulting in clogged gutters that can lead to backward flow of water and ultimately roof leaks. Therefore, regular gutter inspection, cleaning, and maintenance is a must to prevent roof leaks. Wrapping Up Regular roof maintenance is important for all type of commercial units. Don’t let the myths mentioned in this post prevent yours from hiring professional commercial roofing companies that not only enhance the life of your roofing system but also add value to your investment. For more details about roofing services and its benefits, get in touch with a reputable commercial roofing company that can help you keep the best foot forward. Read also: Use Floor Polishing for Keeping Your Flooring Looking New Close Look at Top 5 Roofing Materials – Pros and Cons

Amazing Abodes: 10 Stunning Homes Around the World

Amazing Abodes: 10 Stunning Homes Around the World