A crowning achievement of Frank Lloyd Wright’s textile-block design, the Ennis House is the largest and boldest execution of this iconic architectural style. The home is being jointly offered for $15 million by Hilton & Hyland and Dilbeck Realtors in Los Angeles, with international marketing services provided by Christie’s Great Estates.

“The Ennis House was the last of four homes my grand¬father designed in this style,” said Eric Lloyd Wright. “The home is a culmination of sorts, imbued with his ambition and confidence.”

Frank Lloys Wright's Ennis House for sale

Perfectly sited on a hill with wraparound views of the city of Los Angeles, the Mayan-inspired estate is being meticulously restored by the Ennis House Foundation. The foundation recently completed a major stabilization project after the house was placed on “most endangered” lists by both the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the World Monuments Fund.

As a result of the extensive efforts made thus far to save this spectacular piece of history, the Ennis House stabilization project won preservation awards from the Los Angeles Conservancy and the California Preservation Foundation. The Ennis House Foundation now seeks a private buyer to complete the restoration due to the challenges in sustaining long-term financial support for architectural philanthropy.

“Our goal has always been to be a good steward of the house,” says James DeMeo, President of the Ennis House Foundation. “We’ve made a lot of progress, but at this point, a private owner with the right vision and sufficient resources can better preserve the house than we can as a small nonprofit. And that’s what it is all about: taking the best care of this irreplaceable icon and ensuring its long-term architectural legacy.’

“The perfect owner for this magnificent property is a person with a keen appreciation of outstanding architecture and the importance of preserving it like a piece of fine art,” said Kay Coughlin, President & CEO of Christie’s Great Estates. “The Ennis House deserves to be restored to its original brilliance. The person who undertakes the task will be helping to preserve Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy, and in doing so, will create a legacy of their own which will endure for generations.”

Eric Lloyd Wright, a member of the board of the Ennis House Foundation, has been tirelessly involved in efforts to restore the house but believes a private owner would better honor Frank Lloyd Wright’s original intentions.

“My grandfather designed homes to be occupied by people,” he said. “His homes are works of art. He created the space but the space becomes a creative force and uplifts when it is lived in every day.”

Sited on a half-acre in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Los Feliz, the estate totals 6,000 square feet and consists of a main house and a smaller chauffeur’s quarters, separated by a paved motor courtyard. The residence is introduced by a low and shadowed entrance lobby-a Wrightian device that prepares residents and guests for the dramatic burst of light and space awaiting atop the marble stairs.

The heart of the Ennis House plan is the elevated dining room with a massive fireplace. The living room and study extend to the east to complete the central mass. A long horizontal window-lined loggia frames the pool and connects the public areas to the private rooms-the master bedroom, guest room, and upper terrace. The kitchen and a third bedroom occupy a separate wing.

High ceilings further enhance the grand space, as do the numerous leaded-glass windows. A Wright signature detail, the glass-tile mosaic fireplace in the living room is one of only three ever created and the last remaining intact example in any Wright residence.

Visit Christie’s Great Estates online at www.christiesgreatestates.com.

Ignoring the superlatives, this is an interesting statement about the current state of the luxury real estate market. This is JP King’s press release about an upcoming lakefront estate auction.

A marvelous lakefront estate, located in the gated community of Eagle Landing in Hickory, North Carolina will sell at real estate auction on Saturday, July 11, 2009, on-site at 11 a.m. J.P. King Auction Company, the nation’s leading real estate auction marketing firm specializing in luxury properties will manage the sale of the home.

Lake Hickory NC

“The town of Hickory, North Carolina has been a 3-time All America City and was voted by Readers Digest in 1999 as the 8th Best City in the Country to Raise a Family,” said Craig King, president & CEO of J.P. King Auction Company. “The area has all of the necessities of a big city, from a high rated medical community, top ranking public school system, thriving arts and science center, two community theaters and much more.”

The lakefront estate is situated on 14.83+/- acres and boasts lake and mountain views, an equestrian center and a lakefront entertainment center. This estate is only one of three homes in the secluded Eagle Landing community and offers a quarter mile of frontage on Lake Hickory.

“The property has many wonderful qualities, but a great appeal to many is that the estate sits on a peninsula with only two other homes,” said owner Rhodney Honeycutt. “It has an abundance of space on the lakefront that gives the ability to host more than 400 guests and still have the privacy of a quaint neighborhood.”

The foyer of this 4 bedroom, 5 full and 2 half bath estate home exudes the luxurious ambiance that is seen throughout the home. The property features 22′ ceilings and the foyer adjoins the master suite, library, dining room and great room. The master suite boasts 17′ multi-level ceilings, wood floors, recessed lighting and a stairway that leads to an overlooking loft complete with wet bar, dark/work room and balcony access. The master bath contains “His” and “Her” dressing areas with antique marbled counters, walk-in closets and an abundance of cabinet storage. The master bath also features a large dry sauna, sunken-jetted tub, double steam/shower stall with dual heads and a marble cooling bench.

The estate has a formal dining room and a great room with built-ins, large entertainment center and wet bar that open to a breakfast room including kitchen. The kitchen’s center island can seat up to 10 people, but can expand to 30 due to the layout of the adjoining breakfast-dining area and formal dining room.

The gourmet kitchen features Maroon Khabi granite counter tops from Africa, hand hammered custom copper hood, 4 large sub-zero refrigerators/freezers with 2 in the pantry area, 2 dishwashers, food prep sink, 3 sinks between the dishwashers, Wolf professional gas range with six burners, grill and double ovens. Additional amenities include Viking wall ovens, food warmer, masonry fireplace with working rotisserie and baking pan, wine cooler and under counter refrigerator.

The lower level den area features stained patterned concrete flooring, bar area, guest quarters, cabana, wine cellar, safe room, exercise room, and see-through fireplace. In addition to this home’s amenities, a double two-car heated garage contains in-floor hot water heat and a drain for washing vehicles.

The property has an outdoor living area directly off of the lower level den that features a pool overlooking Lake Hickory with an attached hot tub with waterfall. The outdoor pavilion has a fireplace allowing for year round entertainment.

Lakefront Entertainment Center

The estate has a quarter mile of Lake Frontage on Lake Hickory and the lakeside entertainment center is ideal for summertime entertaining. The dock area contains a boardwalk, gazebo, dressing room, dock lift, slips, and kitchen area. The main dock lift can easily accommodate up to a 30′ boat and has slips for 3 jet skis.

Equestrian Center

The property features a top-tier equestrian center that has a 4,800+/- square foot outdoor riding ring that can also serve as a volleyball court or helicopter pad, a 4,400+/- square foot indoor riding ring with wood stove and wiring for a large screen television, a horse barn with 5 stalls, wash stall and guest quarters with bedroom, bath, and kitchenette complete the facility. The equestrian center serves not only riding purposes, but provides enough space for entertaining up to 500 people.

A paved drive wide enough for a golf cart leads from the home to both the equestrian center and the lakeside amenities.

Area

The estate is located minutes from downtown and a short distance from four exciting golf courses, Hickory Motor Speedway and Hickory Airport. The lakefront estate is a short drive from six snow skiing resorts, world-class trout fishing, Pisgah National Forest, NASCAR Lowes Motor Speedway and central to Asheville, Winston-Salem, Greensboro and Charlotte.

Individuals interested in more information about the upcoming sale may contact J.P. King at 800-558-5464 or visit the company’s web site at www.jpking.com

Luxury Real Estate Auction

Inland Real Estate Auctions, Inc. announced today it will auction two model luxury homes and 15 home sites in Michigan City, Ind. The properties are part of The Woodlands, a rustic, resort-style community featuring large lots and 70 acres of natural surroundings with amenities like pools, tennis courts and a clubhouse. An existing model home and five home sites will be sold absolute, regardless of the final bid at the July 26 auction.

“The developer, Urban Street Properties LLC, is using the auction as a way to accelerate sales in this difficult market, which has impacted even very successful projects like The Woodlands,” said Paul Rogers, senior vice president and principal Indiana broker of Inland Real Estate Auctions.

“It’s a great opportunity for buyers to get a great vacation or year-round home, or a spot to build one, in an outstanding, amenity-rich resort development.”

Difficulties in the mortgage market remain an issue, and the opening bids reflect this - the three-bedroom, 2.5-bath model homes, originally priced at $560,000, include detached two-car garages with separate guest quarters and will be sold with suggested opening bids as low as $275,000. The ready-to-build home sites, originally priced to $175,000, range in size from three-quarters of an acre to 2.5 acres, with opening bids from $65,000. Located an hour from Chicago, The Woodlands is just minutes from Lake Michigan beaches and Michigan’s Harbor Country. The site includes private pools, playgrounds, picnic areas and tennis and basketball courts, as well as shuttle transportation to nearby beaches.

Interested buyers can contact Inland Real Estate Auctions at 1-866-825-4321 to obtain a bidder’s information package.

Stonehenge Partners, Inc. (“Stonehenge”), a New York based real estate company, in conjunction with the SoHo Partnership, will team to unveil a redesigned greener public space at 10 Downing Street in the West Village on June 25 from 4 P.M. to 6 P.M.

Renovations to the public space will include the installation of 15 newly designed black iron tree guards, the re-soiling of 15 tree pits and the planting of 500 impatiens summer flowers to revitalize the walk way along Sixth Avenue. Members of the nonprofit organization, SoHo Partnership, will join the Stonehenge family in putting the finishing touches on the project.

“The 10 Downing beautification project is Stonehenge’s initiative to participate in New York City’s transformation into greener, more pedestrian-friendly public spaces,” said Ofer Yardeni, Managing Partner at Stonehenge Partners. “We have a long-standing commitment of reinvesting in the communities where our buildings are located as well as improving the livelihood for the residential and commercial tenants in our portfolio. We believe our collaboration with the SoHo Partnership serves as a model for Stonehenge’s commitment to the neighborhood.”

The transformation of 10 Downing Street began in September 2005 when Stonehenge acquired the building. The building’s ground floor was comprised of a travel agency, dry cleaner, doctor’s offices and apartments. Today, it has been converted and leased to two established restaurateurs, Scuderia and 10 Downing Food & Wine, and trendy retailer, NYC Motorcycle Federation. Additionally, two remaining retail spaces are garnering attention from established and well-known shopping and retail establishments.

The 10 Downing beautification project was inspired by Mayor Bloomberg’s pledge for a greener NYC. Stonehenge believes 10 Downing Street will serve as a destination of choice for New Yorkers, while increasing pedestrian traffic along the tree-lined street and attracting new commercial business to the trendy, high-profile address.

City officials, members of Community Board 2 and the Parks Department will be in attendance to inaugurate the public space.  The press is encouraged to attend from 4 P.M. to 5 P.M. and dine al fresco at Scuderia and the 10 Downing Food & Wine restaurant which will offer exclusive food tastings and distribute 1,000 bottles of Evian water to passersby. Attendees are also invited to sip freshly brewed coffee courtesy of NYC Motorcycle Federation and enjoy the sounds of a professional clarinetist.

About Stonehenge Partners

Stonehenge Partners, Inc. is a New York based real estate company founded in the early 1990s by Joel Seiden and Ofer Yardeni. Stonehenge acquires, owns, manages, finances and redevelops real estate in Manhattan. The Stonehenge portfolio consists of 18 properties made up of approximately 2,500 residential units and close to 1 million square feet of retail, commercial and garage space. For additional company information visit www.StonehengeNY.com.

25 luxury condos will go to auction this month. According to the auctioneer’s press release - there will be no reserve, and the suggested opening bids are as much as 70% off the original prices.

Metrovest Equities announced today that Sheldon Good & Co. Auctions N.E., LLC will auction off 25 one- and two-bedroom luxury condominiums at the landmark Beacon residential development in Jersey City, NJ as part of a proactive approach to closing out the community’s first phase of 315 homes which is approximately 80% sold and occupied.

The aggressive move will also allow the Manhattan-based developer to accelerate the opening of The Beacon’s second phase of half- and full-floor live/work lofts situated in the 17-story Mercury building where construction is progressing rapidly.

The auction will be conducted by Sheldon Good & Company Auctions Northeast, LLC, America’s leading real estate auction marketing firm, on June 27, 2009 at the Hyatt Jersey City, located just minutes from The Beacon. Registration begins at 11:00 a.m. with the auction commencing at 12:00 noon. Twelve of the homes will be sold “Absolute” regardless of price. Suggested opening bids will range from $150,000 to $250,000 for architecturally-distinctive residences that were originally priced from $380,000 to $700,000 — representing historic opportunities for interested buyers.

“With approximately 80% of The Beacon’s first phase not only sold but closed, it’s fair to say that we’ve enjoyed a level of success very few residential developments can claim in today’s marketplace,” states George Filopoulos, President of Metrovest Equities, which has already completed the first two buildings and 45,000 square feet of amenity space at the award-winning art deco landmark and is well underway on a third building. The Beacon will ultimately comprise ten buildings containing 1,200 luxury residences and 80,000 square feet of retail space.

“As the developer, I take great pride in seeing our ambitious vision of creating the region’s most unique, architecturally-significant, amenity-laden and value-driven condominium community come to fruition. Our goal was to create a dynamic neighborhood setting teeming with resident interaction, and to the nearly 500 people currently living there, The Beacon is just that. With our next phase of homes, The Mercury Lofts at The Beacon, nearly ready to be unveiled, we decided to utilize an accelerated marketing program to sell the remaining available residences in the first phase. This is not a distress sale, but a sophisticated approach to reinforcing value for prospective buyers through competitive bidding that will capitalize on the tremendous success The Beacon has enjoyed to date. The auction will cut months off of our current marketing program, resulting in considerable savings that will be passed on to the buying public through discounted pricing.”

Sitting high atop the Palisades Ridge near Jersey City’s vibrant downtown district, The Beacon represents a $350 million conversion that is currently the largest residential restoration project in the country and the largest in the history of New Jersey. The historic grandeur of the buildings’ dramatic interior spaces has been immaculately restored by refurbishing and preserving the original chandeliers, marble and terracotta flooring, brass elevator door surrounds and windows. The addition of modern amenities and services has helped foster an exclusive resort lifestyle within an historic Art Deco landmark complemented by dramatic views of the New York City skyline and surrounding cityscape.

“The Beacon is unquestionably one of the most exciting residential projects ever to be developed along the Gold Coast of New Jersey,” said Lawrence Samberg, managing Director of Sheldon Good & Company.”

“Because it offers such a wide diversity of amenities, The Beacon affords residents not just a sumptuous home, but a luxurious lifestyle in a restored old-world ambiance that reflects the historic grandeur of yesteryear,” noted Mr. Jeffrey L. Hubbard, Executive Managing Director of Sheldon Good & Company Auctions.

The Beacon’s initial phase of uniquely-designed studios, one- and two-bedroom homes — including the residences to be offered at auction — are located in the Rialto and Capitol buildings which are situated adjacent to each other and are joined by a dramatic two-story lobby with a 24-hour doorman and Club Aqua, the development’s exclusive 45,000 square-foot amenity center. Club Aqua features an indoor pool, an Aqua Grotto lounge with hot tubs, his/her saunas and steam, social sauna and treatment rooms; a yoga studio, fitness center, juice bar, screening room and a children’s playroom. There’s also a restored Art Deco theater/event space with catering kitchen, a rooftop sundeck, poker room, a reading gallery and a magnificent billiards hall.

Residents also enjoy private concierge service, valet parking and convenient shuttle service to PATH trains and ferries to Manhattan, while The Beacon Express, an onsite market offering prepared foods, fine cheeses, mouthwatering desserts and assorted conveniences, recently opened its doors.

The Beacon’s loft-like condominium residences feature an abundance of upscale finishes and appointments, and many of the homes offer sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline, the harbor and beyond. The spectacular residences are distinguished by outstanding detailing and finishes and soaring ten-to-twelve-foot-high ceilings. Spacious kitchens feature Pietra Cardosa stone countertops, glass backsplashes, full-height pantries and stainless steel appliances, while bathrooms boast elegant marble and premium finishes and fixtures. All homes offer a Bosch washer and dryer and are pre-wired for multi-phone lines, high-speed internet and digital TV.

For more information on the June 27th auction and to view the available homes at pre-auction Open Houses, call 212-213-9770, email auctionrequest@sheldongood.com, or visit www.sheldongood.com/thebeacon.php.

Using Helicopters to market luxury real estate

A growing number of luxury real estate agents are turning to “unusual,” marketing approaches as the financial crisis continues to cull the amount of real estate agents still in business. Even some of the big names have gone recently, including Sotheby’s International in Aspen. So, only the fittest will survive, and using innovative marketing techniques such as showing prospective clients a number of properties at the same time from the air is being successful for an increasing number of realtors.

Texas Star realty has being using a Bell Jet Longranger luxury seven seater helicopter for some time. According to co-owner Gary Hollingswoth, “The Texas Star Home & Ranch Realtors team has discovered that using our helicopter to list properties provides sellers with a special sense that they are receiving the best service for their money and exposes their property to the widest range of qualified buyers. Buyers can see more property, faster and easier than ground transportation, which saves everyone time and money. ” Texas Star

Dave Bowers, of Allen Tate realtors in North Carolina adds an extra personal touch by flying the chopper himself. His personal preferrnce is for a four seater Robinson 44.  According to the website, Dave makes your helicopter ride part of the first steps in your house hunt. After checking out the neighborhoods from the air, the search can narrow down to a few choice homes. Once on the ground, Dave will discuss the homes of interest with you and together you can visit them the old fashion way – from the ground. Allen Tate

Larry Morales, of Skywater estates in Florida, prefers to rent by the hour, and happily paays the roughly $1,000 per trip - especially if it results in a several-million dollar sale. His customers also seem happy with the arrangement. “From the ground, it would have taken me at least one and a half or two hours to look at all these homes,” said Jason Donald, a prospective buyer. “But in a helicopter, we were done in 35, 40 minutes.” Skywater Estates