Ellen Degeneres Dances Her Way to Real Estate Riches
Ellen Degeneres and Portia de Rossi have bought each other horses as gifts. Photo: Getty Images
No doubt about it, talk show titan Ellen Degeneres is a serious real estate baller who buys and sells pricey properties like she's playing with Monopoly money. But baby, all that moo-lah is real, real, real.
In late 2007 the prolific property purchaser forked over a toe curling $29 million and change for "Will & Grace" co-creator Max Mutchnick's mansion in Beverly Hills, California, where she and actress Portia de Rossi were married in August of 2008.
Then she dumped well over $10 million buying up three of the surrounding properties and now, because one insanely expensive estate is never enough for this real estate addict, she shelled out many millions more to snatch up a horse ranch in the boonies outside Westlake Village, California.
http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=767992&pid=767991&uts=1257534245
http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf
Ellen Buys California Horse Ranch
Although Ellen has many times mentioned on her daytime gabfest that she and Portia bought a ranch over the summer, the couple's latest real estate acquisition has yet to be reported in any of the many celebrity real estate columns and blogs, even though property records reveal the deal was done way back in June of 2009. Ellen, being the power player that she is, managed to have the purchase price scrubbed from public records but listing information dug up on the internet shows the property was last listed with an asking price of $10,000,000.
www.propertypreviews.com
The property, originally part of a much larger equestrian facility, was used as the quarantine site for the 2000 Olympics. It's where horses brought in from foreign lands were kept and tested for any diseases or issues that could compromise the health of the other horses brought in for the games.
www.propertypreviews.com
Surrounded by oak-dotted sandstone mountains and kissed by cool breezes that sweep over from the Pacific Ocean, the bucolic 26+ acre estate on hoity toity Hidden Valley Road is a fully equipped equestrian facility with plenty of pastures and paddocks, stables and a riding ring.
www.propertypreviews.com
According to listing information, the sprawling property has numerous residences including a single story, 10-room Spanish hacienda style main house that measures 6,329 square feet and includes 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. In addition to the main house, there are several other residences, staff quarters and garaging for 4 cars.
www.propertypreviews.com
This is not the first ranch property Ellen has owned. In May of 2005, not long after the A-list lesbians coupled up, they bought a 119-acre ranch on Armour Ranch Road in the Santa Ynez Valley which they've since sold. Ellen gave Portia a gray gelding named Jones and Portia gave Ellen a quarter horse named Puff, both of which are probably now housed in the deluxe stable complex of their new ranch in the wilds outside Westlake Village, CA.
www.propertypreviews.com
Get the Look for Less: House Beautiful Foyer
A few well-chosen pieces can create a calming foyer. Photo: House Beautiful/Simon Watson
This foyer, designed by Albert Hadley, from House Beautiful's July 09 issue, would make me sigh with happiness if I came home to it every evening. Its simplicity and serenity is key. Here, a few strong pieces make an impact with unique shapes that supply plenty of visual interest. A variety of woods create a calming feel while a pop of color on the front door breaks the monotony.
http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=761857&pid=761856&uts=1256931769
http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf
A Simple and Serene Foyer
American Eagle Plaque, $33 at Amazon
Amazon
3/4 Barrel, $110 at Wine Barrel Creations
Wine Barrel Creations
Ebony Antique Walking Stick in Assorted Styles, $28 at Burke Decor
Burke Decor
Garden Back Round Dining Table, $299 at Home Decorators Collection
Home Decorators Collection
Gatika Lidded Box, $29 at Home Decorators Collection
Home Decorators Collection
Wood "A Mother's Love" Statuette, $29 at Overstock
Overstock
Benjamin Moore MoorGlo Exterior Paint, in Goldfield, $50/gallon from Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore
Paint Trends: Predicting Next Year's Hottest Colors
A soothing purple provides the base for this serene room. Photo: Olympic Paint
Less a prediction and more of a calculated process, paint companies determine the trends based on a variety of factors, one of which is the general state of our society. So it is no surprise that while we continue facing economic turmoil, rising unemployment numbers and two wars (anti-depression meds anyone?), there is a general longing for serenity at home, as well as a palette that will have some staying power.
This year's colors have one thing in common: they were picked to create a peaceful and calm home environment. But what represents "serenity" varies from one person to the next. So we checked in with Olympic Paint, Pittsburgh Paints, Behr and Valspar to see what each think represents "calm" and "serenity" best. See which one you like best.
Quiz: Test Your Dinner Party Etiquette
With another holiday season right around the corner, the invitations are undoubtedly flying into your mailbox left and right. Unless, of course you're a Scrooge. Or have poor dinner etiquette. But don't worry, we can change that (the etiquette, not the Scrooge -- unfortunately, there's no hope for you humbugs...)!
Take our quiz below and test your knowledge of dinner party etiquette. Pass this test and you'll be swimming in invites all season long!:
Take our quiz below and test your knowledge of dinner party etiquette. Pass this test and you'll be swimming in invites all season long!:
http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=moreQuizzes&id=762285&pid=762284&uts=1256943572
http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/personality_quiz/personalityquiz.swf
Holiday Decorations: West Elm and David Stark Team Up
David Stark for West Elm. Photo: West Elm
Apparently I wasn't the only one who couldn't get enough of David Stark's clever designs. West Elm invited Stark to design a holiday collection. Surprisingly, this is Stark's first product line. While Stark has designed events for a litany of impressive clients and penned three books, he's apparently never dabbled in product design before.
Like the original pieces for the stores, many of items in the line are made from recycled and re-purposed materials. The recycled element is a signature Stark trick. His work often turns everyday items into out-of-the-ordinary designs, like paint chips turned into huge curtains at Tate Modern's Inaugural Artists Dinner or humble carnations transformed into huge, hanging orbs. We're thrilled to have a chance to take some of Stark's whimsical design home with us, and we're happy to see these modern and thoughtful options for holiday decorating.
David Stark Sparkly Decor Garland, $16.00. Photo: West Elm
What Is A French Drain?
Installing and maintaining a French drain system is easy. Photo: otbayley, Flickr
The French drain was invented by Henry French, a farmer from Concord, Massachusetts, around 1859 and not by the French as I originally thought (though some do believe the Romans might have had a similar system)! French published a book about farm drainage in which he discussed the ditch and gravel system that eventually became known as the French drain.
French drains are often installed around a home foundation in one of two ways: around the foundation wall on the external side of the foundation or underneath the basement floor on the inside perimeter of the basement. This system is one of the most popular drainage systems because it doesn't need much, if any, maintenance.
Interior French drains require the use of a sump pump -- but be sure your pump has a backup battery for power outages. And even though French drains last a long time, poorly installed drains or clogged pipes can cause serious problems and actually cause a flood. Installing a French drain always begins with digging some sort of trench. Want to do it yourself? Here are some simple DIY instructions from HGTVPro. If you're having trouble be sure to consult a professional plumber.
Charmed in Cape Charles, Virginia
This VA home office needs a major facelift! Photo: Sotheby's Realty
A few architectural elements will bring this boring space up to par. Photo: Williams-Sonoma, CB2
Inspired by a watercolor painting, these soothing colors will be perfect for a waterfront property. Photo: West Elm, Lamps Plus
What You Need To Know About Wood Countertops
Photo: mielbakes-madhu, Flickr
Benefits and Care
Wood countertops are a great choice for their durability and strength. Just think of them as a piece of furniture, and that is how you should care for them. They can nick and dent just like furniture, so be sure not to bang pans on them. Additionally, it is recommended that you use use a trivet for hot pots to avoid scorching. Since wood can scratch, a cutting board is probably a good idea. (You've seen the way wooden cutting boards can really show wear and tear? You don't want that same look on your wood countertops.)
Sealing and Cleaning
Wood countertops definitely require a sealant before use, to protect you as well as the wood itself. There are a number of oils and waxes you can use to seal and maintain the beauty of your wood. Small scratches and imperfections can be buffed out and the counters can be resealed to bring them back to their original beauty. Butcherblock is easy to clean using just soap and warm water.
How Does It Measure Up?
Butcherblock is a great choice for any kitchen. If you are committed to taking care of the wood through periodic oiling and the use of trivets and cutting boards, then go for it! The beauty and warmth of the wood is something that you just can't get from cold stone or an engineered surface. Butcherblock costs less than granite, marble, and engineered stone. It is slightly more expensive than tile countertops, but you can also DIY them! One of the best benefits is that you can install one yourself. Check out This Old House's instructions on installing a wood countertop.
Countdown to Thanksgiving
The countdown to Thanksgiving is on! Photo: jupiterimages
If you answered yes to any of these questions, it's likely that you're suffering from a very serious condition known as Thanksgiving Madness. But fret not, there is help! Follow our countdown to Turkey Day, and put a lid on your Thanksgiving panic this year.
Three weeks before
If you haven't yet done any planning for Thanksgiving (or the holiday season in general), don't worry. But do take this time to consider what kind of Thanksgiving experience you want to have and make peace with it, says designer Susie Coelho, who has designed a holiday décor collection for Grandin Road. "Decide if you want something simple or extravagant, or if you want to travel or stay at home, so that you're not caught at the last moment feeling depressed and anxious," she says. "From harvest to holiday-think the whole season through."
Your three-week checklist:
• Set a rough budget for everything: food, drinks, and decorations.
• Invite your guests, if you haven't already.
• Plan your menu, including snacks, the main meal, dessert, and drinks. Be aware of various dietary restrictions your guests may have, and try to be accommodating (but also realize that people are grownups and don't have to eat everything in front of them).
• Decide how you will be cooking your turkey, and what kind of turkey you'll buy (fresh, frozen, organic, etc.). Thinking of ordering a fresh turkey? Check out organizations like Local Harvest to find a turkey farm near you.
• Assess the decorations you have and decide if you're going to buy more, or go DIY (all part of your budget breakdown).
• Begin putting up outdoor décor; if you did a Halloween display, repurpose as much as possible (such as pumpkins).
Behind the Seams: The Colorful World of Zoe Murphy
Zoe Murphy's work is both whimsical and sophisticated. Photo: Zoe Murphy
Zoe Murphy has been a standout in the world of furniture upcycling since her debut at Tent London in 2008. She recently graduated from Loughborough University in England as a textile designer and currently resides in the coastal town of Margate, which is located on the southeastern tip of England.
As Zoe began working with materials other than textiles, she discovered a love of Formica, veneer and furniture. Her colorful spectrums and standout patterns make her work quite different from the norm. In addition to creating beautiful pieces, she uses old furniture, which makes these pieces eco-friendly too! I was so excited to get the chance to speak with her about her inspiration and process.
First, I was curious to know what made Zoe choose furniture from the 1950s as the base for her designs. She says that she's currently obsessed with retro furniture and fond of anything from the 50's, 60's or 70's. "There are, however, quite a few reasons why that era is so important to my work," she says. And they lead back to her seaside hometown. "Margate had its heyday in the 1950s and 60s when all of the Londoners would holiday there throughout the year," she says. "This was before foreign and package holidays became so popular, and it has suffered its own little depression since then. All through my childhood it was a bit of a retro ghost town, and a place that needed "re-loving" itself, a theme that is core to my work."
