The Steeple Times

Tag: cocaine

  • Bang, Bang, Snap, Snap

    Bang, Bang, Snap, Snap

    The sale of The Duchess of Cambridge’s uncle’s holiday villa, La Maison de Bang Bang

     

    Just as it is reported that the pregnant Duchess of Cambridge is said to be furious about photographers having managed to capture her in a bikini on a beach on the private island of Mustique, another of her previous holiday destinations has come to the market.

     

    Kate Middleton and Prince William aboard Tapeka Point during their 2006 holiday in Ibiza.
    Kate Middleton and Prince William aboard Tapeka Point during their 2006 holiday in Ibiza.
    Carole Middleton's brother businessman Gary Goldsmith.
    Carole Middleton’s brother businessman Gary Goldsmith.
    La Maison de Bang Bang's sign.
    La Maison de Bang Bang’s sign.

     

    The Duchess, as Kate Middleton, stayed with Prince William at the holiday home of her uncle, Gary Goldsmith’s in Ibiza in 2006. During the break at the exotically named La Maison de Bang Bang, the Prince and Miss Middleton were photographed on a motor launch, Tapeka Point, that was subsequently put up for auction in April 2012 for £120,000.

     

    La Villa Bang Bang
    La Maison de Bang Bang
    An aerial shot of the property
    An aerial shot of the property

     

    The 4 double bedroom villa, named according to its official website, after “Ibiza’s famous banging house music”, is just five minutes from the Cala Jondal beach and the “hip” Blue Marlin beach bar. The house stands on a plot of 23,850 square metres and includes a large reception room, 4 dining areas and a fully equipped gym. In addition there is a staff bungalow, swimming pool and tennis court.

     

    The main reception area in the house.
    The main reception area in the house.
    One of four dining areas.
    One of four dining areas.
    One of four double en-suite bedrooms.
    One of four double en-suite bedrooms.
    An example of Mr Goldsmith's humour.
    An example of Mr Goldsmith’s humour.
    Buddhas can be found throughout the villa.
    Buddhas can be found throughout the villa.
    And also in the garden.
    And also in the garden.
    As well as an outdoor swimming pool, there is a full sized tennis court.
    As well as an outdoor swimming pool, there is a full sized tennis court.

     

    In a statement to the Daily Telegraph’s “Mandrake”, Goldsmith, who was subject to a News of the World sting at La Maison de Bang Bang in 2009, commented:

     

    “I’m looking to buy a bigger house in London, given that I have only been there myself once in the last two year… After what seems like a million years of fun, fun, fun, I’m selling Bang Bang, folks”.

     

    Of the house itself, Mr Goldsmith told the Daily Mail’s Richard Kay:

     

    “It’s on for 6.5 million Euro. Despite the Spanish economy, it’s a good time to sell because the Euro is very strong at the moment, plus Ibiza isn’t like mainland Spain. It has a micro-economy all of its own”.

     

    Knight Frank’s particulars for La Maison de Bang Bang were prepared last September and though Mr Goldsmith, who made £275 million selling his recruitment business in 2005, may be a canny businessman, it seems as if he may have to wait some time before someone else decides to put their bucks into the Bang Bang.

     

    For more information on La Maison de Bang Bang, contact Knight Frank on +44 (0) 203 641 5161.

     

    To view particulars on the house, go to: http://content.zoopla.co.uk/a6420c8137a5d9f4e81b6c108c398e4bf467c6ed.pdf

     

    To view the official website for the house, go to: http://www.rentibizavilla.com

  • Nicholas Gruber: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

    Nicholas Gruber: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

    The Steeple Times asks model and personality Nicholas Gruber: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

     

    The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” What’s your guiding force?

    I try to learn something from everyone I meet.

     

    “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?

    Life is short so enjoy a part of every day, even the shitty ones.

     

    Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2012?

    Picking on anyone less fortunate than you. That’s why the Republicans lost the election in the US.

     

    Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?

    My grandmother, Judy Bolduc. She was the first lesbian in California to adopt a child, my dad.

     

    What might you swap all your wealth for?

    Honey, pick up a paper: I did that already for some freedom.

     

    Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank.” What’s your view on the banking crisis?

    Greed is never good in any way, shape or form.

     

    What phrase or word do you most loathe?

    “Thank you so much.” It seems insincere whereas just “thank you” seems genuine.

     

    In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home.” What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?

    Toys for Tots because I know first hand what it feels like to be a kid with nothing under the tree.

     

    The judge in “Law Abiding Citizen” states: “I can pretty do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?

    It is only appropriate to blow up terrorists.

     

    If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?

    My new boyfriend, John Luciano, and my former one, Calvin Klein. Now, that would be one hell of a ride.

     

    Nicholas Gruber

    If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?

    Pasta from Bar Pitti.  Two helpings. Plus a slice of German chocolate cake.

     

    What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?

    I’m sober so for me that would be noon. Joking. I don’t drink but I also don’t judge.

     

    A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

    None of the above. I will take a coconut water please.

     

    Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

    Calvin Klein.  He might be three times my age but he can party like a rock star.

     

    Who is the most positive person you know?

    A tie between Calvin and John. They both believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.

     

    What’s your most guilty pleasure?

    Having a mob related boyfriend who allows me to have girlfriends.

     

    If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?

    A glass that was half full because that’s how I roll.

     

    If you were a car, what marque would you be?

    A smiley face.

     

    Cilla Black presented “Surprise, Surprise.” Tell us the most surprising thing about you.

    I’m straight but bang guys.

     

    What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

    Nothing. It’s all about no clutter.

     

     

    Follow Nicholas Gruber on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/NicholasGruber

  • Vincent Tchenguiz

    Vincent Tchenguiz

    This Mayfair based property tycoon was born in Tehran and owns a Mangusta motor yacht named “Veni Vidi Vici” (“I came, I saw, I conquered”). His Rolls-Royce Phantom, numberplate “2V,” is often spotted outside London’s finest establishments and an SFO investigation into his business affairs has now been sensibly put to bed.

  • Kerry Katona

    Kerry Katona

    Some call her “Warrington’s finest export.” Others don’t. She tried to persuade mums to go to Iceland and in the process went bankrupt. This tragic former Atomic Kitten really should just be kept off our screens.

  • Lapo Elkann

    Lapo Elkann

    The Agnelli “crown prince” is also nicknamed “Lapo of Luxury.” Regularly voted as being one of the best dressed men on the planet, he’s worked as a personal assistant to Henry Kissinger and for the family business on brands including Ferrari, Maserati and Fiat. Not without controversy, Elkann’s presence at any event leaves the girls swooning.

  • Paris Hilton

    Paris Hilton

    The great granddaughter of the founder of Hilton Hotels is best known for her phrase: “That’s hot” and a sex tape but she’s the one having the last laugh. She’s only in her early 30s but already worth $100 million.

  • Prospering Paris

    Prospering Paris

    Profile: The genius of self-promotion that is Paris Hilton

     

    At a dinner party last week, my guests gasped in horror when I said that I view Paris Hilton to be a genius. Their faces turned ashen and one asked if I had lost the plot. In the ensuing discussion, several described her as the personification of vulgarity and tastelessness. Others complained that Hilton had achieved nothing with her life and one went as far as to say that this young lady was notable for nothing other than an appearance in a sex tape in 2003.

     

    Paris Whitney Hilton (1981 – )

    For the few who don’t know her, Miss Hilton is the 31-year old great-granddaughter of Conrad Hilton, the founder of Hilton Hotels. On her official Twitter account she describes herself as a: “Model, Actress, Singer, Brand, Business Woman, Fashion Designer, Author, Philanthropist and Empire.” That, indeed, is certainly quite a collection.

     

    Paris Hilton with her parents Richard Howard and Kathy Hilton and younger brother Conrad Hilton

    “Life is too short to blend in,” said Hilton in an interview and her philosophy is indeed one that I’d agree with. Hilton may have done some pretty tasteless and silly things over the years and her shows Paris Hilton’s My New BFF and The Simple Life were not my kind of viewing, but her brilliance is that she knows how to turn publicity into dollar returns. Now worth some $100,000,000, she’s the one who is having the last laugh.

     

    In a 2006 interview for Guardian Unlimited, Hilton aptly summed up the reason for her success:

     

    “People can’t believe how hard I work…. I love it. I think it just runs through my veins. My great-grandfather was a bellboy and had a dream to do a hotel chain, so I think I get it from him.”

     

    Conrad Nicholson Hilton, Sr. (1887 – 1979): the “Innkeeper to the World” who was also married to the actress Zsa Zsa Gabor (1936 – 1997)

    Like or loathe her, the determined Miss Hilton’s achievements are impressive and I’ll leave her the final word:

     

    “I don’t think there’s ever been anyone like me that’s lasted. And I’m going to keep lasting.”

     

    View Paris Hilton’s official website at: http://www.parishilton.com

     

    Follow Paris Hilton on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/ParisHilton