The Steeple Times

Tag: Ibiza

  • 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

  • J.Harry Edmiston: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

    J.Harry Edmiston: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

    The Steeple Times asks photographer J.Harry Edmiston: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

     

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

    The idea that the photographs I take may still be admired long after I’m gone.

     

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

    “If you’re given lemons, make lemonade.”

     

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

    Instagram.

     

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

    Sunsets in Georgian Bay, Canada.

     

    What might you swap all your wealth for?

    Taking an iconic photograph that touches people around the world.

     

    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?

    While the crisis has had many bad consequences, the one bright spot has been the many people of my generation turning to creativity and entrepreneurialism in order to earn a living. The world will see the benefit.

     

    What phrase or word do you most loathe?

    “Not possible.”

     

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

    I am lucky to have many friends actively involved in charitable work and I look to support them when I can across a wide variety of causes.

     

    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?

    Clearly using a phone that will blow you up does not seem to be a good idea. In general, so many people to do not see the world around them because they spend so much time staring at their iPhones. Keep it to a minimum and look up occasionally.

     

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

    The characters from Wes Anderson’s film The Life Aquatic.

     

    J.Harry Edmiston

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

    The leaves of the female Encephalartos woodii plant. No examples have ever been found in nature and therefore their search should give me plenty of time to plan my escape. Fresh grilled lobster and a cold beer on the beach on an unnamed Caribbean island would be my reward.

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

    After breakfast.

     

    A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

    A Moscow mule at Montgomery Place. They make the best cocktails in London.

     

    Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

    I always look forward to my friends Istvan and Theo’s periodic parties at Daquise, a polish restaurant in South Kensington. Good vodka, good food, good music and good friends are never a bad combination.

     

    Who is the most positive person you know?

    Marta de la Mata, a DJ and club owner in Brazil and Ibiza. She has limitless energy and is amazingly fun to be around.

     

    What’s your most guilty pleasure?

    My mother’s extraordinary Christmas cake. The cognac content seems to be increasing every year.

     

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

    Something by M. C. Escher.

     

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

    A DeLorean with “Flux Capacitor.”

     

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

    If I had not pursued photography, I would probably be making guns with my father.

     

    What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

    Some lenses, some invitations and some gold, frankincense and myrrh.

     

    J.Harry Edmiston is a London based photographer who has also worked in film, television and commercial production. A solo exhibition of his works will be held at the Alpha Gallery at 23 Cork Street, London, W1S 3NJ from 10th to 14th December 2012.

     

    View J.Harry Edmiston’s website at: http://www.j-harry-edmiston.com

  • Harry Handelsman

    Harry Handelsman

    This German-born property developer is best known as the pioneer who brought “loft living” to London in the early 1990s with his Manhattan Loft Corporation. His redevelopment of the Grade I listed St Pancras railway station has resulted in accolades galore and his personal fortune has allowed him to build up a collection featuring works by Andy Warhol, Anish Kapoor, Gerald Laing, Sarah Lucas and Gerhard Richter. Handelsman’s view on money is simple: “[It’s] cynical, sometimes you have it and sometimes you don’t. You can’t take anything for granted.”