Tag: sale

A Bowled Down Price

Texan estate for sale for sum 43% less than in 2011; it comes with the “finest private bowling alley in America” and a car museum

In March 2015, The Steeple Times featured a Texan mansion described by some as “more iconic than Southfork.” Back then this “replica of George Washington’s Virginia estate” had been for sale for four years already and now, in March 2020, it’s still on the market.

Offered at prices as high as £26.1 million and as low as £12 million, Mount Vernon overlooks White Rock Lake in Dallas and was built between 1928 and 1930. It was sold in 1938 to one of the world’s largest oil baron’s, H. L. Hunt (1889 – 1974) – a man “reputed to have the highest net worth of any individual in the world” at the time of his death.

John Amend with Laura Bush at the bowling alley at Mount Vernon and with his wife Teresa.

One of the entrances to Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America.

Passing on to a commercial real estate tycoon and fellow supporter of the Bush political dynasty named John Amend in 1999, the 10,511 square foot house was subsequently renovated and aside from creating spaces including a prayer room, a 10,000 bottle wine cellar, a 1950s style diner and a car museum, what is considered to be the finest private bowling centre in America was added. It comes complete with a digital jukebox that has over 500,000 songs on its concert hall quality sound system

Whilst Mr Amend and his wife Teresa hosted guests including Glenn Close and President George W. Bush at Mount Vernon, in 2011 they decided to “simplify their lives” and placed it for sale. In the time since, its yoyo-ed on and off the market but speaking about the property to the Dallas News in February this year, realtor Allie Beth Allman claimed the Amends have now “made it a goal to sell the property this year.” She went further and stated:

“Many interested buyers have made offers, but the family has been reluctant to sell… The kids are just now at the age that they really enjoy it, and they spend a lot of time over there. It’s hard to give that up when your grandkids are saying, ‘Oh, don’t sell.’”

Allie Beth Allman & Associates now seek £14.9 million for Mount Vernon and the 10 acres that surround it.

The Names & Numbers – Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America

March 2020 – Relisted at £14.9 million ($18.5 million, €16.6 million or درهم67.9 million) and still for sale through Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

May 2019 – Relisted at a price of £12 million ($14.9 million, €13.4 million or درهم54.7 million).

May 2016 – Relisted at a price of £14.1 million ($17.5 million, €15.7 million or درهم64.3 million).

March 2015 – Featured in The Steeple Times whilst listed with Allie Beth Allman & Associates and Christie’s Real Estate at a price of £15.3 million ($19 million, €17 million or درهم68 million).

September 2013 – Reduced in price to £15.3 million ($19 million, €17 million or درهم68 million).

November 2012 – Reduced in price to £23.7 million ($29.5 million, €26.5 million or درهم108.3 million).

2011 – Placed for sale for £26.1 million ($32.5 million, €29.2 million or درهم119.4 million).

2004 – Hosted its first event as “the nation’s finest professionally equipped bowling centre.” The alley reportedly cost £1.16 million ($1.45 million, €1.3 million or درهم5.33 million) to construct.

2002 – Renovated and expanded.

1999 – Sold to the self-declared real estate “pioneer and innovator” John T. Amend and his wife Teresa for an undisclosed sum.

1938 – Sold by Thomas Y. Pickett to Harold Lafayette Hunt, Jr. for $69,000 or the equivalent of £740,000 today ($922,000, €826,000 or درهم3.4 million today).

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March 29, 2020
A Bit Of An Enigma

Bonhams to auction two Enigma machines at their science and technology sale for six figure sums

Tomorrow in Knightsbridge, Bonhams will auction two Heinsoeth Und Rinke enigma enciphering machines at a sale of instruments of science and technology.

Produced in Germany in 1941 and 1943, the two devices offered feature QWERTY keyboards and are housed in oak cases. They were patented by Dr Arthur Scherbius in 1918 and utilised interchangeable rotors that scrambled plain-text messages to produce a cipher text message. These were then sent by Morse code to a receiving party with an Engima set up in the same configuration as the sending Enigma.

Extremely rare because most were thrown into lakes and rivers as the Germans retreated at the end of the war, around 40 examples exist in museums around the world. The ability of such people as Alan Turing to crack their codes is credited with shortening the conflict by two years.

The respective reserves for the machines are £150,000 to £200,000 ($197,000 to $263,000, €169,000 to €225,000 or درهم724,000 to درهم965,000) and £100,000 to £150,000 ($131,000 to $197,000, €112,000 to €169,000 or درهم482,000 to درهم724,000).

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September 18, 2018
Craig’s Centenary

007 numbered Aston Martin owned by Daniel Craig to be sold for charity at auction

A 2014 ‘Centenary Vanquish’ Aston Martin numbered 007 and owned by the actor Daniel Craig is to be sold at auction in New York in April.

Offered to benefit The Opportunity Network, a non-profit which counts not only Daniel Craig on its board but also Rachel Weisz as well, the customised left-hand, automatic car has a top speed of 183 mph. It features an interior personally crafted by Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s creative officer, that was guided by “Daniel Craig’s preference of denim and dark colours.”

Of selling the 6.0-litre V12 vehicle, Daniel Craig commented:

“This Aston Martin Vanquish is a tour-de-force of automobile engineering and a distinct pleasure to drive. While I will miss it, I am keen to further the very important work of The Opportunity Network with its sale.”

Christie’s will sell the left-hand drive, midnight blue with deep blue interior car on 20^th April at their ‘Exceptional Sale’ and offer it with an estimate of £285,000 to £428,000 ($400,000 to $600,000, €322,000 to €483,000 or درهم1.5 million to درهم2.2 million). As a bonus, the winning bidder will also get an opportunity to visit the Aston Martin headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire, England for a behind-the-scenes tour with Marek Reichman.

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February 17, 2018
Five of the Best – Bonhams’ Gentleman’s Library Sale

Harry Houdini’s escape prop sack to be sold alongside all manner of other unusual items on Valentine’s Day

On 14^th February, Bonhams will hold their ‘Gentleman’s Library Sale’ in Knightsbridge, London. Amongst the circa five hundred items to be offered are all manner of unusual items and here we choose five of the best:

Harry Houdini’s escape prop sack – £1,500 to £2,000

($2,100 to $2,800, €1,700 to €2,300 or درهم‎‎7,800 to درهم‎‎10,400; pictured above)

This green, oversized canvas sack was used by Harry Houdini (1874 – 1926) as a prop for tricks. It dates to around 1915 and comes with a poster for his ‘Metamorphosis’ act. Houdini’s brother, Theo, gave the item to a mutual friend after his death and it was last sold at Christie’s in 2011.

Australian silver and Kangaroo paw lighter – £800 to £1,000

($1,100 to $1,400, €910 to €1,100 or درهم‎‎4,200 to درهم‎‎5,200)

Possibly one of the most unusual cigarette lighters available, this unusual item was made by WD&Co Limited in 1910. It is 40cm long.

Australian throwing club – £150 to £250

($210 to $350, €170 to €280 or درهم‎‎780 to درهم‎‎1,300)

Dating to the 19^th century, 69cm long and made of carved and incised hardwood this dangerous weapon could certainly be used to see off a burglar. It was collected in the 1860s in Queensland, Australia.

Silver plated model battleship – £800 to £1,200

($1,100 to $1,700, €910 to €1,400 or درهم‎‎4,200 to درهم‎‎6,200)

This early 20^th century silver plated model battleship is 23cm high and comes with three pairs of cannons to the deck. It’d make a jolly addition to any desk.

Novelty Eiffel Tower clock – £800 to £1,200

($1,110 to $1,700, €910 to €1,400 or درهم‎‎4,200 to درهم‎‎6,200)

This 62cm tall gilt and bronze 19^th century clock is designed in the form of a model of the Eiffel Tower. It has a brass dial with Roman numerals.

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February 2, 2018
Martin Gets Madder

Convicted former pharmaceuticals executive Martin Shkreli offers a bounty for Hillary Clinton’s hair and threatens to smash up a £1.5 million work by the Wu-Tang Clan

Martin Shkreli is getting madder and madder. Convicted of securities fraud in August and awaiting sentencing, the troubled former drug company executive took to Facebook on 4^th September to offer a bounty of £3,800 ($5,000, €4,200 or درهم18,400) per lock of Hillary Clinton’s hair obtained and is also attempting to auction or destroy the one and only copy of a Wu-Tang Clan album on eBay for £1.5 million ($2 million, €1.7 million or درهم7.3 million).

After 324 bids, the Wu-Tang Clan’s Once Upon A Time In Shaolin album – which Shkreli purchased, he claims, “as a gift to the Wu-Tang Clan for their tremendous musical output. Instead I received scorn from at least one of their (least-intelligent) members, and the world at large failed to see my purpose of putting a serious value behind music” – has already reached a price of just over £759,000 ($1 million, €832,000 or درهم3.7 million).

Accompanying the eBay listing, Shkreli brashly adds:

“At any time I may cancel this sale and I may even break this album in frustration. I will donate half of the sale proceeds to medical research. I am not selling to raise cash–my companies and I have record amounts of cash on hand. I hope someone with a bigger heart for music can be found for this one-of-a-kind piece and makes it available for the world to hear.”

Both the Wu-Tang Clan and Hillary Clinton stunts may backfire. Last Thursday, prosecutors told a court in New York: “[Shkreli is engaged in a] pattern of threats and harassment” and sought for his bail to be revoked. In response, Benjamin Brafman for Shkreli, commented:

“We take the matter seriously and intend to address the issue responsibly… However inappropriate some of Mr Shkreli’s postings may have been, we do not believe that he intended harm and do not believe that he poses a danger to the community.”

Other assets in the multi-millionaire’s possession are said to include a Picasso and an original ‘Enigma’ machine from the Second World War. We jolly well hope he doesn’t threaten to smash them up too.

September 10, 2017
Let There Be Light

Two and apartments and a bothy within one of Britain’s remotest lighthouses in Sutherland for sale for £371,500

Two apartments and a bothy that form part of a lighthouse designed by the acclaimed author Robert Louis Stevenson’s (1850 – 1894) designer father Thomas (1818 – 1887) and his brother are for sale.

Stoer Lighthouse on Stoer Head in Sutherland, Scotland was built in 1870 and whilst the lighthouse itself is just 45-foot tall it sits at a height of 177-foot above sea level. It flashes four white ever fifteen seconds and because of the height of the cliffs on which it sits can be seen 24 miles out at sea. Automated since 1978, it is reportedly visited by 10,000 people each year in spite of its remoteness.

Whilst the lighthouse itself is operated and maintained by the Northern Lighthouse Board, the property offered consists of 1,506 square foot of renovated accommodation that includes a ground floor 2-bedroom flat, a first floor 2-bedroom flat and a bothy. Car parking is provided within a walled area and all three units are currently operated as holiday lets.

Bell Ingram have the listing and seek £371,500 ($478,000, €407,000 or درهم1.8 million) for the whole. They remark: “This is a rare opportunity… [The sale of] Stoer Lighthouse offers the potential purchaser the opportunity to continue the holiday letting business or to convert into a larger home in a stunning and unique location.”

August 15, 2017
Let There Be Light

Two and apartments and a bothy within one of Britain’s remotest lighthouses in Sutherland for sale for £371,500

Two apartments and a bothy that form part of a lighthouse designed by the acclaimed author Robert Louis Stevenson’s (1850 – 1894) designer father Thomas (1818 – 1887) and his brother are for sale.

Stoer Lighthouse on Stoer Head in Sutherland, Scotland was built in 1870 and whilst the lighthouse itself is just 45-foot tall it sits at a height of 177-foot above sea level. It flashes four white ever fifteen seconds and because of the height of the cliffs on which it sits can be seen 24 miles out at sea. Automated since 1978, it is reportedly visited by 10,000 people each year in spite of its remoteness.

Whilst the lighthouse itself is operated and maintained by the Northern Lighthouse Board, the property offered consists of 1,506 square foot of renovated accommodation that includes a ground floor 2-bedroom flat, a first floor 2-bedroom flat and a bothy. Car parking is provided within a walled area and all three units are currently operated as holiday lets.

Bell Ingram have the listing and seek £371,500 ($478,000, €407,000 or درهم1.8 million) for the whole. They remark: “This is a rare opportunity… [The sale of] Stoer Lighthouse offers the potential purchaser the opportunity to continue the holiday letting business or to convert into a larger home in a stunning and unique location.”

August 15, 2017
Five of the Best – ‘Star Cars’ at Silverstone

A selection of five cars owned and previously owned by ‘personalities’ to be auctioned at the Silverstone Classic Sale in July

On the 29^th and 30^th July, Silverstone Auctions will sell both classic and contemporary cars at their Silverstone Classic Sale in Northamptonshire. Amongst them are five cars owned or previously owned by the Sultan of Brunei, the actor Rowan Atkinson, the singer Lulu, the television chef Gary Rhodes and the musician Elton John.

1996 Aston Martin DB7 i6 Volante – £28,000 to £32,000

($37,000 to $42,000, €32,000 to €37,000 or درهم‎‎135,000 to درهم‎‎154,000)

Supplied new to the Sultan of Brunei and kept by him until 2005, this British Racing Green and Chancellor red leather interior Volante is being marketed as a “future modern classic.” It comes with a “huge history file” as well as its royal pedigree.

2015 Land Rover 90 Celebration Heritage Edition – £38,000 to £45,000

($50,000 to $59,000, €43,000 to €51,000 or درهم‎‎183,000 to درهم‎‎217,000)

One of the last 400 traditional Land Rovers made and offered on behalf of its current owner Rowan Atkinson CBE, this example has just 2,260 miles on the clock. The actor and comedian is selling as he has recently upgraded to the 110 four-door version.

1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5-litre coupé – £100,000 to £120,000

($131,000 to $157,000, €114,000 to €137,000 or درهم‎‎481,000 to درهم‎‎578,000)

Delivered new to then wife of Maurice Gibb, Marie McDonald McLaughlin Gibb (AKA ‘Lulu’ and now Lulu Kennedy-Cairns OBE), this “last of the line classic” was kept by the Boom Bang-a-Bang singer for three years. It has had two additional owners since and needs its air conditioning recommissioning.

2006 Ferrari F430 F1 – £125,000 to £155,000

($164,000 to $203,000, €143,000 to €177,000 or درهم‎‎602,000 to درهم‎‎746,000)

Owned by television chef Gary Rhodes from new and having covered just 558 miles in its 11-year life, this Ferrari is capable of a top speed of 196 miles per hour and 0-62 miles per hour in just 3.7 seconds. It has been serviced four times and is described as “a unique opportunity to buy a real collector’s piece.”

1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona – £525,000 to £575,000

($688,000 to $753,000, €600,000 to €657,000 or درهم‎‎2.5 million to درهم‎‎2.8 million)

Owned by Sir Elton John from 1973 to 1975 and supposedly bought off the back of the success of his Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album, this Daytona has covered 81,675 miles from new and is said to be “presented in excellent order.”

For more details about the auction and viewing, click here.

The Wing Building, Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire, NN12 8TN.

July 16, 2017
Clocking a Porsche

1993 Porsche 911 with 6.2 miles on the clock to be auctioned; the price will astound

A racetrack ready 1993 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR that has just 6.2 miles (10 kilometres) on its clock is to be sold in Italy next month.

The 3.8-litre fully race prepared car was special ordered and delivered in Polar Silver Metallic paint and trimmed in Can Can Red leather. It is one of only two RSR’s with a fully trimmed interior, is one of only 51 Carrera RSRs produced and is still covered in factory-applied Cosmoline coating.

Capable of 0 – 60 miles per hour in just 3.7 seconds and quicker than a Ferrari F40, the car is estimated at £1.7 million to £1.9 million ($2.2 million to $2.4 million, €2 million to €2.2 million or درهم8 million to درهم8.8 million). RM Sotheby’s will sell it at their Villa Erba sale on the shores of Lake Como in Italy on Saturday 27^th May.

April 29, 2017
A Musical Roller

Rolls-Royce previously owned by musicians Kenney Jones and Vangelis to be auctioned

A 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III drophead coupé complete with ‘Chinese Eyes’ quad headlights that was owned by the drummer Kenney Jones and the electronic musician Vangelis is to be sold at auction next week.

The mid-metallic blue with beige hide interior stunner, which has been “recently unearthed from a London garage”, was one of a vast collection of cars owned by Stepney born Jones – a member of Small Faces, Faces, The Who, The Law and The Jones Gang – in the 1980s. The Conservative supporting, polo club owner sold the car to Vangelis in 1993 and in an interview with Luxurious Magazine remarked: “I had to downgrade to an Audi Q7 which was big enough to hold [my six children]”.

Kenney and Jayne Jones at their Hurtwood Park Polo Club and Vangelis

Secretive Chariots of Fire score writer Vangelis – born Evanghelos Papathanassiou – kept the vehicle for 23 years yet hardly ever drove it. Despite him having left it in a London garage for decades, the vehicle “runs well” and is described by its owner as having a “very good” engine and “good” coachwork, paintwork and interior trim. Factory extras fitted to the vehicle include an electrically operated hood mechanism, electric windows and a cocktail cabinet with crystal glasses and a carafe under the dashboard.

H&H Classics have placed an estimate of £150,000 to £180,000 ($186,000 to $224,000, €173,000 to €208,000 or درهم684,000 to درهم821,000) on this “decidedly avant-garde, yet majestic” coupé and will sell it on 29^th March at their Imperial War Museum Duxford sale in Cambridgeshire.

March 19, 2017