Combining a mix of society's last word and both wit and wisdom, The Steeple Times covers food, drink and fine dining as well as luxury, travel, the arts, individuals of influence and current affairs in the United Kingdom, America and elsewhere. We are best described as being akin to "a cross between The Huffington Post and Private Eye".
The magazine's following is affluent, engaged and international. With 41% of readers coming from the UK and 38% from America, The Steeple Times also has strong presence within Canadian, Italian, German and Australian territories.
September 12, 2018
by Matthew Steeples
Is the fuss over Kirstie Allsopp smashing up her children’s iPads justified? Or was it actually a very clever publicity stunt on her part? On Channel 5’s Jeremy Vine show on Monday, one of the panel, The Hon. Kirstie Allsopp, shared that she’d smashed up her children’s iPads because they weren’t using them responsibly. … Continue reading “An Almighty Allsopp”
August 12, 2018
by Matthew Steeples
Perfect car for Hillary Clinton to be auctioned for just £7,800 in Indiana; replica Cadillac One truly is worthy of the name ‘The Beast’ Hillary Clinton could finally fulfill part of her power hungry ways if she headed to the RM Sotheby’s Auburn Fall sale later this month. Part of the Calumet Collection … Continue reading “A Low-Cost Limo”
November 26, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Vast Greek Revival style Pennsylvania mansion for sale for 56% less than it was marketed for in 2014; it comes with a pub in the basement An extravagant and somewhat over the top estate in Pennsylvania is on sale for £2.96 million or 56% less than the £6.75 million sum it was listed for … Continue reading “The Finery of Fatland”
October 24, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Six-storey Belgravia residence with controversial business connections goes on sale for 22% less than it was marketed for in 2015 and 3,497% more than it sold for in 1997 A 6,961 square foot freehold terraced townhouse in Belgravia has gone on sale for £25 million or 3,497% more than it was sold for in … Continue reading “Wealthy Wilton”
September 17, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Former San Francisco home of actor Nicolas Cage for sale for £11.4 million or 660% more than it sold for in 1996 Thrice married and an Academy Award winning actor Nicolas Cage is also known for lavish spending. Aside from once buying twenty-two cars in one hit – including a “squadron” of nine Rolls-Royce … Continue reading “A Caged Crib”
September 10, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Octagonal Victorian Gothic landmark in Westchester County, New York available for rent; Bono was filmed there and it includes the only domestic Egyptian Revival room in existence A Victorian Gothic house in Irvington, Westchester County, New York that resembles a wedding cake has been put on the market to rent for £30,300 per month … Continue reading “The Icing on the Cake”
August 27, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Long Island mansion with links to ‘The Great Gatsby’ and ‘The Big Short’ for sale for £13.1 million (or 152% more than it sold for in 2011) F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896 – 1940) set his ‘Roaring Twenties’ classic The Great Gatsby in the fictional locations of East Egg and West Egg on Long Island … Continue reading “Big Shorting Gatsby”
July 30, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Billionaire founder of Netscape has failed to sell his Palm Beach mansion in a year; it remains on the market for £105 million (or 754% more than he paid for it in 1999) Four times married, a father of four and a collector of rather large gin palaces, Texan James H. Clark founded Netscape … Continue reading “Palming Off Il Palmetto”
June 26, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Unrestored Virginia estate owned by the same family since 1740 for sale for the first time ever A 410.18-acre estate in Virginia that has been owned by the same family since 1740 has gone on sale for £1.53 million ($1.95 million, €1.75 million or درهم7.16 million). Completely unaltered and on the National Register … Continue reading “Virgin Virginia”
June 19, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Eccentric Hudson Heights, New York cliffside residence for sale for £3.33 million; at certain times of day it resembles a pumpkin 16 Chittenden Avenue, Hudson Heights, New York certainly doesn’t sound like an inspirational place to live. Though mention of this address won’t set pulses racing and despite one previous owner joking: “It’s not … Continue reading “The Pumpkin House”
May 22, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Refurbished Surrey manor house with connections to Detmar Blow and Gertrude Jekyll for sale for £2.55 million Reduced in price by £200,000 since when it was previously on the market in June 2015, a Surrey manor house is again for sale – but this time for £2.55 million ($3.32 million, €2.96 million or درهم12.20 … Continue reading “Making a Manor”
May 13, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Prominent banker attempts to sell San Francisco mansion for a sum 205% higher than it achieved in 1993; it comes with an outdoor theatre Built in 1904 of brick on a wood frame and subject to a seismic upgrade in 1994, 3444 Washington Street in Presidio Heights, San Francisco was sold for $15.2 million … Continue reading “Staging the Dollars”
May 8, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
1948 Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport cabriolet to be auctioned; it attracted the attentions of Marlene Dietrich and has a Hermés interior In October 1949, the chameleon-like actress and singer Marlene Dietrich (1901 – 1992) was photographed “descending elegantly” from a custom-built T26 Talbot Grand Sport by coachbuilders Franay at the Paris Salon. That car … Continue reading “Marlene’s Motor”
May 2, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Asking price for America’s tallest single-family residence – a 124-foot tall tower in Phoenix, Arizona – slashed by 74%; it is somewhat dated but costs nearly nothing to heat and nearly nothing in property taxes either They say “the bigger, the better” but in the case of Falcon Nest at Prescott in Arizona, it … Continue reading “Tall Poppy Syndrome”
April 30, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Seriously expensive waterfront building plot goes on sale outside San Francisco; it comes with plans for the perfect home for a tech titan 14.5 acres of forested land with 2,000 feet of frontage to San Francisco Bay shoreline has gone on sale for what could be one of the highest prices ever for a … Continue reading “A Pointedly Pricey Plot”
April 2, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
New York’s “most impressive” Dutch colonial house for sale for £2.59 million in spite of needing updating Built in 1735 and listed as a designated New York landmark in 1966, 126 West Drive in Douglaston, Queens is considered to be New York’s “most impressive architectural remnant of the early Dutch Culture”. It has just … Continue reading “A Dutch Delight”
February 6, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Belvedere, CA home of late tech billionaire and author of ‘Sex and the Single Zillionaire’ Thomas Perkins for sale; he entertained amongst others Sophia Loren and Rupert Murdoch there Thomas Perkins (1932 – 2016) had it all. Born in New York, this Harvard University and MIT graduate made his fortune in Silicon Valley, California … Continue reading “Sex and the Single Zillionaire”
December 4, 2016
by Kathryn Fensterstock
Kathryn Fensterstock reports on a party to celebrate Pickett’s new partnership with the Mayor’s Fund for London On 16th November, to mark becoming an official charity partner of the Mayor’s Fund for London, Pickett hosted a drinks reception and raffle in Mayfair’s Burlington Gardens. Guests, including Sotheby’s director Joanna Booth, Cristina Maxson, the … Continue reading “Partnering With Pickett”
December 1, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Iconic modernist house in Connecticut by renowned architect John Black Lee reduced in price by 60% Award winning architect John Black Lee (1924 – 2016) was born in Chicago and took influence from the ‘Harvard Five’ architects Marcel Breur and Philip C. Johnson. He built, for his own occupation, a house 48 miles outside … Continue reading “A Tremendous Triangle”
October 17, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
A property named ‘2431 Riviera Drive’ sounds ordinary but its setting is anything but that – and it has a price tag to match ‘2431 Riviera Drive’ isn’t the most fetching name for a house but in Irvine Cove, Laguna Beach, California just such a property is for sale. It comes with an especially … Continue reading “Anything But Ordinary”
April 25, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Hampshire estate Hackwood Park goes on the open market for £65 million – making it one of most expensive country houses ever offered for sale in Britain
April 8, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
After the sale of Conrad Black’s mansion provided indication of interest in Toronto’s real estate market, The Steeple Times features a similarly spectacular property in nearby Etobicoke
March 24, 2016
December 10, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
“Supremely rare” 1959 BMW 507 roadster to be auctioned in New York on 10th December 2015
November 11, 2015
by General
New York based fashionista, tastemaker and 1stdibs editor Mollie Ruprecht married art dealer Alex Acquavella in August 2015 in St Barths.
September 21, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Refrigerator created by the Porsche Design Studio to be sold by Sotheby’s with a guide of £80,000 to £100,000
July 25, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Asking price of Californian estate cut by £37.8 million; condition of owner being allowed to live there until he dies removed
July 20, 2015
by General
Debbie Bancroft spends her days amongst the upper echelons of New York and Southampton yet considers the word “socialite” to be “meaningless”.
May 30, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
American diet guru Jenny Craig’s ocean side residence remains on the market for £25.9 million after one year for sale – it is anything but a symbol of moderation
April 25, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Vast Victorian Isle of Wight mansion connected to The Charge of the Light Brigade for sale – Only those with large cheque books need apply
March 8, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
£46.4 million Woodside estate remains for sale despite £10.1 million price cut
November 1, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Cielo de Bonaire: A vast £39 million villa that has failed to sell in three years that truly must have been built with a dictator or drug dealer in mind
September 23, 2014
by General
The Paris-born son of fashion editor Carine Roitfeld and Equipment shirt brand founder Christian Restoin, Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld is the founder of New York art dealership of the same name. He’s the godson of the photographer Mario Testino and has dated the fashionista Giovanna Battaglia and “the female Roman Abramovich” Goga Ashkenazi. Restoin Roitfeld – … Continue reading “Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld (AKA “Vlad” Restoin Roitfeld)”
July 29, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
A £6.9 million home in “Britain’s Monte Carlo” Whilst London has “Billionaires Row” in the form of Kensington Palace Gardens, the coastal county of Dorset has an equivalent in the form of the Sandbanks Peninsula – known locally as “Millionaires Row”. Property prices here are said to be the fourth highest on the planet
December 25, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
20 questions with photographer Cyrus Mahboubian The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Artistic pursuits take up most of my time. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? I think the ethic of reciprocity “do unto others as you would have them do to you” is a … Continue reading “Cyrus Mahboubian: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
October 16, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
RM Auctions offer a Toyota for a million dollars Toyota is not a firm that one generally associates with sports cars and luxury, but with the sale of a 1967 Toyota 2000GT at an expected price of $1,000,000 (£625,000), we’ve definitely found an exception.
October 1, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
A collector of English drawings and watercolours since the age of 14 and second to none as an auctioneer, Eton educated Wyndham hammered down Giacometti’s Walking Man sculpture for £65 million in 2010 and Rubens’ Massacre of the Innocents for £49.5 million in 2002. His glasses saved his sight in a shooting accident in Scotland … Continue reading “Henry Wyndham”
August 16, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The best apartments for ultra high net worth individuals Jet setting ultra high net worth individuals, be they top flight hedge fund titans or Russian oligarchs, often want homes that they can lock-up-and-leave when they head off to yet another of their residences. They also tend to like properties with the very best of … Continue reading “Five of the best: Apartments for the jet set”
June 8, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Anarchists issue a map of the corporations, individuals and places in Central London that they view to be the “hiding places of power” “Activists and agitators” Stop G8 UK have published a map of those they think should be targeted in London’s West End.
May 12, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks public relations guru The Hon. Alexandra Foley: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? My nanny. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? “Ut prosim” – “That I may do good”. I like … Continue reading “Alexandra Foley: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
May 7, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The sale of a £400,000 castle owned by a man who was an inspiration for the creation of James Bond’s nom de plume Sir Hilary Bray, Bt and for many elements of 007’s character also Count Robin de la Lanne-Mirrlees (1925 – 2012) is largely thought of as the man whose persona Ian Fleming … Continue reading “Lord of the Bond”
April 25, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The sale of a $125 million penthouse on the top three floors of The Pierre In London this week, the Evening Standard announced that a 50,000 square foot Grade I listed Regency house, 18 Carlton House Terrace, SW1 has gone on the market at £250,000,000. If it achieves this figure, it will become the … Continue reading “New York’s priciest pad”
April 8, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The sale of a 15,000 square foot Hamptons home complete with a private island and a room with a truly spectacular view Andrew Zaro is a collector with a difference. This philanthropist and Democratic donor leads a life that is no doubt the envy of those from whom his firm, Cavalry Portfolio Services, “helps … Continue reading “Collecting a view”
April 2, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
American born von Kories zu Goetzen was heavily involved in The Residents’ Society of Mayfair & St. James’s and lived in grandeur on St. James’s Square. In an article in 1982, TIME accused her of being involved in a jewellery heist at the Ritz Paris. They were later forced to issue an apology. A portrait … Continue reading “Baroness Stefania von Kories zu Goetzen (1939 – 2013)”
March 8, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The uninvited nuisances who are the nightmare of any party host First published in October 2011 on a blog written by Matthew Steeples, we revisit the story of the leading gatecrashers who boldly go where no others would dare. Gatecrashers are people who get into parties without invitations. Central London seems to be … Continue reading “Crashing Assange”
March 4, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The sale of a $100 million Californian estate with a catch If you were to spend $100,000,000 on a house, you’d expect something impressive. I imagine you’d want acreage, vast amounts of space and something luxurious. Stunning views and a prime location would be a must but at the bottom of your list, no … Continue reading “Till death do us part”
February 10, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The sale of a gadget laden James Bond-mobile “I never joke about my work” stated Q when James Bond enquires about the ejector seat in his new Aston Martin DB5 in Goldfinger. In October 2010, RM Auctions in association with Sotheby’s sold one of the four world famous 1964 Aston Martin DB5’s made … Continue reading “Ejector seat? You must be joking”
November 18, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
A Modernist masterpiece based upon simple rationalism Two buildings were designed by architects Carlo di Carli and Antonio Carminati in 1953 – 1954 in Milan’s Via dei Giardini. Both are considered Modernist masterpieces and both stand proudly in this, the city’s only tree lined street. Carlo di Carli (1910 – 1999) is considered … Continue reading “All work and no bunga bunga makes Versace a good boy”
November 15, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples delves into the history of Albany, Piccadilly and discovers an affordable way of living there Albany, off Piccadilly in Mayfair, was most probably London’s first apartment block and it’s certainly the city’s most exclusive. It may be next to the Royal Academy and opposite Fortnum & Mason but surprisingly few have even … Continue reading “The badgers of Albany”
November 13, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
The rise and fall of the “wealthiest divorcee in history” has been extraordinary. A former nude model for her first husband’s Knave magazine and star of adult films such as “The Nine Acres of Nakedness,” Patricia Kluge is the daughter of an Englishman and a Scots-Iraqi. She married her second husband, the late John Kluge, … Continue reading “Patricia Kluge (née Rose)”
October 22, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks the right-wing businessman and owner of Maunsel House and Woodlands Castle, Sir Benjamin Slade: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” What’s your guiding force? Money, power, sex, success, land, trees, books and fine wine. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, … Continue reading “Sir Benjamin Slade Bt.: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
October 1, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
The sale of a $25 million mansion modeled on Marie Antoinette’s favourite retreat that has connections to Levi Strauss & Co., Yehudi Menuhin, the Zodiac Killer and a controversial dot-com tycoon Modeled on the Petit Trianon, a small château in the grounds of Versailles that was favoured by Louis XVI’s wife Marie Antoinette, the … Continue reading “Going under the Kosh”
May 23, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Berkoff is a titan of the stage and a might with a pen. He’s best known for playing the darkest of characters but in reality he’s charm personified. Berkoff beat Julie Burchill in a libel case in 1996 and finds it “flattering” to play evil characters. He lives on the river in a converted warehouse … Continue reading “Steven Berkoff”
April 22, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
An iconic home that has periodically been for sale for some 7 years with hardly any variation in the price asked for it
