Tag: USA

  • Stunning Stonewall

    Stunning Stonewall

    Co-founder of Calvin Klein Inc. puts his 740 acre equestrian estate just an hour from New York up for sale for £81 million; about 65 stake winners and several horses that have competed at the Kentucky Derby have been produced there

    “Murdered grocer’s son from the Bronx” Barry K. Schwartz and his childhood friend Calvin Klein co-founded the now world-famous fashion brand Calvin Klein Inc. in 1968 and sold it for £589 million in 2003.

     

    Stunning Stonewall Farm – Co-founder of Calvin Klein Inc. puts his 740-acre equestrian estate just an hour from New York up for sale for £81 million – Stonewall Farm, Mahopac Avenue, Granite Springs, Westchester County, New York, NY 10527, United States of America is for sale through Christie’s International Real Estate.
    Barry K. Schwartz with Calvin Klein.
    Stunning Stonewall Farm – Co-founder of Calvin Klein Inc. puts his 740-acre equestrian estate just an hour from New York up for sale for £81 million – Stonewall Farm, Mahopac Avenue, Granite Springs, Westchester County, New York, NY 10527, United States of America is for sale through Christie’s International Real Estate.
    Barry K. and Sheryl Schwartz.

    Aside from spending his ever-growing fortune on horses – one of which he named ‘Degenerate Jon’ (after his son) and another ‘Killer Diller’ (after his friend the media mogul Barry Diller) – Schwartz and his wife, Sheryl, purchased 673 acres of land to the north of New York City in Westchester County in 1979 for the back then far from insubstantial sum then of £2.6 million.

     

    There, not that far from Belmont Park racetrack in the small residential hamlet of Granite Springs, after adding yet more land to take their “equestrian estate” to a grand total of 18 deeded parcels on 740 contiguous acres, the couple created a world-class equestrian establishment that they filled with thoroughbred racehorses. Facilities at ‘Stonewall Farm’ – as it is now known – have evolved to include a turf racetrack, riding trails, a 40-stall yearling barn, two 24-stall broodmare barns, round pens and 4board fenced paddocks and pastures with run-in sheds.

     

    A year after cashing in alongside Klein, stamp collector Schwartz’s new home was completed on the property. It features 24,000 square foot of accommodation, 8 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. There is a 2,200-bottle wine cellar, a pub, a two-storey library “that would delight any reader” and living spaces that “invites elegant entertaining, whether intimate or on a grand scale,” according to selling agents Christie’s International Real Estate.

     

    Elsewhere in the grounds, there are 8 staff residences (to house the 30 employees that currently maintain the estate), a guest house and a caretaker’s house. Formal gardens, designed by Edmund D. Hollander in geometric French and Japanese styles, adjoin the house and there is a 60-foot long swimming pool within a 4,000 square foot pavilion also.

     

    Stonewall Farm is situated just one hour from Manhattan, but now that Mr and Mrs Schwartz are spending more time at another of their homes in Santa Barbara, California, they have decided to sell. Of it, realtor Kathleen Coumou told The Journal News:

     

    “It’s on one of the largest pieces of property that one can purchase in the county. It was so convenient for [the Schwartzes] to be on this farm, with all its privacy, and still be close to New York… [It’s] magnificently laid out, with a southern-looking main house and behind it, it’s like you’re in Kentucky. You see the pastures with the horses and lots of woodlands. It’s quite spread out – it feels like you’re somewhere else, not in Westchester County… You have gorgeous views – hills and ponds and horses and paddocks, and different levels of rolling hills… You certainly can’t see anybody else around.”

     

    “[Stonewall Farm will be sold to] a billionaire, who could come from anywhere.”

     

    The Names & Numbers – Stonewall Farm, Mahopac Avenue, Granite Springs, Westchester County, New York, NY 10527, United States of America

     

    April 2020 – For sale for £80.7 million ($100 million, €92.1 million or درهم368 million) through Christie’s International Real Estate. Of why, they chose this sum, realtor Kathleen Coumou told The Journal News: “We did a very thorough appraisal of the property – the land and all of the buildings – and came up with a price of $110 million, and then we decided to round it down to $100 million.”

     

    June 2005 – The house is featured in Architectural Digest.

     

    1999 to 2004 – Construction of main house, a “colonial-style manor” with a “white clapboard facade and a slate roof repurposed from the Yale Divinity School,” was completed to the designs of the New York architect Rebecca Rasmussen with an interior by the London based interior designer Kelly Hoppen.

     

    2003 – Calvin Klein and Barry K. Schwartz sell their company to Philips-Van Heusen (now known as PVH Corp.) for £589 million ($730 million, €672 million or درهم2.7 billion).

     

    1979 – Barry K. and Sheryl Schwartz pay £2.6 million ($3.25 million, €3 million or درهم11.9 million) for 673 acres of land. Of buying it, Mr Schwartz later commented: “”It was the easiest negotiation of my life. The seller asked $3.5 million, I offered $3 million and we settled on $3.25 million.” The couple purchased further land shortly thereafter.

     

    1968 – Calvin Klein (born 19th November 1942) co-founds Calvin Klein Inc. with his childhood friend Barry K. Schwartz (born 25th May 1942) with a loan of £8,100 ($10,000, €9,200 or درهم36,700).

     

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    Stunning Stonewall Farm – Co-founder of Calvin Klein Inc. puts his 740-acre equestrian estate just an hour from New York up for sale for £81 million – Stonewall Farm, Mahopac Avenue, Granite Springs, Westchester County, New York, NY 10527, United States of America is for sale through Christie’s International Real Estate.
    Stunning Stonewall Farm – Co-founder of Calvin Klein Inc. puts his 740-acre equestrian estate just an hour from New York up for sale for £81 million – Stonewall Farm, Mahopac Avenue, Granite Springs, Westchester County, New York, NY 10527, United States of America is for sale through Christie’s International Real Estate.
    Stunning Stonewall Farm – Co-founder of Calvin Klein Inc. puts his 740-acre equestrian estate just an hour from New York up for sale for £81 million – Stonewall Farm, Mahopac Avenue, Granite Springs, Westchester County, New York, NY 10527, United States of America is for sale through Christie’s International Real Estate.
    Stunning Stonewall Farm – Co-founder of Calvin Klein Inc. puts his 740-acre equestrian estate just an hour from New York up for sale for £81 million – Stonewall Farm, Mahopac Avenue, Granite Springs, Westchester County, New York, NY 10527, United States of America is for sale through Christie’s International Real Estate.
    Stunning Stonewall Farm – Co-founder of Calvin Klein Inc. puts his 740-acre equestrian estate just an hour from New York up for sale for £81 million – Stonewall Farm, Mahopac Avenue, Granite Springs, Westchester County, New York, NY 10527, United States of America is for sale through Christie’s International Real Estate.
    Stunning Stonewall Farm – Co-founder of Calvin Klein Inc. puts his 740-acre equestrian estate just an hour from New York up for sale for £81 million – Stonewall Farm, Mahopac Avenue, Granite Springs, Westchester County, New York, NY 10527, United States of America is for sale through Christie’s International Real Estate.
    Stunning Stonewall Farm – Co-founder of Calvin Klein Inc. puts his 740-acre equestrian estate just an hour from New York up for sale for £81 million – Stonewall Farm, Mahopac Avenue, Granite Springs, Westchester County, New York, NY 10527, United States of America is for sale through Christie’s International Real Estate.
    Stunning Stonewall Farm – Co-founder of Calvin Klein Inc. puts his 740-acre equestrian estate just an hour from New York up for sale for £81 million – Stonewall Farm, Mahopac Avenue, Granite Springs, Westchester County, New York, NY 10527, United States of America is for sale through Christie’s International Real Estate.
    Stunning Stonewall Farm – Co-founder of Calvin Klein Inc. puts his 740-acre equestrian estate just an hour from New York up for sale for £81 million – Stonewall Farm, Mahopac Avenue, Granite Springs, Westchester County, New York, NY 10527, United States of America is for sale through Christie’s International Real Estate.
    Stunning Stonewall Farm – Co-founder of Calvin Klein Inc. puts his 740-acre equestrian estate just an hour from New York up for sale for £81 million – Stonewall Farm, Mahopac Avenue, Granite Springs, Westchester County, New York, NY 10527, United States of America is for sale through Christie’s International Real Estate.
    Stunning Stonewall Farm – Co-founder of Calvin Klein Inc. puts his 740-acre equestrian estate just an hour from New York up for sale for £81 million – Stonewall Farm, Mahopac Avenue, Granite Springs, Westchester County, New York, NY 10527, United States of America is for sale through Christie’s International Real Estate.
    Stunning Stonewall Farm – Co-founder of Calvin Klein Inc. puts his 740-acre equestrian estate just an hour from New York up for sale for £81 million – Stonewall Farm, Mahopac Avenue, Granite Springs, Westchester County, New York, NY 10527, United States of America is for sale through Christie’s International Real Estate.
    Stunning Stonewall Farm – Co-founder of Calvin Klein Inc. puts his 740-acre equestrian estate just an hour from New York up for sale for £81 million – Stonewall Farm, Mahopac Avenue, Granite Springs, Westchester County, New York, NY 10527, United States of America is for sale through Christie’s International Real Estate.
    Stunning Stonewall Farm – Co-founder of Calvin Klein Inc. puts his 740-acre equestrian estate just an hour from New York up for sale for £81 million – Stonewall Farm, Mahopac Avenue, Granite Springs, Westchester County, New York, NY 10527, United States of America is for sale through Christie’s International Real Estate.
    Stunning Stonewall Farm – Co-founder of Calvin Klein Inc. puts his 740-acre equestrian estate just an hour from New York up for sale for £81 million – Stonewall Farm, Mahopac Avenue, Granite Springs, Westchester County, New York, NY 10527, United States of America is for sale through Christie’s International Real Estate.
    Stunning Stonewall Farm – Co-founder of Calvin Klein Inc. puts his 740-acre equestrian estate just an hour from New York up for sale for £81 million – Stonewall Farm, Mahopac Avenue, Granite Springs, Westchester County, New York, NY 10527, United States of America is for sale through Christie’s International Real Estate.
    Stunning Stonewall Farm – Co-founder of Calvin Klein Inc. puts his 740-acre equestrian estate just an hour from New York up for sale for £81 million – Stonewall Farm, Mahopac Avenue, Granite Springs, Westchester County, New York, NY 10527, United States of America is for sale through Christie’s International Real Estate.
    Stunning Stonewall Farm – Co-founder of Calvin Klein Inc. puts his 740-acre equestrian estate just an hour from New York up for sale for £81 million – Stonewall Farm, Mahopac Avenue, Granite Springs, Westchester County, New York, NY 10527, United States of America is for sale through Christie’s International Real Estate.
    Stunning Stonewall Farm – Co-founder of Calvin Klein Inc. puts his 740-acre equestrian estate just an hour from New York up for sale for £81 million – Stonewall Farm, Mahopac Avenue, Granite Springs, Westchester County, New York, NY 10527, United States of America is for sale through Christie’s International Real Estate.
    Stunning Stonewall Farm – Co-founder of Calvin Klein Inc. puts his 740-acre equestrian estate just an hour from New York up for sale for £81 million – Stonewall Farm, Mahopac Avenue, Granite Springs, Westchester County, New York, NY 10527, United States of America is for sale through Christie’s International Real Estate.
    Stunning Stonewall Farm – Co-founder of Calvin Klein Inc. puts his 740-acre equestrian estate just an hour from New York up for sale for £81 million – Stonewall Farm, Mahopac Avenue, Granite Springs, Westchester County, New York, NY 10527, United States of America is for sale through Christie’s International Real Estate.
    Stunning Stonewall Farm – Co-founder of Calvin Klein Inc. puts his 740-acre equestrian estate just an hour from New York up for sale for £81 million – Stonewall Farm, Mahopac Avenue, Granite Springs, Westchester County, New York, NY 10527, United States of America is for sale through Christie’s International Real Estate.
    Stunning Stonewall Farm – Co-founder of Calvin Klein Inc. puts his 740-acre equestrian estate just an hour from New York up for sale for £81 million – Stonewall Farm, Mahopac Avenue, Granite Springs, Westchester County, New York, NY 10527, United States of America is for sale through Christie’s International Real Estate.
    Stunning Stonewall Farm – Co-founder of Calvin Klein Inc. puts his 740-acre equestrian estate just an hour from New York up for sale for £81 million – Stonewall Farm, Mahopac Avenue, Granite Springs, Westchester County, New York, NY 10527, United States of America is for sale through Christie’s International Real Estate.
  • Slumlord Kushner’s Broke

    Slumlord Kushner’s Broke

    Jared Kushner – New York’s answer to the 1960s London slumlord Peter Rachman – shown to be unable to pay his debts just as he sticks his mucky mitts in over coronavirus

    Quite rightly branded an “daddy’s boy, total nerd, unelected slumlord” and “sleazy” and “unqualified” by rising star men’s swimwear designer George Sotelo on Instagram, Jared Kushner – the dimwitted Rachman-like husband of the self-serving wench Ivanka Trump – was exposed last week by Guest of a Guest as being unable to pay his debts “right now.”

     

    Kushner – whose father is a convicted tax evader and witness tamperer – has defaulted on the mortage of 229 West 43rd Street, the former New York Times building, and now he’s totally without justification “playing politics” with coronavirus.

     

    Of his input into something this thick-as-pigshit imbecile knows zilch, zero, nada about, many are rightly asking: “Why is Donald Trump allowing this moron to stick his oar in?”

     

    Whilst Guest of a Guest suggest that their “main takeaway” from the finance problem issue is that “if the Kushners can’t afford their payments, we’re all truly screwed,” we’ll take a different tack. Instead, we’d argue, if the Kushners are indeed f**ked, the world would be a far better place. It’s most certainly time to get this ratbag family off the stage.

     

    Pictured top: Slumlord Jared Kushner and slumlord Peter Rachman (1919 – 1962). The word ‘Rachmanism’ entered the ‘Oxford English Dictionary’ as a synonym for the “exploitation and intimidation of tenants” and today ‘Kushnerism’ will enter it as an updated example also.

     

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  • A Bowled Down Price

    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.

     

    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – 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.
    John Amend with Laura Bush at the bowling alley at Mount Vernon and with his wife Teresa.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – 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.
    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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    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – 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.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – 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.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – 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.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – 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.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – 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.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – 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.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – 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.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – 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.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – 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.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – 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.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – 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.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – 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.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – 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.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – 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.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – 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.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – 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.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – 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.
  • A Seriously Slow Subaru

    A Seriously Slow Subaru

    Quirky 1970 Subaru 360 police car to be sold at auction; unlike anything Colin McRae drove it’s as slow as a snail

    Advertised quite accurately in the United States as “cheap and ugly” by its importer Malcolm Bricklin, the Subaru 360 was the first car produced by the Japanese transport conglomerate Fuji Heavy Industries.

     

    Exempt from normal safety standards because it weighed less than 1,000 pounds, the car was branded “not acceptable” because of safety concerns and lack of power, but now one of the few left – many were “tossed overboard” off boats or “shredded to pieces” due to their unpopularity – is now headed to auction via RM Sotheby’s in May.

     

    A Seriously Slow Subaru – 1970 Subaru 360 police car to be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s on 1st to 2nd May 2020 as part of the Elkhart Collection in Elkhart, Indiana – Quirky Subaru police car to be sold at auction; unlike anything Colin McRae drove it’s as slow as a snail.
    The car to be offered by RM Sotheby’s is nothing like the vehicles that Subaru later created in terms of their abilities to drive at speed; in the 1990s the company became renowned for its wins at the World Rally Championships courtesy of the likes of the late Colin McRae MBE – the Subaru 360 would not have even have got off the starting block in such rallies.

    The fibreglass monocque construction car to be sold, an example from 1970, comes in the form of a police car complete with the livery of the New Zealand Ministry of Transport. It has a siren, light bar and included also are bobby hats according to the auctioneers.

     

    They will offer the vehicle as part of their single owner Elkhart Collection sale on 1st and 2nd of May in Elkhart, Indiana and remark: “[It’s] unlikely to catch any speeders.” Like most of the 230 cars to be auctioned, no reserve set.

     

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    A Seriously Slow Subaru – 1970 Subaru 360 police car to be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s on 1st to 2nd May 2020 as part of the Elkhart Collection in Elkhart, Indiana – Quirky Subaru police car to be sold at auction; unlike anything Colin McRae drove it’s as slow as a snail.
    A Seriously Slow Subaru – 1970 Subaru 360 police car to be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s on 1st to 2nd May 2020 as part of the Elkhart Collection in Elkhart, Indiana – Quirky Subaru police car to be sold at auction; unlike anything Colin McRae drove it’s as slow as a snail.
    A Seriously Slow Subaru – 1970 Subaru 360 police car to be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s on 1st to 2nd May 2020 as part of the Elkhart Collection in Elkhart, Indiana – Quirky Subaru police car to be sold at auction; unlike anything Colin McRae drove it’s as slow as a snail.
    A Seriously Slow Subaru – 1970 Subaru 360 police car to be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s on 1st to 2nd May 2020 as part of the Elkhart Collection in Elkhart, Indiana – Quirky Subaru police car to be sold at auction; unlike anything Colin McRae drove it’s as slow as a snail.
    A Seriously Slow Subaru – 1970 Subaru 360 police car to be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s on 1st to 2nd May 2020 as part of the Elkhart Collection in Elkhart, Indiana – Quirky Subaru police car to be sold at auction; unlike anything Colin McRae drove it’s as slow as a snail.
    A Seriously Slow Subaru – 1970 Subaru 360 police car to be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s on 1st to 2nd May 2020 as part of the Elkhart Collection in Elkhart, Indiana – Quirky Subaru police car to be sold at auction; unlike anything Colin McRae drove it’s as slow as a snail.
  • Hero of the Hour – Ty Warner

    Hero of the Hour – Ty Warner

    Toy manufacturing billionaire Ty Warner has most generously turned over his 368 room hotel free of charge for New York’s medical workers for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic

    Ty Warner is a billionaire with a difference in that he doesn’t hoard his fortune. He’s given millions to charity and once, when he stopped a woman to ask for directions in California and discovered she needed a stem-cell procedure, he gave her the £16,000 ($20,000) required to save her life.

     

    This week, yet again proving his selfless nature, Chicago born Warner – whose fortune comes from making the Beanie Babies range of toys – turned over a hotel he owns, the I. M. Pei designed Four Seasons New York, for the use of the city’s medical workers, doctors and nurses treating coronavirus patients.

     

    Of why he decided to do this, Warner told Town & Country magazine:

     

    “Many of those working in New York City have to travel long distances to and from their homes after putting in 18-hour days… They need a place close to work where they can rest and regenerate. I heard Governor Cuomo’s call to action during one of his press conferences, and there was no other option for us but do whatever we could to help.”

     

    We join those saluting this very, very generous man and urge British business tycoons to follow Ty Warner’s lead. To date, amongst those who’ve failed in that regard in Blighty are Mike Ashley, Sir Richard Branson, Sir Philip Green and Tim Martin.

     

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  • A Landy or a Thing?

    A Landy or a Thing?

    Nine seat, thirty year old Land Rover for sale for staggering sum; a cheaper alternative at RM Sotheby’s auction (forced online because of coronavirus) is a Volkswagen ‘Thing’

    With coronavirus grinding everything from the Olympics to consuming a sandwich in Pret to a halt, everyone is having to change the way they do things and the automobilia sector is no exception.

     

    Now, with so many concours and sales cancelled, the likes of RM Sotheby’s have been forced to take their auctions online and consequently they are now providing not only more photographs of each and every vehicle they try and sell, but they’re also bombarding their clients with ever more emails. Here is a new way of marketing, but whether it’ll work is yet to be seen.

     

    An annual  auction planned to be held in Palm Beach by the firm is a case in point. It has now been moved to an online affair that is being held between the 20th and 28th March and amongst the highlights (aside from the usual multi-million dollar offerings) is a thirty year old Land Rover Defender 110. The 3.5-litre vehicle, 4×4 is finished in what is described as a “striking shade of blue” and comes with upgraded coil springs, fold down steps and an external roll cage. It has nine seats and though not in the best of condition is listed with an ambitious estimate of £77,000 to £94,000 ($90,000 to $110,000, €84,000 to €102,000 or درهم331,000 to درهم404,000)

     

    For those looking for a cheaper yet equally noticeable option in the same auction, RM Sotheby’s offer a 1974 Volkswagen 181 (commonly known as a ‘Thing’ in America) with a guide of £21,000 to £26,000 ($25,000 to $30,000, €23,000 to €28,000 or درهم92,000 to درهم110,000). The pumpkin orange with black interior vehicle – which is located in Vero Beach, Florida currently – has been “freshly restored” and was one of around 90,000 built between 1968 and 1983. Described as being “reliable” and “cheap to maintain,” this fun 4-speed military cabriolet would most definitely suit Sacha Baron Cohen’s ‘Borat’ but would equally be at home cruising London’s Kings Road.

     

    As of 9.30pm on 24th March, the bid on the Land Rover Defender stands at £41,000 ($48,000, €45,000 or درهم176,000) and closes on 26th March, whilst the current bid on the Volkswagen ‘Thing’ is £11,000 ($13,000, €12,000 or درهم48,000) and closes on 28th March.

     

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    A Landy or a Thing? RM Sotheby’s Palm Beach auction goes online – Nine seat, thirty year old 1990 Land Rover 110 Defender for sale for staggering sum; a cheaper alternative at RM Sotheby’s auction (forced online because of coronavirus) is a 1974 Volkswagen 181 ‘Thing’ – 20th to 28th March 2020 in Florida.
    The pumpkin orange Volkswagen on offer.
    A Landy or a Thing? RM Sotheby’s Palm Beach auction goes online – Nine seat, thirty year old 1990 Land Rover 110 Defender for sale for staggering sum; a cheaper alternative at RM Sotheby’s auction (forced online because of coronavirus) is a 1974 Volkswagen 181 ‘Thing’ – 20th to 28th March 2020 in Florida.
    The front of the Land Rover seats three.
    A Landy or a Thing? RM Sotheby’s Palm Beach auction goes online – Nine seat, thirty year old 1990 Land Rover 110 Defender for sale for staggering sum; a cheaper alternative at RM Sotheby’s auction (forced online because of coronavirus) is a 1974 Volkswagen 181 ‘Thing’ – 20th to 28th March 2020 in Florida.
    The rear takes six.
    A Landy or a Thing? RM Sotheby’s Palm Beach auction goes online – Nine seat, thirty year old 1990 Land Rover 110 Defender for sale for staggering sum; a cheaper alternative at RM Sotheby’s auction (forced online because of coronavirus) is a 1974 Volkswagen 181 ‘Thing’ – 20th to 28th March 2020 in Florida.
    The view of the vehicle from the rear.
  • Arise The Gavinator

    Arise The Gavinator

    Gavin Newsom brings hope to America and we expect him to great things as 40th Governor of California; we also urge him to do what he can to free the victims of parental abuse, the Menendez brothers

     

    Gavin Newsom, as the 42nd Mayor of San Francisco, achieved much. This spirited businessman brought in same-sex marriage in violation of the then state law, implemented a programme that provided permanent housing with support for 7,000 homeless people and did much to support workers’ rights.

     

    Awarded the title of “America’s Most Social Mayor” based on his prominence on social media in 2010, here is a politician who has thrived because he does things differently. Charismatic and forward thinking, Newsom’s first book, Citizenville, explored how technology can transform democracy and in 2014, by then the 49th Lieutenant Governor of California, he became the only statewide politician to endorse the legalisation of cannabis.

     

    More importantly, illustrating his thoroughly decent personality, in 2012, Newsom supported a sadly failed measure that sought to end the death penalty in California. He cited that California had spent $5 billion since 1978 to execute just 13 people and also stated that the death penalty was “immoral” and “did not deter crime.”

     

    Yesterday, Newsom – a possible future President we’d go as far to say – was sworn in as the 40th Governor of California. Walking in the shoes of Arnold Schwarzenegger will undoubtedly be a new challenge for him and presiding over the most populous and prosperous state in the United States will certainly bring with it great challenges. With 39.6 million residents and a $2.9 trillion economy that is larger than that of the United Kingdom, he plans to work to reform healthcare, has already stood up to Donald Trump over his ridiculous wall and described it as a “monument of stupidity” and boldy taken on the NRA and stated: “We need comprehensive gun reform. NOW.”

     

    All at The Steeple Times today salute ‘The Gavinator’ – as he once joked he would be known – but today, on his second day in office, we make a more heartfelt plea to him. Given the increasing amount of support and increasing amount of information about their case finally now being in the public domain, we urge the 40th Governor to take up the mantle of the permanently incarcerated victims of the most abhorrent of parental abuse, Erik and Lyle Menenendez. These boys received the most harsh of sentences simply because of who they were and have been locked up in Californian jails for 27 years without any chance of release ever. It is, we’d argue, now damn well time they were let out and it would be a fine thing if Gavin Newsom could do what he can to ensure the day when these brothers again walk free comes sooner rather than later.

     

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  • Mrs Simpson Farmed in Mayfair

    Mrs Simpson Farmed in Mayfair

    Mayfair “farmhouse” where Mrs Simpson began her affair with the then Prince of Wales for sale for 147% more than it was marketed for in 2012

     

    Last marketed at a price of £4.75 million ($6.04 million, €5.30 million or درهم22.19 million) in 2012 and offered for sale in 2005 at an undisclosed sum also, a house where the then Mrs Simpson began her affair with the then Prince of Wales is again for sale.

     

    Rebuilt in the early 1900s by a Mrs M. Strakosch in “the Gothic style,” Farm House – or 22 Farm Street as it is more simply known – stands on the site of a farmhouse that predated the development of Mayfair.

     

    Entered through a large oak front door that feature the heads of the twelve apostles, the half-timbered house Mrs Strakosch commissioned featured Flemish linenfold paneling and 17th century doors. Though much of this has now gone, a number of Jacobean and medieval features remain and what is now offered is described as “the perfect space for modern entertaining.”

     

    Mrs Simpson Farmed in Mayfair – Farm House, 22 Farm Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 5RQ, United Kingdom – For sale for £11.75 million ($14.95 million, €13.12 million or درهم54.90 million) through Knight Frank.
    Farm House, 22 Farm Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 5RQ – For sale for £11.75 million

    Mrs Simpson Farmed in Mayfair – Farm House, 22 Farm Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 5RQ, United Kingdom – For sale for £11.75 million ($14.95 million, €13.12 million or درهم54.90 million) through Knight Frank.
    Gloria Swanson, Gloria Vanderbilt and Thelma Furness

     

    Farm House includes three reception rooms, two kitchens, six bedrooms, four bathrooms, two terraces and a garage. It extends to 4,564 square foot over four floors and was home to the Swiss born Thelma Furness, Viscountess Furness (1904 – 1970), the twice married mistress of the then Prince of Wales and later King Edward VIII between 1930 and 1934, during their relationship.

     

    Furness, whose twin sister Gloria (1904 – 1965) became a Vanderbilt and was also the maternal grandmother of the American news anchor Anderson Cooper, at this time, was friends with Wallis Simpson. She introduced her American friend to the prince at her country house, Burrough Court, near Melton Mowbray, first in 1931 but then became supplanted in his affections in 1934.

     

    With their relationship approaching its end, Furness embarked on a short affair with Prince Aly Khan whilst in America and whilst there allowed Simpson to live in her Farm Street home according to the actress Gloria Swanson (1899 – 1983). Later, in her autobiography Silent Boulevard, Swanson wrote:

     

    “Lady Thelma Furness had a charming house on Farm Street, where her friend Wallis Simpson has kept the Prince of Wales company while Thelma was away in the States.”

     

    Swanson, whilst pregnant, and her then husband Michael Farmer subsequently rented Farm House from Furness and of their time there wrote: “The house was empty for the moment, so we settled in to wait for the baby and see old friends.”

     

    Knight Frank now seek £11.75 million ($14.95 million, €13.12 million or درهم54.90 million) for Farm House. Reportedly, according to a 2012 Mayfair Times article, the property comes with deeds that specifically mention that it still has a “right of way for sheep.”

     

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    Mrs Simpson Farmed in Mayfair – Farm House, 22 Farm Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 5RQ, United Kingdom – For sale for £11.75 million ($14.95 million, €13.12 million or درهم54.90 million) through Knight Frank. Mrs Simpson Farmed in Mayfair – Farm House, 22 Farm Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 5RQ, United Kingdom – For sale for £11.75 million ($14.95 million, €13.12 million or درهم54.90 million) through Knight Frank.Mrs Simpson Farmed in Mayfair – Farm House, 22 Farm Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 5RQ, United Kingdom – For sale for £11.75 million ($14.95 million, €13.12 million or درهم54.90 million) through Knight Frank.Mrs Simpson Farmed in Mayfair – Farm House, 22 Farm Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 5RQ, United Kingdom – For sale for £11.75 million ($14.95 million, €13.12 million or درهم54.90 million) through Knight Frank.Mrs Simpson Farmed in Mayfair – Farm House, 22 Farm Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 5RQ, United Kingdom – For sale for £11.75 million ($14.95 million, €13.12 million or درهم54.90 million) through Knight Frank. Mrs Simpson Farmed in Mayfair – Farm House, 22 Farm Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 5RQ, United Kingdom – For sale for £11.75 million ($14.95 million, €13.12 million or درهم54.90 million) through Knight Frank. Mrs Simpson Farmed in Mayfair – Farm House, 22 Farm Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 5RQ, United Kingdom – For sale for £11.75 million ($14.95 million, €13.12 million or درهم54.90 million) through Knight Frank.

  • Hit the Road Marilyn

    Hit the Road Marilyn

    Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned

     

    A 1956 Ford Thunderbird gifted as a Christmas present to Marilyn Monroe in 1955 by her business partner, the photographer Milton Greene, is to be auctioned in November.

     

    The raven black roadster bodied automatic – dubbed a “personal luxury car” by Ford – comes with numerous documents  and of it, the current owner comments:

     

    “I found the vehicle in lovely show condition. Nevertheless, the car has received a frame-off restoration to its exact original appearance by Prestige Thunderbird, Inc., of Santa Fe Springs, CA. Prestige is the premier west coast firm specializing only in classic 1955, 1956, and 1957 Ford Thunderbirds. In recognition of the car’s important provenance, special heed was given to the retention of original parts, with most driver and passenger touch surfaces left undisturbed.”

     

    “Finding this car, a classic two-seater model, after 56 plus years of its unknown whereabouts, was a singular event. No other car has been located and documented as owned by the incomparable Marilyn Monroe.”

     

    Speaking of the 225 horsepower, V8 engined vehicle, Amy Greene, wife of Milton Greene, remarked:

     

    “Marilyn liked to drive. We’d take the convertible and with the top down, we’d go sailing along the highway. We both liked to feel the wind in our faces and the warmth of the heater on our legs.”

     

    Kept and driven by the icon for six years, Monroe and her playwright husband Arthur Miller drove the Thunderbird to their civil wedding ceremony on 28th June 1956 and likely also to their private wedding on 30th June 1956. The vehicle was subsequently ‘regifted’ t to John Strasberg, the son the director and acting coach Lee Strasberg, as an 18th birthday present in 1962. It comes with a black canvas convertible top, a porthole windowed hardtop and has 30,399 miles on the odometer following an engine rebuild.

     

    Darren Julien, president of Julien’s – the firm conducting the sale – added:

     

    “Once in a while something comes along that has a powerful magic about it, a charisma, because of everything and everyone associated with it. This wonderful Ford Thunderbird is not only part of automotive history but comes with an aura of glamour, romance and tragedy of a true Hollywood legend. It will make the centrepiece of any classic car collection and be an object of fascination to millions.”

     

    Julien’s Auctions will offer the car at their ‘Icons and Idols: Hollywood’ on 17th November in Los Angeles, California. They have set an estimate of £230,000 to £384,000 ($300,000 to $500,000, €262,000 to €436,000 or درهم1.1 million to درهم1.8 million).

     

    2018 photos: Courtesy of Julien’s Auctions.

     

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    Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018. Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018. Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018.Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018. Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018. Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018. Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018.Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018. Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018. Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018.Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018.Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018.

  • Haaz Sleiman – What’s on your mantelpiece?

    Haaz Sleiman – What’s on your mantelpiece?

    A 20-question interview with Lebanese-American actor Haaz Sleiman; he has starred in ‘24’, ‘ER’, ‘Killing Jesus’, ‘NCIS’, ‘Nurse Jackie’ and ‘Person of Interest’

     

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

    Love.

     

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

    “If you can’t love yourself, how the hell are you going to love somebody else?”

     

    Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2018?

    Who is she?

     

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

    Definitely not him. I hate politics. I’d say: My future husband. Where is he?

     

    What might you swap all your wealth for?

    To be adopted by Madonna.

     

    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 state of the financial system?

    It is terrible. We have a vanishing middle class.

     

    What phrase or word do you most loathe?

    ‘Retard’.

     

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

    I support anything to do with homeless LGBTQ youth and animals.

     

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

    I’m sorry but I don’t understand the question.

     

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

    My parents and all my siblings with their families.

     

    Lebanese-American actor Haaz Sleiman – What’s on your mantelpiece? He has starred in ‘24’, ‘ER’, ‘Killing Jesus’, ‘NCIS’ and ‘Nurse Jackie’
    Haaz Sleiman as Jesus in the 2015 television film ‘Killing Jesus’

     

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

    In the most lush and exotic natural habitat with tonnes of trees and waterfalls or by the ocean. I’d have the best steak and fries with the most expensive bottle of red wine possible.

     

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

    I don’t drink much really.

     

    A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

    Tea.

     

    Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

    I enjoy concerts because I love seeing how music makes the people come together. Thank you Madonna.

     

    Who is the most positive person you know?

    E-Jay Randolph, my mentor.

     

    What’s your most guilty pleasure?

    RuPual’s Drag Race.

     

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

    A cross with a naked Jesus hanging on it wearing a Star of David pendant around his neck. Jesus would have a tattoo in Arabic on his left pec of the most important line in the Quran, the line that you would need to say to become Muslim. I am interested in inclusion.

     

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

    A Tesla.

     

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

    I’m a baby in a grown ass man’s body. It’s a good thing.

     

    What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

    A framed picture of my beautiful mother.

     

    Haaz Sleiman is a Lebanese-American television and film actor. He starred as Jesus in the TV series ‘Killing Jesus’ and has also appeared in series such as ‘24’, ‘CSI: Miami’, ‘ER’, ‘NCIS’, ‘Nurse Jackie’ and ‘Person of Interest’. He describes himself as: “A lost soul finding its way back home.”

     

    Follow Haaz Sleiman on Twitter at @haazsleiman, on Facebook at @haazsleiman and on Instagram at @haazsleiman

     

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