Zillow – This classic tile-roofed Florida estate has 150 feet of ocean frontage, nine bedrooms and 16 bathrooms.
By Sharona Ott
This nation may not be a monarchy, but modern-day palaces grace the estate market, awaiting their Prince (or Princess) Charming. Why do these homes carry the heftiest of price tags? Coveted locales, private stretches of cerulean waters, bountiful grounds and custom details just scratch the surface.
From dreamy seaside villas to grand hilltop manors, these premium properties cater to the most extraordinary dreams. Check out the following 10 listings detailing some of the biggest home transactions conducted in 2015.
Sold: $46.3 million
Los Angeles
Zillow
Built by architect Paul R. Williams and owned by country music superstar Kenny Rogers in the 1970s, the “Liongate” Bel-Air estate underwent a recent rebuild and expansion that elevated the property to an exceptional level of opulence. The 23,988-square-foot megamansion features three living rooms, a billiards room, a 12-seat theater, a wine room, a stadium-lit tennis court, and an outdoor glass elevator that leads to a ballroom. The home found a buyer four months after completion in March 2015, backed by listing agent Mia Trudeau of Hilton & Hyland.
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Sold: $33 million
Miami Beach, Florida
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Formerly owned by pop diva Jennifer Lopez, this seven-bedroom, 9.5-bath manse continues its legacy of housing music royalty and is now owned by singer-songwriter Phil Collins. Sitting on more than an acre of land with 200 feet of prime Biscayne Bay frontage, this tropical oasis boasts a palm forest, coconut palms, and a koi pond. Backed by listing agent Nelson Gonzalez of EWM Realty International, the spectacular Mediterranean-inspired home was sold in June 2015.
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Sold: $31 million
San Francisco
Zillow
Perched atop one of the highest points in Pacific Heights, this seven-bedroom, seven-bath manor offers an exceptional vista spanning from the Golden Gate Bridge to the San Francisco skyline. Built in 1910, this residence achieves a delicate balance of historic architecture and modern finishes, with an indoor sports court and three rooftop terraces. The home sold in May 2015. Neal Ward of McGuire Real Estate held the listing.
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Sold: $27.5 million
Bridgehampton, New York
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The sleek lines of this modern masterpiece run parallel to its secluded sapphire waterfront. Outdoor and indoor living blend seamlessly in this home nestled on 1.5 acres of coveted Hamptons real estate. Ocean views spread throughout the ultra-luxe modern interior, and there are two outdoor kitchens, a 6,000-square-foot deck and an infinity-edge pool. The property found a buyer in February 2015, thanks to listing agent Erica Grossman of Douglas Elliman.
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Sold: $23 million
Santa Monica, California
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Spanning 3.3 acres, Villa Ruchello is the largest compound in Santa Monica, offering finely landscaped grounds rich with greenery. This 12-bedroom, 12.5-bath estate includes a library, guesthouse, and gatehouse. The exquisitely detailed interior boasts hand-painted beamed ceilings and carved mantels. The property sold in July 2015. Billy Rose of The Agency held the listing.
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Sold: $22.1 million
Manalapan, Florida
Zillow
Located on a lush acre with 150 feet of ocean frontage, this palatial nine-bedroom, 16-bath estate has abundant palm trees and is landscaped to perfection. The property reaches from the ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway, and the custom-designed home has a media room, billiards and bar room, library, wine cellar, and ocean views from the major rooms of the house. Listed by Jilly Cammisa of Premier Estate Properties, the estate sold in January 2015.
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Sold: $21.5 million
Montecito, California
Zillow
This storybook estate spares no expense when it comes to achieving the utmost rustic refinement. The spectacular interior of the eight-bedroom, 10-bath manor features arched hallways and a theater. The manicured grounds offer a formal rose garden, vegetable gardens, orchards, and sweeping views of the ocean and Santa Ynez mountains. Listed by Riskin Associates, the home sold in June 2015.
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Sold: $21 million
Golden Beach, Florida
Zillow
A pristine vision of alabaster amid turquoise waters, this seven-bedroom, 7.5-bath custom-built estate features easy dune access along 100 feet of ocean frontage. Magnificent interior design elements include towering arches, a grand staircase, an elevator, an infinity pool and panoramic ocean views throughout. Sold in October 2015, the listing was held by Rossana Franco of Carrington Real Estate.
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Sold: $20 million
New York
Zillow
A brick townhome rich with Bohemian history, this five-story Greenwich Village home from a bygone era is what big city dreams are made of. Built in 1900, the seven-bedroom, eight-bath home features a posh interior that has been restored to preserve original detail. It also has coveted urban living features such as a library and wet bar, a private terrace, a sprawling kitchen, and a massive walk-in closet. The property sold in October 2015, backed by Shaun Osher and Emily Beare at CORE.
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Sold: $19.9 million
Great Neck, New York
Zillow
With an air of elegance amid the gentle breezes of nearby Long Island Sound, this eight-bedroom, 7.5-bath estate provides more than two acres of private grounds, 200 feet of ocean frontage and a glistening pool. With such opulent details as arched doorways, keystone moldings, mahogany paneling and oak floors, this property found a buyer in July 2015. This fine listing was held by Lainie Charmatz at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.
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