January 3, 2009
by Roberta Murphy
A dear friend who bought her 1970’s-vintage La Costa home ten years ago recently experienced a flooded bathroom that required the removal of drywall.
Discovered behind that wall was the dreaded A-word:
Asbestos.
She will have to move out of her home so that the guys in white suits and masks can come in and remove the lethal substance. Chris is taking it in good stride, and looks forward to returning to a repaired home.
This asbestos issue disturbs me on several levels, primarily because I worry about the health of my friend and her daughter. Hopefully because it was hidden behind a wall for all these years, there will be no after effects. I am also concerned on a professional level, because I represented this friend when she bought the home. I’m not worried about liability, but rather the nagging thoughts about what I might have done to detect this latent problem ten years ago.
Probably not much, given that this elementary school teacher was not likely to have spent her down payment on hiring guys in white suits to measure home air quality. And because the asbestos was sealed behind a wall and Chris is moving out during its removal, she will hopefully suffer no suffer ill effects.
The key health danger of asbestos exposure is mesothelioma–and a mesothelioma prognosis is generally a dire one with 2,000 to 3,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States each year. And though asbestos is a naturally-occurring substance (44 out of California’s 58 counties have it), it can be particularly lethal in the home and workplace, especially when disturbed.
As the illustration above shows (and courtesy of Mesothelioma Cancer Center) asbestos can be found lurking in textured (popcorn) ceilings, behind bathroom walls, around the home furnace and a number of different areas.
So what to do when buying a pre-1980 home or planning to remodel one? A good home inspector will be able to point out likely asbestos hiding spots, and if the surface is stable may recommend leaving it be until time to remodel or make repairs. At that time, it would be wise to call in expert asbestos removal experts–and plan on taking a short vacation.
And if you are going to replace asbestos insulation, consider replacing it with green alternatives such as cellulose, cotton fiber and other eco-friendly alternatives.
For additional research, you may wish to visit:
Mesothelioma Cancer Center
United Nations Environmental Program
Originally posted here.
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December 12, 2008
by Roberta Murphy
Earlier today, a client emailed my husband Mike about a great deal on a red Mercedes 500 SL convertible available on eBay. It was a 2004 model with only 7000 miles and offered a three-year warranty to boot. Located in Florida, this two-seater beckoned with a red price tag of around $28,000.
Ever the bargain hunter, Mike grabbed the San Diego Union Tribune’s Sunday classified section for cars, expecting to search through at least three pages for comparable sales.
It turned out be to a very short search because there was less than a quarter-page for all used cars in San Diego.
I am not particularly interested in red convertibles, but the slim number of classified ads in San Diego’s daily newspaper DID catch my attention.
We have all heard that the Chicago Tribune, the Baltimore Sun, the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times and other august print publications are on the ropes. The cause could only be financial, and financial resources are provided primarily by (1) Advertisers and (2) Subscribers (the number of which determine what advertisers pay for advertising).
I’ve been following these stories because I have a natural interest (because of background and training) in journalistic business–and also have a keen and active interest in how information (and advertising) is transmitted via the internet.
And it seems the latter may have overtaken the former. E-Bay and Craigslist are trampling traditional media.
Yesterday morning, I had a call from a Nevada broker asking if we had an agent fluent in Chinese who could help some Chinese investors seeking property in La Jolla. Hmmm….we have agents who speak Spanish, Polish, Russian and Farsi, but none who were fluent in Chinese.
The solution was simple.
I clicked to Craigslist, immediately placed and paid for an ad for a Chinese-fluent real estate agent–and serendipity took over. Within hours, we had a perfect response.
This morning Shumei Tao, a very bright and talented real estate agent, joined our company, San Diego Previews Real Estate. She is fluent in not only Mandarin, but Taiwanese, Cantonese–and the Internet. She too thought it serendipitous to find an internet ad that addressed her specific qualifications.
And it was only this evening as I looked at the sparse classified ads in the newspaper that I realized yesterday morning’s instinctive reaction to a need: Head over to Craigslist and have the ad online within minutes. And then today, a Florida client sends not a classified ad, but an eBay listing for an automobile.
And then I stop to wonder: When was the last time I scanned the newspaper classified ads for…anything?
Originally posted here.
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December 4, 2008
by Eve Sieminski
When not engaged in San Diego real estate, cooking, travel and other ventures, you just might find me twittering on Twitter. In fact, by keeping my Mac PowerBook close at hand, I just might be reporting on and following thoughts, ideas and friends via Twitter, that ubiquitous social networking site (just follow me @EveSieminski).
Six months ago, I would never have dreamed of discovering a favorite wine through a site like Twitter. But that’s just what happened when Jeff Stai (aka El Jefe) and other wine buddies started twittering and raving about Twisted Oak wine. I loved the twisted name, trusted the reviews–and winemaker Jeff suggested I try their 2007 Calaveras County Viognier and the 2005 Murgatroyd.
Murgatroyd?
Had to give it a try, and when it arrived in the mail, decided to wait and share it with Roberta and Mike Murphy over some wonderful Italian cuisine.
It was a memorable evening and wine tasting. We all drink lots of wine, and none of us had ever heard of anything close to a Murgatroyd blend. Try 24% Cabernet Sauvignon from Vallecito Vineyards, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Tanner Vineyards, 23% Petit Verdot from the Tanner Vineyards, 12% Tempranillo from Silvaspoons Vineyard, 10% Tempranillo from Rolleri Vineyard and 9% Grenache from the Boeger Vineyard. This exotic blend was then aged for 23 months in American, French and Hungarian oak barrels before bottling. Talk about twisted….
We let the wines breathe for an hour prior to the arrival of our guests–but immediately poured glasses of the Murgatroyd when they walked into the kitchen.
WOW! This was unlike any wine any of us had ever experienced. You really had to get your nose into it and let it float over your tongue a few times to appreciate all the complexities and flavors.
As most of you know, I generally review good wines under $20–and this Murgatroyd just makes it at $19.20 per bottle– because of the Twisted Few Wine Club. Outside the club, the price is still a very reasonable $24.
We also tasted the 2007 Calaveras County Viognier from Twisted Oak, and found it to be a light, refreshing a citrusy white–and one that is not too sweet. The taste of other fine fruits come through cleanly, without it being a fruit bomb. Not too dry, not too sweet–but just a perfect wine to begin your evening and enjoy into dinner. It’s another twisted winner with a club price of $17.60–and an outsider’s tag of $22.00.
I recommend a visit to their web-page www.TwistedOak.com as it is fun and the way they ferment wines is unique. Tell Jeff I sent you!
Originally posted here.
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November 20, 2008
by Roberta Murphy
For those who still haven’t made travel plans, there may be some surprising resort bargains to consider–while other large and super-luxurious resorts are stalled under construction and financing difficulties.
Crisis in Paradise via Breitbart shares some disturbing news:
- Cap Cana, a luxury resort under development in the Dominican Republic is now reportedly paralyzed. A mega resort with four luxury hotels, villas (with roof tiles on the ground), three golf courses and a large yacht marina, Cap Cana is just one of many luxury resort projects “affected by the economic tsunami that has paralyzed the global financial markets,” said Cap Cana President Ricardo Hazoury.
- The massive Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas has laid off 800 workers, blaming low occupancy rates.
- Puerto Rico’s Caribe Hilton is also laying off employees because of rising cost and those pesky occupancy issues.
If reasonable air fares can be snagged, this could be the year for luxury travel bargains!
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November 20, 2008
Most of our readers know that I tend to recommend wines under $20 per bottle, but Grant Street Vineyard’s 2005 Zinfandel justifiably pushes the pricing envelope at $25 for a surprising and beautiful wine.
I received this Zin yesterday via UPS (yes you can order it online), opened it at 5 to breathe and took my first sip at 6. I immediately considered it a really nice Zin, not too heavy and one that can be used with many a meal.
To my surprise the longer this wine sat in my glass (not the bottle), the better this gorgeous Zin opened up.
My final pour did not even taste like my initial tasting! In this wine I found complexity, richness, fruit and full body without being heavy or leaving you wanting to pucker from those tannins.
This is really unlike any Zinfandel I have come across in a long time.
I am of course partial to Zinfandel, but would recommend Grant Street to all who are hesitant to try this variety, fearing it would be too heavy for their tastes. No so! Feel free to serve this wine with almost any meal. My husband and I drank ours while dining on shrimp scampi and pasta and it was wonderful!
Grant Street Vineyards is a family owned and operated vineyard started in 1990 by Jim and Susie Wycoff. The label is a sketch of the historic family home. I really could taste the love and dedication in their wine. This Zinfandel has done so well that by the time you read this they may be sold out. They do have a 2005 Cabernet that is still available (hurry before that sells out too!) and I am told by Ryan (Jim and Susie’s son) the 2006 is coming and will prove to be just as exceptional.
If you visit their web-site:
www.gsvineyards.com, you can read their story. I’ll be following it closely.
Wine Tasting Tip:
Always begin with a clean clear glass and pour less than an inch into your glass. Always begin with the lightest wines first (white, sparkling, rose’ etc) and then work your way up to the heavy ones (Zins, Cabs, etc). The reason for this is that it helps keep taste buds sensitive so you can enjoy and appreciate each wine you taste. Nibble on a cracker, snack on some cheese–or simply have a sip of water between tastes in order to help preserve your palate.
Na zdrowia!
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November 13, 2008
by Roberta Murphy
It seems that almost daily we hear about segments of the broad luxury market losing not only their luster, but even their footing. There are reports that luxury retailers are bracing for a crash slowdown, and that even real estate in super-rich Dubai is beginning to show signs of weakness.
In fact, says Tim Blixseth, It’s as if the whole world had a financial heart attack.
Wall Street’s credit crisis has not only invaded Main Street (and vice versa), but is crippling segments of the once-impervious luxury real estate market.
This morning, we hear that Blixseth’s Yellowstone Ski Resort has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This invitation-only ski and residence club for 340 uber-rich ($1.5 million buy in) is located in Montana’s Gallatin Mountains near Bozeman. The club has 340 members including Bill Gates, former vice president Dan Quayle, Comcast’s Stephen Burke and cycling star Greg LeMond–and all have to be wondering if the resort will even open this season.
If Chapter 11 protection is granted and the club is able to get a $4.5 million loan, Yellowstone Resort will be able to open its powdery slopes this winter. Looming on the other side of the mountain, though, is around $343 million in debt that is owed to creditors and contractors. Most of that debt, $307 million, is reportedly owed on a loan arranged by Credit Suisse in 2005.
Edra Blixseth took control of the resort last August, after her divorce from Tim Blixseth was finalized and has reportedly been trying to sell some of the Blixseth’s other luxury properties located around the world. The Yellowstone Club is valued at $778 million, according to court filings–not including unsold memberships, which may be worth as much as $336 million.
Like other property holders and developers around the world, Yellowstone Club members and the Blixseths are hoping that recovery from this financial heart attack will quickly bring credit flowing through the world’s clogged financial arteries.
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November 2, 2008
by Roberta Murphy
Our shrinking global village is an abiding source of amazement, and I often marvel at the diversity of countries represented by the readers (or perusers) of this blog.
Just for fun, I decided to check the countries of origin for the past 30 hours.
Most visitors (or at least the internet service) hail from the United States. But the balance of the world, according to our SiteMeter account, is also well-represented.
Offered in the order of their visits are luxury readers and seekers hailing from Hong Kong, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Bangladesh, American Samoa, Croatia, Pakistan, Malaysia, Spain, Egypt, China, Europe(?), Canada, Argentina, Ireland, India, Italy, Norway, United Arab Emirates, El Salvador, Czech Republic, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, Australia, Russian Federation, Hungary, Philippines, Syrian Arab Republic, Polant, Brazil, Georgia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Romania, Macedonia and Portugal.
There were several “unknowns” and one major surprise: No visitors from Mexico during the 30 hour period studied.
We are grateful to all visitors and readers at Luxury Home Digest, but most likely have Google and Yahoo to thank for their website translation capabilities. At the same time, we are humbled by the number of people from other countries who have taken the time to learn the English language.
To all our visitors
- Arabic - Ahlan Wa Sahlan
- Australia - G’day Mate
- China - huan ying
- Czech Republic - Vitejte
- Denmark - Velkommen
- Dutch (Netherlands) - Welkom
- France - Bienvenue (the first ‘n’ is nasal)
- German - Willkommen
-
- India - Swaa-gat hai
- Indonesia - Selamat Datang
- Ireland - Failte romhat
- Italy - Benvenuto
- Japan - Yookoso (welcome to our city)
- Malaysia - Selamat Datang
- New Zealand - Kia Ora - Hello (”Key or ra”)
- Norway - Velkommen (”Welkommen”)
- Poland - Dzieñ dobry (daytime)
- Poland - Dobry wieczór (evening time)
- Portugal - Muito Bem Vindo (”MOO EEN toe bain VEENdoe”)
- Romania - Multumesc
- Tagalog (Philippines) - Mabuhay
- United States (South) - How Y’all Doin’?
- Yugoslavia (Serbia) - Dobrodosli
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October 28, 2008
by Roberta Murphy
Eve Sieminski (aka the Polish Contessa) is our guiding light for fine wine–especially for those premium wines that fit within most budgets.
And that may be one of the finest luxuries of all.
Eve’s latest oenophilic enthusiasm comes unedited (and I am headed to Costco tomorrow!):
Hi Roberta!
Here is a review of Kirkland’s Merlot.
Generally I tend to shy away from any generic or name brand wines. Kirkland’s Merlot definitely fits into this category. As an avid Costo shopper, though, I am always cruising the wine aisles to see if there is anything new to sample, or anything that just catches my eye. I have to tell you the Kirkland Merlot did neither–but I did pick it up just to see what the label read:
I saw: 2005 Masters cask series, 14.5 alcohol content and from Napa Valley…..hum…..hum…..As I am intently reading the label, a fellow shopper sees I am perplexed.
She asks: “Have you tried this wine before”? Why no, I haven’t….. she advised, “Do yourself a favor…. try it”!
Now I have had this same advice in many a wine store and have experienced some bitter outcomes. Still, I love the Kirkland brand, and decided to give it a try–and put one lone bottle in my basket.
Upon arriving home, I immediately opened the bottle for breathing. Unfortunately, I couldn’t wait! Twenty minutes later I poured myself a glass.
HUMMMMM….
The nose is really nice. Swirl, swirl, swirl…. Sip, WOW!
Not only does this not taste like any Merlot I have ever had, but it is actually really assertive and bold! Can you imagine a Merlot like this?
I really like this wine, and the woman at Costco was right.
Mocha and cedar notes finish off this fine wine (yes FINE WINE!); all this, and for $9.99 per bottle!!!!
You can order online with 2 bottles going for $19.99. If you want to impress without having to pay out the nose, this is a great wine to serve.
I am sitting here, sipping this wine and writing this blog……. run, run run, while this fantastic wine is still on Costo’s shelves!
Wine Tip:
The matter of wine glasses is important but way overstated at the present moment. A glass designed for a certain red can make those aromas more obvious, and prettier. But the same glass won’t ruin another wine.
In fact, just about any glass that has a tapered bowl can express the aromas in a wine. And while the high-end glasses can enhance an aroma, once you pour the wine in your mouth, one glass is pretty much the same as another.But most of the enjoyment of a wine comes from the aroma, so choose a glass that enhances the aroma.
Finally, make sure the wine glasses you use are clean. Glasses stored in cardboard probably smell like a cardboard. Glasses need to be rinsed and dried with a clean, cotton cloth.
Pour and enjoy!
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October 19, 2008
by Roberta Murphy
When the combination of urban luxury and sandy beaches come together, we might think of high rises in Miami, Los Angeles, La Jolla or Honolulu.
San Diego County now boasts a second urban and beach destination: Oceanside Terraces, the new luxury midrise residence in downtown Oceanside.
We spend a great deal of time here and think we are in heaven, because we are dealing with amazed guests and interested buyers all day long.
Many step off the new Sprinter train next door, having come for a day trip from inland Escondido, Valley Center, San Marcos or Vista-or from San DIego to the south, They cant resist checking out Oceanside’s version of luxurious high rise living. Others come from Los Angeles, Orange County, North Dakota, Connecticut, Manhattan, Tucson, Las Vegas and Scottsdale–and are no less amazed.
The most excited guests, though, are Oceanside residents, who watched the construction of Oceanside Terraces over the last few years.
They understand the significance of this six-story multi-use building with prime retail on the first floor, offices on the second, and residences and penthouses on the fourth through sixth floors. They know that downtown Oceanside is becoming a walkable community and is on its way to becoming a shining model for urban living. They also know they have 3.5 miles of great beaches, the longest wooden pier on the West Coast, a balmy year round climate, and some of the friendliest people in San Diego County.
They are also savvy and know that Oceanside Terraces offers the coastal urban lifestyle so many buyers are seeking:
- They want spacious single level homes large enough for guests, entertaining and long-term living.
- They want close proximity to the beach. (How about 400 yards?)
- They want a walkable community that offers fine dining, shopping, museums and farmers markets.
- They want secure buildings, adequate covered parking and large lockable storage for bicycles, surfboards and other toys.
- They want to be close to public transportation. (How about a train and transit center on the adjacent block?). They want an easy train ride to downtown San Diego to see Padres games, San Diego Civic Center theater productions, or perhaps enjoy dinner or a day in San Diegos Old Town or Gaslamp District. The appeal of more distant travel also beckons as a possibility with Amtrak.
Oceanside Terraces offer floorplans that range from 1730 to almost 2600 square feet. Prices range from the high $500s to $1.7 million and many boast sparkling ocean views.
For additional information, call Roberta Murphy at 760-402-9101 or Eve Simnski at 760-518-2264.
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October 18, 2008
by Roberta Murphy
Every library should try to be complete on something, if it were only the history of pinheads.
–Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (1809-1894)
The ultimate luxury home library
A home library, more than any room in a home, has the potential to reflect the essence of its owner. Here is a place to organize and keep those books that are both acquaintances and lifelong friends. The home library is also often where collections are kept, if only because they make such good companions for books.
Both collections and books record the passing and lasting interests and passions of its owner–and deserve a room of their own.
And though a home library would likely complement and merge with the design of the home, the quintessential home library would likely offer features such as:
- Rich wood shelving that may even reach ceiling height. A rolling ladder works well here.
- Wood or stone flooring covered with collectible area rug(s).
- At least two very comfortable reading chairs with lamp(s).
- A writing table or desk. The home library should be a perfect room for thinking and writing.
- A library fireplace would be favored by many–and provides a warm ambiance.
The home library is a logical place to store and display personal collections and passions–especially if there is abundant shelving and/or cabinets. A family friend in Houston had a library full of rich wood shelving that housed not only a massive collection of leather bound books, but also an impressive array of Native American wood carvings. The library also served as his home office–and was undoubtedly his favorite room in the home.
The ultimate home library (pictured), though, may belong to internet entrepeneur Jay Walker, who also founded Priceline.com. In a recent Wired interview, Walker gave writer Steven Levy a tour of his 3600 square foot library that is primarily devoted to those things that change the way we think. His New England home library houses not only a Russian sputnik, but jewel-encrusted books, a raptor skeleton, Civil War surgical tools and thousands of other books and collectibles.
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Real Estate Housing.
