The Dominican Republic, once home to Christopher Columbus, does boast some genuinely historical structures, including a number of famous cathedrals and churches, as well as a few notable fortifications (most of which came about as a result of repeated civil and revolutionary wars).   The National Palace in Santo Domingo and the Royal Buildings are some of the most visited sites in the nation, and are much more reminiscent of a real castle that the aforementioned residence.

The Castle House, as it is commonly referred to, is not without its charm.  Who hasn’t imagined living in a fancy castle, especially on an island paradise?  I sure have.  Throw up a few pennants, hang some banners and tapestries, and maybe invest in some guys to play the trumpet to announce my arrival, and I’ll be home sweet home.  Oh, and maybe look into some underpinning or something to cover up that pesky house hiding underneath the gleaming towers.  Castle skirt, anyone?

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They lived in their “Winter Palace” for the next five years while they built the main building that would be Eliphante, and the surrounding buildings, one of which would be called Hippodome, named this because it looks like a hippopotamus rising out of a body of water.  Livant lives in the Hippodome now – Kahn died a few years ago from a form of dementia.  The Hippodome has a phone and running water and electricity, but no bathroom.  Livant showers in a shower house that is solar-powered (and is pretty much just a hose in a shack), and if she needs to use the restroom she does it in the outhouse, or sometimes right out in the open.  The property is fairly secluded, and is only accessible across a stream.  Sometimes the stream is low enough that a car can just drive across it.  Other times, you have to take a canoe.

Their story is one of magic and tragedy – romance and heartbreak.  Livant was a suburban mother of two, married to a a psychologist.  She dabbled in painting and drawing, but lived her suburban life and volunteered in the community.  When her kids were a little older (one in college, the other in high school), Livant and her husband went on vacation to Cape Cod.  That’s where Livant’s whole life turned upside down.

Michael Kahn was a painter, ten years younger than Livant, and she fell for him immediately.  She left her husband and her kids, and moved in with Kahn, taking housecleaning jobs to support them.  All he ever wanted to do was paint.  When they moved to Arizona they built and when he wasn’t building he was painting.  Livant blossomed as an artist, and learned to weave as well as developed her painting skills.   They were happy together.

The house that was born of their union is part madness, part magic.  It is made of found objects and driftwood and any other thing they could find to build it.  They have mosaic tile work that used salvaged tiles from someone’s kitchen remodel.  They’ve made interesting use of AstroTurf.

Though they started building in 1979, Eliphante &  Hippodome and everything around them was consistently a work-in-progress.  In 1987 Eliphante LTD was formed – a non-profit art company – and in 1994 the Smithsonian listed it with their Save Outdoor Sculpture movement.  The property is in a state of disarray – in need of about $30000 worth or repairs.  Livant doesn’t have the money, and Kahn wasn’t able to secure a grant before he died.  Let’s hope that someone comes in to do what needs to be done to preserve this artistic treasure.

Entrance - the central curved beam looks like an elephant's trunk

Interior shot of Eliphante

Ms. Livant

ceiling and ceiling fan - mylar decor

Painting existing development can be used to minimize the visual impact on the environment by using a color scheme which blends the dwelling into the environment. This has achieved mixed results as can be seen with the “pixilated camouflage” of this home in Ohio:

Perhaps someone still has an issue after an extended tour in Iraq, but the following home in Gulfport, Florida achieves a more appealing, aesthetic impact by using a jungle paint job, inspired by Vietnam or excessive viewing of Oliver Stone’s “Platoon“?

These two “camouflage” paint jobs may be amateurish in their effort to stamp individuality onto existing dwellings or a valid attempt at integrating the property with its surroundings, but serious designers and architects are exploring the possibilities too.

The “Camouflage House” by Johnsen Schmaling Architects, seeks to combine a low slung design with funky paintwork and natural materials to provide aesthetic appeal.

The funky paint work still intrudes upon the eye when close up to the dwelling, however this is countered by the dwelling nestling into a bluff on a lake side and takes advantage of a camouflage feature: the ability to blend in with surroundings at a distance but to be visible up close.

Japanese architect, Hiroshi Iguchi has taken the camouflage concept further in home design with his “Camouflage House 3″ and eschewed the use of paintwork completely. Here, a greenhouse design incorporates trees and plants as part of the design of the dwelling which further minimizes the impact on the landscape by using trees, commonly found in the area, as the basis for the living material of the design.

Camouflage is not simply the use of color or materials which mimic the immediate location but also uses the fact that our brains are keyed to recognize set shapes and associate them with certain objects. In military terms, the object of tying rag and netting to a helmet or weapon is to break up the outline and shape so they will not be recognized. Mobius Architects of Poland have used this camouflage concept in their Edge House development – the angles of the roof with inset skylight, with a steep shingled pitch are striking but mimic the quarry location while the outline of the dwelling is deliberately at odds with the viewers expected view of what a house should look like:

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The term “earthship” is a bit of an overstatement. The name connotes an earthen vessel which slowly creeps over the sea or air, perhaps carrying with it a crew representing earth’s only hope. The reality, while cool, is not nearly that cool.

The earthships of reality are made by Earthship Biotecture of Taos, New Mexico and they’re a bit different than your normal house. If green is a trend, earthships are the trend setters. Earthships don’t typically come equipped with things like heating and air conditioning, choosing instead to rely on passive solar technology and recycled tires to control the internal environments.

Many earthships are also built off the grid, using water recycling systems and generating their own electricity through solar and wind harnessing technology. And they look like they’d fit in just fine on Tatooine. I know, that’s two Star Wars references in as many posts. Anyone else sensing a trend here?

Photo by Jennifer May for The New York Times

According to the New York Times article, the owner of this early 19th century farmhouse purchased it knowing fully well how close it sits to train tracks. The poor location apparently drove down the price of the house, a boon in an already down housing market. However, upon viewing this dramatic photo, I have to wonder, did the new owner realize just how close that really is?

[Source]

Post by Accent Building Products, Venting Skylights

Richard Branson famously bought his very own island paradise back in 1978 in none other than the British Virgin Isles (where else!). He was yet to turn 30 when he became lord and master of this exotic Caribbean location.

Not a bad view especially when you know it’s all your own!

No need to be smug about your huge paradise island Richard!

So I have to be a Billionaire?

Not quite, but not far off. For equatorial retreats you’ll be faced with a price list in the millions, but if you are willing to think of temporary relocations, then there are islands which do meet a slightly more modest budget. There are some really attractive locations off Canada, for example, which would suit long summer breaks but may be a little uninhabitable come winter. Canada is quite a good country to look at with its multitude of lakes and islands: there’s no doubt that availability lessens the price. Size-wise, Canadian islands sell for around one third of the price of an American island or as little as one tenth of a Caribbean island.

While I merrily regale you with lines from ‘Robinson Crusoe’, the desert island may not be what you want. After all, desert island actually implies it’s deserted; not hot and sandy with camels roaming around. If you want undeveloped islands they can be cheaper but sometimes a bit of civilization is desirable. Some islands are available with their own residential or recreational buildings as well as those little luxuries such as power and mobile phone masts.

What’s the process?

In principle it’s not that different from buying any other kind of property. There are several businesses that have islands on their books so a good first port of call would be to contact them directly. Unlike your typical house hunting, it’s not as straightforward to drive over and have a look around the neighbourhood. As with the housing market, it is possible to rent an island instead of buying.

I’ve selected some of the latest offerings for you to consider. At the time of writing (August 2011) these were all still on the market.

Chumbe Island Coral Park, Tanzania

Just off the coast of East Africa, nestled in the romantic spice islands of Zanzibar, lies this gorgeous island. With awards for ecology and conservation this island is a treasure for snorkelers who can marvel at four hundred species of fish and marine life including hawksbill turtles, parrotfish and blue spotted stingrays.

The reef tracks off the beach and its clear waters never exceed three metres in depth. Passed the deepwater drop off, the lucky owner will witness migrating dolphins and the occasional humpback whale. These properties are currently available for renting – a good way to judge if the lifestyle is for you. Would you like to live in a house like this?

Halfcrown Island, Quebec

On the Thirty-One Mile Lake, a scenic 90 minute drive north from Canada’s capital, Ottawa, lies Halfcrown Island. This glacial lake is some 200 feet deep in places and is ideal for divers and swimmers. This is ideal for nautical-minded families and is ideal for long summer breaks rounded off by staggering autumnal colours before the harsh winter sets in.

Access is by boat only and in winter the thick ice makes entry impossible. The island is too small to be self sufficient but within 20 miles there are the towns of Maniwaki and Gracefield that have markets with local produce including cereal and fruit. For me, part of the appeal is watching the eerie mists roll in making the island very atmospheric.

Palawan Archipelago, The Philippines

The archipelago consists of some 1,780 islands in the South China Sea. If you’re after what ‘Islands Magazine’ calls ‘the next property hotspot’ then you’ll need to get $8 million from your bank manager to buy a piece of it. Thanks to some intelligent legislation by the Philippines’ government, the waters are free from rubbish. Here you can buy parts of the island developments. These include luxury villas with up to 10,800 sq. feet of land. If you are after a bit of civilization, the islands can be outfitted with restaurants, shops and sports facilities.

Island buying is often an instance of first-come-first-served. Over the last few years a number of desirable islands have been snapped up by the wealthy. Here is a small selection of my favourites and how much they eventually went for.

St Athanasios Island, Greece

 Sale Price: €1.5m/$2,035,965.09

The contrast between the deep blues of the Mediterranean and the stark volcanic rocks of the island attracts the creative and the spiritual. Situated in the Gulf of Corinth the lucky owner would has spectacular views of Mt. Delphi, the legendary home of the eponymous Oracle. From the air it bears an unusual resemblance to images of nebulae taken by the Hubble Space Telescope.

At 2.5 acres, St. Athanasios Island is just 1.5 miles away from Itea, a small town that boasts a school, church, post office, a few banks, hotels, pubs, and restaurants.

Black’s Island, Florida

Sale Price: $46m

Allegedly named after infamous pirate, Captain ‘Black Sam’ Samuel Bellamy, local lore has this island as his base of operations. Black’s own ship sank off a sandbar and his treasure-laden vessel was lost off the coast. The new owner may be looking for that gold to this very day…

Seriously though this large island has been over-developed in my opinion but it’s probably only part of the new owner’s property investment portfolio. More than likely it’s solely used for a holiday lettings.

Katafanga Island Resort, Fiji

Sale Price: $25m

This gorgeous 225 acre island is set to be a major holiday letting destination. The owner’s plans include upwards of ten luxury villas, a marina and an executive golf course.

Phuket Island, Thailand

 Sale Price $7.96m

This mountainous island of 14 acres and a rugged coastline is a bit of a departure from the stereotypical desert island but, for me, it’s one of the most exciting places to explore and investigate. If it’s been bought as a personal retreat I’m suitably envious. The elevations and expanse of flat beach, however, does lend it to extensive letting development.

Charles Island, Bahamas

 Sale Price: $39m

Supposedly the location of the fabled ‘Fountain of Youth’, Charles Island is sure to give its new proprietor a new lease of life thanks to the exotic surroundings and gentle lapping waters.

Diamond Cay, Honduras

 Sale Price: $650k

If swimming around the Great Maya coral reefs in a cerulean sea is your thing then you really need to buy an island like Diamond Cay. You could take part in ecologically friendly deep sea and flats fishing or just celebrate the unique marine life off its coast by snorkelling and diving.

Horse Island, Connecticut

Sale Price: $2.5m

Not all the best islands have to be big and sundrenched. This small island is great for short getaways. It has some privacy and close proximity to local amenities that make it an attractive proposition for weekend breaks and sailing.

And finally…

Just because these islands look idyllic and tranquil they are still as vulnerable to nature as anywhere else. Tsunami and cyclones need to be considered and, if you take the long view, global warming might make your island into little more than a stepping stone. Being away from civilisation does have its drawbacks when you may need access to the emergency services. August 22nd 2011 witnessed the ravages of a lightning-caused fire that decimated Richard Branson’s home on Necker Island. Mercifully, everyone escaped with their lives.

Guest blogger, Greg Coltman, writes prolifically for tourist and travel blogs. He would love nothing better than to own a rugged island far from the madding crowd’s ignoble strife.

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This house sure is a doozy, or at least the fall from it is. The archway at the bottom, while sacrificing some stability, is a nice touch. Do you think that the designer of this house likes roofs? As if this house needed to be more top-heavy. My real question is: Where is the electricity coming from to operate that lift? I imagine that it would be a little windy all the way up there. A great little detail that just proves the amazing things people can do with photoshop these days.

I can’t think of a more precarious setting than what’s going on here. Doesn’t it seem that eventually, due to weathering and whatnot, that the gap would keep widening until the house fell through? At least they don’t need a security system or apparently a door for that matter. I just can’t stop wondering where that ladder is coming from…

Trump bought the home in 2004 in Abe Gosman’s bankruptcy.  With the help of Kendra Todd, winner of The Apprentice, he performed a $25 million dollar renovation on the home that included manicured gardens on the outside, 24-carat gold fixtures in the bathrooms, and a marble-coated kitchen.  The house has 15 bedrooms, a guest cottage, 15 full baths, 8.5 half baths, and a 30.4 meter swimming pool.

Donald Trump paid $40 million for the property originally, and put about $25 million in renovations.  When he sold the property for $95 million he made a profit of $30 million dollars.  Not too shabby.

Rybolovlev has had his share of media attention in Russia.  In 1996, he was suspected of murder, though he was found not guilty.  In 2010, after being spotted in the company of young models aboard yachts, and his wife decided to take action.  They divorced in 2009.  In addition to Elena’s interest in Rybolovlev’s business holdings, she also filed an action in the City Court of Palm Beach to protect the Maison de l’Amitie from sale or destruction.  As of September, 2010, the fight was still on.  As of a 2011 GeoEye view shows, the house is still standing.

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