Much like a human’s facial features, the face — or topography — of an island can vary widely. Many Caribbean islands are characterized by seeming perfectly flat, while other islands can have rocky, almost hazardous-seeming terrain. There is no type that is considered “best”–it really depends what your plans are for your purchase. Flatter land is better for building, but some people prefer to have their own areas for rock climbing or other outdoor sports.
Be sure to notify your brokers about what topography you are most interested in for your island purchase. Keep in mind that most islands aren’t going to be entirely flat, particularly continental islands, which primarily consist of the tops of drowned hills. The workable surface of these islands generally falls between 10-12%, which is important to keep in mind when you’re laying out your development plans.
Hollywood power couple Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner are the latest in a line of famous buyers to purchase a beautiful ranch house in the Pacific Palisades. Built back in 30s, the home was designed by Cliff May and is considered to be a classic example of his style, with rooms that flow into each other, indoors and out. The cliffside home measures almost 8,800-square feet. Renovated in the 90s, it features five bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a guesthouse, a pool, a studio, and stunning views. According to public records, the actors paid $17.55 million for the property. This is well below the price it had been listed at: $27.5 million.
The home has been a mainstay celebrity hot property since the late 1940s, when it was purchased by actor Gregory Peck. A Life advert for Pabst Blue Ribbon showed Peck and his first wife Greta at the bar in the den, a room that Peck was known to favor.
Anchorage is an important thing to keep in mind when examining if an island for sale is suitable for your needs. After all, you want to be able to land on your island. Perhaps more importantly, you don’t want to be stranded on your island, unable to leave. The anchorage, also known as the stability to the ground, is a key factor in both of these situations.
What traits make up suitable anchorage? There should be access to the beach with water of a sufficient depth. You’ll need a sandy bottom if you want good hold. You want to avoid coral and rocks that could damage incoming watercraft. And lastly, you’ll want your anchorage to be sheltered from prevailing winds. To make sure that your potential island’s anchorage is of sufficient quality, make sure that you examine it during both low tide and high tide.
One of the oldest homes located in the Brentwood area has been listed for sale. Built back in the 1920’s, this hacienda-style home has had a slew of famous owners over the years, including power couple actress Michelle Pfeiffer and TV producer David E. Kelley, as well as actress Melanie Griffith and actor Antonio Banderas. The house is currently owned by actor Dylan McDermott, who coincidentally waited on Michelle Pfeiffer back when he was still a struggling actor in New York.
The home features four bedrooms (three of which are suites), three bathrooms, and a two-story great room with cathedral ceilings. The walled and gated property features a pool, a 250 year old oak tree, a fountain, a pergola with climbing roses, and an expansive yard. The 4000 square foot home was purchased back in 1999 for almost $4 million. It is currently listed on the market for $6.9 million.