Here’s something different for you guys; in-depth info on a couple of mega-mansions one architect has designed. Architect Steven Hefner, who owns DesignWorks Creative Partnership, designed these 4 mega-mansions for 4 of his clients around the country. The homes range in size from 26,000 to 50,000 square feet. Two of them have already been built.

HERE ARE SNIPPETS FROM THE ARTICLE

FIRST HOUSE: (already built)

He is currently designing a 26,000 square foot Delray Beach mansion for a financially blessed young couple in their mid-thirties. To be used as a permanent year round residence, the home is an Italian Renaissance villa based in theme on the exotic, elegant and lush James Deering Estate, Villa Viscaya in Miami.

SECOND HOUSE: (already built)

The second megamansion Steven Hefner is designing is a 30,000 square foot residence located in Manalapan, FL. The Manalapan residence is being designed for a European couple with four children. The client is involved in the restoration of 18th and 19th century historic buildings in Germany and Italy and they maintain a historic villa in Italy which they are restoring.

THIRD HOUSE:

The third megamansion that Mr. Hefner is designing is a 50,000 square foot residence for a Fortune 500 executive in the third largest pharmaceutical company in the United States. Creating a residence for this busy executive and his family, including eight children, requires that Mr. Hefner design and coordinate not only the new home, but a temporary residence as well. With the clients so busy (he is intricately enmeshed in important business transactions, she in managing the daily family life of a family of ten, the youngest child only six months old), the program for the project is developed on the fly, decisions at times being made as the corporate jet lands on the tarmac.

FOURTH HOUSE:

The fourth over thirty thousand square foot megamansion is being designed In Gulfstream, FL (with another 9,000 square foot home in Connecticut) for an active couple with Hollywood connections. The couple produced a Broadway play last year.

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This architectural masterpiece was designed by renowned Steve Hermann Design. It is located in Montecito, CA and is on the market for $35,000,000. The breathtaking scenery seen through the glass walls/windows and the lush landscaping make this modern mansion truly one of a kind. It boasts 15,000 square feet of living space that includes an incredible lower level that can fit up to 32 cars (or double as an art gallery). This is one of the nicest ultra modern mansion that I’ve seen in a long time. It’s not too big nor too small. However, I would have a very hard time living in it with it’s obvious lack of privacy (It would be F**king scary at night! lol). What do you think?

HERE ARE THE LISTING DETAILS:

The Glass Pavilion is a redefining structure within modernism. It is a benchmark building that sets the bar as to what modernism is and can be. Set within a 3.5 acre estate of oak groves in Montecito and boasting 15,000 square feet under roof, this home is impressive beyond words. An almost entirely glass home, it allows the occupants to be comfortably inside while completely enveloped within nature. As you drive down the long gated driveway, the home slowly comes into view. You are immediately confronted with a large all glass home floating above gently rolling lawns. The site of it is awe-inspiring. Its kitchen and baths are by such famous names as Varena, Poliform and Antonio Lupi. In each category the best and most exciting products from around the world were sourced to make this home flawless in each category. The home includes an art gallery where the owner currently displays his vintage car collection. The space so generous that it is capable of holding up to 32 cars within its walnut lined walls. This is a world home with possibly no equal. The combination of architectural groundbreaking style and extreme detail in finish quality make it a home without compare. It is the pinnacle of architecture for this generation and will define the era in which it was built.

* thanks to Coreigh for the tip!!

CLICK HERE FOR THE LISTING

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE HOME’S WEBSITE

A Homes of the Rich reader brought this to my attention. The Boston Design Guide compiled a directory of the top architects and custom home builders in and around the Boston Metropolitan Area.

CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF THE ARCHITECTS

CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF THE CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS

Robert Adam Architects is an award winning architecture firm run by five directors: Robert Adam, Nigel Anderson, Paul Hanvey, Hugh Petter and George Saumarez Smith. 

They have built some of the most stately and impressive custom estates throughout England. Most of these timeless estates are in excess of 20,000 square feet and include the very best in building materials; including imported stone, columns, and woodwork.

The home pictured above is an example of their past work. The home belongs to Russian billionaire Peter Aven, head of Alfa-Bank, the biggest private bank in Russia. Aven has spent tens of millions of pounds turning ‘Ingliston House’ into a ‘KGB-proof’ bolt-hole. There is a two-storey octagonal security house by the entrance, a £1.5 million secure wiring system and the 8.5-acre estate is surrounded by electronic fencing. The house includes a bomb-proof ‘panic room’ and systems to detect sound and motion. The 18-room house is beautiful and lavish. It is 29,000 sq ft, has six bedrooms, extra suites, a gym and a wing for the saltwater pool.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE PICTURES OF PETER AVEN’S MANSION

CLICK HERE TO SEE PETER AVEN’S MANSION ON VIRTUAL GLOBETROTTING

CLICK HERE FOR AN ARTICLE ON THE MANSION

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE RESIDENTIAL MASTERPIECES FROM ROBERT ADAM ARCHITECTS

Location: 1410 Monk Road, Gladwyne, PA

Price: $11,700,000

Here are the listing details:

Meticulously handcrafted by master builder Bill Smith, this extraordinary estate home evokes the grandeur of the Main Line’s historic estates. An uncompromising commitment to the finest materials and craftmanship represents the essence of 1410 Monk Rd. It offers 4 finished levels, over 14,600 sq ft. of living space with 8 bedrms,9 full baths and 3 powder rooms. A Lower Level with Family Room, theater, bar, billiard room, cardio and weight rooms. Elevator service adds convenience to all 4 levels. The attention to detail goes beyond the residence itself and extends to the entire property. From the electronic controlled gated entranceway, to the landscaping, to the terraces, pool and spa, 1410 Monk Rd. reflects a philosophy that a spectacular residence must satisfy its owner from every vantage point. 

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Location: 545 Avonwood Road, Haverford, PA

Price: $6,699,000

Here are the listing details:

ARBOR AVES is a new stone Estate Manor under construction by Pyramid Award winner Michael Cutler Builders. Designed by architect Scott McIntyre, this home is distinguished by its rich architecture, fine building materials, exceptional workmanship and details. The grand floor plan of nearly 13,000 sq ft includes 6 Bedrooms,10 Baths and 1 Powder Room. Soaring 10+ceilings,a stunning Gourmet Kitchen with Clive Christian cabinetry, a spectacular private Master Bedroom Suite with sitting room, morning bar, fireplace, dressing area, lavish his/her Baths and enormous closets. The second floor also includes 5 spacious Bedroom Suites with private en-suite Bathrooms. The expansive day-lit, walk-out lower level is perfect for family recreation and offers a large Recreation Room with custom Bar, Exercise Room, Media Room and two full Bathrooms. Every conceivable amenites is included with 5 fireplaces,a 4-stop elevator and 4 car garage.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LISTING