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

This afternoon I was searching through google for Alpine, NJ architects. I stumbled upon the website of Munafo Design; an architecture, design, and planning company. I looked up their residential projects and found this. The minute I saw it, I said “Jackpot!”. Being obsessed with mega mansions and especially the town of Alpine, you could only imagine how happy I was. The plans for this home were approved in 2008. The estate, dubbed “Palace LoConte”, is described as a Mediterranean Luxury Palazzo. It is going to encompass a grand 25,300 square feet of living space, which will easily put it on the list of the top 10 largest homes in the Alpine/Saddle River area. It doesn’t mention what street the estate will be built on, but I can almost guarantee that it is going to be built in the “Estates at Alpine” located next to the Frick Estate. As you already know, the $52 million spec mansion was just recently completed in the Estates at Alpine. The owner of the home obviously has the last name of LoConte, so I did a little research and found out that there is a Mr. Anthony Lo Conte who lives on Marie Major Drive in Alpine. Mr. Lo Conte is Director of Bancorp of New Jersey, Inc. He is also President and CEO of Anthony L and S, LLC.

Here is what the home will have:

FIRST FLOOR: two Story Entry Foyer, Grand Rotunda Stairway, Master Suite with separate Master Bath and His and Her WIC, Dining Room. Library and Living Room with cathedral ceiling.Family Room Rotunda, Breakfast Room, Den with Bar and Card Room, Laundry Room, Pantry, Secondary Stair, four car Garage, Outdoor Kitchen under two story Porch.

SECOND FLOOR: four large secondary Bedrooms with Baths ensuite, Game Room, Upper Library, Rear balconies.

LOWER LEVEL: Reception/Ball Room, Home Theater, Exercise Room, Wine Cellar, Spa,  Sauna, Elevator, duplicate Grand Double stairs, Electrical and Mechanical rooms. Two separate connecting Guest Spaces, over the four car garage.

Large Swimming Pool.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE HOME  ON THE ARCHITECT’S WEBSITE

(the home is at the bottom of the page)

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. 

CLICK HERE FOR THE LISTING

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

Do you guys remember this 25,000+ square foot mansion that I brought to your attention when it was being built? Well, I finally found interior pics of the huge V-shaped mansion, which is located on Paloma Road in Los Altos, CA. My friend, and a loyal Homes of the Rich reader, George Lyons, brought them to my attention. The pictures are featured on the architect’s website. The architects are the prestigious Hablinski + Manion Architectural & Planning group. The home’s interior was tastefully done and does not feel too big.

Here is an excerpt from the company’s website:

Bay Estate ▪ Palo Alto Loire Chateau
Set on a spectacular 18-acre hilltop site with panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, this classical estate inspired by 18th-century French chateaux is organized around a central entry court enclosing a formal entrance on three sides. The north wing is designed for entertaining on a grand scale, with a ballroom, formal dining room, home theater, wine cellar and spa/gym, while the south wing houses family rooms and bedroom suites. The living areas are all located on the second floor to take advantage of the dramatic Bay views.

CLICK HERE FOR THE INTERIOR PICS OF THIS BREATHTAKING MANOR