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Our island communities have been all abuzz about some new construction going on. DH and I have known about it for a while, but the headlines of one of our local papers broadcast it yesterday: a $30 million (yes, you read that right) estate is being built along the shore. Don't you wish you could see how they decide to decorate? If you had $30 mil to build a home---make that an estate, what features would you choose?

I do think I'd like the idea of a guest cottage---it would be fun to have another place to decorate.

ahhhh, you gotta fill us in when it is all done. Whose house could that be???

Yay, someone is putting money back into the economy there! Imagine not only the jobs they're creating, but the tax revenues for your local community.

As far as features, I would have a guest wing complete with it's own kitchen (one of my clients did this...genius!) It creates a lot of harmony for extended stays.

I would also have a grandchildren wing where they could play and make whatever clutter they wanted to. Then they could play with their cousins and make as much noise as possible. Of course the wing would have to come with a nanny and a cleaning lady

My last wish would be for an enormous dining room where everyone could sit around the table for hours and enjoy conversation and laughter (grandchildren included, of course.)

My first thought is: WHO is going to cook for all these guest and big dinners.

Love,
Lu

Their personal chef, of course!

I wouldn't even want one! DH just interrupted me to tell me about an acquaintance he ran into that offered to show him his six antique sport cars. Much as I admire the real beauty of such cars and residences there is something a little too opulent about some having so much while many have so little. Maybe that is why I have always been so grateful for my slightly smaller slice of the pie! Even if one can easily afford such grandeur IMHO it is ostentatious to have it. On a much smaller scale my little community is in the throes of controversy about building a short walking path along our most scenic road. This path will cost 2 M. Again an ill advised expenditure.

When I was up to your island the summer of 2007, I saw an old actor's home for sale for around $4 + million. It was lovely, yet comfortable inside and on a lovely piece of peninsula overlooking the ocean. I couldn't desire anything nicer.

Even if I had the kind of money to spend $30 million on a home, I think it's ludicrous. What that money could do for good. But, then again few of the very wealthy do more with their money then consume.

Yes, I know it's everyone's right to do what they wish with their money. But, to me, it's way over the top.

$30 Million Estate

Is he going to be a neighbor of Martha Stewart?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Rocky,

I just couldn't imagine paying that much money for one home. I would never do it. I don't care how much money I had. It is such a waste to me. I just don't think I would ever 'feel at home' in something of that magnitude. Now, I do not begrudge anyone of anything. If the money belongs to them and they made it legally, then more power to them. It is rightfully theirs and they can do with it what they may. However, I personally could not spend even a million dollars on a home. I could think of so much more to do with it than that!

frappe, I'll keep you posted. I don't know much more than what the paper reported. The owner is a 54 year old businessman. He is a self made billionaire and philanthropist (gotta love it when the wealthy are willing to support other organizations). I also admire the fact that this man obviously has a work ethic. Apparently he made his money the old fashioned way--no trust funds, no inheritance.

SharonW--you are so right. So far the man is working with architects from out of state, but is using local contractors to prepare the site and build. He will be providing a steady income for several businesses. I wonder just what will happen with the tax revenues----I can't even really wrap my head around how much money 30 million is.

Luranda---I don't know---maybe the man will further support the locals and want some catering done. I'm hoping he has children he wants tutored during the summer, which I would happily do!

Emily, I can definitely see your point. 30 million seems excessive. I have no idea what the estate will look like and don't know how much of it will be visible, unless from the water. Our area is used to the wealthy building beautiful summer places, but the jobs that this one is generating really is a topic of conversation. So many people are worried about finances and our winter population shrinks, compared to that of the summer time. Even in times when the economy is stronger, the winter months are lean for many of our year round residents. I'm not going to judge how this man decides to spend his money. For the moment I am grateful that if he has money to spend--whether it be for a dinner at one of the few restaurants that stay open all winter, or for a summer place, that he has decided to spend some here. His decision to build and use local people will support a lot of families.

CF, I am in agreement that 30 million seems way over the top------anything between 1 million and 4 is not that uncommon here. As I said before, I am curious as to the design of the place and how they plan to decorate! I'm thinking a 30 million dollar place will have plenty of room to decorate.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Maine Lady,

Oh, I am having a problem wrapping my brain around that kind of money. Sheesh, it will have to be out of this world. Keep us posted.

Rocky and JoyNtheJourney, I'm sorry. I must have been posting the same time you were.

Rocky, yes, I believe this home is in the same village as Martha's place.

Joy, even if I had that much money, I'm not sure I could ever spend that much and I love to shop! Even if I built each member of our families a 1 million dollar home, I'd still have money left over.

Joyce, I will keep you posted. I expect it may be a while before what I consider to be the "fun stuff" (arhictectural style, design and decor)becomes known. Just what style will be chosen? A traditional "summer cottage"---it is a style of it's own around here, a contemporary design? An ultra large and luxurious lodge?