Latest news with #Sorrento
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Home that hosted Rolling Stones, Frank Sinatra sells for big bucks
An opulent mansion whose grand ballroom has hosted rock royalty has sold for $18m, smashing the suburb record. The Gold Coast's very own extravagant house, named Bartinon, had been on and off the market with different agents for more than two years. Bartinon at 26 Marseille Court, Sorrento. The grand house has hosted a string of rock stars. Kollosche's Sam Guo and Julia Kuo managed to finally find a buyer who was willing to splash the cash for the inner-city estate at 26 Marseille Court, Bundall. 'Bartinon is an iconic property, and to finally match it with the right buyer after so many years of it being on and off the market is incredibly rewarding,' Mr Guo said. MORE: Theme park legend's crypto hideaway hits the market Zac Efron's Aussie long lunch haunt is on the market Frank Sinatra visited the Gold Coast in the 80s. The residence sits on a 6,508 sqm riverfront block. Mr Guo said despite living across the river from the property and being able to see it everyday, the local buyer had not considered the purchase until Mr Guo personally reached out and invited him to inspect the property. 'This was a highly strategic sale, focused on showing the buyer the property's unique potential and long-term value,' Mr Guo said. 'Securing $18 million is a testament to the strength of the Gold Coast's prestige market and the power of a targeted, honest approach. It features manicured gardens. And epic views of the city skyline. 'We're proud to set another record sale price for Sorrento and Bundall.' Anchoring the landholding is a two-storey Mediterranean-influenced mansion mixed with a touch of the Caribbean, built in the late 1980s for philanthropists, Sir Justin Hickey and his wife, Lady Barbara. Bartinon was renowned as the venue of some of the city's most lavish parties and, as recounted by those who remember, hosted a roll-call of high-society guests, including Frank Sinatra, the Sultan of Brunei, Whitney Houston, and The Rolling Stones. One of the living areas. The tennis court. Seven bedrooms are spread throughout the home and include a spacious master suite with a private seating area, study, dual showers and dressing rooms, and an open ensuite with a built-in marble spa flanked by ice buckets for champagne. A ballroom, games room and wellness wing cater to leisure and entertainment, while an expansive kitchen finished in granite and timber complements formal and informal dining and living spaces. The formal lounge. The dining room. Floor-to-ceiling French doors and arched feature windows provide access to a vast terrace on the ground floor and a wraparound balcony on the upper level. Mr Guo said the buyer would move into Bartinon and planned to renovate and modernise the residence. 'They want to keep the same theme but just make it more practical because the style itself is really grand and beautiful. Covering 6,508 sqm, with 134.5m of river frontage, Bartinon holds tranquil water views extending to the city skyline, complemented by almost an acre of tropical gardens. Whitney Houston was rumoured to be a guest at Bartinon. The ballroom. Solidly constructed of sandstone, concrete and marble with impeccable craftsmanship, the home was considered the most expensive on the Gold Coast at the time it was built and retains one of the highest replacement values in the current market. Property records reveal it last changed hands for $7.22m in 2014. Bartinon is the third most expensive sale on the Gold Coast this year, after 7-9 McMillan Court, Southport ($22m) and 8 Southern Cross Drive, Surfers Paradise ($18.5m). PropTrack data shows the median house price in Bundall, which includes Sorrento, is $2.1m, down 1.2 per cent over 12 months. Originally published as Mansion that hosted Rolling Stones, Frank Sinatra sells for mega price
Forbes
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
The Ultimate Amalfi Coast Itinerary: Top Villas, Boat Tours & Michelin Dining
Positano, Italy along the Amalfi Coast at dusk. getty Just a few hours south of Rome, Italy's Amalfi Coast unfolds into a breathtaking landscape of rugged cliffs overlooking cerulean waters. Lush with lemon groves and olive trees, it's an Italian paradise that attracts crowds in droves. According to recent data from Oliver's Travels, Campania—which includes Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast—ranks as the second most searched region in Italy. For high-demand destinations, it is essential for travelers to make reservations early and plan well in advance for the experiences they want to have. Use this guide to help you plan your visit to the Amalfi Coast right and enjoy a relaxing, peaceful escape to one of Italy's most beautiful destinations. Begin by booking a villa rental with the UK-based Oliver's Travels (awarded Best Villa Company in the World by Condé Nast Traveller readers). For the past 20 years, they have curated an intriguing portfolio of handpicked villas and châteaux. One thing your rental will not be is ordinary. Indeed, our Villa Minette in Sant'Agata was the oldest villa in the town (dating back 600 years)—the two-foot-thick walls and tiled floors were testament to its remarkable heritage. The team at Oliver's offers concierge services to manage every aspect of your trip, from arranging private chefs and transfers to organizing activities and babysitting. More importantly, they were in constant contact about the villa, ensuring check-in formalities went smoothly. Our on-site contact was indispensable for planning, dinner reservations, and car transfers. We arrived to a stocked refrigerator as well—a thoughtful touch after a long day of traveling. The best way to familiarize yourself with the region and its stunning scope is by boat—touring by car promises lots of time on winding roads sitting in traffic. For your first day, work with the villa concierge to arrange a private guided boat tour—they'll handle the transfer to and from the marina as well. Touring by boat allows you to explore seaside towns such as Positano, Praiano, and Amalfi, with time at the end for a swim. Another must-see experience is a visit to Pompeii, just a short one-hour drive from Sorrento or Sant'Agata. Given the staggering size of this archaeological site, it's essential to book a guide to make ideal use of your time. We worked with Access Italy, a company with 40 years of experience arranging tours across Italy. Owned by Italians, the team is based in Rome and has spent decades cultivating a portfolio of seasoned local guides. For Pompeii, our driver was a 25-year veteran of the company, and our guide was in her 30th year in the business. Seeing the crowds at Pompeii, she wisely reversed our tour route and started us at the end so we could enjoy the museum in peace. She then guided us through the expansive site, targeting the highlights with depth and optimal timing to best avoid the masses—of course, she knew everyone who worked there, which helped move things along. Even her advice on the best times for snacks and bathroom breaks made the entire visit a smart, seamless way to explore one of the most popular tourist sites in Italy. Demonstration kitchen for cooking classes at Don Alfonso 1890 Don Alfonso 1890 A cooking class is an excellent way to understand the local cuisine, as is dining in one of the region's legendary restaurants—and you can do both at Don Alfonso 1890, a Michelin-starred restaurant and hotel in Sant'Agata. I suggest breaking the experience up and booking the cooking class for lunch one day and dinner the following day, as both will leave you quite satisfied. Cooking classes are held in a charming, fully equipped private kitchen overlooking a lush courtyard. Here, a team of chefs will guide you through three dishes, putting you to work cleaning crawfish, cutting pasta dough, and slicing citrus and eggplant, all while demonstrating how each recipe can best be adjusted for home cooking. The experience comes loaded with time-honored clever techniques, and you'll leave with several new recipes—but the highlight of the experience is taking a seat at the beautifully laid table and dining on your creations. Wines are paired with each course, and you'll get a chance to peek into their stunning main kitchen to see how a Michelin-starred restaurant operates. The four-hour experience will leave you in need of a nap and a light dinner, which is why I suggest booking your dining experience for the following day. Michelin starred dishes at Don Alfonso Don Alfonso 1890 Don Alfonso 1890 is both sophisticated and inviting; a true family-run establishment that takes guests on a historic tour of the centuries-old culinary heritage and traditions of the Amalfi Coast. Dishes are inspired by the organic produce of the family farm, Le Peracciole situated on 17 acres across the tip of the Sorrento Peninsula. The farm yields everything from olive oil and fresh vegetables to lemons for their famous limoncello. The multi-course menu features the local best—consider the smoked yellowtail served with wild fennel seeds and fried garlic mayonnaise, a fresh and brightly flavored taste of the sea. Similarly, the lobster and mozzarella skewer over pineapple ravioli with vanilla beetroot heart and spumante jelly is exquisite. Classic offerings such as beef ravioli with a Genovese ragout drizzled with a parmesan and black truffle foam are impeccably prepared as well. Regardless of what you order, plan for an evening of dazzling bites and true Italian hospitality. Al fresco dining at Bellevue Syrene Bellevue Syrene Pair your dinner with unparalleled views at Bellevue Syrene, located in the heart of Sorrento. Here, the spectacular fuchsia-blue hued sunset is as delicious and fabulous as the cuisine. The al fresco dining room faces the sea, so everyone has a prime view, and live soft piano music accompanies the ambiance. Views of Mount Vesuvius just add to the spectacle. When you can tear your eyes away from the horizon, consider savoring a dish of succulent tomatoes and burrata, or sea bream in a silky potato cream. Their Sorrento lobster with a savory shallot dressing is equally delicious. The cocktails and mocktails are certainly worthy, but the wine list is more tempting, with several older vintages offered from Italy's top wine regions. A few other things to consider: Skip a rental car and book all transfers to and from the region prior to arriving. You'll spend your time enjoying the scenery rather than white-knuckling it through the many hairpin turns. Everything is in demand so book in advance as much as possible to avoid disappointment. Sunset at Bellevue Syrene SorrentoKB
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Serie A Champions Sign Manchester City Legend
Serie A Champions Sign Manchester City Legend originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Napoli's first move of the summer transfer window is complete, and it's a massive one. The Serie A champions are set to add Belgian maestro Kevin De Bruyne after Manchester City opted to not renew his contract, which expires at the end of June. The move stems from De Bruyne's recent injury history and their ambition to acquire younger talent. Advertisement "Honestly, I still think I can perform at this level like I'm showing but I understand that clubs have to make decisions,' a disappointed De Bruyne said in April. "Obviously, I was a bit surprised but I have to accept it." According to sources, De Bruyne is anticipated to sign his deal with Napoli at the start of June, with just a few things left to finalize. His close ties with Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku along with his wedding taking place in Sorrento, Italy, makes the transfer an easy decision despite having offers from Liverpool and Chicago Fire. The midfielder joined City in 2015 from Wolfsburg at a price of £54.5m. Now, he departs the club as a legend with six Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League (UCL) crown, and 16 total trophies. Advertisement He's done playing at Etihad stadium as one of their own, but he left his mark by scoring 108 goals and 177 assists in 422 appearances across all competitions. Under Antonio Conte, Napoli emerged as an easy choice for De Bruyne, who is rumored to earn around €6m per season plus a €10m signing bonus on a three-year deal. After just narrowly winning the Serie A title over Inter Milan, who take on Paris Saint Germain in the UCL final today, Conte's Napoli have their eyes on the European tournament in 2026. De Bruyne's playmaking and vision are surely to transform their attack for the better and time will tell if it's a successful move or not. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dockers Footwear Marks Next Chapter With New Innovations, More Classifications
Dockers footwear is ready for its next chapter. The category, which is under license with Nashville-based Genesco, has undergone a massive transformation in recent seasons and executives are eager to show it off this upcoming market season. More from WWD EXCLUSIVE: Aerosoles to Preview Archive-Inspired 'Essentials' Collection to Buyers at Next Week's FFANY Authentic Brands Group Is Buying Dockers for $311 Million Johnston & Murphy Marks 175th Anniversary With Special Campaign, Collection and More According to Genesco Brands Group president Rick Higgins, the company has been laser focused on evolving the brand's shoe offering away from just an assortment centered around classic dress silhouettes. 'We saw an opportunity to repurpose that legacy and build something that better fits today's consumer,' Higgens told FN in an exclusive interview. 'The market is constantly moving, and our customer is looking for footwear that delivers on comfort and versatility along with the right look, and that's exactly where we've taken the line.' The exec noted that the company 'made some real strides' thanks to listening closely to the Dockers' consumer. 'They're telling us that they want footwear that can move with them,' Higgens said. 'Something they can wear to work, on the go, or go out with friends, without having to sacrifice comfort or style. That insight has helped shape the way we think about design materials and the overall experience of wearing Dockers' shoes.' Higgens added that the company has seen 'great support' from its retail partners, which have been 'excited' about the new direction for the category. 'There has been momentum on the self to our updated assortment – from new comfort platforms to more casual offerings,' the exec said. 'It has been incredibly encouraging as we work on adding fresh perspectives and technical know-how to help take the product to the next level.' The executive also highlighted key styles for spring/summer 2026, which include the Resurgence shoe with the brand's active rebound technology, the Bingley dress shoe series with elevated comfort features, and the Sorrento men's casual sandal with an active rebound footbed and outsole. This comes as the company readies the opening of its brand-new showroom in New York City, which will be feted during market week on June 4. Now located at 1410 Broadway on the 10th floor, the showroom offers a more 'elevated presentation,' the executive described. 'I feel like it showcases the brands better in this new space.' Bottom line, Higgens wants buyers to be on the lookout for Dockers' elevated, technology-packed shoe collection this season. 'We're proud of where things are headed it feels like a fresh chapter for Dockers footwear.' This comes one week after brand management firm Authentic Brands Group inked a deal to acquire the Dockers brand from Levi Strauss & Co. for $311 million. The deal has the potential to ultimately reach up to $391 million through an $80 million earn-out opportunity based on the performance of the Dockers business under Authentic's ownership in the years ahead. At press time no word if Dockers' new owners will reorganize its license structure for the label. So, for now, the brand's shoe category will remain with Genesco. In the full fiscal year 2025, Genesco reported net sales were flat at $2.3 billion compared to fiscal 2024. The company reported a net loss of $18.9 million in fiscal 2025 compared to a loss of $16.8 million last year. The company added that overall sales for the year increased 3 percent at Journeys, offset by a decrease of 6 percent at Johnston & Murphy and an 11 percent decrease at Genesco Brands, while sales at Schuh were flat. Looking ahead, the company expects net sales in fiscal 2026 to be flat to up 1 percent compared to fiscal 2025. Genesco reports first quarter 2026 earnings on June 4. Best of WWD All the Retailers That Nike Left and Then Went Back Mikey Madison's Elegant Red Carpet Shoe Style [PHOTOS] Julia Fox's Sleekest and Boldest Shoe Looks Over the Years [Photos] Sign in to access your portfolio
Daily Mail
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Parents are brutally slammed for leaving toddler at home while taking newborn on vacation
A couple has been brutally slammed online after they chose to take their baby on vacation, but left their toddler at home. Georgia and Chris Brown, both 30, from the UK, booked a four-day trip for three to Morocco. Four-month-old, Harry, went with his parents while George, two, stayed at home with his grandmother. The pair say they wanted 'one-on-one time' with Harry that wouldn't be possible with a toddler in tow. Business consultant Georgia and sales executive Chris took George to Sorrento, Italy, when he was a baby. They said they wanted Harry to have a similar trip, where he could be the centre of attention. 'We wanted to have that one-on-one time with Harry,' Georgia told What's the Jam recently. 'George's first holiday was all about him and we wanted that experience with Harry. 'When you have a toddler, it's a very different experience because you're always looking out for them. 'He's running wild and his brother sits in the back seat a lot of the time.' The mother-of-two added that the baby is often forced to follow his older brother's routine, and the youngster's life 'very much revolves around' what the toddler is doing. 'For example, I may have to wake Harry up from a nap to take George on a play date,' she shared. Chris booked the trip as a surprise for Georgia's birthday, and she was surprised when she saw that only one child was coming on the holiday. But in the end she agreed it would be best for all of them. Georgia said: 'Dads can struggle to bond at the beginning. He's the default parent to George because I'm breastfeeding Harry. 'Chris doesn't get to spend that much time with Harry because he's back at work so it gave him that time as well. 'It was a surprise that George wasn't coming and when he gave me the ticket and I saw one child, I thought "Where's the other one?" 'But I understood and thought it was quite sweet when he explained. 'George is a very loved baby so I never thought it would hurt him or he wouldn't have a great time with his gran.' Georgia shared a clip of her on holiday with Chris and Harry on TikTok and was bombarded with comments branding her a 'bad parent' over their decision to leave George behind. 'It's crazy, I didn't expect it to get the reaction it did,' reflected the UK-based mom. 'So many people have said we're bad parents, we shouldn't be parents and shouldn't have had a second child. 'People were saying "that poor boy," and that he'll grow up and never speak to me again. 'They said he'd tell the story in counselling. I was wondering if I was a bad parent but I'm absolutely not and I'm not going to listen to these people who think it's OK to put other people down. 'Other people said we can't handle the toddler but we can. We have a toddler and do handle him. 'A lot of moms were commenting. Moms know this is the hardest job in the world so the fact there's so many women putting me down because they don't agree with it is crazy. 'People are saying it'll really impact him and he'll remember. The boy cant remember what he had for dinner.' Georgia added that George is extremely 'independent' and that they 'FaceTimed him every day' during the trip. 'He wasn't crying asking where I was, he was telling us what he'd been doing,' she dished. 'I can't let it get to me because these people don't know me and are just online bullies.' Trolls also accused the couple of choosing to take one child on vacation because they couldn't afford to take both, which Georgia denied. She continued: 'About 100 people said, "Just admit that you couldn't afford to take both." 'I don't need to justify myself to them but that's not the case. Some people said that they would love to do it but they can only afford one holiday a year so they take all the children.' Georgia explained that despite the online abuse, she doesn't regret her decision. The North African holiday was back in March and the family have been on holiday as a four twice since to Germany and Ireland. She concluded: 'I'm so glad we did it. It was lovely. I genuinely don't care about all the hate I've got because we had an amazing time. 'People said the baby will never remember but me and Chris will remember. 'My mom and sister took care of George at ours so he wasn't disrupted and he had a great time. 'He went to the zoo, and went to his cousins to make pizza. He had an amazing time and it was amazing that my mom was able to spend time with George.'
