Latest news with #WoolworthBuilding
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A Craft Whiskey Maker's Idyllic Coastal California Vineyard Estate Can Be Yours for $6.9 Million
A Central California vineyard estate long owned by San Luis Obispo-based real estate investor and developer Rodney (Rod) Cegelski has just popped up for sale in the charming and lively seaside community of Avila Beach. After almost two decades, the co-founder of Rod & Hammer's craft whiskey distillery and his wife Robin are preparing to downsize and are now offering the nearly six-acre spread known as Casa Contenta for a dash under $6.9 million, around $500,000 less than the original $7.4 million asking price in March. Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains, about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the gated property is distinguished by a two-acre pinot noir vineyard that produces a sparkling rosé. Records show the couple paid $2.1 million in early 2007 for the licensed rental retreat, which has a Spanish-inspired main home, plus a detached guesthouse and a bonus suite atop the five-car garage—for a combined total of six bedrooms and seven baths in roughly 6,200 square feet. More from Robb Report This New Porsche 911 Is a Limited-Edition Ode to the Disco Era Dries Van Noten Just Opened a New Boutique in N.Y.C.-Here's a Look Inside Inside an $8 Million Condo on the 29th Floor of New York City's Iconic Woolworth Building As for the three-bedroom, four-bath primary dwelling, the white stucco and terracotta-roof structure was created in the late 1980s by a cadre of designers and architects from California, Australia, and Mexico, according to marketing materials. Highlights include a fireside living room resting beneath a soaring whitewashed wood-beam ceiling embellished with black brackets. A massive kitchen sports an eat-in island, Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, a wet bar, a butler's pantry, and a breakfast nook, while the primary suite comes with a fireplace, dual walk-in closets, and a soaking tub-equipped bath. Two more bedrooms and a bath can be found in the guesthouse, which has its own living room and kitchen, and an open-concept bonus suite above the garage features a bedroom, bath, and living area. Especially standing out on the scenic hillside grounds—designed by noted landscaper Jeffrey Gordon Smith and sited amid the so-called 'Hole in the Sky' microclimate known for its temperate weather—is an open-air observation tower outfitted with a cozy built-in sofa. There's also a pool with a slide and an accompanying spa, along with several fire pits, a barbecue station, and a meandering walking trail. Per listing agent Lindsey Harn of Christie's International Real Estate Sereno, the entire property can bring in up to $2,400 a night in rent, with the potential to make more than $450,000 annually. Hobbyist vintners will note the purchase includes a fully operational winemaking venture and label, with the opportunity to contract with a winemaker to produce your own of Robb Report The 10 Priciest Neighborhoods in America (And How They Got to Be That Way) In Pictures: Most Expensive Properties Click here to read the full article.
Roya News
08-04-2025
- Business
- Roya News
From real estate mogul to peace broker, who is Steve Witkoff?
Steve Witkoff, a Jewish real estate mogul and philanthropist, has emerged as a significant player in global diplomacy, tasked with brokering peace in two of the world's most volatile regions: Ukraine and the Middle East. But how did a man whose career was built on luxury properties and high-end developments become one of Donald Trump's most trusted international envoys? A real estate legacy and close ties with Trump Witkoff, born and raised in the Bronx, New York, initially pursued a career in law before pivoting to real estate. He founded the Witkoff Group, a real estate firm known for luxury developments, including the Park Lane Hotel in New York and the iconic Woolworth Building. His rapid rise in the real estate industry made him one of New York's most influential businessmen. Witkoff's relationship with Donald Trump dates back to the 1980s when they first met through the real estate industry. Their connection deepened, particularly through their shared love of golf. Over the years, the two became close allies, with Witkoff emerging as a major donor to Trump's presidential campaigns. It was Trump's praise for Witkoff's business acumen and his strong commitment to 'Israel' that ultimately led to Witkoff's appointment as the US Special Envoy to the Middle East in 2024, despite his lack of formal diplomatic experience. Brokering peace in the Middle East Witkoff's role as Special Envoy has been controversial. Critics argue that his real estate background, rather than a diplomatic one, makes him ill-equipped to handle the sensitive and complex issues at stake in the Middle East. Nonetheless, his appointment is part of Trump's broader strategy to reshape US foreign policy in the region. Witkoff has garnered praise for his ability to engage with Israeli leadership, even reportedly convincing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to break his observance of the Sabbath for an urgent meeting. While this was seen as a significant diplomatic achievement, it also highlighted Witkoff's unorthodox approach to diplomacy, often blurring the lines between personal relationships and statecraft. Some of Witkoff's proposals have raised significant concerns. One of the most controversial was his suggestion to develop Gaza into a luxury resort, an idea that many critics considered tone-deaf given the region's ongoing humanitarian crisis. Despite these critiques, Witkoff's close ties to both Trump and Netanyahu have helped secure his influence in these high-stakes negotiations. A key player in Ukraine Witkoff's diplomatic efforts are not confined to the Middle East. In 2024, he also played a role in mediating peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. Witkoff engaged in multiple meetings with Russian officials and reportedly gained the trust of President Vladimir Putin. Though his lack of experience in Eastern European politics raised questions, Witkoff's financial resources and vast network have made him an influential figure on the global stage. His involvement in Ukraine has been met with skepticism, particularly given his business interests and his close ties to Trump. Critics question whether his motivations are driven by personal gain or a genuine desire for peace. Nevertheless, Witkoff defends his role, stating that his pragmatic approach seeks stability and a return to normalcy in a region ravaged by conflict. Personal relationships and the role of business in diplomacy
