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17 JULY 2007.- ESTATE OF THE DAY |
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MEL GIBSON“S OLD MILL FARM |
Source: Luxist.com
The esteemed Braden Keil of the NY Post broke the story that Mel Gibson has put his Greenwich, Connecticut home on the market. The listing with photos just went live today so I wanted to bring you the pictures of why this home just might be worth the $39.5 million asking price. Old Mill Farm is a design by architect Charles Lewis Bowman built in 1926 for his horse lover G.L. Ohrstrom. The home is one of the last great manor homes in Greenwich and is significant not just for the architecture but for the fact that it has 77 acres of land.
The home itself is an Elizabethan-inspired Tudor mansion of 15,800 square feet and the property has 15 bedrooms and 18 bathrooms total. The jaw-dropping room of the place is the great hall which has a 40-foot cathedral ceiling with a stone minstrel's gallery, walk-in fireplace and leaded glass ceilings. The grounds, which were done by landscape designer James Doyle include formal gardens and a maze. There is also a terrace pool, tennis court, greenhouse, stable, staff houses, log cabin and a pond on the property. For your $39.5 million you really do get a chance to slip into a whole other world. After the jump, imagine the movie Mel could have made here.
SEE NEW PHOTOS
SOME WEBSITES AFFIRM that Gibson has already sold his 76 acre estate for a staggering $40 million (GBP20 million) to an unnamed buyer.
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SEE NEW PHOTOS
SOME WEBSITES AFFIRM that Gibson has already sold his 76 acre estate for a staggering $40 million (GBP20 million) to an unnamed buyer.
17 JULY 2007.- PHOTO OF THE DAY 
MEL GIBSON WITH A BUNCH OF FANS IN COSTA RICA
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MEL GIBSON WITH A BUNCH OF FANS IN COSTA RICA |
19 JULY 2007.- ONCE UPON A TIME...
INTERVIEW
Madrid, 12 April 1993
Spanish
HERE, Please
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21 JULY 2007.- OPINION POLL "MEL GIBSON"
TO ANSWER OPINION POLL, click on the logo
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TO ANSWER OPINION POLL, click on the logo |
23 JULY 2007.- A MAGO ISLAND SIGHTSEEING TOUR
TO SEE PICTURES, HERE please
Last week, we visited Old Mill Farm. Today, we“ll go on a guided tour round Mago Island.
Mago (pronounced Mungo or Mango) Island is located in the remote Northern Lau Group of islands in Fiji. The island is roughly circular, about 3 ½ miles in breadth, and totaling 8 ½ square miles and 5411 acres in size. It is mostly volcanic and the highest of the dormant volcanic peaks about 900 feet. With its Kaui-like cliffs, hidden lagoon and secret valley filled with mountain springs the island really is something straight out of Hollywood. But this idyllic place hides a terrible history of colonial occupation, slavery and the curse that was placed on it long ago.
MAGO ISLAND AND THE CURSE
The history of Mago Island dates back as far as 2800 years as the earliest known evidence of human settlement in the South Pacific has been identified at Votua on the Island 's northeast coast. The island has been settled since the first human colonization of the remote Pacific islands associated with people of the Lapita Cultural Complex. When Europeans first came to the Lau Islands in the early nineteenth century, the natives of Mango were known as the most ferocious warriors and fearsome cannibals.
Although not well known now "The Coral Island" was a book that spawned a whole genre of escapist literature. R.M. Ballantyne wrote the classic in 1843, in which 3 young boys are castaway on a beautiful, paradisiacal tropical island. The book became a major best seller in the Victorian era, and became a major influence on children's literature.
Much of the action in Ballantyne's novel takes place on an island called "Mango" inhabited by fierce natives.
Mango is how Mago is really pronounced, as the N and M in Fijian aren't written but assumed.
In a case of life imitating art three adventuresome young brothers (the Ryders) landed there in their own boat ten years after the novel was published.
Rupert Ryder and his two brothers purchased the Island in the 1850's from the rapacious chiefs of Somosomo who had adopted Christianity and with their contacts with Europeans gained access to firearms and greed, a very dangerous combination.
Knowing the Europeans greed for land the chiefs of Somosomo conquered the local inhabitants of Mago island and expelled them at gunpoint to the neighboring island of Taveuni , then handed it over to the Ryder brothers for the trifling price of just 200 young coconuts.
The story goes that at the time of their forcible expulsion the inhabitants placed a curse on everybody who ever owned the island until it returned to their hands.
Ryder was a talented planter and businessman who pioneered the cultivation of a unique type of cotton known as "Sea Island Cotton" that gained international attention for Mago Island and Fiji after winning gold medals at exhibitions in Paris and Philadelphia in the late 1800s. The three brothers made a fortune growing sea island cotton during the American Civil War. But the price for cotton collapsed in the late 19th century. The Ryders worked Mango Island Estate like a Southern slave plantation, employing over 300 "Kanakas" or indentured Melanesian probably from the Solomon Islands , and imported overseers from India .
The Ryder family held its interest in the Island until 1898, when James S.K.B. Borron bought the island with A.S. Bowman and another as partners for £12,000. In 1903 Borron bought out his partners and invested a great deal of money in roads, buildings and improvements. In 1907, it was said, " The homestead at Mango is one of the prettiest of many pretty Fiji homes ."
But apparently not all was well, Borron suffered a series of financial disasters, and finally became convinced of the "Curse of Mago". He traveled the world seeking a way to get the curse lifted, but to no avail.
The Borrons operated a copra plantation until November 1985 when Tokyu Corporation a transportation and hotel chain group bought the island for $6.15 million after his chairman- Fujio Kochi - had a dream of creating a utopian island a la Aldous Huxley's "The Island".But once again the curse of Mago struck, and a after a series of financial setbacks and two coups in Fiji the company never proceeded with their plans. The company kept all visitors away from the island, and toyed on and of with selling. The Chairman died in 1987 never having fulfilled his dream.
In 2003 the island was finally placed on the market by the corporation with a listed price of $15 million.
Mel Gibson fell in love with the area while shooting 1980s movie The Bounty. He made several trips to Fiji looking for properties, and engaged Mr. Rick Kermode to act as a buyer's agent to conduct the search for possible islands. Finally in December 2004 he inspected Mago island by private charter plane with his wife and two children.
In 2005 Gibson bought the island
According to the legend, ill fate seems to have befallen all who have owned the island, especially the original occupants. Only time will tell if Mel Gibson defeats the curse of Mago Island.
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TO SEE PICTURES, HERE please |
Last week, we visited Old Mill Farm. Today, we“ll go on a guided tour round Mago Island.
Mago (pronounced Mungo or Mango) Island is located in the remote Northern Lau Group of islands in Fiji. The island is roughly circular, about 3 ½ miles in breadth, and totaling 8 ½ square miles and 5411 acres in size. It is mostly volcanic and the highest of the dormant volcanic peaks about 900 feet. With its Kaui-like cliffs, hidden lagoon and secret valley filled with mountain springs the island really is something straight out of Hollywood. But this idyllic place hides a terrible history of colonial occupation, slavery and the curse that was placed on it long ago.
MAGO ISLAND AND THE CURSE
The history of Mago Island dates back as far as 2800 years as the earliest known evidence of human settlement in the South Pacific has been identified at Votua on the Island 's northeast coast. The island has been settled since the first human colonization of the remote Pacific islands associated with people of the Lapita Cultural Complex. When Europeans first came to the Lau Islands in the early nineteenth century, the natives of Mango were known as the most ferocious warriors and fearsome cannibals.
Although not well known now "The Coral Island" was a book that spawned a whole genre of escapist literature. R.M. Ballantyne wrote the classic in 1843, in which 3 young boys are castaway on a beautiful, paradisiacal tropical island. The book became a major best seller in the Victorian era, and became a major influence on children's literature.
Much of the action in Ballantyne's novel takes place on an island called "Mango" inhabited by fierce natives.
Mango is how Mago is really pronounced, as the N and M in Fijian aren't written but assumed.
In a case of life imitating art three adventuresome young brothers (the Ryders) landed there in their own boat ten years after the novel was published.
Rupert Ryder and his two brothers purchased the Island in the 1850's from the rapacious chiefs of Somosomo who had adopted Christianity and with their contacts with Europeans gained access to firearms and greed, a very dangerous combination.
Knowing the Europeans greed for land the chiefs of Somosomo conquered the local inhabitants of Mago island and expelled them at gunpoint to the neighboring island of Taveuni , then handed it over to the Ryder brothers for the trifling price of just 200 young coconuts.
The story goes that at the time of their forcible expulsion the inhabitants placed a curse on everybody who ever owned the island until it returned to their hands.
Ryder was a talented planter and businessman who pioneered the cultivation of a unique type of cotton known as "Sea Island Cotton" that gained international attention for Mago Island and Fiji after winning gold medals at exhibitions in Paris and Philadelphia in the late 1800s. The three brothers made a fortune growing sea island cotton during the American Civil War. But the price for cotton collapsed in the late 19th century. The Ryders worked Mango Island Estate like a Southern slave plantation, employing over 300 "Kanakas" or indentured Melanesian probably from the Solomon Islands , and imported overseers from India .
The Ryder family held its interest in the Island until 1898, when James S.K.B. Borron bought the island with A.S. Bowman and another as partners for £12,000. In 1903 Borron bought out his partners and invested a great deal of money in roads, buildings and improvements. In 1907, it was said, " The homestead at Mango is one of the prettiest of many pretty Fiji homes ."
But apparently not all was well, Borron suffered a series of financial disasters, and finally became convinced of the "Curse of Mago". He traveled the world seeking a way to get the curse lifted, but to no avail.
The Borrons operated a copra plantation until November 1985 when Tokyu Corporation a transportation and hotel chain group bought the island for $6.15 million after his chairman- Fujio Kochi - had a dream of creating a utopian island a la Aldous Huxley's "The Island".But once again the curse of Mago struck, and a after a series of financial setbacks and two coups in Fiji the company never proceeded with their plans. The company kept all visitors away from the island, and toyed on and of with selling. The Chairman died in 1987 never having fulfilled his dream.
In 2003 the island was finally placed on the market by the corporation with a listed price of $15 million.
Mel Gibson fell in love with the area while shooting 1980s movie The Bounty. He made several trips to Fiji looking for properties, and engaged Mr. Rick Kermode to act as a buyer's agent to conduct the search for possible islands. Finally in December 2004 he inspected Mago island by private charter plane with his wife and two children.
In 2005 Gibson bought the island
According to the legend, ill fate seems to have befallen all who have owned the island, especially the original occupants. Only time will tell if Mel Gibson defeats the curse of Mago Island.
MAGO ISLAND AND THE CURSE
Although not well known now "The Coral Island" was a book that spawned a whole genre of escapist literature. R.M. Ballantyne wrote the classic in 1843, in which 3 young boys are castaway on a beautiful, paradisiacal tropical island. The book became a major best seller in the Victorian era, and became a major influence on children's literature.
Much of the action in Ballantyne's novel takes place on an island called "Mango" inhabited by fierce natives.
Mango is how Mago is really pronounced, as the N and M in Fijian aren't written but assumed.
In a case of life imitating art three adventuresome young brothers (the Ryders) landed there in their own boat ten years after the novel was published.
Rupert Ryder and his two brothers purchased the Island in the 1850's from the rapacious chiefs of Somosomo who had adopted Christianity and with their contacts with Europeans gained access to firearms and greed, a very dangerous combination.
Knowing the Europeans greed for land the chiefs of Somosomo conquered the local inhabitants of Mago island and expelled them at gunpoint to the neighboring island of Taveuni , then handed it over to the Ryder brothers for the trifling price of just 200 young coconuts.
The story goes that at the time of their forcible expulsion the inhabitants placed a curse on everybody who ever owned the island until it returned to their hands.
Ryder was a talented planter and businessman who pioneered the cultivation of a unique type of cotton known as "Sea Island Cotton" that gained international attention for Mago Island and Fiji after winning gold medals at exhibitions in Paris and Philadelphia in the late 1800s. The three brothers made a fortune growing sea island cotton during the American Civil War. But the price for cotton collapsed in the late 19th century. The Ryders worked Mango Island Estate like a Southern slave plantation, employing over 300 "Kanakas" or indentured Melanesian probably from the Solomon Islands , and imported overseers from India .
The Ryder family held its interest in the Island until 1898, when James S.K.B. Borron bought the island with A.S. Bowman and another as partners for £12,000. In 1903 Borron bought out his partners and invested a great deal of money in roads, buildings and improvements. In 1907, it was said, " The homestead at Mango is one of the prettiest of many pretty Fiji homes ."
But apparently not all was well, Borron suffered a series of financial disasters, and finally became convinced of the "Curse of Mago". He traveled the world seeking a way to get the curse lifted, but to no avail.
The Borrons operated a copra plantation until November 1985 when Tokyu Corporation a transportation and hotel chain group bought the island for $6.15 million after his chairman- Fujio Kochi - had a dream of creating a utopian island a la Aldous Huxley's "The Island".But once again the curse of Mago struck, and a after a series of financial setbacks and two coups in Fiji the company never proceeded with their plans. The company kept all visitors away from the island, and toyed on and of with selling. The Chairman died in 1987 never having fulfilled his dream.
In 2003 the island was finally placed on the market by the corporation with a listed price of $15 million.
Mel Gibson fell in love with the area while shooting 1980s movie The Bounty. He made several trips to Fiji looking for properties, and engaged Mr. Rick Kermode to act as a buyer's agent to conduct the search for possible islands. Finally in December 2004 he inspected Mago island by private charter plane with his wife and two children.
In 2005 Gibson bought the island
According to the legend, ill fate seems to have befallen all who have owned the island, especially the original occupants. Only time will tell if Mel Gibson defeats the curse of Mago Island.
25 JULY 2007.- WHERE TO HAVE A CUP OF TEA WITH WILLIAM WALLACE
ARDROSSAN CASTLE, Ayrshire (Scotland)
Click on the image to enlarge
There are dozens of fascinating stories of ghosts, phantoms and bogles associated with Scotland mansions, old houses, castles, churches, theatres, inns, pubs - and many other places.
Many of the reported ghosts are believed to be those of real people, most of whom died in horrific or tragic circumstances. Mary Queen of Scots and William Wallace are among them.
Standing on a hill overlooking the town, Ardrossan Castle is a ruinous ancient stronghold of the Barclay family. William Wallace captured the castle from the English during the Wars of Independence, slew the garrison and piled their bodies into the basement: the episode afterwards known as "Wallace's Larder". Wallace ghost is still reputedly seen here on stormy nights.
The castle was acquired then rebuilt by Sir John Montgomery, who fought at the battle of Otterburn in 1388, capturing Harry "Hotspur Percy". The family later became Earls of Eglinton, and sheltered here in 1528 when their castle at Eglinton was burnt by the Cunninghams. Ardrossan was then abandoned and became ruinous.
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ARDROSSAN CASTLE, Ayrshire (Scotland) |
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There are dozens of fascinating stories of ghosts, phantoms and bogles associated with Scotland mansions, old houses, castles, churches, theatres, inns, pubs - and many other places. |
29 JULY 2007.- THE "REFUGE" IN COSTA RICA
HACIENDA DORADA, Costa Rica
This weekend, we suggest sunbathing on the beaches of one of the most exclusive resorts on the Nicoya Peninsula (GUANACASTE, Costa Rica).
The star of our reportage, Hacienda Dorada, is located near the villages of Samara and Nosara. The property fronts two white sand beaches.
The beautiful property comprises or comprised several villas built with exotic Costa Rican woods, Spanish and Italian tiles and furnished with four poster beds and 19th century prints. Each villa offers a living room with vaulted ceiling and verandas with stunning ocean and jungle views, framed by hibiscus, bougainvillea and coconut palms. They include pool, stereo, air conditioned bedrooms, satellite TV with VCR, large verandas, full kitchens and barbecue areas
The Casa Guanacaste, the largest of the three villas, has 7 bedrooms and 8 baths. There is a central courtyard with Spanish fountain and large pool with jacuzzi.
The Casa Barrigona has 3 bedrooms each with private bath. The Master Bedroom has a king bed; the second bedroom has a queen bed. There is a separate bedroom facing the pool below with twin beds. There is a 22 ft. precious wood ceiling, large veranda and poolside rancho and gas grill.
The Casa Dorada has 2 bedrooms each with king bed plus loft bedroom with twin beds and 3 bathrooms. There is a large veranda, private pool with rock waterfall and rancho.
ACTIVITIES: Ideal location for touring, wildlife, sunbathing, surfing, swimming, walking and hiding from paparazzi.
WHERE TO LODGE: Consult a travel agent.
SUGGESTIONS: If you collect autographs and pics of famous people (e.g. Mel Gibson), include a pen, a notebook and a mobile phone + camera in your satchel. Binoculars are highly recommended. You can use leaves and green paint as camouflage.
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HACIENDA DORADA, Costa Rica |
This weekend, we suggest sunbathing on the beaches of one of the most exclusive resorts on the Nicoya Peninsula (GUANACASTE, Costa Rica).
The star of our reportage, Hacienda Dorada, is located near the villages of Samara and Nosara. The property fronts two white sand beaches.
The beautiful property comprises or comprised several villas built with exotic Costa Rican woods, Spanish and Italian tiles and furnished with four poster beds and 19th century prints. Each villa offers a living room with vaulted ceiling and verandas with stunning ocean and jungle views, framed by hibiscus, bougainvillea and coconut palms. They include pool, stereo, air conditioned bedrooms, satellite TV with VCR, large verandas, full kitchens and barbecue areas
The Casa Guanacaste, the largest of the three villas, has 7 bedrooms and 8 baths. There is a central courtyard with Spanish fountain and large pool with jacuzzi.
The Casa Barrigona has 3 bedrooms each with private bath. The Master Bedroom has a king bed; the second bedroom has a queen bed. There is a separate bedroom facing the pool below with twin beds. There is a 22 ft. precious wood ceiling, large veranda and poolside rancho and gas grill.
The Casa Dorada has 2 bedrooms each with king bed plus loft bedroom with twin beds and 3 bathrooms. There is a large veranda, private pool with rock waterfall and rancho.
ACTIVITIES: Ideal location for touring, wildlife, sunbathing, surfing, swimming, walking and hiding from paparazzi.
WHERE TO LODGE: Consult a travel agent.
SUGGESTIONS: If you collect autographs and pics of famous people (e.g. Mel Gibson), include a pen, a notebook and a mobile phone + camera in your satchel. Binoculars are highly recommended. You can use leaves and green paint as camouflage.
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The Casa Barrigona has 3 bedrooms each with private bath. The Master Bedroom has a king bed; the second bedroom has a queen bed. There is a separate bedroom facing the pool below with twin beds. There is a 22 ft. precious wood ceiling, large veranda and poolside rancho and gas grill.
The Casa Dorada has 2 bedrooms each with king bed plus loft bedroom with twin beds and 3 bathrooms. There is a large veranda, private pool with rock waterfall and rancho.
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ACTIVITIES: Ideal location for touring, wildlife, sunbathing, surfing, swimming, walking and hiding from paparazzi.
WHERE TO LODGE: Consult a travel agent.
SUGGESTIONS: If you collect autographs and pics of famous people (e.g. Mel Gibson), include a pen, a notebook and a mobile phone + camera in your satchel. Binoculars are highly recommended. You can use leaves and green paint as camouflage.
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