Visionary architect Zaha Hadid — known as the “Queen of the Curve” for the modern, curving designs of her buildings — had a legendary career. Her striking structures grace the skylines of major metropolitan cities, while her product designs, including furniture, jewelry, lighting, and even shoes, can be found in homes around the world.
She designed hundreds of award-winning buildings during her lifetime, from a metro station in Saudi Arabia, to the aquatics center for the 2012 London Olympics, to a city center in downtown Belgrade, all in her signature flowing style. The Iraqi-British architect left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape, building futuristic works of art such as Beijing’s Galaxy Soho, the Guangzhou Opera House, the One Thousand Museum in Miami, the Generali Tower in Milan, and many more.
But only one house.
The spaceship-like Capital Hill Residence in Russia is the only private residence ever to be built by Hadid, who regretfully passed away in 2016. And while Zaha Hadid never had the chance to see the house come to life, that’s all the more reason for us to take a moment and soak in the beauty of one of her final works.
Image courtesy of The OKO Group
Capital Hill Residence — the spaceship home born on a napkin
The incredible home, known as the ‘Capital Hill Residence,’ is located in a forested area in Barvikha, Russia and is the private home of Russian real estate magnate and philanthropist Vladislav Doronin.
When Vladislav Doronin first approached Zaha Hadid to design the house, he had one wish: “I want to wake up in the morning and just see blue sky.” To which Zaha Hadid said “You realize you have to be above the trees?” Doronin said “Yes.” So Zaha Hadid took a napkin and started drawing.
That was more than a decade ago. After their first meeting, Doronin knew he had found the architect who understood his vision for the unique home he wanted.
After facing a few hurdles along the way — Doronin first had a city lot in mind for the house, only to find that zoning restrictions wouldn’t let him build his dream home in Moscow — the Capital Hill Residence was finally unveiled in 2018.
Like many of Zaha Hadid’s structures, the spaceship-like home is defined by fluid geometries emerging from the landscape.
Image courtesy of The OKO Group
The house spans over four levels, with the living room, dining room, kitchen, and entertaining spaces being located on the first two floors, that also provide access to the indoor swimming pool, and leisure facilities.
Image courtesy of The OKO GroupImage courtesy of The OKO Group
Capital Hill Residence sits on a north-facing hillside and consists of two main parts – a lower area which sits among pine and birch trees — and an upper part which rises 72 feet above the ground to give its residents spectacular views of the Russian forested landscape.
Unlike any other of Zaha Hadid’s structures, which were almost exclusively set in urban environments, the Capital Hill Residence is a neo-futuristic building that stands out in the thick forest of trees it’s surrounded by.
More architectural wonders:
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A tiny mobile home in Palm Springs, CA, rumored to have once been actor Desi Arnaz‘s makeup trailer is this week’s most popular listing on Realtor.com®.
Named “Lucille” after Arnaz’s real-life wife and “I Love Lucy” co-star, Lucille Ball, the 336-square-foot abode is part of a mobile park community known as Horizon Mobile Village. Located directly under the famous Bob Hope House, the affordable and adorable dwelling is already pending sale.
Other real estate offerings that made the popularity list include a massive Lone Star estate with a 50-car garage, a California megamansion that Eddie Murphy once owned, and a hobbit-style home in Arizona. (How’s that for variety?)
For a full look at this week’s 10 most popular homes, keep on scrolling.
Price: $2,150,000 Why it’s here: Dubbed “The Black House,” this is a departure from traditional, Charleston-style architecture. The gabled roof and striking, black exterior were designed by local architect Kevan Hoertdoerfer to stand out.
The three-bedroom contemporary was built in 2019 and features 2,894 square feet of sleek living space. With its glass-paneled, front entry and floor-to-ceiling windows, the space seamlessly blends with the outdoors. The interior is all white and features an open floor plan, soaring ceilings, and a minimalist style.
The primary suite comes with a wall of windows that open to a private terrace, and there’s a cabana out back.
Charleston, SC
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Price: $9,950,000 Why it’s here: When you have a sprawling estate in Texas, you naturally need a 50-car garage.
The 11,008-square-foot mansion is certainly worthy of note, but the showstopper is the 9,240-square-foot garage, which can hold 50 cars. It also features nine roller doors, multiple auto lifts, an office, and a half-bathroom.
As for the five-bedroom, brick-front manor, it boasts a Tuscan-inspired design, travertine and wide-plank wood floors, Venetian plaster walls, and marble and granite surfaces. Luxury amenities include an elevator, two staircases, Juliet balconies, a bar, and a chef’s kitchen.
The home sits on a 3.4-acre lot and comes with a sunroom, gym, home theater with stadium seating, and pool with a cabana.
Houston, TX
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Price: $395,000 Why it’s here: This modestly priced home will need some TLC, but it comes with a detached pool house and several acres of gardens.
It doesn’t look like much has changed since the three-bedroom home was built in 1971. The bones of the 2,637-square-foot home appear to be in good shape. The living room has a fireplace at one end and beautiful arched windows at the other. The family room has a wood-beam ceiling, an enormous stone fireplace, and built-in bookshelves.
The property’s 5 acres include a two-car garage and carport, a gazebo, and a detached exercise room with a sauna and hot tub.
Hendersonville, NC
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Price: $599,900 Why it’s here: This custom-built stunner starred in the Spring 2022 Parade of Homes.
Located in the Magnolia Ridge subdivision, the three-bedroom dwelling shows off a swanky, modern style. Throughout its 2,884 square feet of living space, soaring ceilings, custom wall and ceiling treatments, and brick accent walls can be found. The chef’s kitchen features custom cabinets, a “hidden” walk-in pantry, and granite countertops. The primary suite has a built-in vanity, soaking tub, and shower. An upstairs bonus room could be used as a home office.
The 1-acre lot includes an in-ground pool, fire pit, and outdoor kitchen.
After a week on the market, the home is pending sale.
New Diana, TX
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Price: $1,350,000 Why it’s here: With its indoor saltwater pool, 12-seat home theater, two bars, and a private lake, this 1980s-era compound was designed for entertaining.
The five-bedroom residence features a massive, 7,838 square feet of living space. The two-story great room includes a floor-to-ceiling fireplace and walls of windows overlooking the lake. Sliders open up to a wraparound deck with a fireplace and outdoor cook area. The indoor kitchen has custom cabinets, high-end appliances, and even a dumb waiter. The dining room features a heated floor. The lower level contains another kitchen, a wine room, and an office. The home is equipped with an elevator.
The 3.5-acre lot includes a two-level sports center with two kitchens.
Pekin, IL
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Price: $299,900 Why it’s here: This petite townhouse features a cozy 769 square feet of living space.
Built in 1900, the affordably priced, two-bedroom unit has been entirely updated. The cute kitchen offers stainless-steel appliances and a breakfast area with a bar, and there’s a more formal dining room. Two bedrooms with arched ceilings can be found upstairs.
The fenced yard has a pleasing patio designed for relaxing. A sale is already pending on the property.
Mansfield, MA
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Price: $8,000,000 Why it’s here: This palatial estate near California’s capital city is where Eddie Murphy and Nicole Mitchell once lived when they were married.
According to the Sacramento Bee, the couple had the 11,500-square-foot home from 1998 until 2006, when they divorced. Murphy reportedly sold the seven-bedroom estate for $6.1 million the following year.
It has since been on and off the market, including in 2018 when it was listed fully furnished for $10 million. The current price represents a significant discount.
The 2.5-acre parcel, which overlooks Folsom Lake, includes a guesthouse, a pool with spa, tennis and basketball courts, and a nine-car garage.
Granite Bay, CA
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Price: $275,000 Why it’s here: If you have always wanted to live in a former theater, here’s your chance.
Built in 1880, the historic Granite Grange Hall has been used as a senior center, boys-and-girls club, and wedding venue. It’s now being offered as a one-bedroom home with 3,600 square feet of living space. The property still features a stage and ticket counter, and there’s a “secret” second staircase that leads to a trap door with access backstage.
According to the listing, plans for converting the property into a residence are included in the sale.
Milford, NH
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Price: $550,000 Why it’s here: This uniquely outfitted, hobbit-style house comes with a separate guesthouse.
The one-bedroom home features a circular front door, a spacious living room, and a colorful kitchen with stainless-steel appliances. The two-bedroom guesthouse was finished in 2019 and has a modern interior.
With a total of three bedrooms between the two homes, the unusual property offers income potential.
Prescott, AZ
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Price: $150,000 Why it’s here: Consider this your formal introduction to “Lucille,” the must-see mobile home that is said to have been the makeup trailer for actor Desi Arnaz.
Named after his then-wife and “I Love Lucy” co-star, Lucille Ball, the one-bedroom vintage dwelling has been entirely transformed and updated with the midcentury modern style that’s so popular in Palm Springs. The 336 square feet of living space now features a kitchen with a retro fridge and a bathroom with a blue-tiled shower.
Even if you don’t tune in to reality TV, you’ve likely caught wind of the drama that’s been circling the hit Bravo show “Vanderpump Rules” and the cheating scandal that has come to be known as “Scandoval” (a portmanteau of “scandal” and “Sandoval”).
For the uninitiated, the reality TV juggernaut premiered in 2013 and originally followed the lives of the staff of SUR restaurant, a West Hollywood, CA, staple owned by Lisa Vanderpump, formerly of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.”
“Vanderpump Rules” is currently in its 10th season and experiencing a spike in ratings due to news that longtime cast members Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix had split after 10 years because of an affair between Sandoval and his co-star Raquel Leviss.
In March, the cheating scandal permeated every corner of the internet—from the typical gossip sites to even the New York Times. Since then, Sandoval has confirmed stepping out on Madix and evidence suggests that Sandoval and Leviss are still close.
So if it seems like everyone has been talking about the “Scandoval,” it’s not just you.
Which ‘Vanderpump Rules’ cast members currently own homes?
Some of the biggest questions to come out of the controversy have to do with Sandoval and Madix’s living situation and, specifically, the Valley Village, CA, house they bought together in 2019. Are they both still living in the house? Who legally owns the property? Is the home up for sale?
This shake-up in the Vanderpump universe—as well as news that two cast members recently became new homeowners—prompted us to focus the lens on Southern California and take a deep dive into the homes of Bravo’s most bankable stars.
Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix’s house
The home that Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval own.
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In 2019, Sandoval and Madix were the first of three “Vanderpump Rules” couples to make the move outside of West Hollywood and purchase real estate in the San Fernando Valley. The trio of couples—including Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright and ex-spouses Tom Schwartz and Katie Maloney—fell for near-identical modern farmhouse mansions that were within a stone’s throw of one another.
Sandoval and Madix purchased this 4,400-square-foot home for $2.08 million. The massive interior includes a chef’s kitchen with two dishwashers, a butler’s pantry, and a wine refrigerator—the perfect setup for mixologists Sandoval and Madix, who also have their own food and beverage ventures.
Property records show the homeowners are “Ariana Madix and Thomas Sandoval,” so even in the midst of the cheating scandal, they have maintained their residence. For the time being, the house is off the market. But who knows what the fallout will be after the current season of their reality show concludes.
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James Kennedy’s house
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James Kennedy is another “Vanderpump Rules” star who calls the valley home.
The reality TV star and DJ recently purchased a remodeled three-bedroom, two-bathroom house in the heart of Burbank, CA, for $1.35 million.
The modest suburban spread was designed with comfort and style in mind and includes a stylish kitchen, a primary suite with double vanity, a pool, and a covered barbecue area in the backyard.
James Kennedy’s kitchen
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Dining and living area
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En suite bathroom
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Backyard with pool
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Lala Kent’s house
Lala Kent’s house
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Love her or hate her, there’s no denying that Lala Kent had a rocky couple of years due to her breakup with her partner, disgraced Hollywood producer Randall Emmett. But a bright spot came this year for Kent when she purchased an oasis in the desert: this 2,300-square-foot home in Palm Springs, CA.
The $1.35 million, three-bedroom pad is set on a golf course and offers jaw-dropping views of the mountains in the backyard. It’s well-equipped for the hot weather with a pool and covered lanai.
Kent’s new home is also next door—yes, next door—to “Vanderpump Rules” co-star and best friend Scheana Shay.
Living room
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Backyard with golf course views
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Scheana Shay’s house
While the rest of her “Vanderpump Rules” cast mates were buying in the valley in 2019, Shay set her sights southeast and scooped up a house for $725,000 in Palm Springs. The home has proven to be a good investment—Shay’s friend and cast mate Kent paid nearly double for a similar three-bedroom next door.
The 1,900-square-foot desert dwelling is filled with modern design touches like an electric fireplace, “sliding walls of glass,” a saltwater pool and spa, and a large fire pit.
Shay shares the home with her husband, Brock Davies, and daughter, Summer Moon.
Lisa Vanderpump, restaurateur, philanthropist, and matriarch of the “Vanderpump Rules” empire, has lived in a hilltop estate, dubbed Villa Rosa, since 2011. She and her husband, Ken Todd, purchased the 8,800-square-foot home, which has been heavily featured on TV, for $10.2 million.
The five-bed Beverly Hills mansion is known for its lush landscaping, opulent interior design, and plenty of space for Vanderpump’s menagerie, including five rescue dogs, two miniature horses (including Velvet, a new pony who makes a cameo on this week’s episode of “Vanderpump Rules”), one retired racehorse, swans, peacocks, fish, and various other pets.
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Since I’m still basking in the glow of the Kauai sun, I’m taking a cue from my tropical location for today’s Idea to Steal: hanging hammocks as wall decor. I’ve talked about hammocks in modern spaces before. I even incorporated one into the den I designed for Sunset Magazine a…
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