2012 The Top Ten Most Romantic Homes

 

With Valentine’s Day almost here, some of the most romance-inspiring homes on the planet that are currently for sale. This year’s homes span the country from a romantic New York penthouse, to Katharine Hepburn’s long-time estate on the New England coast, to an 1852 Mississippi historic inn with Civil War ties, to the Tammy Wynette and George Jones Florida love nest. This year, the Top Ten Most Romantic Homes feature also includes a historic estate in the South of France where Picasso, Churchill and Princess Grace were frequent guests. www.toptenrealestatedeals.com

 
February 10, 2012
 
 
 
10. Tammy Wynette-George Jones Estate, Lakeland, FL For as long as she could remember, Tammy Wynette had dreamed of one day living in a southern mansion very much like Tara in Gone with the Wind. After years of hard work and finally claiming success as one of the most notable female country singers of all time, Tammy married George Jones in 1969. Shortly thereafter, she and George moved into this lovely columned plantation home, bringing her dreams to reality. In 1971 in an interview with the Tampa Tribune, she said, “This is the home for us . . It’s the only place we want to be.”
 

10. Tammy Wynette-George Jones Estate, Lakeland, FL For as long as she could remember, Tammy Wynette had dreamed of one day living in a southern mansion very much like Tara in Gone with the Wind. After years of hard work and finally claiming success as one of the most notable female country singers of all time, Tammy married George Jones in 1969. Shortly thereafter, she and George moved into this lovely columned plantation home, bringing her dreams to reality. In 1971 in an interview with the Tampa Tribune, she said, “This is the home for us . . It’s the only place we want to be.”

Photograph by: Tradewinds International Real Estate of Winter Park, Inc

 
10. Tammy Wynette-George Jones Estate, Lakeland, FL For as long as she could remember, Tammy Wynette had dreamed of one day living in a southern mansion very much like Tara in Gone with the Wind. After years of hard work and finally claiming success as one of the most notable female country singers of all time, Tammy married George Jones in 1969. Shortly thereafter, she and George moved into this lovely columned plantation home, bringing her dreams to reality. In 1971 in an interview with the Tampa Tribune, she said, “This is the home for us . . It’s the only place we want to be.”
10. Tammy Wynette-George Jones Estate, Lakeland, FL For as long as she could remember, Tammy Wynette had dreamed of one day living in a southern mansion very much like Tara in Gone with the Wind. After years of hard work and finally claiming success as one of the most notable female country singers of all time, Tammy married George Jones in 1969. Shortly thereafter, she and George moved into this lovely columned plantation home, bringing her dreams to reality. In 1971 in an interview with the Tampa Tribune, she said, “This is the home for us . . It’s the only place we want to be.”
10. Tammy Wynette-George Jones Estate, Lakeland, FL For as long as she could remember, Tammy Wynette had dreamed of one day living in a southern mansion very much like Tara in Gone with the Wind. After years of hard work and finally claiming success as one of the most notable female country singers of all time, Tammy married George Jones in 1969. Shortly thereafter, she and George moved into this lovely columned plantation home, bringing her dreams to reality. In 1971 in an interview with the Tampa Tribune, she said, “This is the home for us . . It’s the only place we want to be.”
9. “Stranded” on Your Own Private Island! Broad Key sits off of the well-known Ocean Reef Club Resort in upper Key Largo. Accessed by either boat or helicopter, the island is the perfect romantic getaway for those who want total privacy without the isolation that usually comes with romantic island life. Being the highest island in the Keys at 21 feet above sea level, the house sits at the highest point overlooking the blue-green waters of the tropical Atlantic. Come home to your island which promises the possibility of romance in any place of your choosing . . after all, just the two of you are on this magical private retreat all alone. On your very own island you can play out all your romantic fantasies of “stranded” that you may have been carrying around since childhood.
9. “Stranded” on Your Own Private Island! Broad Key sits off of the well-known Ocean Reef Club Resort in upper Key Largo. Accessed by either boat or helicopter, the island is the perfect romantic getaway for those who want total privacy without the isolation that usually comes with romantic island life. Being the highest island in the Keys at 21 feet above sea level, the house sits at the highest point overlooking the blue-green waters of the tropical Atlantic. Come home to your island which promises the possibility of romance in any place of your choosing . . after all, just the two of you are on this magical private retreat all alone. On your very own island you can play out all your romantic fantasies of “stranded” that you may have been carrying around since childhood.
9. “Stranded” on Your Own Private Island! Broad Key sits off of the well-known Ocean Reef Club Resort in upper Key Largo. Accessed by either boat or helicopter, the island is the perfect romantic getaway for those who want total privacy without the isolation that usually comes with romantic island life. Being the highest island in the Keys at 21 feet above sea level, the house sits at the highest point overlooking the blue-green waters of the tropical Atlantic. Come home to your island which promises the possibility of romance in any place of your choosing . . after all, just the two of you are on this magical private retreat all alone. On your very own island you can play out all your romantic fantasies of “stranded” that you may have been carrying around since childhood.
8. 5-Story New York Townhouse! Ask Carrie and Samantha if there’s any sexier place to be than New York City! They’ve taken us to some pretty hot night spots, to art galleries, to the Park and to parties in some of the most glamorous residences in town. Covering five floors of perfectly appointed contemporary rooms with huge walls of windows and three levels of terraces, this masterpiece home would motivate romance in the most jaded of New Yorkers! High above it all, after the gallery benefit you held is finally over, it’s time to fix a nightcap and wander out to the terrace to watch the city lights while you congratulate yourselves on the success of the evening.
8. 5-Story New York Townhouse! Ask Carrie and Samantha if there’s any sexier place to be than New York City! They’ve taken us to some pretty hot night spots, to art galleries, to the Park and to parties in some of the most glamorous residences in town. Covering five floors of perfectly appointed contemporary rooms with huge walls of windows and three levels of terraces, this masterpiece home would motivate romance in the most jaded of New Yorkers! High above it all, after the gallery benefit you held is finally over, it’s time to fix a nightcap and wander out to the terrace to watch the city lights while you congratulate yourselves on the success of the evening.
8. 5-Story New York Townhouse! Ask Carrie and Samantha if there’s any sexier place to be than New York City! They’ve taken us to some pretty hot night spots, to art galleries, to the Park and to parties in some of the most glamorous residences in town. Covering five floors of perfectly appointed contemporary rooms with huge walls of windows and three levels of terraces, this masterpiece home would motivate romance in the most jaded of New Yorkers! High above it all, after the gallery benefit you held is finally over, it’s time to fix a nightcap and wander out to the terrace to watch the city lights while you congratulate yourselves on the success of the evening.
8. 5-Story New York Townhouse! Ask Carrie and Samantha if there’s any sexier place to be than New York City! They’ve taken us to some pretty hot night spots, to art galleries, to the Park and to parties in some of the most glamorous residences in town. Covering five floors of perfectly appointed contemporary rooms with huge walls of windows and three levels of terraces, this masterpiece home would motivate romance in the most jaded of New Yorkers! High above it all, after the gallery benefit you held is finally over, it’s time to fix a nightcap and wander out to the terrace to watch the city lights while you congratulate yourselves on the success of the evening.
7. Amazing San Francisco & Golden Gate Bridge Views! Thoughts turn to romance while enjoying your after-dinner brandy and coffee on the terrace, looking across the water to the lights of the Golden Gate Bridge while listening to the fog horns announcing an incoming wall of haze. Just thinking of that scenario will always create the warm, yet exciting, stirrings of romance. Even more romantic, you can hear the wavelets lapping at the seawall below while passionate flamenco from Carlos Montoya’s guitar drifts over you. Is that enough stage setting, or do you want to move it to the deep soaking tub where the candles are lit overlooking the same romantic view? We won’t go on . . but you can.
7. Amazing San Francisco & Golden Gate Bridge Views! Thoughts turn to romance while enjoying your after-dinner brandy and coffee on the terrace, looking across the water to the lights of the Golden Gate Bridge while listening to the fog horns announcing an incoming wall of haze. Just thinking of that scenario will always create the warm, yet exciting, stirrings of romance. Even more romantic, you can hear the wavelets lapping at the seawall below while passionate flamenco from Carlos Montoya’s guitar drifts over you. Is that enough stage setting, or do you want to move it to the deep soaking tub where the candles are lit overlooking the same romantic view? We won’t go on . . but you can.
7. Amazing San Francisco & Golden Gate Bridge Views! Thoughts turn to romance while enjoying your after-dinner brandy and coffee on the terrace, looking across the water to the lights of the Golden Gate Bridge while listening to the fog horns announcing an incoming wall of haze. Just thinking of that scenario will always create the warm, yet exciting, stirrings of romance. Even more romantic, you can hear the wavelets lapping at the seawall below while passionate flamenco from Carlos Montoya’s guitar drifts over you. Is that enough stage setting, or do you want to move it to the deep soaking tub where the candles are lit overlooking the same romantic view? We won’t go on . . but you can.
7. Amazing San Francisco & Golden Gate Bridge Views! Thoughts turn to romance while enjoying your after-dinner brandy and coffee on the terrace, looking across the water to the lights of the Golden Gate Bridge while listening to the fog horns announcing an incoming wall of haze. Just thinking of that scenario will always create the warm, yet exciting, stirrings of romance. Even more romantic, you can hear the wavelets lapping at the seawall below while passionate flamenco from Carlos Montoya’s guitar drifts over you. Is that enough stage setting, or do you want to move it to the deep soaking tub where the candles are lit overlooking the same romantic view? We won’t go on . . but you can.
6. Fabulous Aspen Estate! Built on a babbling creek to resemble a mountain village, Jigsaw Ranch is the answer for those with romantic inclinations that come alive in front of a roaring fire on a snowy night. However, if one grows bored with cuddling within the glamour of the main house, take a stroll to the log cabin for a more rustic, earthy experience. Guests will have another residence or the gatehouse from which to choose, allowing as much time as desired for skiing, other social activities and conversation with guaranteed distance when the two of you are ready for your private time together.
6. Fabulous Aspen Estate! Built on a babbling creek to resemble a mountain village, Jigsaw Ranch is the answer for those with romantic inclinations that come alive in front of a roaring fire on a snowy night. However, if one grows bored with cuddling within the glamour of the main house, take a stroll to the log cabin for a more rustic, earthy experience. Guests will have another residence or the gatehouse from which to choose, allowing as much time as desired for skiing, other social activities and conversation with guaranteed distance when the two of you are ready for your private time together.
6. Fabulous Aspen Estate! Built on a babbling creek to resemble a mountain village, Jigsaw Ranch is the answer for those with romantic inclinations that come alive in front of a roaring fire on a snowy night. However, if one grows bored with cuddling within the glamour of the main house, take a stroll to the log cabin for a more rustic, earthy experience. Guests will have another residence or the gatehouse from which to choose, allowing as much time as desired for skiing, other social activities and conversation with guaranteed distance when the two of you are ready for your private time together.
5. Romantic Maison de Pierre Jack London already knew the romantic mystery of the Sonoma Valley when he penned Valley of the Moon as long ago as 1913. So maybe it’s not surprising that Maison de Pierre holds the key to one of the most inspiring modern-day love stories we may ever hope to hear and definitely will not soon forget. Having met and fallen deeply in love with an Italian woman who lives in Italy, the owner has decided to move back to the east coast to cut down on the travel distance between them. For him to give up this dream home for love, it must be one of the most intriguing romances today.
5. Romantic Maison de Pierre Jack London already knew the romantic mystery of the Sonoma Valley when he penned Valley of the Moon as long ago as 1913. So maybe it’s not surprising that Maison de Pierre holds the key to one of the most inspiring modern-day love stories we may ever hope to hear and definitely will not soon forget. Having met and fallen deeply in love with an Italian woman who lives in Italy, the owner has decided to move back to the east coast to cut down on the travel distance between them. For him to give up this dream home for love, it must be one of the most intriguing romances today.
5. Romantic Maison de Pierre Jack London already knew the romantic mystery of the Sonoma Valley when he penned Valley of the Moon as long ago as 1913. So maybe it’s not surprising that Maison de Pierre holds the key to one of the most inspiring modern-day love stories we may ever hope to hear and definitely will not soon forget. Having met and fallen deeply in love with an Italian woman who lives in Italy, the owner has decided to move back to the east coast to cut down on the travel distance between them. For him to give up this dream home for love, it must be one of the most intriguing romances today.
5. Romantic Maison de Pierre Jack London already knew the romantic mystery of the Sonoma Valley when he penned Valley of the Moon as long ago as 1913. So maybe it’s not surprising that Maison de Pierre holds the key to one of the most inspiring modern-day love stories we may ever hope to hear and definitely will not soon forget. Having met and fallen deeply in love with an Italian woman who lives in Italy, the owner has decided to move back to the east coast to cut down on the travel distance between them. For him to give up this dream home for love, it must be one of the most intriguing romances today.
4. Cedar Grove, Vicksburg, MS There are many historical love stories emanating from the South, but we’re particularly enchanted by that of John Alexander Klein and Elizabeth Bartley Day. Though today our social mores would likely frown upon the match, the Victorians saw love differently. John spied this beautiful child, Elizabeth, when she was only 14 and he, a grown man of 28 was instantly enchanted by her beauty. Not being able to get her out of his mind, he waited for her to mature while he applied himself to building his diverse fortune and starting construction on the exquisite mansion we now call Cedar Grove. In 1842, by the time she was 16 and he 30, they married and spent a year-long honeymoon taking the grand European tour. There they collected many furnishings for their new home, many of which still adorn the mansion today.
4. Cedar Grove, Vicksburg, MS There are many historical love stories emanating from the South, but we’re particularly enchanted by that of John Alexander Klein and Elizabeth Bartley Day. Though today our social mores would likely frown upon the match, the Victorians saw love differently. John spied this beautiful child, Elizabeth, when she was only 14 and he, a grown man of 28 was instantly enchanted by her beauty. Not being able to get her out of his mind, he waited for her to mature while he applied himself to building his diverse fortune and starting construction on the exquisite mansion we now call Cedar Grove. In 1842, by the time she was 16 and he 30, they married and spent a year-long honeymoon taking the grand European tour. There they collected many furnishings for their new home, many of which still adorn the mansion today.
4. Cedar Grove, Vicksburg, MS There are many historical love stories emanating from the South, but we’re particularly enchanted by that of John Alexander Klein and Elizabeth Bartley Day. Though today our social mores would likely frown upon the match, the Victorians saw love differently. John spied this beautiful child, Elizabeth, when she was only 14 and he, a grown man of 28 was instantly enchanted by her beauty. Not being able to get her out of his mind, he waited for her to mature while he applied himself to building his diverse fortune and starting construction on the exquisite mansion we now call Cedar Grove. In 1842, by the time she was 16 and he 30, they married and spent a year-long honeymoon taking the grand European tour. There they collected many furnishings for their new home, many of which still adorn the mansion today.
3. Elegant Provencal Farmhouse, Montecito, CA From the barrel-tiled roof, to the vined walls to the handmade terracotta floor tiles, you’ll think you’ve been transported to another continent where life is gentle and the only sound you may hear is a duck splashing happily among the reeds in the pond. An obvious Francophile, the owner-designer of this enchanting French farmhouse replica managed to think of all the best characteristics France has to offer in French country style.
3. Elegant Provencal Farmhouse, Montecito, CA From the barrel-tiled roof, to the vined walls to the handmade terracotta floor tiles, you’ll think you’ve been transported to another continent where life is gentle and the only sound you may hear is a duck splashing happily among the reeds in the pond. An obvious Francophile, the owner-designer of this enchanting French farmhouse replica managed to think of all the best characteristics France has to offer in French country style.
3. Elegant Provencal Farmhouse, Montecito, CA From the barrel-tiled roof, to the vined walls to the handmade terracotta floor tiles, you’ll think you’ve been transported to another continent where life is gentle and the only sound you may hear is a duck splashing happily among the reeds in the pond. An obvious Francophile, the owner-designer of this enchanting French farmhouse replica managed to think of all the best characteristics France has to offer in French country style.
3. Elegant Provencal Farmhouse, Montecito, CA From the barrel-tiled roof, to the vined walls to the handmade terracotta floor tiles, you’ll think you’ve been transported to another continent where life is gentle and the only sound you may hear is a duck splashing happily among the reeds in the pond. An obvious Francophile, the owner-designer of this enchanting French farmhouse replica managed to think of all the best characteristics France has to offer in French country style.
2. Katharine Hepburn Home, Old Saybrook, CT This beautiful waterfront property in Old Saybrook has been in the Hepburn family since 1913, where she spent her summers, but lived full time for seven years until her death at the age of 96 in 2003. One can't help but grin at the picture of Katharine next to her beloved “Keep Out” sign at the entrance. Even though the original house was destroyed by a hurricane in 1938, the rebuild and later total renovation holds special charm. We know how she would have loved the wonderful flying geese suspended above the stairwell by later owners. Ms. Hepburn was also an avid artist, producing hundreds of paintings, many we're sure, were inspired by this wonderful place.
2. Katharine Hepburn Home, Old Saybrook, CT This beautiful waterfront property in Old Saybrook has been in the Hepburn family since 1913, where she spent her summers, but lived full time for seven years until her death at the age of 96 in 2003. One can't help but grin at the picture of Katharine next to her beloved “Keep Out” sign at the entrance. Even though the original house was destroyed by a hurricane in 1938, the rebuild and later total renovation holds special charm. We know how she would have loved the wonderful flying geese suspended above the stairwell by later owners. Ms. Hepburn was also an avid artist, producing hundreds of paintings, many we're sure, were inspired by this wonderful place.
2. Katharine Hepburn Home, Old Saybrook, CT This beautiful waterfront property in Old Saybrook has been in the Hepburn family since 1913, where she spent her summers, but lived full time for seven years until her death at the age of 96 in 2003. One can't help but grin at the picture of Katharine next to her beloved “Keep Out” sign at the entrance. Even though the original house was destroyed by a hurricane in 1938, the rebuild and later total renovation holds special charm. We know how she would have loved the wonderful flying geese suspended above the stairwell by later owners. Ms. Hepburn was also an avid artist, producing hundreds of paintings, many we're sure, were inspired by this wonderful place.
2. Katharine Hepburn Home, Old Saybrook, CT This beautiful waterfront property in Old Saybrook has been in the Hepburn family since 1913, where she spent her summers, but lived full time for seven years until her death at the age of 96 in 2003. One can't help but grin at the picture of Katharine next to her beloved “Keep Out” sign at the entrance. Even though the original house was destroyed by a hurricane in 1938, the rebuild and later total renovation holds special charm. We know how she would have loved the wonderful flying geese suspended above the stairwell by later owners. Ms. Hepburn was also an avid artist, producing hundreds of paintings, many we're sure, were inspired by this wonderful place.
2. Katharine Hepburn Home, Old Saybrook, CT This beautiful waterfront property in Old Saybrook has been in the Hepburn family since 1913, where she spent her summers, but lived full time for seven years until her death at the age of 96 in 2003. One can't help but grin at the picture of Katharine next to her beloved “Keep Out” sign at the entrance. Even though the original house was destroyed by a hurricane in 1938, the rebuild and later total renovation holds special charm. We know how she would have loved the wonderful flying geese suspended above the stairwell by later owners. Ms. Hepburn was also an avid artist, producing hundreds of paintings, many we're sure, were inspired by this wonderful place.
1. Coco Chanel Estate, Cap Martin, France If she’s only expecting Chanel No. 5 for Valentine’s Day this year, why not give her the thrill of her life by honoring her with Coco Chanel’s romantic estate, Villa La Pausa, in the South of France! Overlooking the Mediterranean and located in Cap Martin, Mademoiselle Chanel lovingly supervised the building of this majestic estate that would later play host to many illustrious guests such as Stravinsky, Cocteau, Picasso, Bonnard, Luchino Visconti and Somerset Maugham.
Katharine Hepburn’s Former Estate For Sale in Connecticut
1. Coco Chanel Estate, Cap Martin, France If she’s only expecting Chanel No. 5 for Valentine’s Day this year, why not give her the thrill of her life by honoring her with Coco Chanel’s romantic estate, Villa La Pausa, in the South of France! Overlooking the Mediterranean and located in Cap Martin, Mademoiselle Chanel lovingly supervised the building of this majestic estate that would later play host to many illustrious guests such as Stravinsky, Cocteau, Picasso, Bonnard, Luchino Visconti and Somerset Maugham.
1. Coco Chanel Estate, Cap Martin, France If she’s only expecting Chanel No. 5 for Valentine’s Day this year, why not give her the thrill of her life by honoring her with Coco Chanel’s romantic estate, Villa La Pausa, in the South of France! Overlooking the Mediterranean and located in Cap Martin, Mademoiselle Chanel lovingly supervised the building of this majestic estate that would later play host to many illustrious guests such as Stravinsky, Cocteau, Picasso, Bonnard, Luchino Visconti and Somerset Maugham.
1. Coco Chanel Estate, Cap Martin, France If she’s only expecting Chanel No. 5 for Valentine’s Day this year, why not give her the thrill of her life by honoring her with Coco Chanel’s romantic estate, Villa La Pausa, in the South of France! Overlooking the Mediterranean and located in Cap Martin, Mademoiselle Chanel lovingly supervised the building of this majestic estate that would later play host to many illustrious guests such as Stravinsky, Cocteau, Picasso, Bonnard, Luchino Visconti and Somerset Maugham.
1. Coco Chanel Estate, Cap Martin, France If she’s only expecting Chanel No. 5 for Valentine’s Day this year, why not give her the thrill of her life by honoring her with Coco Chanel’s romantic estate, Villa La Pausa, in the South of France! Overlooking the Mediterranean and located in Cap Martin, Mademoiselle Chanel lovingly supervised the building of this majestic estate that would later play host to many illustrious guests such as Stravinsky, Cocteau, Picasso, Bonnard, Luchino Visconti and Somerset Maugham.
Coco Chanel's summer home on the French Riviera.
 
 
 
 
 

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