Hilary Duff House in Beverly Hills

Hilary Erhard Duff was born on September 28th, 1987, in Houston, Texas. Her father, Robert Erhard Duff, owned a chain of convenience stores, while her mother, Susan Colleen, was a homemaker. She had an older sister named Haylie who started acting and singing in preschool.

She decided to become an actress while touring with the Cechetti Ballet and began heading to auditions. She won a considerable role in The Soul Collector in 1999, for which she received rave reviews and recognition.

Her first starring role was as "Ellie" in The Soul Collector in 1999, for which she won a Best Performance in a TV Movie or Pilot Young Artist Award.

Success came to Hilary Duff when she plays a damsel in distress opposite Frankie Muniz in Agent Cody Banks, which grosses nearly $50 million last 2001.

In 2003 she hits the big-screen again with The Lizzie McGuire Movie, which grosses more than $50 million.

Hilary continues her upward spiral, guest-starring on TV shows, filming movies, recording albums and doing television concerts.

Hilary Duff house in Beverly Hills sits on 5,260 square feet of living space, with 5 bedrooms and 6.5 bathroms, along with a sprawling open floor plan and marvelously well maintained grounds with a garden like atmosphere surrounding a nice lengthy pool.

Grand two-story entrance with beautiful French door delivers the visitor smoothly from the outside to inside. The luxury living room with electric fireplace and equipped with dark brown comfortable sofa. Formal dining room with big square table and 12 dining chairs providing formal and elegant dining room interior. It also features the entertainment provided by hi-tech audio video system integrated iPod stations throughout the house.

Did you know that Hilary Duff's house's grounds touches Britney Spears's property.

10,000 Square Foot Single Story Mansion In San Diego, CA

This single story mansion is located at 4921 Rancho Del Mar Trail in San Diego, CA. It was built in 2005 and boasts 5 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, formal living and dining rooms, gourmet kitchen, family room, walnut paneled office with coffered ceiling, home theater, gym, wine cellar, 50′s style diner, outdoor living room with cooking area, half basketball court, swimming pool with spa, gated motor court and a 6-car garage. It is listed at $4,900,000.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LISTING

Introducing BorrowDale Brooke, Zimbabwe's Most Expensive Neighborhood with Luxury Villas and Luxury Mansions

The huge Borrowdale estate in north-east Harare with its steep hillsides covered with msasa trees and cut by the near ravines of the Umwindsi River and its tributaries, has always been the desired home of the "comfortably off".

Spectacular views, beautiful scenery and neighbours who are "our sort of people" provide serious attractions to those who have risen to the top of their business or profession. And now a new generation of wealthy men are moving into the estate amid an orgy of mansion building over the past decade, with builders and their earth-moving equipment a prominent sight.

But no one should plan on this suburb without some serious money. While the upper-middle income people might just be able to squeeze into Borrowdale Brooke, you will need a minimum of US$500 000 to build along "millionaires row" in Luna, Umwindsidale, Carrick Creagh and Helensvale all once sections of the huge estate.

The giant 55 000 acre Borrowdale estate was carved out by three officers of the British South Africa Company: Major Frank Johnson, Captain Maurice Heany and Captain Henry Borrow. Officers of the company column had larger land grants and the column commander and two of his company commanders decided to pool their grants. So from the beginning of Harare the estate has been reserved for the better off.

Borrow, who had the misfortune of being second-in-command to Allan Wilson on his ill-fated patrol in Matabeleland, gave his name to the estate when his surviving par tners decided it would be a pleasant memorial.

The estate was soon cut into sections and these were rented out as farms to people who Johnson and Heany liked. Helensvale was named after Helen Shaw, the new wife of the new police adjutant. Those who took Philadelphia, the Brook, Carrick Creagh, Hogerty Hill and Luna named their sections after their home towns or other associations.

The south-west corner, basically the bit between the present race course and Piers Road, was chopped off early on and subdivided into large residential plots before the First World War.

But the residential development of the rest had to wait until after World War II, and even then it was often piecemeal, the older sections being sold off as farms, then subdivided into "gentlemen's estates" which were further subdivided in time into very large plots, a process still going on.

This is why a visitor to Borrowdale will find the odd old farmhouse, or "country house" in a prime sheltered location surrounded by new buildings.

The process started with the areas accessible from Borrowdale Road and moved east, just as the almost similar development of the farm on the south of the Umwindsi River, Glen Lorne, started from Enterprise Road.

The slightly flatter Glen Lorne was more attractive to the developers of the 1950s and 1960s, hence the blocks of one acre plots on that farm.

Now the bulk of the land left for development is right in the north-east of Borrowdale estate, and the extreme hilly terrain means that plots must be large. Even the master plan for Harare recognises that sub-division will be difficult; the whole Umwindsi catchment is designated as very low-density.

Joining the "old money" a new breed of residents, buoyed by a seemingly incessant flow of money, is now transforming the face of Borrowdale.

Where you were likely to be greeted from a distance by overgrown treetops and an odd high mansion in the days of yore, now a visitor is greeted by a wave of rooftops.

But as you come close, you find that the "new money" likes its privacy as much as the "old money"; the 3m wall is almost standard.

This is the unwritten code of Borrowdale where Zimbabwe's rich and famous are spending huge amounts of cash on exquisite houses they invariably draw themselves into a cacoon of privacy.

"The people here need their privacy and they do not want to be disturbed this is why they put boom gates at every road," said one maid who declined to be named.

And it has come at a price for the residents.

For proper maintenance of the house one would need at least two maids, two gardeners and a chef, and that will set even the meanest employer back US$1 000 a month, plus the need for building a modest village in a corner of the plot to house the staff.

While mountain climbing is a pastime for some people here you need to drive as you navigate through the sharp curves and steep slopes to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking view of the new buildings.

Most of the houses are ready for occupation, others are nearing completion or at roof level while some have already been occupied.

"This is an area where you get to see the who's who in the 'money business' and some of the top politicians. As the clock strikes 6pm guys like you are not allowed to drive through," said one gardener who was busy slashing grass off the driveway.

Indeed, the neighbourhood is where you get to see the Reserve Bank Governor, Dr Gideon Gono and businessmen David Govere among others.

But some of those who own these houses are little known but they like to live in luxury. According to one property developer, a modest plot -- and the one acre is a rarety -- would cost you a whopping US$50 000 an acre and slightly around US$500 000 to complete the house.

In this part of town a borehole, pump station and an electricity generator that could power a decent factory are pretty much standard. All that fuel for the "private power station" adds to the monthly expense so even winning the lotto will not mean much; you need the income too.

A hillside swimming pool and tennis court needs a surprising amount of serious earth moving, all adding to the cost.

The reason for such huge amounts of money is that one needs to hire bulldozers, graders and other machinery to level the ground, or at least terrace a hillside to build the sections of your mansion.

The minimum you can pay is US$30 000 in this area but on average you would pay between US$50 000 to US$60 000 for just one acre and most residents want a few acres so they can spread themselves out.

Some hillside houses have to be spread out; there simply is not enough level space to build a single large mansion and the architect has to come up with several blocks of rooms on terraces.

Building costs per square metre are around US$250 to US$500 depending on the construction company, the desired finish and the need to split the house into sections.

However, cost does not equate to value as market determines the prices. But depending on the acres, features on the house such as tennis court, borehole, security wall, swimming pool and whether it is a one or two storey building determines the cost.

A total of 1 000 common bricks cost between US$50 and US$90 while the same quantity of face bricks cost US$100 to US$190. Semi-common bricks are being sold for US$40 to US$90, gutters cost US$9 per 2,4m, while ordinary door frames coast between US$24 and US$35.

Given such figures, one is able to judge whether they are able to move into these plush areas or just dream. Yes, in Zimbabwe, there are some rich men and to them these figures might just be figures as they plan and build their dream home.

Some areas of new development are still a little garish, compared to the "old money" parts of Borrowdale. But those gangs of gardeners, quite often directed by professional landscapers, are transforming the building sites and covering the 20th century farm fields with articulate gardens.

Within a decade or two the new trees, joining the surviving Msasas, will once again cover the hillsides with green; shrubs and ivy will mute the walls; and "new money" Borrowdale will become far more private and discreet, in fact as private and as discreet as "old money" Borrowdale. It will be a haven for the successful.

Luxury Mansion on Eccleston Crescent in South Africa

Uninterrupted breathtaking views. Set within an exclusive guarded enclave lies this stunning architectural Masterpiece on approx 1 Acre (±1800m² U/R). Spectacular canvas awaiting the discerning owner – walls of glass, never ending windowscapes of landsc gardens & pool. Amazing trilevel home – 5 bedrooms en-suite & guest suites – study – banquet sized recept rooms – wine/cigar & music lounges – games room – chef’s kitchen fully fitted with the best – gym room – home theatre – full home automation.

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 5

Half Bathrooms: 1

Style: Contemporary

Property Type: Single Family Home

Unique Amenities
•3+ Fireplaces
•Media Room/Home Theater

•4 Car Garage
•Security System

•Gardens
•Staff Quarters

•Granite Countertops
•Steam Room

•Hardwood Flooring
•Terrace/Outdoor Space

•In-Home Fitness Center
•Wine Cellar/Grotto

•Library

$3,516,422 USD

“Down With Love:” A Tribute to Doris Day Comedies of the ’60s

by HOOKEDONHOUSES on FEBRUARY 16, 2009

Doris Day movies are among some of my favorites. They’re like comfort food–easy to watch over and over again, and they always feel good. “Pillow Talk,” especially, is a lot of fun, as she spars with Rock Hudson from beginning to end. So when “Down With Love” came out in 2003 as a tribute to those 1960s comedies, I ran straight to the theater to see it.

The sets and costumes were like eye candy. And there was a fun cameo with Tony Randall, who always played Rock’s funny friend. The movie itself, well, let’s just say it proved that Doris Day and Rock Hudson are irreplaceable. But Renee Zellweger andEwan McGregor were game enough and tried their hardest to recreate the look and feel of the classic romantic comedies, even if they weren’t quite up to the task (in my opinion–I know there are lots of people who loved them in the roles, and I may even be in the minority here).

Zellweger plays Barbara Novak, the best-selling author of a book called Down With Love, recommending that women give up romance and try chocolate, careers, and casual affairs to fill their lives instead. Playboy journalist Catcher Block (McGregor) decides to do an expose on her by–what else–making her fall in love with him. But all isn’t as it appears, of course! Who is tricking whom here?

The producers used street scenes from the Doris Day movie “Touch of Mink” when Barbara rides in a taxi (from the special features on the DVD).

The painted backdrop that stretches behind Barbara’s windows (production photo).

The barber shop set (production photo).

In Catcher’s office. He’s a magazine writer for men’s magazine KNOW.

Vikki shows Barbara her new apartment for the first time, saying, “I hope you’re not disappointed.”

The view from Barbara’s window.

Barbara’s spiral staircase.

Barbara sunbathing on her terrace.

Split-screen–an effect frequently used in the Doris Day-Rock Hudson comedies.

Barbara’s bathroom (she’s dressing behind that screen).

Barbara dances around her apartment at night.

The view into Barbara’s apartment from the terrace.

Just had to show you this scene from the restaurant when Vikki and Barbara take off their coats to reveal coordinated outfits. Loved that.

Catcher’s bachelor pad.

When the sofa unexpectedly opens into a bed, it lands on Vikki (Sarah Paulson).

Production photo on set: Peter’s apartment.

Peter cooks dinner for Vikki in his apartment. David Hyde Pierce as Peter captured the essence of the Tony Randall characters from the Doris Day-Rock Hudson films perfectly.

Peter’s apartment.

Catcher in Peter’s kitchen.

Catcher admires himself as he dresses in his closet.

Vikki and Peter in Catcher’s apartment.

The jig is up; one of Catcher’s girlfriends walks in on him with Barbara.

Barbara is editor of a magazine called NOW, for Women in the Know.

I love this shot of Barbara at her desk because it really looks like it belongs in a Doris Day film.

Catcher comes to Barbara’s office, applying for a job as her secretary. She asks if he’s willing to take a 96.6% pay cut.

Rejected, Catcher leaves Barbara’s office.

The offices of NOW.

Surprise! Barbara is waiting in the elevator for Catcher. And–surprise again!–she’s now a redhead.

It’s Vegas or Bust. Roll credits as they ride the helicopter ladder–yes, they hang onto the ladder–over New York City, circa 1960.

Director Peyton Reed says: “It’s not the New York City of today and it’s not even the New York City of the early ’60s. It’s basically the New York City as seen through a Hollywood movie of that period.”

The film’s title comes from the song “Down with Love” as sung by Judy Garland, who is seen singing it on The Ed Sullivan Show in one scene.

I was only able to find a couple of photos from “Down With Love” on the Internet, so I took the majority of these as I watched the movie on DVD and the special features that came with it. You can find more pictures of the sets at the SDSA (Set Decorators Society of America) site.

Linda of Silver Screen Surroundings did a couple of posts about “Down With Love” in 2007 that you should check out, telling you how to recreate the looks of Barbara’s penthouse and Catcher’s bachelor pad.

UPDATE: Check out the sets from the Doris Day-Rock Hudson comedy “Pillow Talk.”

Visit my TV/Movie Houses page for links to all the others I’ve featured, from “You’ve Got Mail” to “Something’s Gotta Give.”

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