Inside the World's Most Expensive House

A stunning 187-year-old mansion located in the South of France may become the most expensive sale of a residential home in history. Villa Les Cèdres is now listed for €351 million (about $410 million), Bloomberg reports.

Sitting on 35 acres of land, the 18,000-square-foot home boasts 14-bedrooms, a pond filled with lily pads, 14,000 different plant species, a bronze Athena statue draped with a marble tunic and 300-year-old olive trees. The mansion was built in 1830 along the coast of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and features sweeping views of Villefranche-sur-Mer and the Alps, according to Bloomberg.

The villa's path is lined with palms and cedar trees (or cèdres in French), which gives the house its name. Inside, the home features chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling 19th century portraits, grand rooms, French doors, and library housing 3,000 books on naturalism and flora. According to Bloomberg, one of the books in the library is a "1640 edition of a botanical codex worth several hundred thousand euros."

The mansion has 10 bedrooms, a ballroom and a chapel, a 50m swimming pool built into the rocks, a winter garden, concierge, 35 acres of manicured lawns and a stable for 30 horses, according to French media. It was built around 1830. The estate was purchased in 1850 by the mayor of Villefranche-sur-Mer when it was an olive tree farm, and in 1904 it became Belgium King Leopold II's vacation home.

The Marnier-Lapostolle family, the makers of Grand Marnier Liquer, owned the estate after the king died, and the family used the land to grow plants and oranges to flavor their products, reports Bloomberg. Campari acquired Grand Marnier’s parent company Société des Produits Marnier Lapostolle in 2016, passing the home's ownership over once again—but the company quickly put the mansion up for sale.

According to Bloomberg, the rumor that the mansion was originally listed for €1 billion (about $1.2 billion) is false. However, the home's prime location may earn it the Euro 351 Million ( $410 million) price tag. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is considered to be one of the most sought-after of the Caps. In addition, Microsoft Corp. co-founder Paul Allen and composer Andrew Lloyd Webber each own villas nearby.

For Euro 351 Million ($410 million), you can truly live like royalty in this gorgeous historic estate.

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Patrick Hellmann Schlosshotel Berlin

“An opulent five-star boutique hotel in a tranquil Berlin quarter”

Five-star decadence at a boutique hotel in a leafy quarter of Berlin, with spectacular interiors courtesy of Patrick Hellmann and Karl Lagerfeld – includes breakfast, spa access and more

One of the major cultural capitals of the world, with its unparalleled history, art and architectural splendour, Berlin is a vibrant metropolis that never sleeps. But minutes from the bustle of the city centre, in the green oasis of the Grunewald quarter, lies the historic five-star Patrick Hellmann Schlosshotel – a monument to luxury and top-drawer design aesthetics, surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens.

Patrick Hellmann and Karl Lagerfeld have imbued the superb rooms with their signature style, inspired in large part by the themes of New York and Bohème. The hotel also features a spa, and the first GQ Bar in Europe. If you’re looking for timeless elegance and luxury on your trip to Berlin, it doesn’t get better than this.

 Rates & Rooms for the Patrick Hellman Schlosshotel Berlin

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Celebrate All Things Gaming At PAX Unplugged In Philadelphia

Celebrate all things gaming at PAX in Philadelphia. This gaming convention will host lots of fun activities, tournaments, plus demos and more to experience when it rolls into Philly in Mid November.

PAX Unplugged will include:

The much anticipated Omegathon that spans the entire length of PAX. Watch as 20 Omeganauts compete - many will be eliminated until the last 2 compete in the Final Round.

There will be a full schedule of tournaments highlighting games from all genres and platforms.

Embark on a epic campaign in the RPG Dungeon or check out the The Tabletop Freeplay area that has hundreds of tables, plus they have a lending library so you can play other games.

They also have a Family Room where you can share your love of gaming in a family-friendly environment. And, on Sunday PAX Unplugged shifts gears to highlight content across the show for families and kids, as well as offering discounted badges for ages 6-12.

Join The PAX Unplugged Convention 

Authors of the popular web comic Penny Arcade, Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik, founded PAX, and this gaming convention continues to grow each year!

These are just a sample of the fun coming to Philadelphia to the Pennsylvania Convention Center. To learn about schedules, events, and orders your tickets for PAX visit their website

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8 OF ASIA’S BEST INFINITY POOLS

Rounding up our list of the best infinity pools in Asia are epic pools found on top of a skyscraper, perched above a cliff, and beachfront pools that blur the line between man-made tiles and the horizon.

Before the year ends, here are 8 of the best infinity pools in Asia to add to your 2017 bucket list:

1.The Hanging Gardens, Bali

One of the most multi-awarded in the world, the two-tiered cascading infinity pool at this rainforest luxury resort in Bali has been dubbed by TripAdvisor as the “World’s Best Swimming Pool.”  It features two infinity edge pools surrounded by the lush jungle and overlooking the Ayung River and the ancient Dalem Segara Temple of the Payangan village, just a few minutes from Ubud – the cultural center of Bali.

For an interesting side note, the famous pool is actually inspired by the nearby rice terraces – and thus, its curving and cascading structure.

2. Song Saa, Cambodia

The Song Saa Private Island luxury resort is one of the most exclusive in Asia, is one of the first in Cambodia to offer luxury accommodation on a private island.  With over water and jungle villas, its epic swimming pool boasts stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand, with its crystal clear waters and shadows of nearby islands in full view.

3. Ayada, Maldives

One of the most remote, secluded, and private luxury resorts you’ll find in the world, the Ayada, Maldives features a stunning infinity pool facing the resort’s private, white sand beach.  Coming alive at night, its waters are filled with stars, thanks to its LED lighting display that mimic the star-filled skies right above it.

An open-air cinema is also placed right on one side of the pool, so you can enjoy cocktails and a wonderful movie while you take a cool midnight swim.

4. Six Senses, Koh Samui

You know a fantastic surprise awaits when you are led to the pool through a bamboo-lined wooden walkway.  The stunning aquamarine infinity pool at Six Senses, Koh Samui features glorious and sweeping views of the Gulf of Thailand, offering spectacular sunsets to die for.

5. Kata Rocks, Phuket

With a pool facing the Andaman Sea and overlooking the famous Kata Beach, sunsets are best enjoyed while sipping signature cocktails and relaxing in the resort’s seemingly never-ending edge that blends its fresh-water to the sea on the horizon.

6. Sheraton Nha Trang, Vietnam

Found alongside Sheraton’s main tower is the resort’s 6th-floor infinity pool – fresh water and 21 meters long, you’ve got a private, exclusive, and breathtaking spot to enjoy views of the bay, of nearby islands, and the vast open skies around you.

With over water loungers, you can pretty much read an entire book the whole afternoon while still staying cool as you dip your toes in its cool waters.

7. Amanpulo, Philippines

With an unbelievable location on the Sulu Sea, Philippines, this private island resort is a true tropical paradise.  With snow-white, powder white sands and turquoise waters on all sides, the resort’s aqua-tiled pool features decks with umbrella-shaded sun beds, a clubhouse right before it, and the vast open skies and unspoiled beach right in full view.

8. Marina Bay, Singapore

And last on our list if the iconic Marina Bay Sands rooftop infinity pool, located on the integrated resort’s 57th level, featuring unmatched views of the Singaporean skyline.  Use of the pool is exclusive to resort guests only, and it’s best enjoyed at sunset when the skies turn from sky blue to different shades of red, yellow, and orange behind tall buildings and other skyscrapers over the city-state.

Infinity pools are more than just spots to cool down from the hot tropical sun – they’re a place to marvel at nature, of the beautiful surroundings, and to enjoy a peaceful, calm, and invigorating time by yourself or the company of loved ones.

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Hanging gardens of Bali

Hidden in the lush forest of Ubud, Bali, lies the breathtaking resort better known as the Hanging Gardens of Bali. 

You may recognize their iconic infinity pool that overlooks the valley from it’s viral social media photos, but there is so much more to this beautiful property than just the pool!

For starters, the property is named after the gardens that are planted along the hillside.  An abundance of fruits, vegetables, an herbs are grown here and used for the cuisine that is served at the resort.  Speaking of the food, every dish at lunch was incredible, and their fresh seafood dishes were well complimented by the exotic drink offerings. 

The resort also features dozens of private villas and suites, each with their own infinity pools, and the private ‘Hidden Palace’ residence that speaks for itself. With an abundance of unique traits and experiences to discover, you don’t want to miss checking out The Hanging Gardens of Bali when in Ubud.

 Rates & Rooms for the Hanging Gardens of Bali

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