The Château Artisan in Miami was built in 2007. Courtesy Christie's International Real Estate
The Château Artisan in Miami was built in 2007. Courtesy Christie's International Real Estate

Miami castle is yours for only Dh40m



From the publicity shot taken from the air, Château Artisan looks every bit like an enchanting centuries-old French castle.

But a closer look reveals that the sprawling mansion sits in the middle of a lake, not a moat. And it is unmistakably modern, built in 2007 - in Miami, not Marseilles.

At the end of a long tree-lined driveway, Château Artisan is a modern take on a classic architectural style. But at US$10.9 million (Dh40m), it has a price tag to match its grandeur.

"Château Artisan is incredibly unique in that the property rivals the finest chateaux in France, yet is situated just minutes from the excitement of Miami," says Rick Moser, senior vice president of Christie's International Real Estate.

The interior is split into three levels and has eight bedrooms, five bathrooms and five "powder rooms", or toilets.

The foyer boasts high-vaulted ceilings, arched doorways and white marbled floors. But the focal point is the great room - every good castle has one - with a 40-foot ceiling, iron chandelier and white marble flooring. Its large mahogany doors open to a vast terrace.

"The estate's unique architecture together with its numerous recreational amenities will attract those who are looking for exceptional premises ideal for entertaining guests," adds Mr Moser.

The mansion also includes a state-of-the-art movie theatre and game room.

Outside, there is a black granite-tiled swimming pool and Jacuzzi There is also a somewhat strangely sounding landscaping feature called "the ruins," a small mountain created to resemble ancient times, which has multiple levels ascending to a large fire pit at the summit.

"The Château Artisan is so perfectly unique, such an artful vision. All of it, from the big picture to every last detail has been designed and carefully chosen for its fit of shape, colour, size, material," says listing agent Judy Zeder of Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell Realtors.

The specs

Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel

Power: 579hp

Torque: 859Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh825,900

On sale: Now

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

Sun jukebox

Rufus Thomas, Bear Cat (The Answer to Hound Dog) (1953)

This rip-off of Leiber/Stoller’s early rock stomper brought a lawsuit against Phillips and necessitated Presley’s premature sale to RCA.

Elvis Presley, Mystery Train (1955)

The B-side of Presley’s final single for Sun bops with a drummer-less groove.

Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two, Folsom Prison Blues (1955)

Originally recorded for Sun, Cash’s signature tune was performed for inmates of the titular prison 13 years later.

Carl Perkins, Blue Suede Shoes (1956)

Within a month of Sun’s February release Elvis had his version out on RCA.

Roy Orbison, Ooby Dooby (1956)

An essential piece of irreverent juvenilia from Orbison.

Jerry Lee Lewis, Great Balls of Fire (1957)

Lee’s trademark anthem is one of the era’s best-remembered – and best-selling – songs.

Results

6.30pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (Dirt) 1,400m. Winner: Rio Angie, Pat Dobbs (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer).

7.05pm: Handicap Dh170,000 (D) 1,600m. Winner: Trenchard, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.

7.40pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (D) 1,600m. Winner: Mulfit, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.

8.15pm: Handicap Dh210,000 (D) 1,200m. Winner: Waady, Dane O’Neill, Doug Watson.

8.50pm: Handicap Dh210,000 (D) 2,000m. Winner: Tried And True, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.

9.25pm:Handicap Dh185,000 (D) 1,400m. Winner: Midnight Sands, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.

The Outsider

Stephen King, Penguin

A MINECRAFT MOVIE

Director: Jared Hess

Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa

Rating: 3/5