Ultra-luxury homes are coming on the market complete with designer furnishings, art, knickknacks, linen and even electric toothbrushes.
When Elton John sold his West Hollywood condominiums last year, the buyer got more than four walls. The units came with the singer’s designer furnishings, knickknacks and tableware — even his snake-skin-covered bed frame. Now, one of the condos is back on the market at $3.995 million, along with all the contents.
Some buyers are drawn by the luster that comes from owning a celebrity’s onetime belongings. They are buying an instant lifestyle. Others, such as time-stretched executives and those shopping for second homes from a distance, want places they can use right away, without having to sweat the small stuff. Some are so smitten with a seller’s taste or custom furnishings that they want the whole package. For sellers, offering a fully outfitted home is a chance to leave behind decor suited to a particular home and start fresh on the next house.
Once the stuff of vacation rentals or corporate housing, fully appointed homes are the latest fad in the ultra-luxury market. There is a segment of the market that wants to have a fully furnished residence they appreciate the convenience of not having to shop or furnish them. High end buyers are purchasing places whose sellers have left them in meticulous move-in condition, down to stocked linen closets, full liquor cabinets and tissues on the dresser.
Although the trend is popping up in other wealthy pockets nationwide, it’s gaining traction in Los Angeles circles in which style and convenience trump expense. This all inclusive tactic also is being tried at newly built luxury condo developments. At the Carlyle Residences on Wilshire Boulevard, buyers of two-bedroom units can opt for “turnkey” packages starting at $150,000. For three-bedroom units the add-ons start at $250,000. The well-stocked condominiums combine contemporary furniture with vintage pieces, high-end appliances.LED televisions, Villeroy & Boch dinnerware, exotic indoor plants are included. The buyer doesn’t even need to bring a toothbrush. A pair of $170 rechargeable Philips Sonicares are standing by in the master bathroom.
You don’t have to do anything, it’s all done.
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