TopTenRealEstateDeals.com Hot Home News: $53 Million Tennis Mansion, Steel Magnolias Auction, Connecticut Twins & Civil War Plantation

Online, October 17, 2013 (Newswire.com) - This week's Top 10 homes spotlight at TopTenRealEstateDeals.com includes a look at a California mansion with an outdoor tennis court designed to French Open specs and an indoor court designed to US Open specs, the beautiful Louisiana movie home from "Steel Magnolias" going to auction on October 26th, twin Connecticut homes with 500 feet of shoreline on Long Island Sound, and a Georgia plantation house that was moved 17 miles by ox cart in the middle of the Civil War.

"$53 Million Tennis Mansion"

Tennis anyone? When the owner of this estate asks the question, be prepared for the next one: Which court would your prefer? The outdoor clay court designed to French Open specs, or the indoor court designed to US Open specs? With over 50,000 square feet of living space, the choice of tennis court style won't be the only choice available.

Located high in the gated city of Rolling Hills, California, in the Palos Verdes Hills southwest of downtown Los Angeles, the estate itself can be considered a destination. From its high perch, views encompass the Pacific, Hollywood Hills, West Side, The San Gabriel Mountains and the lights of downtown Los Angeles. Incorporated in 1957, the entire city is securely gated with 24-hour entry guards and multiple property surveillance cameras and breach sensors. Since it is the 21st richest address in the United States, the ultra wealthy can live with peace of mind. The city itself maintains a spacious ranch-like ambiance with no stoplights, wide spaces between homes and convenient riding paths along the streets.

Featured on the cover of the "LA Times," this home is nestled on formally designed grounds with an abundance of fruit trees, rose gardens and herb gardens. The interior has both expansive spaces for entertaining on a grand scale as well as a number of intimate retreats for conversation or quiet relaxation. Unusual artistry and craftsmanship is evident in the intricate ceilings with arches, patterns, and domed paintings. The indoor tennis court is surrounded by an upper level mezzanine for viewing and can be turned into a grand ballroom for orchestra and as many as 350 guests that can also be serviced by a fully appointed catering kitchen. Easily accommodating stay-over family and friends, there are nine bedrooms and 25 bathrooms complimenting the many venues on the property for sports, swimming and the piece d'resistance - the luxurious underground Moroccan hammam baths.

Both sophisticated and exotic, this Rolling Hills tennis lovers' estate is priced at $53 million.

"Steel Magnolias Auction"

Fix a tall, cold glass of the "house wine of the south" and watch the movie again. It was a great wedding and the house and Truvy's beauty parlor were the perfect venues. Within its walls and on its grounds, the Eatenton family dramas, joys and the bonding of close friends were relatable to all of us. Each of the stars: Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis and Daryl Hannah were well matched to each other and their supporting cast members. Though the film was made in 1989, it is still a great glimpse into the southern family lifestyle and the personalities of today's southern women - gentle to outside appearance but made of the steel that holds everything and everyone together.

Now going up for auction is this beautiful movie set home in Natchitoches, Louisiana, that was built in 1840 and was used as a hospital during the Civil War. Much like the theme of the movie, it is a home that looks gentle on the outside with its inviting columned front porch, lawns and bowers of blooming shrubbery. However on closer inspection, notice that the columns are not the usual wood that must be replaced over the years. Instead they are built of brick, indicating strength and permanence. With over 5,900 square feet of living space, the home has six bedrooms, six baths, the proverbial grand staircase and is filled with antiques and furnishings that are also for sale. Wood floors are original and there are many fireplaces throughout the house. Outside is a separate three-car garage with an 800 square foot guest apartment above, a patio, privately fenced swimming pool and a side entrance drive-thru with portico over the entrance.

Placed on the market last year at prices that ranged from $1.175 million to $949,000, this historic "Steel Magnolias" movie home and its furnishings will be going up for auction on October 26th.

"Connecticut Twins"

Herbert C. Wise, the architect who designed these twin cottages at the edge of Long Island Sound, was a multi-talented individual. By the time of his death in 1945, he had specialized in designing colleges, including Wellesley College, Princeton University, and the University of Colorado. Wise also had another major claim to fame. He was the founding editor of "House and Garden" magazine in 1901. In 1905, he moved to Boston, Massachusetts in order to edit and publish yet another architectural magazine, "Indoors and Out."

In 1917, Wise designed the first of these three story homes with its carriage house and the plan was then flipped over to create the second one as a mirror image. This compound has been in the same family for 85 years. They purchased the first of the twins in 1930 and some years later bought the second one. In 1957, the home next door, a tennis court and another lot next to it became available and was added to the original property. Now with 21 bedrooms and additional space in the two carriage houses for guest spill over or staff, the compound is perfect for multiple generations and extended family and friends to enjoy summers by the water. The twin houses are curved to accommodate water views from practically every room.

Twin summer homes, two carriage houses and a four bedroom home with swimming pool and tennis court, located on two acres with 500 feet of shoreline on Long Island Sound. Priced at $10 million.

"Historic Civil War Mansion"

It's difficult enough to move a whole house today with all the engineering and equipment we have in modern times to do the job. The tedious process can even be watched on YouTube and HGTV videos where the house is moved inch by inch over uneven ground attempting to clear tree branches and power lines. But imagine what it must have been like moving a whole plantation house by ox cart . . . with the Civil War being fought around you. They moved it from what was then called Devil's Half Acre, 17 miles away, to a 20-acre parcel of land.

Built in 1840 and moved in 1864, it's the classic southern plantation house with the breezy wraparound porch to sit on a summer evening with a cool drink. Totally restored to its original elegance, the home now sits on 46 acres of green pastures and riding rings cordoned off by white equestrian fencing along with a horse owner's six stall dream stable. Also on the grounds are a swimming pool and large pecan grove.

Located in the city of Monticello, listed on the National Registry Of Historic Places and 50 minutes from Atlanta, the 5,702 square foot home consists of five bedrooms, six baths, library, basement game room, large chef's kitchen, and fireplaces in every major room including the master bath.

Southern gentleman's plantation equestrian farm steeped in Civil War history. Priced at $1.5 million.

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