Category Archives: See how others live

See how others live and let them know what YOU think!

Louis CK’s Shelter Island summer retreat


I have a secret crush on Louis CK. And now that I have seen the new house he bought, even more.
It’s located on an actual island in the far end of Long Island, nestled between Gardiners Bay and the Shelter Island sound. It can only be reached by ferry, and is a good 3 hours drive from Manhattan. The location alone is worth it, but look at this house. It’s gorgeous!

Louis CK’s Shelter Island retreat / Photography Daniel Gale / Sotheby’s International Realty via Curbed/Real Estalker

He reportedly paid $2,440,000 for the 4,957 square feet, 6 bedrooms, 3.5 bathroom mansion. It looks like it was designed by a German architect who liked Tudor style and watched the Adam’s Family. And it somehow even looks Eastern European. But I love it; both inside and out.

Louis CK’s Shelter Island retreat / Photography Daniel Gale / Sotheby’s International Realty via Curbed/Real Estalker

Louis CK’s Shelter Island retreat / Photography Daniel Gale / Sotheby’s International Realty via Curbed/Real Estalker

Look at that amazing sun room! Or that vintage kitchen. I hope Louis won’t rip all that character out. He seems pretty mellow and down to earth so I wouldn’t be surprised if these characteristics are what attracted him to the property.

Louis CK’s Shelter Island retreat / Photography Daniel Gale / Sotheby’s International Realty via Curbed/Real Estalker

I want a private dock too 😦

What do you guys think?

Sleep in a suspended bed on the island of Sicily


Monaci Delle Terre Nere is a boutique country hotel set amidst a Sicilian Estate in the foothills of Mount Etna. This Sicilian retreat is deliberately small and discreet, providing an unpretentious hideaway tucked away from hurly burly of life”.

Thus claims the website of what indeed looks like the perfect getaway! Owner Guido Coffa stumbled upon this old Villa and decided, more or less on the spot, that he’d own it and restore it back to the glory it once had. And he succeeded. 

One of the eight rooms, the one with suspended bed, in the Monaci delle Terre Nere boutique hotel on the Italian island of Sicily.

Photograph through Wallpaper/ Monaci delle Terre Nere

Jon Hamm’s modest NYC Penthouse


Take a look at the floor plan of this apartment.

It’s nice enough, sure, but does it look like a succesful 10-time Emmy nominee actor lives here? Well, he does. Mad Men’s Jon Hamm shares this 2 bed, 2 bath with actress ladyfriend Jennifer Westfeldt. And they have put it on the market.

It’s not their primary residence, that’s LA, but they likely spent quite a bit of cash on renovating it. I love the sunroom in the back. Especially the window panes. But I would have done more with the space. Probably turned it into a conservatory with lush plants and flowers. And maybe I would’ve panelled the walls with low bookshelves. And the rug is very blah….

Despite its humble size, the apartment is listed for $2,450,000… It’s hard to believe, but I actually think that’s a trick to get it sold fast. The terrace is a massive commodity in NYC as is the view of Central Park. The price therefore surprises me a bit. However, true to NYC fashion, there are monthly charges of $3,661. That does include taxes, a part-time doormen and porter, a live-in super, storage rooms and free laundry facilities.

The building was designed by renowned architect Rosario Candela. He was most famous for his many NYC apartment blocks. Apartments in his buildings are popular because both kitchens and bathrooms tend to have windows, as is the case in this particular property

Source and images: The Real Estalker

Tall windows


The Dutch like their windows. Maybe because in the old days our winters were cold and dark, so we wanted to let any of the sparse sun light in as much as we could. Visitors of Amsterdam often marvel over the huge tall windows that can be found in canal homes. And with the Dutch not liking closed curtains, they often offer true Home Voyeurs wonderful peaks into what’s behind those windows! It saves on bills too as the warmth of the sun heats up a room pretty fast with large windows. Our own home has three large windows facing the street, each over 7 feet tall, but we live on the 2nd floor. However, I have shown my home here enough I think. So here some other examples to feast your eyes on. Not necessarily Dutch by the way.