Related Links and Local Leader Press

Monaco Tower Penthouse Could Cost a Quarter Billion

If you have ever found yourself contemplating where the most expensive properties in the world might be, or what they might cost, well this one might pique your interest. The Odeon Tower in Monaco---a 49-story double skyscraper that is currently being built in the priciest real estate market on Earth—will have 70 luxury apartments, two “sky duplexes,” and a five-floor, 35,000 square-foot “sky penthouse,” which will have its own pool. The Odeon Tower project could end up costing more than a quarter-billion dollars, according to the Yahoo Homes article, which says that sales are averaging about $7,700 per square foot. If this projection keeps pace, the penthouse would cost more than $273 million. Take a video tour of the of the Odeon Tower on Yahoo by clicking here.

Three Reasons the Housing Recovery May Not Last

Over the past few issues, and really the past year or so, we’ve provided you with links to the latest developments in the housing market. In this time frame, the market has made a comeback and home prices have jumped about 8%, yet still, some industry experts wonder if it may come crashing back down to Earth. CNNMoney provides three reasons that the recovery may not last. At number one is the fact that the recovery is being led by investors who are taking advantage of low interest rates and home prices, and when those rates rise, they could potentially pull back. “An investor-driven boom is likely to end badly, says Dean Baker, co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research. Read the other two reasons from CNNMoney by clicking here.

Eight Wine Cellar Ideas for Your Home

If you are a wine drinker—whether aficionado or just a casual fan—chances are you might have a few bottles lying around at home. If that’s the case, not only could a wine cellar help with storage, but it can also provide an attractive display and showcase for your house. The Boston Globe has put together a list of eight different styles of wine cellars, small and large, that just may inspire you to have one put in at home. First on the list is a prefabricated wine storage system. A racking system like one from Vintage View is an economical way to store a large collection of wine and uses beautiful lighting and natural stone to create an appealing display. View more styles of wine cellars by reading the full Boston Globe article, complete with photos, by clicking here.

Law & Order Actor Lists Connecticut Home for $4.75 Million

Christopher Meloni and his wife Sherman Williams-Meloni have listed their four-acre estate in New Canaan, CT for $4.75 million after purchasing the home for $4.38 million only eight months ago. The private property sites on one of the highest points on New Canaan and offers seasonal views of New York City. Inside, the five-bedroom home recently underwent vast renovations, including a refinishing of the floors, painting of the interior, a new custom home office, a hard-wire generator, and more. On the outside, the stunning property includes a large barn with room for six cars and a loft area on the second floor, stone patios, and an in-ground pool and spa. View more details and see photos of the home that Meloni and his wife are selling by visiting Prudential Real Estate here.

10 Best Locations to Live in Massachusetts

Deciding conversationally which city or town is the “best” place to live in a given area can be an aimless endeavor. With that in mind, Boston.com put together a list of the top 10 areas to live in Massachusetts based on crime rate, the number of public transit options, the number of historical sites per resident, the percent of acres of “open space,” and the number of grocery stores. Using these criteria, number 10 on the list is Ipswich, which boasts a low crime rate, 31 historical locations, and seven parks. It is also accessible by commuter rail. At number nine is Provincetown, which has 10 historical locations, 102 restaurants, and beautiful Cape Cod ocean views. Continue reading this Boston.com list by clicking here.

Top 10 Greater Boston Sales of 2012

Curious about what the top 10 sales in Greater Boston were in 2012? The Boston Globe has compiled the list, complete with photos, starting with a $12.5 million Back Bay townhouse overlooking the Public Garden. The 15,000-square-foot home at 15 Commonwealth Avenue had seven marble fireplaces, elaborate woodwork, and five floors of living space. Another top sale in Boston for the year was a five-bedroom, five-and-a-half bath townhouse in Beacon Hill. The home, which is located in the Louisburg Square area at 3 Louisburg Street, sold for $11 million, had an elliptical staircase and a private garden. Getting outside of the Boston area, a 17-room mansion in Concord sold for $8.6 million last year. The home at 281 Fairhaven Hill Road came with a barn, and borders conservation land with hiking trails. Check out photos of these homes and see the rest of the list by clicking here.

World's Wildest Homes

This Old House has once again put together a slideshow list of some of the craziest houses in the world. In this edition, check out a home that was made out of a Cold War era intercontinental ballistic missile silo which goes 176 feet into the ground. This home, which looks like a regular home from the outside, measures 52 feet in diameter, can withstand a 200-pound-per-square-inch blast. Another wild home in this article is a “Roll-It” cylindrical experimental rolling home which is a soup-can-shaped home that was designed to maximize functionality in a minimum amount of space. Though it’s quite small, there are plenty of small-space solutions for dining, exercising, and sleep. Also featured is a replica of the 1960s TV show The Munsters! Check out photos of these homes and more by reading the article from This Old House here.

Nine Areas That Aren't Expected to Hit Housing Bottom Before 2014

Though we hit a national housing bottom in October of 2011, there are several metropolitan areas that have yet to reach that point, according to Zillow. Of 260 metro areas, 239 have already hit bottom, leaving 21 who have yet to see their low point. Of those remaining areas, Zillow is predicting that nine of them won’t even hit bottom anytime this year. At number nine on the list is the New England town of Hartford, Conn. which has a -0.3% forecast through January 2014, for a projected median price of $206,282. The current metro area median is $206,800. Next up on the list is Asheville, N.C., which has a 0.9% forecast through January 2014 for a projected median price of $158,716. The current metro-area median is $160,000. See which other areas made the list, including four more in New England, by clicking here.