Durban – Gloria Gaynor has listed her 743-square-metre mansion in the suburb of New Jersey, in New York, for sale at $1.249 million (about R18.7m), and there is nothing stopping a wealthy South African from snapping it up.
United States law allows foreigners and non-citizens to buy property in the country, although you may face a more challenging tax situation than US citizens. You could even qualify for a mortgage if you meet certain requirements.
If you are a super fan of the 1970s disco-queen, you should know that Gaynor, who won her second Grammy award in 2020, did much of the interior design of the five-bedroom home herself, opting for a contemporary design.
Read our latest Home Improver digital magazine below
The property, according to Douglas Elliman Property Management and TopTenRealEstateDeals.com, offers a number of special features, including:
- a movie theatre
- a pool enclosed by a glass atrium
- glass block windows
- architectural ceilings
- marble fireplace and floors
- an executive office
- park-like backyard with a large deck and gazebo
- big shade trees
- a party-room basement.
In addition, each bedroom has its own large, walk-in cupboard.
Gaynor told The New York Times that she’s hosted many dinners, parties, and backyard gatherings over the years.
“I used to have a 4th of July party, then changed it to a Christmas party, then a birthday party.
“Outside, I built a stage in front of the pool and people danced. Inside, people watched football on TV or were shooting pool and listening to the jukebox.”
Keeping with the disco theme, Studio 54, described in the late 70s as the disco capital of the world, is also up for sale. The New York property, which offers views of the Hudson River and city skyline, has hosted guests ranging from Jackie Kennedy Onassis to Mick Jagger, and has also been a hot-spot for celebrity residents, including Nicole Kidman and Calvin Klein.
Studio 54 co-owner and real-estate developer, Ian Schrager, has listed the West Village apartment for $9.95 million (about R149m).
More information and photographs on Gaynor’s property and Studio 54 are available for interested buyers.
Meanwhile, the last of Elon Musk’s homes found a buyer at the end of 2021, leaving the Tesla chief executive a tenant as opposed to the property portfolio owner he was. All seven of his homes were sold over a two-year period after he stated that he no longer wanted any physical possessions, but rather aimed to focus on sending humans to Mars.
His last property, a $37.5m (about R562m) mansion in San Fransisco was at one point taken off the market, but then eventually sold for $32m (about R479m), more than $5m below what he initially wanted for it.
IOL WEALTH