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Bruce Makowsky, real estate developer, married to Kathy Van Zeeland. In 2017, he set the record for the most expensive home listed in the United States by listing a home he developed in Bel Air on the market for $250 million.[1]

Makowsky built a fashion business in New York selling designer handbags through over 1,300 department stores and QVC.[2] He and his wife, Kathy Van Zeeland, sold handbags and shoes for 30 years through their flagship labels Kathy Van Zeeland Handbags, B. Makowsky and Tignanello. The couple sold the company in 2008 to Li & Fung Ltd based in Hong Kong.[3]

Makowsky is the founder of BAM Luxury Development, a property development company that focuses on a 10-mile radius centered around the Westside of Los Angeles.[4][5]

In January 2017, Makowsky listed a Bel Air mansion $250 million, the most expensive home listed on the American market at the time.[5][6] Previously, the highest recorded sale price in the area was $100 million for two homes sold in 2016 including the Playboy Mansion, and a home in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles which was listed for $150 million.[6] The most expensive listing, previous to Makowsky's mansion, was a $195 million mansion in Manalapan, Florida.[1] Developed by Makowsky's BAM Luxury Development team,[7] Makowsky said his inspiration came from megayachts. He wanted his creation to be "the ultimate megayacht, but on land."[1] The 38,000 square-foot house has four floors, 12 bedrooms, 21 bathrooms, and three kitchens. It also features a 40-seat James Bond themed movie theater an infinity pool with swim-up bar and two stocked wine cellars. Inside the house, Makowsky has added 130 artworks including a helicopter on the roof which appeared in the 1980's television series Airwolf, and a Hobie Cat sailboat on a deck.[4][5][6] The home includes a 12 car "auto gallery," including a limited edition Bugatti Veyron, a Pagani Huayra, a 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K, and a Rolls-Royce Dawn. The home took over four years to build and furnish.[5] The mansion was built on a 1.2-acre lot which Makowsky bought from New York Giants football player Michael Strahan in 2013. The listing is through Hilton & Hyland and Ben Bacal of Rodeo Realty by agents Branden and Rayni Williams.[6][8]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Frank, Robert (January 18, 2017). "Take a peek inside the most expensive home for sale in the US". CNBC. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  2. ^ Gittelshohn, John; Brandt, Nadja (September 22, 2014). "Purse Tycoon Aims at Ultra-Rich With $85 Milion Home". Bloomberg. Retrieved February 16, 2017.
  3. ^ Peer, Melinda (August 3, 2008). "Li & Fung Scores Van Zeeland". Forbes. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  4. ^ a b Leitereg, Neal J.; Beale, Lauren (January 18, 2017). "The U.S.' priciest house for sale is a Bel-Air mansion that includes 7 staffers and a helicopter". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  5. ^ a b c d Jamshed, Zahra (January 25, 2017). "$250 million mansion is most expensive home listed in US". CNN Style. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  6. ^ a b c d Taylor, Candace (January 18, 2017). "Bruce Makowsky's Big Bet: A $250 Million Los Angeles Spec Home". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  7. ^ McMullen, Troy (January 18, 2017). "America's Most Expensive Home? Bel Air Mansion Lists For Record $250m". Forbes. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  8. ^ Leitereg, Neal J. (January 21, 2017). "Bruce Makowsky's latest creation seeks $250 million in Bel-Air". LA Times. Retrieved February 17, 2017.