“Giving back” is well represented by the late billionaire John Kluge’s
generosity. Four acres with two houses
and three other buildings held a lot of “goodies” including furniture, decorative accessories and other objects symbolic of “the good life.” The property has been
on the market for five years with all the furniture remaining inside. 150’ of oceanfront land is included.
Kluge Estate Guest House by Addison Mizner
Palm Beach’s 89
Middle Road just sold for $39MM, with receipts for property, furniture et al slated
for scholarships at Columbia University, Kluge’s alma mater. In time to come the buyer will decide what to
do with this outstanding property.
Leslie Hindman
received about 400 items to appraise, catalog and put up for sale, June 9-13,
allowing remote bidding.
Christie’s
will auction some of the furnishings, silver and porcelain in New York City
December 2nd and 3rd, about 100 lots of treasures. Kluge’s extensive fine art collection
generated about $12MM at a Christie’s auction a few years ago. Periods represented
include “newer and still chic items” alongside the antiques.
Models of
sailing ships and a billiards table are included. Kluge loved lavishly landscaped gardens and
outdoor furniture and decorative items used on the grounds will be included,
some of it bamboo furniture. Other
fabulous auctions handled by Hindman’s company included items from the Kennedy
and Lilly Pulitzer estates, the historic Manalapan home, Casa Alva and similar expansive
and well-decorated estates.
