When you’ve worked hard for your dream house, you want to make sure it stays safe and secure, especially when you’re away on business or enjoying yourself on holiday in The Maldives. Whilst security is an important factor when searching out your millionaire mansion, I wonder how often it becomes the driving selling point for a purchase. We’ve had to use all of our super spy skills to track down these ultra secure properties, with the majority still on the market.
5) Sandy Lane Apartments, Barbados.
Whilst on the island, it doesn’t get more prestigious than the Sandy Lane Hotel. You can now own a chunk of this yourself with an apartment right next door. This is the most luxurious beachfront residential development in the world and with an address like ‘Sandy Lane Beach’, how can it not be? For £13.7million you can own your own slice of sandy heaven, which you can access by yacht as well as road and you’ll have full access to the 5* amenities of the hotel resort. With stunning beach and ocean views, a kitchen for a private chef and staff and all the mod cons you could want for, your safety and security could not be in better hands. Not only are the apartments kitted out with the most sophisticated security systems available, you also have your own security personnel team!
4) French Chateau for sale, 200km from Bordeaux.
It doesn’t get much more secure than a castle with fortified walls and lookout towers. Steeped in history, this residence has been bought up-to-date through extensive renovation and now encompasses a host of modern facilities including under-floor heating. Accommodation includes 16 bedrooms, a sitting room, dining room, cinema, library, billiard room, staff rooms and offices totally 3,500 square metres. Additional protection of the grounds comes in the form of 4 lakes and a river. You can walk to the nearest village in just a few minutes however there’s no need if you’re looking for a pub as this medieval wonderland comes with its own tavern in the grounds. If you wish to discuss the £16.5million asking price, you can find me in the Northeast tower.
3) Celine Dion’s Mansion, Quebec.
Fans of the Titanic singer who have a spare $30million may wish to invest in one of her homes. Due to her ‘gruelling schedule’ (singing in the specially built $95million theatre with air purifier for her voice) she is unable to spend any time in this beautiful chateau inspired home. The lucky new owner will have their own wine cellar with tasting room, a games room, three living rooms, a wood-paneled library and an outdoor swimming pool. Security is paramount for the A list songstress and that’s why you will find this property on a private gated island, surrounded by waters too shallow for boats. Access is only via a private bridge, which has a security booth, and there are numerous cameras on the island. The house was extensively remodeled in 2001 by a team of 300 people before Celine and her family moved in.
2) Nike Missile Bunker, Southeast Indiana.
There are a number of converted missile bunkers across the US but this topped my choice when it came to security and style. The site has 3 underground ‘tunnels’ and covers 14.5 acres of land. One has been converted into a garage and shop. Another has been converted into a residential space and boasts a kitchen, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an exercise room, a Jacuzzi tub AND a swimming pool. The plot has paved access with a remote control rolling front gate and there is a high security chain-link fence topped with barbed wire. I’d like to see someone try and scale that! Horse riders will also like the onsite barn which has 4 stables. All of this can be yours for $1,350,000.
1) 3 Indian Creek, Miami (pictured above)
I’ve looked at specifications of lots of high-end homes but 3 Indian Creek left me speechless. An incredible beach front property in Miami with its own private sandy beach, a 100ft pool, a sky bar, 75ft living room, 10 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms. This house has its own spa facilities, 5 kitchens including a ‘midnight kitchen’ in the 3,000sq ft master suite and the latest media technology in every room. Share music and photos with the world’s first in-wall iPod docking system or use the touch screen technology to browse CDs and DVDs. Security is seemless and slick. Control lighting remotely and gain access to the wine cellar with a fingerprint ID system. For an added sense of ease there is a panic room and a vault for storing artwork. 3 Indian Creek sold for a cool $47m at the end of 2012.
