TopTenRealEstateDeals.com Hot Home News: Walmart, Bob Hope, Princeton University & Ziegfeld Theater Homes For Sale

Online, October 24, 2013 (Newswire.com) - This week's Top 10 homes spotlight at TopTenRealEstateDeals.com includes a look at Bob Hope's 1939 family home now for sale at $27.5 million, a 1773 home going to auction that Princeton University built to lure a signer of the Declaration of Independence as its president, a Hamptons estate with a 110-seat screening room designed to duplicate the Ziegfeld Theatre asking $9.995 million, and the Jackson Hole vacation home of Christy Walton, the wealthiest woman in the world, for sale at $12.5 million.

The Bob Hope Home

Bob and Dolores were married for 69 years - rare for any couple but especially rare for entertainment celebrities. Bob died in 2003 at the age of 100 and Dolores died in 2011 at the age of 102. Bob Hope was a timeless and multi-talented individual who excelled as a comedian, actor, singer, dancer, author, and athlete. He will never be forgotten for his annual tours taking entertainment to the troops around the world.

Also timeless is his and Dolores' Toluca Lake estate that they built in 1939 as an English Traditional and made more contemporary in 1950. Nestled on a beautifully landscaped five acres of mature evergreens, rose gardens and one-hole golf course with sand trap and driving greens, the 14,876 square foot home includes eight bedrooms, eight baths, indoor pool and spa, billiard room, bar, and chef's kitchen. There is also a guest house, staff quarters, staff offices and large outdoor pool. The private master suite wing has two bedrooms, his-and-her baths and dressing rooms and a shared study. Over the years the home has played host to presidents and a large number of celebrities. Asking price is $27.5 million.

Princeton University's Tusculum Mansion

Sometimes the history of the home is the best part. Then again, sometimes the house is by itself. In the case of Tusculum mansion, those two aspects display in perfect balance. In 1773, Princeton built the house to lure signer of the Declaration of Independence, John Witherspoon, into becoming president of the university. The original build consisted of 5,000 square feet and had a study, kitchen, drawing room, parlor and two bedrooms. The mansion was named Tusculum ("wisp of incense") after the country house of the Roman orator, Cicero. Princeton's plan worked and Witherspoon became their sixth president. In 1830, a wing was added and in later years other residents added another two wings.

Much modernized since the days of Witherspoon, the 9,235 square foot, five bedroom, six bath home still retains its historical details. It consists of the main residence, huge stone embankment barn, caretaker's cottage, and numerous farm out-buildings dating from the 18th to 20th centuries. All buildings have been recently repaired, restored or rebuilt. Tusculum retains its historic farm context but serves as a residence for modern living. Its main house and barn readily accommodate entertaining on a large scale. The wine cellar holds 2,000 bottles and is entered through a special tasting room.

Former home of Princeton University president and signer of the Declaration of Independence and host to George and Martha Washington is going to auction on November 7th. Previously listed at $12 million. Reserve is $2.5 million.

Ziegfeld Theatre Mansion

Whether it's referred to as the "Hilton of the Hamptons" or as the "Palace of the Stars," this Hamptons estate has been host to all the A-listers. Name most any celebrity and they've been there. One of the main reasons is the 110-seat screening room designed to duplicate the Ziegfeld Theatre. Film premieres draw Hollywood and New York celebrities like bees to honey and it is also used for photo and movie shoots. Between these and celebrity rentals, part owner Bob Felner has said it acts "literally, like an ATM machine." Some former renters have included Madonna, Warren Beatty, Kevin Costner and Sandra Bullock.

The property is on five and a half acres on a Georgica Pond inlet with a flowing creek through the property for boat access to the pond. The 19,000 square foot main house has eight bedrooms, twelve bathrooms, an indoor wave pool and spa, outdoor pool, a walk-out lower entertainment level and tennis court. There is a cottage on the property that is also a celebrity rental.

Mansion includes 110-seat theatre modeled after the Ziegfeld Theatre. Originally priced at $26 million, now reduced to $9.995 million.

Walton's Mountain Home

Christy Walton is the wealthiest woman in the world, clocking in at $35.4 billion. She was the daughter-in-law of Sam Walton, founder of Walmart, and inherited $15.7 billion after her husband died in 2005 when his experimental plane crashed in a Wyoming national park.

Christy is selling her 2.5 acre Jackson Hole, Wyoming vacation home and we get to see what it's like to vacation like the wealthiest woman in the world. Set in a nature wonderland, the 8,606 square foot home with its six bedrooms and seven baths has a lot going for it. The floors are 200-year-old reclaimed oak, the windows are handcrafted by Albertine. There is a two bedroom summer guest house nestled within the landscaped grounds, a three-car heated garage and two working fireplaces in the main house. The property comes with a sauna, gym, game room and walls of glass to view wildlife and the surrounding mountains from almost every room. For sale at $12.5 million.

Real estate is never boring at TopTenRealEstateDeals. Check out today's most entertaining and unusual real estate news stories of the week. News such as weird but wonderful homes, Bernie Madoff's celebrity victims, and a brand new home for Mitt Romney.