Talk Story #46 – Dukes’ Shangri-La: A Historic Gem Amongst Oahu’s Upper Echelon of Residences

No, the superb Doris Duke Estate dating back to the 1930’s is not for sale! It is a treasure on Oahu, which many may not realize is very available to visit and view.

Two weeks ago, I was invited to join with my friend Shirley Wagner, ASID together with other ASID Hawaii Designers (and several future and promising student designers) from various islands, at a combined lunch at the prestigious and popular Honolulu Museum of Art and Academy following a most fascinating guided tour of the fabulous Doris Duke residence.

Shangri La, oceanfront 5 acres of opulence

Kama’ainas and visitors alike are quite welcome and I do hope you take advantage of seeing what the late heiress and philanthropist created with her passion for Islamic art. The priceless collections and details in the construction in every aspect is astounding.

Damascus Room Open For Viewing

It was announced today in the Star Advertiser news that the long awaited ‘Damascus Room’ which has had years of conservation repair work done, will be open for viewing this week. You have to see for yourself this unique property located on 5 acres, oceanfront at Black Point on the Kahala side of Diamond Head. Generations have enjoyed surfing and relaxing down below the very high retaining stone wall of this estate.

Shangri La retaining wall, below is beach and great surfing

Of course, this unique property is not for sale…so why mention it in a real estate blog which you might have stumbled upon? Because it is an example of how one can see a place or location and just know that this IS for them. It did for Doris Duke, one of the wealthiest woman of her time, stopping for a brief time in Hawaii from a European honeymoon and she never looked back.

One of Oahu’s Upper Echelon Properties

Yes, Hawaii beckons. And for someone with discriminating taste and expecting to find one of Oahu’s upper echelon properties nearby or ocean fronted, I wanted to tell you that there are currently 6 residences above $14 million which may be well worth considering.

One top example is a superb opportunity for someone desiring the very best of Hawaiian ambiance for living life to the fullest.

Located beach side, on the windward side of the island and Co-listed by Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers, this superior, 10,344 sq.ft. residence has 8 bedrooms and 9.5 bathrooms (MLS# 251325). A perfect corporate/executive retreat or perhaps for an extended family with their own entourage. Offered at $29M.

Let’s Talk Story!

Contact me, let us ‘Talk Story’ and find out what you are looking for here in Hawaii. It might be a simple Waikiki or Honolulu one bedroom condominium, or an older house tucked up high in the mountains.

It doesn’t have to be museum quality or super expensive, it has to fit your own lifestyle. Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers and I are here to assist with finding that perfect place for you! I look forward to our discussion! We can do it together.

With Aloha,
Jeanne E. Buboltz