1987 Richest Man in America!

1987 Richest Man in America!

1987 Richest Man in America!

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Born John Werner Kluge in Chemnitz, Germany in 1914 and emigrating to America in 1922, entrepreneur Kluge died at the age of 95 in September of 2010 while married to his fourth wife, Maria Tussi Kluge. Kluge was best known as the founder of Metromedia (now Fox TV) with diversification of other media interests, though was most successful in independent television. Something we never hear about, but was hugely important, was his Morven Farm in Virginia that was a forerunner in producing genetically excellent frozen semen for artificial insemination and embryos that shipped worldwide to improve cattle herds. Morven Farm was donated to the University of Virginia to provide scholarships for the underprivileged, the same as his Palm Beach estate Casa Sin Nombre that he gave to Columbia University.

This is a man who worked hard, lived well and gave back to those less fortunate. In 1987 he was listed by Forbes as the wealthiest man in the United States. With his attention turned to Palm Beach, over a period of 3 decades Mr. Kluge continued to acquire adjoining properties in order to create a massive oceanfront estate in the middle of town with nearly three-quarters in lushly landscaped gardens, multiple water features and fine art venues. The evolution of these sun-swept grounds has culminated into making it the perfect place for private contemplation or a cheerful champagne garden party. Of course it claims its share of pristine Palm Beach oceanfront with the 6,000sf beach house designed in 1921 by society architect Addison Mizner, but we're particularly drawn to the garden house with its views over the amazing manicured jungle of palms, hibiscus and sea grape.

The 12,000sf garden house was where Mr. Kluge resided and though the entire estate is breathtaking, it seems that the garden house and grounds hold a special magic. Between the four buildings made up of garden, beach, guest and staff houses, there are 9 BR and 11.5 BA, in 21,537sf. The rooms are large, airy and have glowing wood floors and fireplaces. There's even a very tasteful casino!

Columbia University has now put Kluge’s beloved Palm Beach estate, Casa Sin Nombre, on the market at $59m.

Source: www.christiesrealestate.com