High-profile guests, including New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, attended Rupert Murdoch's wedding to biologist Elena Zhukova at his Bel Air estate, Moraga. This marks Murdoch's fifth marriage. The event featured luxury cars, enhanced security, and a significant floral setup. Murdoch, who recently stepped down as chairman of Fox Corp. and News Corp, plans to focus on developing his vineyard into a world-class winery.
A decapitated woman found in a California vineyard in 2011 has been identified as Ada Beth Kaplan, 13 years after her body was discovered. The body, found without a head or thumbs and posed, had remained unidentified despite previous efforts. DNA testing and genealogy work by the Kern County Coroner’s Office and the DNA Doe Project led to the identification of Kaplan, whose family had not filed a missing person report for her. The cause of death remains undetermined, and no suspects have been arrested in connection with the homicide.
The Tuscan-style mega villa, known as Malibu Rocky Oaks, is back on the market with a price tag of $44.5 million. Perched 2,000 feet above Malibu, the 9,000 square foot residence sits on 37 acres and offers breathtaking views above the clouds. The property includes a 10-acre vineyard that produces 15,000 bottles of wine per year. Despite being on and off the market for 14 years, the property has yet to sell. The latest listing agent hopes a $5 million price reduction will attract buyers.
Catena Zapata in Mendoza, Argentina has been named the world's best vineyard for 2023, offering a unique experience with Malbec wine, Mayan-inspired architecture, and multisensory masterclasses. In other travel news, a $5.5 billion canal project is underway to connect Paris to European waterways, impressive tunnels are being created worldwide, and new tourist routes in Norway and Croatia offer breathtaking views. Additionally, stories of epic bike trips and circumnavigating the world without motorized transport are shared, along with incidents of vandalism at historical sites. Lastly, an etiquette guide for nude beaches and recommendations for travel journals are provided.
The Zarcillo Residence, located on the outskirts of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, is a weekend house and periodic stay designed by architect Agustin Rocha. The project is made up of four blocks that suggest the separation of private and social spaces, with a walker connecting them. The blocks are oriented towards the ravine and vineyard, and the project is materially made up mainly of red brick obtained from the nearby area. The design respects the existing vegetation, mostly sweet stick trees and medium-sized cactus pear, and allows for views towards the ravine and vineyard.
Rupert Murdoch, the 92-year-old conservative media mogul, has announced his engagement to Ann-Lesley Smith, a former Bay Area socialite and prison chaplain. The couple met at an event last September at Murdoch's Moraga Bel Air vineyard and bonded over their interest in winemaking. Smith has been married twice before to multi-millionaire husbands and has her own money. Murdoch, who has been married four times before, says he's "looking forward to spending the second half of our lives together."
News Corp CEO Rupert Murdoch, 92, is engaged to be married for the fifth time to former San Francisco police chaplain Ann Lesley Smith, 66. The couple bonded over their mutual hobby of vineyard-owning and Murdoch proposed on St. Patrick's Day with an Asscher-cut diamond solitaire ring. Murdoch said he was "very nervous" proposing to Smith but knew it would be his last.
