Russia's exclusive billionaire utopia
A Russian property tycoon has built an exclusive estate which will house the city's billionaires only.
Russia's super rich are buying up homes in a super-exclusive 850-acre development on the edge of Moscow which boasts a replica of a Scottish baronial castle, a golf course, and special cottages around the perimeter to house the residents' bodyguards.
The luxury estate near Istra, which was built by property tycoon Aras Agalarov, is designed to be the most exclusive in Russia.
There are also 14 artificial lakes, waterfalls and a spa and beach resort with imported white sand.
The 150 to 200 mansions that Mr Agalarov plans to build will cost between $20-million and $30-million, and no two will be the same; as well as castles there will be villas with fluted columns and acanthus capitals, in the style of ancient Greece, while others have be done in doughty Gothic.
Since most billionaires in Russia have a few bodyguards each the estate must have to potential to house as many as 1000 guards.
Potential buyers must undergo a 30 minute interview to check they are suitable then once living there they must abide by a clear set of rules which prohibit hanging out washing, making home improvements and the keeping of large dogs.
The project will be completed by 2009 provided Mr Agalarov can buy out the few remaining residents living on or very close to the hallowed site.
Some commentators believe Moscow's unique architectural heritage is under serious attack from developers, hell-bent on throwing up glass and steel developments or housing estates exclusively for rich people.
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