Sylvester Stallone's relationship with his Miami neighbors has been rocky for years. Neighbors likely cheered the news of the movie star's nearing departure. But when they heard what Stallone planned to do with his $25 million home, neighbors were ready to draw first blood.

Stallone plans to sell his mansion to Orient-Express Hotels, which would then spend about $85 million to turn the home into a 200-room villa-style luxury hotel, according to the Miami Herald. Stallone bought the house in 1993 for $8 million. Over the last five years, demolition man has spent about $12 million on renovations.

Orient-Express recently invited nearby residents to a gathering at Stallone’s mansion to detail its expansion plans. But comments in the Miami Herald indicate the neighbors see the hotel plan as a little over the top. The ability of the company to fight city hall, and a passel of wealthy neighbors (including Madonna) who have paid the big bucks to live in a quiet, exclusive area to obtain zoning variances necessary for such a project is doubtful.

Stallone seems to be a specialist at annoying his neighbors. Last year the action hero blocked a popular hike-bike path to keep people away from his property. He also floated buoys in the lake adjacent to his private beach warning would-be gawkers to keep out.

Safe From Everything But Fire and Rain

From Belfast to Boston, you won’t find a negotiator for nature like James Taylor. The singer-songwriter sold his 100-acre Cornwall, Conn., farm in early October to the farm’s tenants, Marianne Pirotta and George Boyle, the Associated Press reported. The pair paid Taylor $375,000 for the farm, where they have operated a stable and a millwork business for five years.

Negotiations for the deal took more than a year, largely because Taylor wanted to save the farm from experiencing the Steamroller Blues. The property, near the eastern banks of the Housatonic River, includes rolling meadows and open farm fields that Taylor wanted preserved "forever", according to the AP. This required agreement from both the new owners and the Housatonic Valley Association, which allowed a conservation easement to ensure the land’s natural beauty will Not Fade Away. Taylor never lived on the farm, which he bought in 1983.

Boogie Nights in New Pad

After the critical and commercial success of his movie "Boogie Nights" screenwriter and director Paul Thomas Anderson and Grammy-winning girlfriend Fiona Apple have purchased the Los Feliz home of actor Jason Priestley for about $1.9 million. The Spanish-style, four- bedroom, 3,800 square foot home was built in 1930 and has been recently renovated and includes a screening room, gymnasium, steam room, wine cellar and swimming pool.

Anderson is directing Apple in a video of her remake of the "Across the Universe" by Paul McCartney and John Lennon.

Published: October 14, 1998

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