His record may be near perfect with the Toronto Blue Jays, but Jose Canseco is striking out when it comes to real estate. Canseco's estate near Fort Lauderdale, Florida, offered at $6 million furnished , has languished for a year, and recently the price was dropped to $4.5 million, sans furniture. The 3.9-acre estate includes a 12,000-square-foot main house, a separate sports facility with an indoor basketball court and volleyball courts.

Located in the gated community of Windmill Ranch Estates in Weston, Florida, the home also features a renovated swimming pool, and a famous neighbor - Dan Marino, the Miami Dolphins quarterback.

A Classical Retreat for a Classical Actor

Actor Jeremy Irons has taken some risks in his portrayals of unpopular men such as accused murderer Claus Van Bulow and fictional pedophile Humbert Humbert, but his newest venture may prove the riskiest yet. Irons has purchased a 15th century lighthouse-like castlein Roaringwater Bay in West Cork, Ireland for about $250,000, and plans to renovate the ancient dwelling for about $1. million. Currently the casle is without floors or a roof, but when it is finished it will have four bedrooms, a library, kitchen, dining room, living room and chapel. The actor and his wife, Sinead Cusack don't plan to live there - they are going to use the home as a retreat for artists or needy children.

In its current state, the castle bears a strong resemblance to Frankenstein's castle in the movie, Frankenstein Meets Wolf Man,1939.

The Apostle Buys an Eatery

Actor Robert Duvall was such a large fan of the chef and ambiance of a countryside Virginia restaurant that he bought it. The Rail Stop, the only restaurant in The Plains, Virginia offers country fare such as duck and rabbit stew by chef Tom Kee. Duvall, who owns a 200-acre farm nearby, plans to expand the restaurant by adding more seating and items to the menu.

Published: October 28, 1998

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