‘Lord of the Rings’ auction expected to net more than $1 million

Have you ever imagined having Frodo’s sword, Sting, hanging above your fireplace? Or Gimli’s dwarven axe? Well, you’re in luck. The largest-known private collection of Lord of the Rings memorabilia is set to go to auction this week in Los Angeles.

The highlight of the auction is Frodo Baggins’ sword, which will likely go for between $100,000-$200,000. Also up for sale is Aragorn’s sword, Gimli’s battle axe, and Gandalf’s staff. Each is estimated to sell for $50,000-70,000.

Also available will be a copy of the famed ‘One Ring.’

The auction will include other LOTR items, including helmets, shields, boots and vests. Even the prosthetic hobbit feet worn by Sean Astin (in the role of Sam) will be available (at a price of $15,000-30,000).

The auction is expected to fetch upwards of $1.5 million. The seller is Troika Brodsky, who has been collecting LOTR memorabilia for 10 years.

Daily Dream Home: Plett 6541+2 Residence

Today’s dream home is a stunning contemporary house in the coastal town of Plettenberg Bay on the famous Garden Route of South Africa. Rising three stories in the air in an awe-inspiring setting, the modern Plett 6541+2 Residence was imagined and built by Cape Town-based studio SAOTA – Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects.

Spacious both inside and outdoors, the warm and inviting 6 bedroom home boasts an imposing elegance that provokes its inhabitants to take advantage of both modern design and the striking surroundings. According to SAOTA, “the clients requested a 6-bedroomed family home with understated elegance and quiet grandeur, indoor / outdoor living spaces and uninterrupted views, with a ”lived-in beach-house” feel.” The client’s brief was exemplary executed and the results are magnificent.

Direct access to the beach with rolling dunes and calming breezes introduced the idea of panoramic views, which the architects put into play by the construction of glazed living areas on the upper level and revealing the views from inside carefully decorated spaces. Within this linear floor-plan, all rooms have access to the views and by choosing simple materials shaped with modern lines, the architects imagined a calming, bright and modern collection of interiors.

Tallest Swarovski Christmas Tree Dazzles At Hong Kong International Airport

Christmas celebrations are in full swing at Hong Kong International Airport too as a 15-meter Christmas tree glitters with millions of Swarovski crystals to welcome the festive season. Swarovski has teamed up with JCDecaux Transport to erect the tallest Christmas tree at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

Rising up to the second level, the crystal tree is smartly positioned to grab the attention of over five million passengers that are expected to cross HKIA during the Christmas and New Year travel season. It connects the Arrivals Meeters & Greeters Hall and Departures Check-in Hall while stunning visitors up till January 2014.

The Moodie Report also states that travelers can take photos under the Swarovski Christmas tree and create customised e-greeting cards that can be shared via e-mail and social media.

Awe-Inspiring Modern Hotel Design in Bogota: Click Clack Hotel

Since planning a trip almost always implies a little hassle, we’re here to guide you choose the places best suited for your taste. The Click Clack Hotel in Bogota, Colombia, is definitely a place to consider for your next destination. Besides enjoying the dynamic Latin heritage blended with modern lifestyles, guests of the Click Clack Hotel get to experience contemporary hospitality and awe-inspiring modern design.

Designed by plan:B Arquitectos in collaboration with Perceptual Studio, the welcoming hotel in Bogota awaits its guests with an unequaled set of interiors. Friendly and classy, the hotel helps you stay focused on the reality of a rising country, where possibilities are reshaped by using international flare within a stunning new hotel design. Boasting an impressive facade in which glazed protruding volumes contrast the building’s metal mesh, the hotel provides a contemporary design that continues inside. A large living wall defines social spaces and welcomes guests with its freshness. Inside, a cozy atmosphere provides everything needed for the modern traveler, including the sought-after connection to the outdoors. Pretty promising, don’t you think?

The Ings Luxury Cat Hotel Opens Up With One Of The Largest Suites In England

It cannot always be a dog’s day! Cats can boast of living life King-size too at the newly opened The Ings Luxury Cat Hotel in West Yorkshire, England. Give your feline pet a gift of lifetime by booking up a holiday stay for it at this elegant new boutique hotel, catering exclusively to cats.

The luxury hotel for pet cats has been exclusively designed after taking help from professionals and organizations related to the cat care industry. The owners, Ounsley family, claim it to be the only boutique Cat Hotel in the country to offer this unique, premium size, service and quality.

Providing first class care to cats when their masters are away, the hotel is limited to 12 luxuriously designed animal themed suites only which boast of under floor heating and offer floor to ceiling activity walls. To ensure a five star vacation, the cats will be pampered with features like wrought iron 4 poster beds that glam up with cut glass crystal balls and the softest cotton bedding as well as goose feather cushions, tasty treats from à la carte menu, flat screen TV’s, water bubble features, virtual firefly cat entertainers, mood-lighting and bed time stories.

The gourmet in-room dining menu is served on fine bone china. Moreover, each suite has a stimulating activity wall for guest to climb or just sit in an elevated position to watch the wildlife pass by.

Feline pets can also step out to lounge on Swarovski studded high backed chairs when bored of indulging in their suites. Starting from about $25 for a night, the most expensive suite at The Ings Luxury Cat Hotel, Woodland Wing, is up for $65. Spread out over 100 sq ft, it is also touted to be one of the largest suites for cat in the country! More indulgence comes for a price of $25 for a 20 minutes spa session that includes signature massage and rejuvenation package. Though not real, even the pet jelly fish are relaxing to watch.

As of yet, the hotel is offering a promotional discount of 20% to all those who book a seven days stay before this year end.

The owners have also installed the new waste management system which is hygienic, eliminates odour and environmentally friendly. While the hotel aims to keep their guests amused and entertained to the fullest, pet owners will updated with their progress via emails and postcards.