And when it comes to real estate, the experts always say, location, location, location. The ownable Work Lofts at 200 Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach caught our eye because they are everything we want in a homey office environment without feeling like an airless corporate library.

Each unit is between 300 and 400 square feet which makes it perfect for the solopreneur or a couple who want to keep the office separate from home. We’re angling for a his and hers work loft across the hall from each other.

The modern minimalist work lofts look and feel so serene, it is the kind of inspiring space where you might write the next great American novel or solve global warming.

The units have floor to ceiling windows to take in the Hermosa Beach, California scenery, wood beamed ached ceilings, windows that actually open (gasp!), personal lockers for your surfboard and other toys (no need to junk up your personal retreat), a shower so you can surf at lunch without your next appointment knowing and a planted roof with teak furniture where you can take all of your important calls. Many of the units have ocean views and balconies.

Built using 70 percent recycled steel and wood from a sustainable Indonesian forest, the modern architecture development complies with LEED certification.

Pricing to be determined. The project is due to be completed in Q1 2009.
200 Pier WorkLofts

The Italians know things: pasta, shoes, the art of wearing suits casually, etc. In light of that, a personal rule of mine has always been: “If Romans decided to build a villa there, it’s probably got something going for it.”

Case and point: The Villa Castigione in Capri. Tiberius Caesar picked this spot for one of his villas and promptly proceeded to take to “secret debaucheries and deplorable leisures” (which also sounds like a good idea). It’s perched on a cliff over 800 feet above the water in Capri. With 360-degree views of Capri and the glorious azure waters below, you won’t want to leave. And why should you? With 10 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, kitchen, pool, nearly seven acres of property and 10,000 square feet of living space, this castle can handle whatever debaucheries and leisures you choose to indulge in. A private road keeps the hoi polloi out, although if you really want to arrive in style, the castle can be reached by helicopter.

All this is yours for $38 million, which seems pretty reasonable for an emperor’s palace.