Smithson Seydel Real Estate

Last Spring Ne-Yo reserved the Pink Palace to shoot his award winning “Year Of The Gentleman” CD cover. The Pink Palace cabana became his dressing room. The entire estate inside and out became the  backdrop for many different styled photo shoots. 

Yesterday Ne-Yo accepted  two grammy awards for his song “Miss Independent” from the CD which sold 250,000 copies in the first week of release.

I remember the moment I first encountered the talented artist  wandering through the Pink Palace hallways . His dress was casual.  He was so sincere in his introduction that it was hard for me to believe that he was the “real” Ne-Yo. A quick google search before the photo shoot had given me the history of his career. Ne-Yo is also a songwritter who wrote for Beyonce (”Irreplaceable”), Rihanna (”Unfaithful” , “Take a Bow”)  and Mario(”Gallery”) . My teenage daughters proclaimed that Ne-Yo is their generations  Michael Jackson.

Ne-Yo and his team worked hard the entire day . He changed outfits so many times I lost count. My daughter and I were invited to spend the lunch break with Ne-Yo and his manager. We learned about his foundation for foster children and his passion for Atlanta . Ne-Yo is the “real-deal” . We are fortunate that he calls Atlanta “home” . Watching him accept the grammy awards last night made me proud that the landmark Pink Palace has a small part in his career.

Globally the  Buddha Bar is a  favorite nightclub  for many celebrities , fashionistas and socialites . Recently this Buckhead  basement  was compared to the Buddha Bar in Paris.  Dallas Austin used this space for a VIP reception . DJ Ruckus had the well heeled guest dancing for hours to his unique mix of music. I know I am lucky that I was invited…..it was a special night in a very cool Atlanta basement.

  The  first day of auctioneers school was interesting. I had no idea that auctions have been around for 2,000 years . Auctions are still the best way to determine the market value of something, even in a recession. The  teacher , an auctioneer for over forty years, entertained the class with detailed stories of his own auction history.  We started chanting and practicing number brackets right away. At first it was challenging to throw numbers but after a few days I was counting brackets in my dreams . Making friends and learning new sales skills were the fun part of the class. Becoming the best auctioneer in Atlanta is my goal !

“Yes You Can “ lease an island lifestyle in Atlanta. The roof-top infinity pool overlooks the best of  Buckhead . Private and Gated this upscale 3 floor townhome is a property that keeps my blackberry buzzing . Escape to “Villa Oceane” and make memories without getting on an airplane !

Growing up in Atlanta I was involved in many southern traditions. The tradition of making  my “debut to society” was the most important for me and my mother .  When it was time to pick a designer for the Bal De Salute gown  we chose a young Atlanta talent Anne Barge . She listened to our vision and designed a timeless gown that I cherish to this day. It was inspired from living my teenage years at the Pink Palace . Very Italian with a twenties flare .

Upon listing  the  Pink Palace  I immediately thought of Anne and the Atlanta Debutante tradition. My client offered to let Anne use his home for a debutante reception. Unfortunately Debutante season had passed so Anne gave her good friends James Mischka and Mark Badgley a call. They booked the Pink Palace for a wedding dress marketing campaign which can be viewed on their web site (www.badgleymischkabride.com)  Lucky for Atlanta Anne Barge has not left us for another city and has the ability to contact her designer friends for unique photo opportunities  .              

The opening night of ATLart ARThouse felt like going back in time. Buckhead’s Pink Palace became the place to experience F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Great Gatsby. The event brought out the best of Atlanta’s society and art patrons. We all enjoyed poolside Jazz music and an Atlanta Ballet performance . The Frederick Hart Sculpture Garden was popular and became the topic of many interesting conversations. Memories made on this night will never be forgotten.