KZBlog

Speaking of housing in Central Asia, I guess Occupy Toronto has been living in $20,000 yurts Before you laugh, yurts are insanely warm and comfortable, even the normal, handmade kind that only cost a few thousand. That’s the hipster/slum fashion side.

Apparently, though yurts are also mingling with the upper crust, the occupyees, the 1%, as it were. This year a $75,000 designer yurt made its way into the Neiman Marcus Christmas Catalog. Now lest you think this is puer consumerist greed, $5,000 of that price tag is a donation made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, apparently in keeping with a theme of making wishes come true.

But overall, it’s pretty luxurious since the Neiman Marcus yurt appears to be designed as a kind of novelty, hang-out spot, an upscale gazebo or party tent.

From the catalog:

Ever wish you could cross your arms, bat your eyes, and escape to a serene place all your own? Well, your wish is our command. Our “Dream Folly” is inspired by the classic 1960s TV show I Dream of Jeannie.
…The structure consists of a mixed-grain interior lattice system, a Sunbrella® exterior lining, and a plexiglass door and dome. The roof is made from vinyl-coated polyester with an acrylic top coat for extra durability. But it’s the interior that goes beyond your wildest, most decadent dreams. Let’s start with the pièces de résistance: a bevy of one-of-a-kind, down-filled pillows from renowned designer Rebecca Vizard.
…In addition to the pillows, Vizard designed every detail of this space and selected colors to evoke the bubbles of a warm, soothing bath. The room’s other noteworthy embellishments include linen wall coverings by Coleman Taylor Handpainted Textiles in Montgomery, Alabama, and a custom, handcrafted crystal chandelier from New Orleans-based Julie Neill Designs.
…Simply ask for this dream getaway, and we’ll have it installed on your estate grounds in the blink of an eye. For every retreat sold, Neiman Marcus will donate $5,000 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The “Dream Folly” stands 12’5″ tall with an 18′ diameter.

Well I’ll certainly think about where to install it on my estate! Now, maybe Kazakhstani will stop feeling ashamed about yurts and open a tourist company where I can go sleep in one!