Waterfront Wonders: Waterfront Real Estate in South Florida

Whether you’re a boating enthusiast or just love to lounge by a pool while taking in azure water views, the following estates offer whatever waterfront fantasies you’re looking to fulfill.

By Jamie Grill

[highlight_text] One of the most interesting features is certainly “The Gunpowder Room,” which was originally built in 1826 by the British to store gunpowder supplies and has now been fully restored with a full-scale kitchen in order to make it the perfect retreat for entertaining your guests. [/highlight_text]

$32.5 Million
Paradise Island, Bahamas
John Christie, H.G. Christie Ltd.

The epitome of oceanfront, this 3.75-acre estate on Paradise Island in the Bahamas is surrounded by 1,750 feet of water frontage on both the north and south sides, and a spectacular white, powdery sand beach on the north end. You and your guests will have no trouble arriving in style at this magnificent vacation home. It’s equipped with ample open ground, which can be used as a helipad, and its own dock with slips for 12 boats.

Dining like a king is made a reality in the 6,000-square-foot main home with amenities such as a gourmet kitchen with a butler’s service area, service hall, executive chef full-service equipment, a walk-in freezer, coffee bar, and wine cooler. The master suite on the second floor boasts a kitchenette and a balcony with breathtaking views of the ocean and Atlantis Resort. The interiors and patios were elegantly decorated and furnished by English designer Robert Kime.

There is also a two-bedroom, two-bath, east guest cottage, a lovely two-story west guest cottage, and a sparkling 60-foot by 30-foot heated swimming pool on the property. One of the most interesting features is certainly “The Gunpowder Room,” which was originally built in 1826 by the British to store gunpowder supplies and has now been fully restored with a full-scale kitchen in order to make it the perfect retreat for entertaining your guests.

While the property may be self-sufficient with two standby generators, standby rainwater tanks, and a standby reverse osmosis plant, it is still not shut off from the mainland as three docks and a cement access ramp allow trucks and equipment to be barged in.

This home is the perfect waterfront getaway for those seeking ultimate privacy and self-sufficiency.

[highlight_text] Two screened gazebos flank the sun drenched upper terrace, which spans the length of the residence. Experience pure heaven as you relax in the warm sun on the lower-level terrace, which wraps around the pool and spa. [/highlight_text]

$23.9 Million
Naples, Florida
Guy Brooks, Premier Properties of Southwest Florida, Inc.
Exclusive Affiliate of Christie’s Great Estates

Port Royal is revered as one of the most desirable aquatic playgrounds in the world,” says Guy Brooks of Premier Properties of Southwest Florida, Inc. Its properties offer deep water and direct gulf access, but only a select few are located on the beachfront.

This exceptional Naples estate is one of these special few. Offering 147 feet of powder soft, white sand beachfront, you’ll lose yourself in the endless vistas of striking gulf waters and boundless blue sky. Encompassing nearly 1.9 acres, the five-bedroom main residence and two guesthouses have a gracious entry through privacy gates and generous grounds between the homes and the beach that afford extra privacy.

The 7,026-square-foot main residence, designed in elegant Bermuda architecture, can be entered from multiple points of access. The living room, which is graced with a wall of windows, the adjacent formal dining room, the family kitchen, and the nautically inspired gathering den are all oriented directly toward the Gulf of Mexico. Additionally on the ground floor, a library done in the finest cherry wood provides a lovely spot to unwind and two bedroom suites provide abundant room for family or guests.

Upon ascending to the second floor, a sumptuous master suite with a private sitting room and his-and-hers bathrooms awaits. Two more bedroom suites finish off the upper level. Two screened gazebos flank the sun drenched upper terrace, which spans the length of the residence. Experience pure heaven as you relax in the warm sun on the lower-level terrace, which wraps around the pool and spa.

As the owner of this estate, you have the opportunity to join the world-class Port Royal Club, just steps from the property. The club offers a tennis compound with an active tennis program, a high-tech exercise facility, casual and fine dining, and a multitude of hosted activities. “The Port Royal Club provides an unparalleled lifestyle to its limited number of privileged members,” says Brooks.

$23.5 Million
Indian Creek, Florida
“The Jills” and Jeri Jenkins
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, Inc.

Imagine a residential area so exclusive it consists of only 38 homes and is surrounded by the daylight waterfront vistas of Biscayne Bay and enjoys sparkling views of vibrant Miami Beach at night. The guard gated and privately owned Indian Creek Island fits the bill and this palatial seven-bedroom estate is truly a waterfront oasis. With the rolling fairways of the prestigious Indian Creek Golf Club in the front and the lapping 200 feet of waterfront in the rear, the canvas for this 2-acre estate is filled with spectacular views.

As you enter the home, double grand and sweeping staircases encircle the marbled foyer. Two-story windows in the formal living room allow you to take in the views of the resort-style pool and the Intracoastal Waterway. The formal dining room with custom built-ins and mirrored walls is large enough for a large banquet table to sustain entertaining on a grand scale. The gourmet kitchen with black granite countertops and top-of-the-line appliances provides a pleasant space to prepare meals. After dinner your guests may want to relax in the large den adorned with hardwood floors and a full bar or the separate billiard room overlooking the gardens.

The upstairs of this 11,349-square-foot home can be accessed via elevator and contains the lavish master bedroom, complete with a sitting area with entertainment center, a huge walk-in dressing area, and a Roman-style marble bath. Enjoy sipping your morning coffee on your private terrace while gazing across the property’s vast lawns, thoughtful gardens, and gorgeous fountain with a custom lighting system. Outdoor entertaining is made easy with 5,691-square-feet of roofed areas, loggias, and patios, a full, covered summer kitchen, a pool and a private boat dock.

This private haven offers amazing views and an abundance of ways to entertain or relax in the highest level of luxury.

$22.6 Million
Palm Beach, Florida
Ned Monell, Sotheby’s International Realty
Palm Beach Brokerage

Palm Beach has been attracting affluent sun-seekers seeking out a gracious lifestyle for a long time. And how could you not be drawn to its shores when the exclusive shopping and dining on Worth Avenue and a mass of outdoor sports from world class fishing and sailing to golf, tennis, and polo exist in its locale?

A true gem, this timeless 10,800-square-foot residence features 239 feet of water frontage on the northern end of the property, a boatlift, and enough room to accommodate your largest yacht. You’ll be left speechless by the views of both Singer and Peanut Islands across the inlet, and views of the Atlantic Ocean from the deep-water dock.

A circular winding Chicago brick motor court leads you up to the graceful six-bedroom home. You’ll feel safe inside with hurricane impact glass, electronically operated storm shutters, a whole house generator, Ademco security, and motion detectors. Visitors will be struck by the dramatic water view as they pass through the open foyer. A columned arch opens to the living room and French doors lead out to a bricked loggia. The kitchen includes Irish granite countertops, Wentworth custom cabinetry, and stainless-steel appliances.

The second-level master suite is complete with a fireplace, a veranda, his-and-hers master baths, and an adjoining sitting room. Both of the two secondary bedrooms on the level have private baths with French limestone and antique vanities. Ideal for guests or staff, a bedroom, bathroom, and loft can be accessed via a private staircase.

Outside, an ebony-lined pool is positioned between the main residence and Captain’s quarters/guest house located directly on the lake. Your guests will never want to leave this fully equipped cottage with a vaulted tongue and groove mahogany ceiling and French limestone floors. With all this estate has to offer, you’ll probably never want to leave either.