Trophy Properties: South Florida

$16.5 million
FISHER ISLAND

On this island of luminaries and moguls and their world-class residences, this is the crown jewel: a 10,852-square-foot, wide ocean view, seaside penthouse that evokes a palace in the sky. Lavishly appointed via an L. Letendre design, this home flawlessly incorporates exquisite woodwork with touches of old world charm and Zen influence. Unusually complex finishes, such as wire-brushed wide-plank ash floors that resemble barn wood and river-rock burnished, mixed-marble walls, create a sleek yet sophisticated setting.

The expansive living areas are custom-configured for adaptability. There are three bedrooms, but one easily transforms into two with the slide of a pocket door (the enormous gym can also be transformed into a bedroom). Among other spaces to play with are living, family, and laundry rooms, a capacious foyer hosting the dining area, a master bedroom with adjacent sitting room, an office, and a huge kitchen.

And you’ll relish it all while being über-wired. The palace includes an extensive Crestron touchscreen system programmed to control temps by room (rather than by zones), 14 security cameras, lights, motorized drapes, and state-of-the art audiovisual equipment-including nine plasmas, a 110-inch movie screen with projector, and a Kaleidascape library storing 450 DVDs and non-stop music.

When you’re ready to get outside, Fisher Island has it all: the Fisher Island Club (offering exclusive amenities), the Spa Internazionale, the Marina & Yachting Center, the Links at Fisher Island, the Tennis Center, and the pristine Bahamian sand-coated beaches.

If this sounds like the perfect spot, it is. Always close to the action, but far enough away to be secluded, this home exemplifies refuge and retreat.

Price: $16,500,000
Location: Miami Beach, FL
Realtors: Daniela Kohl, Claudia Lewis, Patricia Delinois
Realty: Century 21 Premier Elite Realty
Website: www.premiermiami.com