Trophy Properties

Sumptuous and sleek, these homes represent some of the most sought-after properties on the real estate market today.

By Benjamin Minkus

$8.5 MILLION
SUNSET POINT

Arrive to a private island world of privilege in just two hours from Miami by Ferrari and even faster by helicopter when landing on site. The mile-long driveway is a hint of the quiet pleasures of this residence as it connects the Manor House to the main road of the Florida Keys, passing first through a federally protected bird sanctuary (cleverly donated in a tax exchange by the seller’s affiliate to create a permanent buffer from intrusion by the real world), then through a relative’s lands with a small caretaker’s house overlooking the water, and finally over the small bridge, which officially christens the island character of the nine-acre estate.

The feeling of the upstairs mirrors that of the grand homes in the islands of the Bahamas, in good condition but the baths and kitchen are ready for the arrival of Philippe Stark. There is a reason Lilly Pulitzer fabrics were made nearby in Key West, as this house is a testament to those happy colors and playful times. Interior rooms include four bedrooms and four baths with a huge cistern that some free spirit converted into the housekeeper’s quarters.

A Jacuzzi tub competes with the fresh water swimming pool for the eye candy crowd, while a large salt water lagoon welcomes children of all ages to discover its array of tropical fish. Deeded amenities include a concrete dock in good condition, sea walls that could use some attention, a channel, and 23 acres of undersea lands adjacent and contiguous to the island. The tower that serves the arriving helicopters is also conveyed.
In one of those rare once in the lifetime opportunities, one of the largest privately held lands in the Florida Keys is offered for sale.

Price: $8,500,000
Location: Florida Keys, F
Realtor: Rex Hamilton
Phone: 305.441.2828
Realty: The Rex Hamilton Corporation
Website: www.rexhamilton.com
$22 MILLION
CORAL GABLES

“Classic” is one way to describe this Mediterranean estate, which glistens with traditional elegance befitting a 70-year-old mansion designed by renowned architect Phineas Paist, whose Beaux Arts style is imprinted on old Miami hallmarks such as the Vizcaya mansion and the old Miami Federal Courthouse.

“Opulent” is another appropriate description of this home, located in lovely Coral Gables. Nestled in the widest lagoon setting on the Coral Gables Waterway, and bounded on the east and west by luxurious boathouses, this home covers an incredible 1.5 acres in one of South Florida’s most historic and affluent neighborhoods, and also comes with its own private island in the Florida Keys.

With more than 11,000 square feet, this home features anything and everything one could want: a tennis court and pavilion, a dance patio, a heated Olympic-size pool, two cabanas, built-in barbecue, and two shuffleboard courts. And, with five bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, and two half baths, there is plenty of privacy and room to stretch your legs. One of the greatest features might be the home’s arched loggia, which leads to a separate guest house, with a fantastic rock pool and waterfall that add to the relaxing, vacation-like atmosphere.

Not that a vacation would be needed-if this is the mansion you come home to every day, we wouldn’t blame you for staying put during your free time. And, of course, you could always take an excursion to your own eight-acre private island straddling Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean-now that’s haute living.

Price: $22,000,000
Location: Coral Gables, FL
Realtor: Audrey Ross
Phone: 305.960.2575
Realty: EMW Realtors
Website: www.miamirealestate.com

$9.9 MILLION
SUNSET ISLAND

Properties are all about location, location, location, and this one is waterfront, waterfront, waterfront! This magnificent home, located just minutes from trendy South Beach, is situated on a guarded, gated island, and is within walking distance of world-famous Lincoln Road. The property has 75 feet on the water, with enough room (and protected dockage) for a yacht-the perfect gift to christen this new home.

The second home from the bay, this 7,140-square-foot mansion has a wide bay view from the master bedroom, which includes his and her marble and glass baths, ultra-large walk-in closets, large terraces, and a huge room with a separate bath for use as a gym, office, or upstairs living room.

In addition to the master suite, there are two additional, huge bedrooms upstairs, each with its own large marble bath and oversize walk-in closet. Another bedroom, downstairs, is intended for service. In addition, there are two guest baths on the lower level, including one with access to the pool.

Materials for this home are unique and rare, including mink marble floors downstairs with purple heartwood on both floors. Perhaps most stunning is the pool itself, which is finished dramatically in black, with three fountains adding to the opulence. Night entertaining allows for a fire to only further emphasize the pool’s majestic qualities.

This architecturally ultra-modern mansion, built in the Bauhaus style, is a one-of-a-kind property with unparalleled amenities-which all means that you have to act now if you imagine yourself inside this palace.

Price: $9,900,000
Location: Miami Beach, FL
Realtor: Barbara Hagen
Phone: 305.992.3749
Realty: Majestic Properties
Email: [email protected]

$8.5 MILLION
GABLES ESTATES

Located in ultra-exclusive Gables Estates, this sophisticated and pristine waterfront estate is an architectural marvel, with a luscious, tropical feel, as well as a host of first-class amenities that one would expect from one of South Florida’s most affluent communities.

This 8,161-square-foot masterpiece features five incredibly spacious bedrooms, including a stunning master suite, along with six full baths and two half baths-all constructed with the finest materials available. Views of Biscayne Bay’s azure waters are practically limitless, particularly from the estate’s incredible swimming pool, where the home’s architecture melds with the natural beauty of its surroundings perfectly. The home’s main rooms also provide voluminous viewing pleasure of the surrounding waters.

One of the home’s most attractive features is the impressive great room, which features soaring ceilings and a burning fireplace-two accommodations that are hard to find in South Florida architecture. The great room also features a full wet bar, one of many features that make this home ideal for entertaining. The home’s kitchen includes a large pantry.

The elegant master suite boasts soaring cathedral ceilings, his and her marble baths, his walk-in closet, and, perhaps most importantly, a room-size walk-in closet for her, which is adjacent to the home’s private garage-which is wholly separate from the home’s standard, two-car garage.

With enough amenities to please a king, there’s no wonder this estate is considered among South Florida’s real estate royalty.

Price: $8,500,000
Location: Coral Gables, FL
Realtor: Audrey Ross
Phone: 305.960.2575
Realty: EMW Realtors
Website: www.miamirealestate.com

$52 MILLION
INDIAN CREEK ISLAND

Miami Beach is clearly the place to be for sun-loving socialites, and it appears there is no better home in which to live it up than this record-breaker, which is under construction on private, upscale Indian Creek Island. Once completed, this home will be the most expensive in Miami Beach history, and with a list of amenities fit for a king, it will no doubt be the most spectacular home in the city’s most spectacular area.

This 30,000-square-foot residence, which sits on two acres, features more than 200 feet of waterfront beauty, including a boat dock with ample size for your megayacht. The home comprises 10 bedrooms, with 10 full and four half baths, in addition to a library, bar, mega rooftop lawn garden and Jacuzzi, entertainment kitchen and full catering kitchen, a state-of-the-art media room, and a chromatherapy spa and massage room. There is also plenty of space for your favorite rides, as the home features a seven-car garage, as well as various technologically-advanced features, such as a waterfront exercise room, a security room, a panic room, and a Lutron system for light mood throughout the property.

The mansion, a combination of the stylistic pizzazz of starchitect Rene Gonzalez, Miami’s fashion guru Felix Cohen, and Hi-tech security mogul Schlomi Alexander intermingles seamlessly with the surrounding nature, as vertical gardens, floating pavilions, a guest pavilion, and a fantastic outdoor entertainment area make for an ideal tropical setting. This property feels like you own a private island.

Price: $52,000,000
Location: Miami Beach, FL
Realtors: Jill Eber & Jill Hertzberg
Phone: 305.341.7496
Realty: The Jills
Website: www.thejills.com

$15.9 MILLION
GABLES ESTATES

If you love the water-and we mean REALLY love the water-then there is no better home on the market than this sprawling estate in the ritzy Gables Estates community of historic Coral Gables. With an incredible 3.5 acres of land, the imagination can run far more wild than the 1968 residence that is currently on site, and in need of replacement. Though the current residence has 7,077 square feet, this enormous swath of land is ripe for development for the home of your dreams, as its vast space calls for the addition of amenities deserving of a Gables Estates property.

But perhaps the most appealing feature to this lot is its 375 feet of water frontage, a figure that dwarfs the competition. With direct ocean access, a new dock, and a deep boat basin for large yachts, this is the premier property in Coral Gables for enjoying the South Florida surf. This unique opportunity allows for an original touch to be added to one of the most prized pieces of land in South Florida.

With a stunning forever-long water view of Casuarinas Waterway, which is only accentuated by the fabulous sunrises, this is one of the last spectacular lots in South Florida. It is the best offering for tropical paradise living, where your dream home can become reality.

Price: $15,900,000
Location: Coral Gables, FL
Realtor: Lizzie Padro
Phone: 305.742.4323
Realty: Coldwell Banker
Website: www.LiveInFloridaLuxury.com