A few months back, we took an in-depth look at how the luxury real estate market in Boca Raton is blooming amid the city’s unprecedented economic boom.
Known for its coastal lifestyle, upscale restaurants, and vibrant business community, Boca Raton is attracting high-net-worth individuals and companies alike, with the city’s rapid growth being highlighted by major developments like the $100 million Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRIC) and the new Brightline train station.
Midtown Boca is also seeing a resurgence with new restaurants and office spaces, and luxury residential projects are popping up across the city, responding to the growing demand for upscale living.
And now, a newly built Boca Raton house — with a distinctly modern design — is offering a stellar new option for well-off buyers looking for trophy homes in the area.
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A contemporary Boca Raton home, newly built in 2024
Newly completed, the 5-bedroom home was envisioned by Brenner Architects and built by National Custom Homes with a British West Indies-style architecture — that draws inspiration from Caribbean homes with features like louvered shutters, steep hipped roofs, and expansive verandas.
The architectural style was likely chosen to maximize the property’s waterfront location, as the Boca Raton house enjoys 119 feet of deep water frontage on a canal.
On the market for $17.9M
Located in East Boca Raton, the home is just steps from the beach and moments away by boat to the Intracoastal. It’s currently listed for $17,900,000 by the Jonathan Postma Group, affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty.
The specs
Sitting on a 0.30-acre waterfront lot, the contemporary home has 7,490 square feet of living space, 5 bedrooms, 5 full baths and 2 half baths, and a suite of luxurious amenities (both inside and out).
Among them is a fun clubroom (with a walk-in wine room), a gourmet chef’s kitchen, a sprawling primary suite, and a backyard made for entertainment.
Polished interiors
But it’s the home’s supremely elegant interiors that make this property stand out. The rooms, which easily from one to the next, have been luxuriously appointed with natural materials like stone, quartz, and limestone, with wood accents adding a touch of warmth throughout.
Sliding glass doors and picture windows invite the outdoors in, flooding the rooms with natural light.
Upscale amenities
Highlights include a magnificent clubroom with a spacious walk-in wine room, a gourmet chef’s kitchen with Wolf & Subzero appliances, and a luxurious second-floor primary suite.
Oversized rooms
The rooms all have generous proportions, with a special nod to the expansive primary bathroom — which looks like it could swallow a New York City apartment whole.
Smart home tech
The home is equipped with an elevator, as well as a state-of-the-art integrated smart home system and a digital security gate.
Outdoor features
The backyard is an entertainer’s paradise, featuring a pool, multiple seating areas, an outdoor shower, and a well-appointed summer kitchen that has a built-in grill, sink, and refrigerator.
See also: These 26 Miami-area mansions will make you want to move to Florida
Completing the offering
The canal-facing house also comes with a private elevator, a den/office overlooking the backyard, and a 4-car garage.
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In Encino Hills, a place where hillside mansions reign supreme, flat lots are outliers.
But this newly built, ultra-luxurious estate in Encino Hills sits on a sprawling 1.1-acre lot of completely flat, usable land — maximizing every square inch of the property for its future owners’ gain.
As such, the newly built home can offer a whole suite of amenities that aren’t easy to come by, including a grand driveway, a full-size basketball court, a resort-style zero-edge pool, two cabanas, and plenty of indoor-outdoor entertaining spaces.
Listed for $14,995,000 with Farah Levi of The Agency and Joshua Altman of Douglas Elliman, the brand-new Encino house is one of the city’s most impressive homes currently on the market. But you don’t have to take our word for it, we’ll let the pictures do all the talking.
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A brand new, contemporary home in Encino Hills
Nestled in the peaceful, hillside neighborhood of Encino Hills, known for its beautiful views and quiet atmosphere, the 12,034-square-foot home was completed in 2024.
The newly completed residence has 6 bedrooms and 10 baths and a range of upscale amenities, including a gourmet kitchen, a game bar with mounted TVs, a movie theater, a fitness and wellness center, and more.
Sitting on a fully flat, 1.1-acre lot
Unlike the rest of the homes in this hillside enclave, the house at 4640 Petit Avenue in Encino is positioned on completely flat, fully usable land, maximizing every square foot of its generous 1.13-acre lot.
A palm tree-lined driveway leads up to the home
Set behind a gate located far back from the street for maximum privacy, the driveway leading up to the house is lined with 13 towering palm trees, setting up the scene for the luxury that lies ahead.
Over 12,000 sq. ft. of luxury interiors
Inside, we find an impressive 12,034 square feet of luxury interiors with distinctly contemporary aesthetics, modern furnishings, and upscale finishes. Tall, 12-foot pocket doors open up to the outdoor areas, making them part of the decor.
With a grand living area
Rooms flow effortlessly from one to the next, with a massive living area anchoring the one-story modern mansion.
See also: 18 modern mansions that redefine house goals
And a gourmet kitchen for the ages
Per the listing, “The gourmet kitchen and butler’s kitchen, equipped with top-of-the-line Miele appliances and dual islands, is an entertainer’s dream.”
Refined dining areas
Dining options abound, as the Encino house has a formal dining space — with an eye-catching wine storage display and an elegant bar with seating — as well as in-kitchen dining, and semi-al-fresco dining right outside the kitchen area (also fitted with a wet bar).
Elegant spaces embrace indoor-outdoor living
Most common areas feature 12-foot pocket doors that lead to outdoor areas, which not only provide easy access but also amplify the spaces, making them feel even larger than they are, while also flooding the voluminous rooms with natural light.
Earthy and natural tones balance the luxury
The polished interiors were expertly designed by a renowned professional design team, who opted for a palette of earthy, natural tones that exude sophistication — and which pair nicely with the warm colors and natural materials (like stone, quartz, and warm wood) used throughout.
Into the primary bedroom suite
A private retreat with a glam black onyx fireplace, the primary bedroom suite is a serene space that, much like the rest of the house, opens up to the outdoor areas through sliding glass doors.
The bathrooms scream luxury
The elegant primary bathroom has a large walk-in shower with entries on both sides standing in the middle, flanked by large his and her’s vanities on both sides.
The home has a full game bar
For the ultimate hangout spot, the house’s so-called “full game bar” has been equipped with four mounted TVs, so future residents (and their guests) will never miss a game.
Right next to a stylish home office
In tune with the house’s work/play design, we find a stylish, glass-enclosed home office right next to the game bar.
With a majestic olive tree acting as an outdoor centerpiece
“One of the home’s most unique and stunning features is the majestic olive tree,” the listing reads, “an impressive centerpiece that brings a touch of nature right into the core of your living space.”
Outside we find a full-size basketball court
The home’s most notable amenity is the full-size basketball court, which pays tribute to NBA legend Kobe Bryant — sporting both Kobe’s logo and his jersey numbers, No. 8 and No. 24.
And a whole suite of outdoor amenities
Stepping outside, we find a sunken seating area with a fire pit, an infinity edge pool, lush landscaping, and strategically placed lighting that makes the entire outdoor space light up at night.
Including two cabanas
Completing the outdoor amenities are two cabanas, one facing the pool area, with the other sitting right next to the basketball court for easy access to mid-game refreshments.
With ample space for entertaining
Both cabanas offer additional space for entertaining guests and can be potentially converted to serve other purposes (like a yoga studio, workshop, etc.)
There’s also a car showroom
The parking garage — complete with sleek epoxy flooring — doubles as a showroom, with a glass wall allowing guests to peek inside.
Located in the star-studded yet family-friendly neighborhood of Encino
The property is located in Encino, a top-tier neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles known for its parks, green spaces, and recreational venues. The area has long attracted both families and bonafide celebrities calling it home.
Current residents include Selena Gomez, Machine Gun Kelly, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Black Panther star Michael B. Jordan, and two-time NBA All-Star Kiki VanDeWeghe.
A perfect retreat for an athlete
With its full-size basketball court, wellness and fitness-oriented amenities, and glam look, this showstopping Encino house is being touted as “a great fit for an athlete”. And we tend to agree, so we’ll be keeping our eyes on it, to see who buys this newly built trophy property.
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In Portsmouth, Rhode Island, a historic farm that’s being touted as “one of the last remaining pieces of the original Vanderbilt estate” is now headed for auction.
Known as Sandy Point Farm, the 6.15-acre property was built at the end of the 19th century for Reginald Claypoole Vanderbilt — the father of Gloria Vanderbilt and maternal grandfather of Anderson Cooper.
An avid equestrian, Vanderbilt spared no expense in building his sprawling Portsmouth estate, which once spanned an impressive 280 acres.
Now, the farm that was once a cornerstone of the prestigious Vanderbilt estate is being auctioned off, along with its 30,000+ square-foot stables and 15,000 square-foot indoor riding arena, via Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions.
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A piece of Rhode Island history is up for grabs
A well-known landmark to architectural enthusiasts and historians alike, the iconic Sandy Point Farm in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, was once the cornerstone of the Vanderbilt estate.
With its architectural pedigree, extensive equestrian facilities, and 6.15 acres of pastoral beauty, the property is headed for auction — with starting bids expected to run between $1 million and $2 million.
A Gilded Age equestrian farm spanning over 6 acres
The property consists of 6.15 acres of land and is anchored by the massive Sandy Point Stables, a 30,000-square-foot structure that lives on as a majestic example of Gilded Age architecture.
The structure was built in the Colonial Revival style by renowned architect A.S. Walker of Walker & Gillette, one of the leading architectural firms of the twentieth century.
With a 24-stable, massive indoor riding arena
The 30,000+ square-foot stables feature 24 stalls, a spectacular 15,000 square-foot indoor riding arena, and multiple cupolas crowning the impressive 60-foot-high riding ring.
Until recently (in 2023), the stables have been operated as a Hunter Jumper boarding, lesson, and show barn. Accommodating all ages from summer camp, children, and ponies, to intercollegiate programs and serious competitors at the National level, Sandy Point also hosted annual shows, drawing in hundreds of riders from beyond Aquidneck Island.
Built for a Vanderbilt at the height of his wealth
The equestrian estate was built by Reginald (Reggie) Claypoole Vanderbilt in the 1800s and completed in 1902. Vanderbilt was the great-grandson of Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt and an avid equestrian.
He primarily built the stable complex for his show horses and country houses (the barn is the last remaining structure), and the property has been run as a barn and stables for show horses continuously from 1902 to 2023.
He passed away in 1925 at the age of 45, on his cherished horse farm, leaving behind two daughters — Cathleen and Gloria Vanderbilt, the latter famously known as the mother of CNN anchor Anderson Cooper.
Originally part of the massive 280-acre Vanderbilt estate
A fully operational and thriving equestrian center for 120 years, Sandy Point Farm and its stables were originally part of the sprawling 280-acre complex that stretched from East Main Rd. (Rte. 138) to the Sakonnet River.
Now, Sandy Point Farm lives on as one of the largest remaining stables from Newport’s Gilded Age and one of the oldest indoor arenas in the country.
There are 5 apartments on site
While it’s primarily an equestrian farm and not necessarily a family home, Sandy Point Farm does have 5 apartments with a total of 8 bedrooms, 5 full, and 1 half bath.
Four units are located on the North side, with Reggie Vanderbilt’s former lounge and guest quarters on the South side. The latter was reconfigured into a home that preserved most of the original details, including moldings, floor-to-ceiling woodwork, and built-ins, per the farm’s website.
Reggie Vanderbilt’s studio has been operated as a sound studio in recent years
For the past 40 years, Reginald Vanderbilt’s former lounge room within the stables has been home to Stable Sound Studio, considered to be the longest-operating recording studio in all of New England.
The Studio is recognized by regional and world-renowned musicians alike for its role as a vital incubator of jazz, blues, folk/traditional, and alternative music.
A picturesque setting within proximity to Newport, Rhode Island
With its beautiful setting in coastal Portsmouth, Rhode Island, the farm is a short drive from historic Newport, where other prominent Vanderbilt mansions are located.
Set on the picturesque shores of Aquidneck Island, Portsmouth offers world-class sailing, equestrian sports, and nearby golf courses, including the acclaimed Newport National Golf Club.
Bidding starts on October 17
Ready for the next chapter in its long history, Sandy Point Farm is now heading to auction, with Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions brokering the sale. Bidding opens on October 17 and closes on October 31, with starting bids expected to be between $1 million and $2 million.
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Florida’s ritzy Venetian Islands — a chain of 6 man-made islands located between Miami Beach and the Miami mainland — are known for their luxury waterfront mansions and gated estates.
Among them is a 2018-built contemporary home with downtown views and over 90 feet of water frontage that’s made headlines quite a few times over the years.
Built by former Formula One driver-turned-developer Eddie Irvine, the waterfront mansion is owned by real estate mogul Alex Sapir (who heads up the Sapir Organization and Sapir Corp.) and has recently been relisted for a whopping $39 million.
And if you think that’s a hefty price, know that it had an even more ambitious asking price during its previous stint on the market; in 2023, the Miami Beach property was listed for as much as $54 million (a neighboring lot with a teardown was also baked into the price).
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San Marino Island real estate is notoriously expensive
The house is ideally located on San Marino Island, one of the most coveted addresses in South Florida’s prestigious Venetian Islands, where homes typically trade for $10 million or more.
Currently, there are just a handful of homes publicly listed for sale on the man-made island, and pricing reflects the exclusivity of the location: the most affordable one is priced at $7.5 million, with the rest of them sporting price tags over $14 million.
The Island’s most exclusive offering
Freshly relisted with a $39,000,000 asking price is an ultra-luxurious, five-bedroom waterfront mansion that’s currently the most expensive home for sale on San Marino Island.
The property — now listed with Douglas Elliman top producer Miltiadis Kastanis — spans a lot and a half with 90 feet of water frontage, and is anchored by a five-bedroom, seven-bath mansion that’s the pinnacle of luxury living.
A real estate mogul’s home
Built in 2018 by Formula One driver-turned-developer Eddie Irvine (who lives nearby, on Miami Beach’s Sunset Islands), the Venetian Islands house is owned by well-known real estate developer Alex Sapir, son of late billionaire Tamir Sapir. His company was behind the luxury oceanfront condo building Arte by Antonio Citterio in Surfside, Miami Beach.
Not its first stint on the market
Sapir first listed the home in May 2023 for $41,100,888 according to public records — or $54 million with the inclusion of a neighboring lot with a teardown property, the New York Post reported at the time.
Offering great water and skyline views
Now boasting a revamped price of $39,000,000 and fresh representation, the San Marco Island house is looking to attract deep-pocketed buyers who can appreciate its fine construction, stellar location, and extra-generous views — that overlook Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami’s skyline.
Living areas with views of downtown Miami
Inside the 7,890-square-foot residence, we find three separate social areas that benefit from skyline exposure, with 10’ telescopic windows enhancing the views.
A chef’s kitchen with an oversized pantry
An elegant, wood-paneled kitchen expertly conceals appliances so as not to obstruct the clean design, and comes with an oversized pantry.
The primary bedroom has views for days
Boasting floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides, the primary bedroom comes with two closets and a perfectly appointed bathroom.
See also: 26 Jaw-dropping Miami-area mansions
Book-matched marble in the bathroom
The spa-quality primary bathroom features a drench shower, deep soaking tub, expensive book-matched marble, and the same awe-inspiring views as the rest of the house.
It also has a Junior primary with an equally luxurious en-suite
Why settle for just one primary? The luxury Miami Beach home also comes with a junior primary bedroom outfitted with an equally elegant en-suite bathroom.
Other standout amenities
The trophy home comes with a series of indoor amenities including a home theater, media room, a wine cellar, and a bar, but it’s the outdoor areas that caught our eye.
Outdoor areas make the most out of the location
Outside, we find a whole range of amenities that make the most of the home’s stellar waterfront location. These include a pool, spa and pool cabana, a summer kitchen, and dockage for several boats and jet skis.
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While famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed more than 1,000 buildings throughout his life, his prolific 70-year career produced one single Florida residence: the Lewis Spring House in Tallahassee.
But Florida had its own famed proponent of organic architecture.
Mentored by Wright, Alfred Browning Parker was one of Florida’s most prolific and influential mid-twentieth-century architects.
He designed more than 500 projects in his 60-year career, and was a principal leader of the “Coconut Grove School” of tropical organic architecture, alongside other renowned architects like Rufus Nims and Kenneth Treister.
After another Alfred Browning Parker was recently sold to new owners who planned to tear it down (despite paying a hefty $36 million for the Parker-designed waterfront property in Gables Estates), the city of Coral Gables moved swiftly to save another of the architect’s projects from a similar fate. Now, it’s up for grabs.
Saved at the very last minute
After the Alfred Browning Parker-designed Gables Estates waterfront property at 140 Arvida Parkway was recently sold as a $36 million teardown — despite its architectural pedigree and consideration for historic designation — the city of Coral Gables quickly stepped in to avoid a similar fate for one of Parker’s other notable designs.
The property at 5005 N. Hammock Park swiftly received historic designation, and right on time! Turns out, the listing agent for the property already had a buyer lined up who planned to tear it down.
Now offered for sale at $4.6 million
The architecturally significant home is now listed for $4,600,000, with Coldwell Banker Realty’s Lisa Fox holding the listing. It’s now looking for a buyer who can appreciate its timeless architecture, connection to its surroundings, and historic pedigree.
Stellar architecture by Alfred Browning Parker
A principal leader of the “Coconut Grove School” of tropical organic architecture, Alfred Browning Parker is arguably the most renowned and honored architect in the history of Florida, with some considering him “the Frank Lloyd Wright of Florida.”
Alongside a group of idealistic architects, Parker adapted Frank Lloyd Wright’s tenets to the unique conditions of South Florida. Subtropical modernists devised a whole array of sun-protection devices to shield glass-enclosed interiors from the scorching South Florida sun.
His body of work and architectural legacy contrasts beautifully with Miami’s more modern, glass-enclosed homes.
Lloyd Wright himself praised Parker’s work
Parker was publicly praised by Frank Lloyd Wright, something Wright rarely did. He even recommended Parker as an American Institute of Architecture (AIA) fellow, the only architect Wright ever recommended/nominated for this honor.
The house is located in a guard-gated neighborhood in Coral Gables
The home sits on a roughly one-acre lot in the Miami-adjacent city of Coral Gables, known for its tree-lined boulevards, ivy-covered mansions, and historical landmarks (including the world-famous Biltmore Hotel and the Venetian Pool, both built in the 1920s). It’s part of the guard-gated neighborhood of Hammock Lakes.
Perfectly in tune with its natural surroundings
Alfred Browning Parker was known for incorporating natural materials into his designs, and the property at 5005 N. Hammock Park is no exception.
Enveloped by nature and perfectly in tune with its surroundings, the home also incorporates natural materials throughout, including hardwood Florida cedar and coral rock (out of which the two-story fireplace area of the living room was constructed).
Grand living space with cathedral ceilings
Walking through a foyer entry, the architectural home welcomes residents and their guests with a grand living area, where an imposing beamed cathedral ceiling made out of angelique wood towers above the space.
Two additional family rooms
The grand living area is complemented by two additional family rooms, one designed by Parker, and another one added later on, as part of an expansion project.
A standalone primary suite was added in 2003
In 2003, additions were made to the house, with a new stand-alone primary suite being built upstairs, and an additional family room — open to an industrial kitchen — added as well.
See also: 22 Frank Lloyd Wright homes you’ve probably never heard of
Serene views and a fireplace complete the space
With large balcony doors opening to the lush greenery outside, the large bedroom also has a stone fireplace to add an extra note of warmth to its wood-clad, beamed ceiling design.
The adjacent home office
Also part of the primary suite is an inviting home office, fully clad in warm wood, and a spacious walk-in closet.
The bathrooms don’t infringe on the design
While a tad less midcentury modern, the bathrooms complement the design rather than infringing on it, with each of the 6 baths sporting either a playful design, or an era-appropriate one. The primary bathroom, with vaulted beamed ceilings, adds a pop of color with its vibrant blue hues.
More bedrooms to accommodate guests
Beyond the impressive primary suite, there are 4 additional bedrooms to accommodate friends and family. All bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms.
Wood-clad spaces radiate warmth and comfort
Despite its size — the home has well over 5,300 square feet of living space — the Coral Gables house’s interiors are decidedly warm and inviting, making it a great option for a family.
Nature awaits right outside the house’s doors
A private tropical oasis in itself, the one-acre property is surrounded by mature trees, winding paths, and lush greenery.
There’s also a pool and lounging area
More modern conveniences aren’t lacking, with the outdoor area also featuring a pool and lounging area, hidden behind extra tall palm trees and mature shrubs.
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If you’re a Selling Sunset fan, you’re already familiar with the ultra-luxurious homes featured on the show.
Ranging from sprawling mansions to posh penthouses and million-dollar bachelor pads built into LA’s pricey hills, the reality series features some of the most desirable properties in California. They’re also some of the priciest!
But it’s easy to look at the homes on the show and forget that those mansions continue to cost money after the ink dries on the deed. So today, we thought we’d take a look at a more down-to-earth aspect of these luxe properties: their electricity bills.
Even the Oppenheim Group’s deep-pocketed clients have to pay their dues. And, according to recent research, the electric bills for these huge mansions tend to be 10 times higher than what the rest of us pay!
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Close to $1,500 / month for electricity
The homes Oppenheim Group sells are considerably larger than your average home, so, naturally, they rack up bills to match.
While the average U.S. home is around 2,014 square feet, Oppenheim Group listings often span over 11,000 square feet, meaning that they’re about 5 times larger than your regular home. But their energy bills are nearly 10 times higher!
Recent research conducted by the home energy experts at SolarReviews found that the average electric bill for the most recently sold O Group listings is about $1,483 per month.
That’s almost 10 times higher than the average American’s electric bill of $154.
What’s driving up the costs?
While an infinity pool or a movie theater are nice, they don’t just increase the upfront cost of the house but the long-term costs of ownership as well.
And we wanted to see exactly what the biggest culprits are. So we sat down with SolarReviews‘ home energy expert, Catherine Lane, who shed some light on how upscale amenities affect the overall costs for these million-dollar homes.
HVACs
“The biggest factor is cooling,” Catherine tells us. “These homes are in California, so the HVAC system works hard to keep them cool, especially with their large, modern windows.”
Pools and hot tubs
“Water heaters also contribute to the bill, especially in homes that have multiple bathrooms,” Catherine added. “Pool pumps can use a lot of energy, as can jacuzzis.”
Appliances
Remember how we said the average O Group listing has about 11,000 square feet of living space? Imagine all the appliances needed to furnish all this generous square footage.
Not to mention, many homes have multiple kitchens — and double up on common appliances — which also adds to the bill.
Lighting
And then there’s the lighting, especially in houses with lots of outdoor features — which tend to be automated to light up at set times in the evening, and only turn off the following morning.
Upscale amenities
You’d be hard-pressed to find a Selling Sunset-featured mansion without at least one luxe amenity like a temperature-controlled wine cellar, game room, or a cinema-quality home theater. Unsurprisingly, all these nifty features add to the bill.
Charging for electric cars
A recent newcomer on the list of energy-consuming amenities are charging stations for electric cars, which “can also bump up electricity usage, although electric cars are still cheaper to run than gas,” Catherine adds.
Other interesting findings
Catherine and her team also found that adding solar panels to some of the larger houses sold by the Oppenheim Group could power over 8 average California homes. You can read their findings here.
As for the cost of adding solar panels to these sprawling homes? Turns out, that would cost less than 1% of the listing price of many of these homes, but the payout would be more than worth it, as solar panels can increase the value of California homes by 5.4%.
Methodology
Research for this story was conducted with data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, which tracks average electric usage per household in every state and was cross-referenced with data on the average home size in each state. It was later applied to the most recent Oppenheim Group listings.
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For today’s luxury real estate buyers, renderings and floor plans just don’t cut it anymore.
While glossy sales galleries complete with model units meant to attract wealthy buyers have been the norm for years, some savvy developers are now raising the bar, offering more than just a glimpse of what life will be like in their under-construction condos.
They’re granting buyers immediate access to exclusive amenities — think private docks, golf courses, and even concierge healthcare services — well before the homes are move-in ready.
And for buyers, the chance to “test-drive” these perks long before they settle in offers the ultimate in instant gratification.
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Million-dollar perks for buyers to enjoy before their luxury condos are even built
For example, one West Palm Beach condo is completing a dock on the Intracoastal Waterway this summer. The idea is for buyers to have the opportunity to get on the water and enjoy the excursions and seafaring experiences now, well in advance of the completion of their condo.
Down in Miami, another condo development is bundling residence purchases with golf access and other social memberships so their future residents can dine at the property’s onsite restaurant and watch their tower rise over the Greg Norman-designed, 18-hole championship golf course — which is already open for those who’ve signed on to buy condos in the building.
In West Palm Beach, a luxe condo building is attracting residents with wellness-centered amenities
Olara, a 275-unit luxury condo building that’s currently under construction in West Palm Beach, is already making some of its upscale amenities available to future residents.
Once completed, the 26-story waterfront building will offer an impressive suite of amenities, including a private marina, a 30,000-square-foot celebrity chef-helmed restaurant, and a wealth of wellness-centered amenities. That includes a world-class fitness center designed by The Wright Fit, large indoor and outdoor fitness spaces (like an open-air yoga deck and performance training zones), sauna, steam, and treatment rooms, meditation spaces, and so much more.
And while many of the spaces are still being built, Olara buyers already have access to a select number of amenities.
“Even while construction is underway, future residents of Olara can enjoy a number of amenities and services before move-in,” says Andrew Kurd, Co-Chief Investment Officer at Savanna, the company behind the luxury condominium project.
Olara has been seeing great feedback so far from buyers
Future Olara residents have already started taking advantage of their complimentary membership with Sollis Health, the premier healthcare concierge. They have access to both Sollis’ flagship location in the Palm Beach area and the health provider’s other locations around the country. And the response so far has been positive, Kurd tells us:
“Life at Olara is centered around a wellness-focused residential experience, and we’ve heard so many positive testimonials so far from buyers who have already begun taking advantage of their complimentary membership with Sollis Health through our exclusive partnership.“
“With so many different locations across the country including a convenient Palm Beach site, they have the services and expertise of some of the most highly acclaimed medical professionals at their fingertips, whether they need a flu shot or last-minute doctor visit.”
The private dock is almost complete
Soon to add to the list of ready-to-enjoy amenities is a dock on the Intracoastal Waterway that’ll allow Olara buyers to get on the water and enjoy the excursions and seafaring experiences now, well before their condo is even completed.
“We’re currently also on track to complete our private dock, which will include resident-only boat slips and two boats for exclusive use by residents right on the Intracoastal Waterway, and once it’s finished in the fall, it will serve as yet another ‘early’ amenity for our residents since they’ll be able to frequent the dock for private excursions such as fishing and even seafaring experiences to Palm Beach Island,” Andrew Kurd tells us.
“They’ll also appreciate being able to watch their future home rise from our boat on the water as it becomes part of West Palm Beach’s cityscape,” he added.
Over in Miami, another luxury condo building is banking big on golf
Shell Bay, a world-class, 150-acre enclave in the Miami region, is taking a similar approach.
While their newest development, The Residences at Shell Bay — a 20-story, 108-residence condominium tower designed by famed Miami-based architect Kobi Karp — is currently being built, select luxe amenities are already being offered to buyers. And they’re banking on golf to attract residents.
Norma-Jean Callahan, Executive Director of Luxury Sales for The Residences at Shell Bay, explains:
“In South Florida, the undersupply and growing demand for golf has been well documented over the past few years. A last-of-its-kind opportunity, Shell Bay will be delivering the only new private course in 25 years to the Miami area with an 18-hole, Greg Norman-designed championship course,” Callahan says in an exclusive quote for Fancy Pants Homes.
Shell Bay buyers get instant access to the golf club — which includes a Greg Norman-designed championship course
“Once buyers have signed contracts for their residence and Golf Membership, they’ll gain instant access to our Golf Club including our training facilities while construction for the forthcoming Residences at Shell Bay is still underway,” Norma-Jean Callahan tells us.
“They can watch their future condo rise during each week’s round of golf.”
Shell Bay’s 18-hole, Greg Normal-designed Championship course is one of the longest in South Florida and also features a two-acre practice facility, including a nine-hole par three course.
But there are so many more perks to enjoy
Other sporting and recreational amenities apart from the golf course include a private yacht club with a 48-slip marina and a premier racquet club including four Grand Slam tennis courts, pickleball courts, padel courts, a basketball court, batting cages, and a children’s discovery playground, among many other top-tier amenities.
“Shell Bay also offers access to other elevated amenities and services such as its Yacht Club featuring a private marina, a Racquet Club with all four Grand Slam surfaces with Pickle and Padel courts, and an Auberge spa,” says Callahan.
“Our future residents can enjoy comfort food favorites and signature weekly rotating dishes from our private, members-only restaurants helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Julien Jouhannaud.”
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In a post-Yellowstone world, California’s shiny, glass-clad mansions and New York’s posh penthouses are often upstaged by sprawling properties with generous acreage, and anchored by gorgeous ranches with a different kind of luxury vibe.
And a massive 6,200-acre Bozeman, Montana ranch with trout-filled ponds, rolling hills, and antelope, whitetail deer, bear, and game birds to hunt is the ultimate sportsman ranch — and one of Montana’s priciest real estate offerings.
On the market for a hefty $39,500,000, the revived Grey Cliffs Ranch (which formerly served as a cattle ranch) now offers two oversized stocked ponds, equestrian facilities, ample hunting opportunities, and a rustic-chic 7-bedroom main house, along with a few other structures.
“Ranches are in high demand and ranches of this size with a home of this caliber are incredibly rare,” listing agent Tamara Williams tells us. In fact, they’re so rare that the ranch currently ranks as the 4th most expensive property for sale in Montana (though we’re pretty sure there are a few off-market listings that can give it a run for its money).
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6,200 acres of land in Bozeman, Montana
Grey Cliffs Ranch consists of a massive 6,200 acres of land located roughly one-half hour outside of Bozeman, close to state parks and popular ski resorts like Moonlight Basin, Big Sky, and Bridger Bowl. The property is anchored by a nearly 8,000-square-foot, custom-built house that overlooks a one-acre stocked pond.
There’s also another nearly 3-acre, rainbow trout-stocked pond on the property, as well as horse facilities (including an indoor arena and 1,000-acre fenced grounds), a one-bedroom bunkhouse, a 3-bedroom guesthouse, 4-bedroom ranch hand’s house, another 3-bedroom ranch hand’s house, and several barns and sheds.
A revamped former cattle ranch
The property was long used as a cattle ranch and had degraded grazing land when the owners bought it in 2003. So they set out to rehabilitate the sprawling ranch and restore its biodiversity.
The restored ranch saw its native landscapes re-emerge after thousands of acres of grasslands and trees were planted. This also revived the wildlife habitats for deer, elk, and upland birds like pheasants, making it a hunter’s paradise.
Indoor riding arena and paddocks
While no longer a cattle ranch, Grey Cliffs Ranch has plenty of equestrian-centric amenities, including a 96-meter by 72-meter indoor riding arena and expansive paddocks.
The avid horseman will also enjoy the roughly 1,000-acre fenced grounds with spring-fed running water for livestock.
Now a hunter and fishing paradise
But the revamped Montana ranch can appeal to a wide array of outdoor hobbies. Chief among them is hunting, as its 6,200 acres of land are populated by antelope, whitetail deer, bear, and game birds, making it a hunting paradise.
For avid fishermen, the property offers two stocked fishing ponds, and easy access to world-class fishing at the nearby Madison River.
Two acre-sized, trout-filled ponds
A one-acre pond is located near the main home, and another three-acre pond further away, both teeming with rainbow trout.
See also: NASCAR Champ Tony Stewart relists massive Indiana ranch & hunting paradise
The post-and-beam luxury lodge at the center of it all
Hidden behind two rounds of locked gates and far from the main road, the custom-built lodge is a modern mountain-style retreat that features 7,980 square feet of living space, 7 bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms.
Rustic appeal in spades
Its wood-clad living spaces are perfectly in tune with the rugged outdoors, boasting a rustic-chic style that invites rest and relaxation after a day of outdoor activities.
The imposing living room wows with its massive proportions
The most impressive space is the two-story tall living room with a stacked stone fireplace towering over the space alongside double-height windows that overlook the vibrant outdoors and nearby pond.
Tucked away from prying eyes
“The house cannot be seen from the main road,” says listing agent Tamara Williams.
“If someone is looking for an exclusive home this is it. It is hidden behind two locked gates. It has incredibly easy access to fishing from the pond outside of the house or to the river just down the road. Access to Bozeman is also very convenient.”
Lots of additional accommodations
The main lodge is far from the only accommodation option. The Montana ranch also has a 1-bedroom bunkhouse, a 3-bedroom guesthouse, and several barns and sheds for additional storage and convenience.
There are also dedicated homes for the people who help run the ranch, including a 4-bedroom ranch hand’s house, and another 3-bedroom ranch hand’s house.
On the market for a hefty $39.5M
The Bozeman-area property is currently listed for $39,500,000, a price point that makes it one of Montana’s most expensive homes. Tamara Williams of Tamara Williams and Company, an affiliate of Leverage Global Partners, holds the listing.
One of Montana’s priciest listings
Zillow shows that only three other properties in the entire state of Montana sport a higher asking price.
The most expensive listing in Montana is another Bozeman ranch, the 2,000-acre Running Elk Ranch, which borders the Gallatin National Forest and is priced at a dizzying $78,912,000, followed by Dayton’s Cromwell Island — the largest private island in freshwater west of the Mississippi owned by a single party — listed for $72 million. A $41.5M lot set in the coveted West Billings development area in Billings, MT holds the third spot.
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In the upscale waterfront and golf community of Admirals Cove in Jupiter, FL, the ultimate trophy home is looking for some deep-pocketed new owners.
Recently listed for a whopping $49 million, the massive waterfront home is by far the most expensive house for sale in Jupiter at the time of writing, with the runner-up asking a little over a third of its worth. That one — set in the same Admirals Cove community — is priced just under $17 million.
But this isn’t the house’s first rodeo; when it was listed in 2021 by its then-famous owner, former race car driver and racing team owner Johnny Gray, it became the first mainland home in Northern Palm Beach County to break the $30 million mark. Back then, it was asking $32.5 million.
Since then, the larger-than-life house — which comes with almost 20,000 square feet of ultra-luxurious living space, the finest amenities, a pool that cost more than $1.5 million to build, and enough water frontage to park a mega yacht — has been heavily remodeled and expanded.
It’s now listed with Rob Thomson of Waterfront Properties & Club Communities, the same agent that repped it the first time around.
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The former home of race car driver Johnny Gray
Up until a few years ago, the sprawling Jupiter mansion was owned by Johnny Gray, a former professional race car driver who now co-owns the David Gilliland Racing team, based in Mooresville, North Carolina, alongside NASCAR driver David Gilliland.
Gray, a retired NHRA drag racer-turned-oil company executive, began drag racing in the early 1990s, climbing the ladder from the National Hot Rod Association’s Competition Eliminator division to Pro Stock and later, the Funny Car category with Don Schumacher Racing. He retired in 2013, with his family — son, Shane, and grandson, Tanner — now carrying on his legacy.
Johnny Gray sold the property in mid-2021 for $24,000,000, public records show. The buyers were identified by the industry press as Sarah Ann and George McMahon. George founded and served as CEO of Bryan, Texas-based Utility Fleet Sales.
With 365 feet of water frontage, it can accommodate a mega yacht
The property spans nearly 1.5 acres of prime, protected waterfront with 365 feet of Intracoastal water frontage, offering spectacular water views.
Its generous frontage means it can easily accommodate larger boats, including a mega yacht.
Building something similar would cost more than $85M
Per the listing, a trophy property like this could never be built again in Jupiter due to its size.
“Priced $5 million below 2024 appraised value and $35 million below replacement cost, which today would be in excess of $85 million,” the listing states, adding that “This offering provides a truly unique opportunity that literally can’t be recreated today at any cost.”
The $49 million offering: The specs
Now, what goes into a house to warrant a $49 million asking price? Quite a lot, as we’re about to see.
The Admirals Cove mansion features nearly 20,000 square feet of living space, a million-dollar movie theater crafted by an associate of film legend George Lucas, an air-conditioned 22+ car, state-of-the-art garage with indoor parking for a tour bus, a trophy room, a million-dollar winding pool with swim-up bar, two Jacuzzis, a waterfall, a dock for a 160ft. mega yacht, and other amenities.
Remodeled and expanded in 2023
The 2016-built house has just undergone a $12 million+ renovation meant to both remodel and expand the property, completed in 2023.
The renovation was carried out by the same award-winning team at Turtle Beach Construction that built the home, ensuring the same quality level and craftsmanship were maintained.
Grand, two-story living room
The interiors are nothing short of spectacular, reflecting the price point with lavish furnishings and finishes.
Standout spaces include the grand, two-story living room with a floor-to-ceiling fireplace, an opulent dual staircase with iron railings, and the apartment-sized primary suite.
Sports lounge room with 5 TVs
The house was clearly built with entertainment in mind, featuring entertainment areas galore.
Among them is a sports lounge room with 5 TVs for the ultimate game day experience, but there’s also a custom bar and movie theater built during Johnny Gray’s ownership by an associate of legendary director George Lucas.
Arcade room with golf simulator
The entertainment-ready space that caught our eye was the arcade and game room, fitted with everything one might need for a good time, including a shuffleboard and golf simulator.
The palatial primary suite overlooks the resort-style backyard
The massive primary suite is almost like a retreat in itself, with its generous proportions, adjacent rooms, two bathrooms, private terrace, and seating area overlooking the extensive backyard.
And has separate bathrooms & walk-in closets for the lady and gentleman of the house
Not only does the primary suite come with two closets, but it also comes with two large baths, each specifically tailored to meet specific needs.
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“Her” bathroom has a hair salon and boutique-style closet
The two bathrooms and adjacent closets have starkly different designs, with “her” amenities boasting a clean, crisp white design.
The bathroom has a water room with a large infinity-edge soaker bathtub with underwater LED lighting, a large steam shower, and a stylish hair salon with a wash station that opens up to a boutique-style closet with a hidden washer and dryer.
“His” bathroom opens up to “a closet fit for a king”
As for “his” bathroom, it has a sophisticated, wood-toned design with a custom glass tile and marble shower, opening to a closet fit for a king, as well as a hidden washer and dryer.
The pool alone cost more than $1.5M
The expansive waterfront pool, which cost more than $1.5 million to build, features not one but two hot tubs, a pedestrian bridge that crosses the pool with cascading waterfalls, fire bowls, a swim-up bar, and drop-down TV.
But the entire outdoor area is resort-level
All the outdoor areas enjoy 180-degree views of the Intracoastal and across to a park and beautiful white sandy beach preserve that will not be built on. Several loggia seating areas provide shade and comfort all year long.
And features two outdoor kitchens
In case future owners would like to take full advantage of the sprawling outdoor space and its enviable waterfront location, there are two outdoor kitchens to accommodate events of all sizes.
It even has a showroom garage
Paying tribute to its race car former owner, the house has a showroom-level garage that can fit a 45′ motorcoach and 22+ cars. The space has marble flooring, an air compressor system, three double-car lifts, storage and workspaces, a restroom, and even a laundry room for when things get messy.
Located in Jupiter’s ritzy Admiral’s Cove community
The potentially record-breaking property at 176 Spyglass Ln is part of the exclusive Admirals Cove, one of Jupiter’s premier communities featuring a luxury lifestyle centered around high-end boating, yachting, and 45 holes of pro-style golf.
Jupiter has been increasingly attracting star power in recent years. High-profile residents include golf legend Tiger Woods, retired NBA star Michael Jordan, and Donald Trump Jr. and girlfriend Kimberly Guilfoyle. So we’re looking forward to seeing who will move in next, especially with Jupiter’s finest mansion now on the market.
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Known for its quiet, residential feel, and for having some of the most pristine and least crowded beaches in the Hamptons, the village of Quogue provides a more relaxed, beachy alternative to the refined luxury of Southampton, East Hampton, and Bridgehampton.
That doesn’t mean you won’t find plenty of pricey, million-dollar homes in the charming seaside village. The area features a mix of historic homes, charming cottages, and modern luxury estates, with many of the properties designed to blend with the natural landscape, often featuring expansive lawns and gardens.
The newest offering to hit the market in Quogue? A stylish waterfront home with modern interiors, panoramic water views, and a private dock with direct access to the water.
Listed for $10.995 million with Rachel Martin Gonce of The Agency Hamptons, the 2024-built house is ready to welcome its first owners. Let’s take a quick tour, shall we?
Despite being newly built, it fits right in with the neighbors
Completed in 2024, the newly built house is a modern interpretation of traditional Hamptons architecture.
Its exterior is clad in classic cedar shingles, a hallmark of Hamptons homes, offering a nod to the area’s coastal heritage. But it also has a sleek metal roof and large, black-framed windows that provide a nice contemporary contrast.
Set on 2+ acres surrounded by canal frontage
The property sits on a 2.16-acre lot surrounded by canal frontage on two sides — with decking spanning over 3,000 square feet.
See also: 17 Celebrities with Swanky Summer Homes in the Hamptons
It has 5 bedrooms and 6.5 baths across 3 levels
To sum up the specs, the 6,635-square-foot house offers 5 beds, 6 full baths, 1 half-bath, a state-of-the-art kitchen, and three levels of luxurious interiors.
With its generous lot size, it also packs quite a few outdoor amenities, including a 20 x 48 waterside pool, an outdoor kitchen, and a private dock.
Sleek, modern interiors open up to water views
Spanning three levels of modern luxury, the Hamptons home welcomes visitors with a grand foyer with sleek finishes and abundant natural light which sets the tone for the impeccable design that awaits inside.
The house seamlessly combines modern aesthetics with luxurious functionality and offers water views from nearly every room.
The main level has an open-concept floorplan
The main level is dedicated to open-concept living and entertaining, featuring expansive spaces that flow effortlessly from the sleek living areas to the state-of-the-art kitchen, appointed with top-of-the-line Thermador appliances, rift white oak cabinetry, and quartzite countertops.
Bedrooms are on the second level
The second level is reserved for rest and relaxation, featuring light-filled bedrooms and spa-like baths, including a primary suite complete with a private terrace, a large walk-in closet, and a lavish en-suite bath.
The top level is reserved for amenities
The top level has a versatile amenity space with ocean views that’s perfect for a home office, gym, recreation area, and an additional bedroom.
Outside, a large waterside pool anchors the outdoor space
A large 20 x 48 waterside pool offers a refreshing escape on warm summer days. And it comes with a sun-drenched deck to lounge on.
But there’s also an outdoor kitchen, fire pit, and private dock
Adjacent to the pool area is an outdoor kitchen and covered seating area, providing the perfect setting to dine alfresco. There’s also a separate firepit seating area to enjoy quiet evenings and a private dock for boating enthusiasts.
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