South Florida Real Estate Blog

Jun 16

Waterfront Living in Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas Isles

Posted in Ft. Lauderdale, Las Olas Isles, South Florida Luxury Homes Comment

An aerial view of Las Olas Isles.

Las Olas Isles is a unique South Florida waterfront community nestled in one of the region’s most dynamic urban areas. Flanking world-renown Las Olas Boulevard, the isles feature luxury waterfront homes that offer the best of both worlds for boaters and water babies: easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic, yet within a stone’s throw of an energetic section of Broward County.

A short drive or (or maybe even a walk) offers land lover residents a great variety of options: entertainment, shopping at exclusive boutiques, jewelers, internationally renown art galleries; gourmet dining and world-class cultural centers and museums, including the Broward Center for the Performing Arts — all this abounds on Las Olas Boulevard, which borders Fort Lauderdale’s picturesque New River.

Over the decades, the Las Olas Isles have been home to numerous celebrities, including Johnny Weismuller of Tarzan fame, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz of the “I Love Lucy” show, entertainers Sonny and Cher, fashion designer Gloria Vanderbilt and corporate mogul Wayne Huizenga, among others.

The area’s history goes further back in time — pioneer Frank Stranahan, who traded goods with Seminole Indians — helped build what would become today’s vibrant downtown district. The 1901 home, which has had several renovations, still stands today as a quaint reminder of the Fort Lauderdale’s early years. Stranahan’s wife, Ivy, was a civic activist, instrumental in creating education programs and one of the region’s first lady philanthrophists.

Las Olas Isles is a yacht lover’s paradise.

The Las Olas Isles were dredged as spoil islands circa 1920s. Some homes feature dockage for large yachts, which is convenient for boaters as the closest access to the Atlantic is just a short distance away at the 17th street cut, with no fixed bridges. For beach lovers who want to swim and sunbathe on the Atlantic shores, Fort Lauderdale Beach Park is never more than about two miles away from home.

Isles residents also enjoy close proximity to boat yards for yacht repairs and maintenance, marinas as well as yacht and swim clubs. Luxury hotels for events, including the Ritz Carlton, Hyatt Pier 66 and the charming Riverside Hotel, are all located within minutes of the Las Olas Isles neighborhoods.

To learn more about One Sotheby’s Las Olas Isles properties, click here.

Jun 15

Fendi Casa Presents GLASS

Posted in Glass South Beach, Lifestyle, Luxury Homes For Sale, Miami Beach, Miami Luxury Real Estate, Preconstruction Condos Miami Comment

ONE Sotheby’s Brokers got an exclusive presentation on the new Glass condo development at the posh Fendi Casa showroom in the Design District. The daytime event was the perfect opportunity for our team to learn more about the project and the luxury amenities it will offer in the heart of Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood.

Glass South Beach will be 18 stories tall and will feature 10 residents that start at 2,000 square feet to over 3,400 and larger. The building has been designed by South Florida architect Rene Gonzalez and units will start at just over $7 million. Please contact Eloy Carmenate at (305) 503-0478 for additional information.

Jun 11

An Intimate Discussion on Photography at Fisher Island

Posted in Fisher Island, Sotheby's Auction House News Comment

Beth Butler, Emily Bierman and Mayi de la Vega

ONE Sotheby’s International Realty’s CEO and Founder, Mayi de la Vega partnered with Sotheby’s Photographs Department Specialist Emily Bierman to host an intimate discussion about the photography market. Distinguished guests gathered in the Mansion Drawing Room at Fisher Island to enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres and were intrigued by recent record breaking sales at auction and also learned of the approaching 175- year anniversary of photography.

Emily Bierman, Mayi de la Vega, Raymond Bolduc and Beth Butler

Michael Falke_Janie Coffey_Stephane Burke_Erik Diamond

Michael Falke, Janie Coffey, Stephane Burke and Erik Diamond

During the discussion, Ms. Bierman gave a comprehensive overview of photography’s past, present and future highlighting some of the most important pieces and renowned artists in the field. One of these noteworthy photographs is László Moholy-Nagy’s Fotogramm from 1925, which sold for $1,482,500 at auction this past December.

Cuqui Matz and Mayi de la Vega

Sotheby’s was the first international auction to introduce the seasonal sale of photographs in 1971, and in the last five years has sold more than $106.5 million in photographic works. The next major auctions are in October in New York City and November in Paris.. It was a pleasure to host this event and we wish Sotheby’s Photographs Department much success on their upcoming photography sales.

Sissy DeMaria, Mayi de la Vega and Cuqui Matz

Jun 9

High-End Living with Incomparable Fort Lauderdale Homes

Posted in Ft. Lauderdale, Miami Luxury Real Estate 1

Luxury homes can be found all across the country, but when it comes to Florida, some of the best picks might just be right in Fort Lauderdale. While the international jet-setting crowd might head off to South Beach for an afternoon on the sands and a night in the dance club, more than you might think return home to Fort Lauderdale. The properties available exclusively from ONE Sotheby’s International Realty comprise some of the most sumptuous Fort Lauderdale homes available, with price tags that ensure only those with the means to live the high-life can take advantage here.

1600 Ponce De Leon Drive
When it comes to high-end Fort Lauderdale homes, few compare to this incredible home nestled in the Rio Vista community. Featuring delightful Georgian architecture, nine bedrooms, eight full baths and three half-baths, it’s a sprawling estate right on the water. The deep water anchorage ensures that buyers with their own yachts can keep them close at hand. Priced at $32,000,000, it’s one of the most expensive homes ONE Sotheby’s offers in the area.

2900 NE 37th Street
Majesty and Mediterranean architecture make this sprawling estate stand out from the crowd. Interested buyers will find nine bedrooms and 13 full bathrooms, as well as four half-baths. Natural stone and wood make up the mansion’s floors, and it offers three docks with deep-water access. 31 rooms can be found throughout the property, including a 2,000 square foot family room with a massive stone fireplace, offering views out over the Intracoastal Waterway. This home will set prospective buyers back by $18,900,000.

1837 SE 7th Street
Featuring almost 350 feet of waterfront access to the Intracoastal Waterway, this is one of the most amazing Fort Lauderdale homes available to buyers. It offers eight bedrooms, eight full baths, two half-baths and deep-water access for those with their own yachts.

ONE Sotheby’s International Realty offers many other luxury homes in the area, with prices ranging from over $30,000,000 and under.

Choose ONE Sotheby’s

Luxury Fort Lauderdale homes give you the opportunity to live the lifestyle you want in one of South Florida’s most beautiful locations. ONE Sotheby’s International Realty offers exclusive homes available only through this real estate agency, and is the number one trusted name when it comes to high-end real estate in South Florida. When you need guidance and access to the best homes in town, this is the only resource you need.

Jun 8

Miami Beach Convention Center District Redevelopment Plans Feature World-Class Architects

Posted in Architecture, Miami Beach Comment

convention-center-miami-beach-bjarke-ingels

A rendering from BIG, Bjarke Ingels Group, for the proposed revamped Miami Beach Convention Center.

We’ve been writing about Buildings That Changed Miami. What about buildings that will change Miami in the future? Miami is home to many new exciting architectural projects and the Miami Beach Convention Center redevelopment plan is no exception.

Fifty-two acres of premium real estate are at stake this year in South Beach as the city moves forward to overhaul the Miami Beach Convention Center. Completed in 1957, the original structure has undergone several renovations since, costing millions of dollars.

The convention center is important to Miami Beach’s economy and history. In years past, the center hosted the Miss Universe Pageant from 1960 to 1971 and both Republican and Democratic National Conventions in 1972. In 1964, boxer Muhammad Ali fought Sonny Listing in a match at the center. An adjacent theater was also home to the Jackie Gleason Show, which made television history in the 1960s.

More recently, the center has been home to major events that attract affluent visitors from around the world, two of the most prominent being the Miami International Boat Show and Art Basel, a sister art fair to the original in Switzerland. The art deco Jackie Gleason Theater for the Performing Arts, currently operated as The Fillmore by Live Nation, brings in top musical, dance and comedy acts.

Plans are underway, pending commission approval and public referendum concerning pubic land, to revamp Miami Beach’s current Convention Center district, which now abuts the Frank Gehry designed New World Center and the technologically innovative Sound Space Park.

Proposed plans for a modernization include more green space and public strolling areas just one block from Miami Beach’s famous pedestrian mall, Lincoln Road.

The two proposed developments involve renowned architects and both have drawn up plans that feature a hotel and improved traffic patterns.

Danish Bjarke Ingels of BIG has envisioned an enclosed public square, which includes retail and residential. He’s working with firm Portman CMC.

Dutch architect Rem Koolhass and his Office of Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) have incorporated a 190-foot tall hotel into their plans that would sit above the meeting spaces. A loading dock and parking area would be covered by a public park. OMA is working with South Beach’s Tishman ACE.

oma-convention-center-koolhass-miami-beach

A rendering from OMA for the proposed modernized convention site.

The two innovative, contemporary architects are vying to leave their mark on Miami Beach. For future homeowners, this means buying property with significant architectural landmarks in their own backyard.

Incidentally, Ingels is also behind the new Grove at Grand Bay development, which will feature two ultra modern towers on Miami’s bay front.

Check out both competing projects in the videos below.

– Maria de los Angeles is a freelance wordsmith based out of Miami.

May 31

Buildings That Made Miami: The Kampong

Posted in Architecture, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Uncategorized 1

A recent photo of the entrance to The Kampong home — original designed by Edward Clarence Dean, circa 1920s — and today, an illuminated tropical garden setting.

Although not technically a building, The Kampong is one of Miami’s quaint architectural gems. Located in Coconut Grove just off Biscayne Bay in the area that borders Coral Gables, The Kampong was the private home of Dr. David Fairchild — legendary horticulturalist, intrepid global explorer and one of the founding fathers of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.

Today, The Kampong property is home to a National Tropical Botanical Garden — one of five in the United States devoted to advancing scientific research, public education and plant conservation. A living classroom for botany and horticulture courses, The Kampong is also part of the National Register for Historic Places.

Many celebrities have brought homes in Miami and the The Kampong is no exception, although the famous folks in this case built their residences early in the twentieth century. Fairchild married Marian, the daughter of Alexander Graham Bell, who received $25,000 in 1916 as an advance on her inheritance to purchase the beautiful waterfront property, which slopes down from Douglas Road to Biscayne Bay. That was no small fortune back in the day.

Architect Edward Clarence Dean designed the Asia-inspired home, which became a residence in 1928. Although Dean never traveled as far east as his client, decorative features at the Kampong — which means “village” in Malay — include a Balinese-inspired door. Previously, he had built another more traditional Mission style home for the Fairchild couple in Maryland.

The Fairchild family had famous neighbors, too. Marian’s sister, Elsie, married Gilbert Grosvenor who was the first editor of National Geographic Magazine. They purchased the adjacent property and called it Hissar, named after the small town in Turkey where Grosvenor was born.

The property was no stranger to famous guests. Florida’s first tech pioneers, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford — who also owned waterfront homes in Florida on the gulf coast — visited the Fairchild family.

In 1965, Catherine Sweeney purchased the estate and added a tennis court as well as a boat basin to the sweeping bay front property — a common feature in many of today’s luxury waterfront estates.

An exterior design detail at The Kampong. Photo by the author.

More architectural detail at The Kampong’s entrance — an arch surrounded by tropical foliage and a 1-point perspective of Biscayne Bay in the distance.

The expansive waterfront lawn at The Kampong today.

This historic estate is landscaped with native and non-native plants, some of them unusual and considered “celebrity trees” that work well in South Florida.

The stunning and enormous Banyan tree at the entrance of The Kampong is a sight to behold for anyone who passes by on historic Main Highway. The tree is a natural architectural wonder itself — emblematic of the amazing landscaping in Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, South Miami and Pinecrest neighborhoods adjacent to the botanic garden.

The banyan tree at gated entrance of The Kampong is one of Miami’s most spectacular, although there are larger specimens in the area.

For Miami home owners who are interested in curb appeal and don’t want to leave everything up to their landscape architects, a tour of the Kampong offers insight and inspiration about what plants work in South Florida — all part of Fairchild’s amazing botanical legacy.

Public twilight tours in the fall and winter season are perfect for appreciating the property’s beauty.

ROYAL POINCIANAS

Summer is upon us and that means more rain, but also amazing blooms. Royal Poincianas are sturdy trees, boasting amazing orange, yellow and red flowers in a large canopy that provides shade for many streets as well as truly regal tropical splendor for Miami residents.

This weekend, the Tropical Tree Flowering Society presents the 76th annual Royal Poinciana Festival — Miami’s oldest continuing running festival. Some activities are scheduled for Saturday and on Sunday, a trolley tour of some of the area’s most fabulous tree sightings begins at The Kampong.

Royal Poinciana tree in full bloom provide a feast for the eyes in South Florida at the beginning of summer. Photo courtesy of Akvatek via Flickr.

For more information, click on the links below.

Royal Poinciana Festival

The Kampong

One Sir Listings in Coconut Grove

– Maria de los Angeles is a freelance wordsmith based in Miami.

Note: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and National Tropical Botanic Gardens are two separate institutions, but they do share the common history of Dr. David Fairchild’s profound legacy in the Miami community.

All photos courtesy of The Kampong unless otherwise noted.

May 29

Baseball Star Alex Rodriguez Sells Miami Beach Home for $30 Million

Posted in Luxury Homes For Sale, Miami Beach, Miami Luxury Real Estate, South Florida Luxury Homes Comment

A-Rod has sold Miami Beach Mansion for $30 million, with the deal brokered by ONE Sotheby’s International Realty’s Mayi de la Vega and Arlene Susy Dunand. The record-breaking sale is the highest price ever paid on North Bay Road, which is one of the most coveted residential neighborhoods in the area.

The estate boasts over 19,000 square feet of living space that includes nine bedrooms, a home theater, rooftop deck and 4-car garage. It also features a 3,000 sq. ft. sports room, a guest house, and luxury finishes throughout.

Stephen Levin, a businessman and owner of Gold Coast Beverage Distributors, purchased the home.

What Features Make Coral Gables Homes Unique?

Posted in Coral Gables, Luxury Homes For Sale, Miami Luxury Real Estate Comment

Coral Gables might not be the first area that springs to mind when considering luxury South Florida real estate. Most people will immediately think of the Keys, or South Beach Miami. However, this secluded area located just below the mainland city of Miami has a lot to offer, and the homes here are simply sumptuous. With options ranging from secluded mansions to Mediterranean villas located on their own private lagoons, everyone with a taste for the high life will find something that appeals to them. Of course, it helps to know what features make these homes unique.

Water Access

Coral Gables homes are technically located on the mainland – the neighborhood isn’t part of the barrier island chain that runs down the east coast of Florida. However, that doesn’t mean that homes here have no direct access to the water. Thanks to an immense system of estuaries, most homes have direct access to water on at least one side, but many have access on three sides thanks to the number of peninsulas here. Boat docks, bridges and immediate deep-water access for those with their own yachts are just a few of the features associated with water access and Coral Gables homes.

Privacy

While not all luxury Coral Gables homes are secluded, they all offer an immense degree of privacy. Even those located within neighborhoods (Gables Estates, for instance) are spread out from their neighbors and offer quiet and tranquility amidst the South Florida splendor. However, some homes in the area offer spacious grounds that ensure complete privacy and seclusion, so those looking to really get away from it all can achieve their goals.

Architecture Design

Home buyers looking for Coral Gables homes for sale in a specific architectural style will discover a plethora of options. There are Mediterranean villas, stunning traditional Floridian homes, expansive mansions and more. Many incorporate natural materials, such as slate, terra cotta and limestone, while others evoke tropical hideaways in the Bahamas, complete with lush vegetation and swaying palm trees.

Pools and Spas

The majority of Coral Gables single family homes on offer have modern swimming pools and many also feature private spas for your enjoyment. Pools range from standard rectangular constructions to infinity edge, freshwater to saltwater and more. In addition, you’ll find that most of the area’s homes feature pools that overlook the water for enhanced enjoyment.

Luxurious Grounds

When it comes to grounds and landscaping, most Coral Gables homes have plenty to offer. Lush flowers, verdant grass and mature palm trees dominate the landscaping in the area, but most homes also feature large paved courtyards as well.

A Luxury Realty Office for Your Needs

Buying Coral Gables house requires the expert help and guidance only available from an experienced, established real estate agency. In Coral Gables, that means ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, where you’ll find the widest selection of ultra-luxury homes in this beautiful area. Whether you prefer Mediterranean architecture, deep-water access for your yacht or something else, ONE Sotheby’s International Realty has the expertise and the inventory for the most discrete buyer.

May 24

1000 Museum: In the News

Posted in 1000 Museum Miami, Downtown Miami Comment

One Thousand Museum

Downtown Miami is buzzing with excitement as the area continues to reinvent itself with new residential and commercial developments. Zaha Hadid is at the forefront of the action with her revolutionary design of One Thousand Museum that will change the city’s skyline. Here is the latest new on her all the projects:

ONE Thousand Museum Renderings

New Convention Center Plans

Miami based developer MDM Group has confirmed plans to build a massive mixed-use development on the old Miami Arena site. The project will consist of more than 500,000 square feet of convention space along with an 1,800 room Marriot hotel.
Read more here: New Convention Center in the Works

King Abdullah Financial Center Metro Station
Zaha Hadid’s latest project is the New King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is being developed by the Arriyadh Development Authority and will serve the city’s fast growing population spanning over 20,434 square feet.
Read more here: King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station

Auction News
Zaha Hadid’s “Aqua” table was auctioned this week at Sotheby’s in Paris. The special piece is made of white polyurethane resin and silicone.

Business Woman of the Year
Zaha Hadid has been names “Business Woman of the Year” by Veuve Cliquot for her entrepreneurial and financial success as well as commitment to corporate social responsibility. Her exceptional work continues to inspire other and change landscapes throughout the world.

Design- The Serac Bench
The Serac Bench designed by Zaha Hadid is an urban sculpture that emerges seamlessly from the landscape. It showcases the fluid, continuous nature of Hadid’s work and merges solid and void, object and ground, form and function as an evolutionary lineage evident in her visionary designs.

For more information on One Thousand Museum visit: www.1000museum.com or contact 1.855.ONE.MUSE (663.6873)

May 23

The Scoop

Posted in The Scoop Comment

RICAN RITZ
Escape Miami’s Memorial Day weekend mayhem by hopping a flight to Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve just west of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The former plantation and swank, midcentury modern resort for Hollywood royalty consecutively owned by Dr. Alfred Livingston and Laurance S. Rockefeller has undergone a stunning $342 million makeover replete with lily ponds and nature trails. Taking advantage of a mile-long stretch of white sand, each of its 115 guestrooms and four restaurants sits mere steps from the sea. Su Casa, a large pink hacienda dating from the 1920s, has also been restored for rental. Book a lesson with legendary golf pro Chi Chi Rodriguez to play top-notch East Course, followed by a blissful, tree-house treatment at eco-friendly Spa Botanico.

100 Dorado Beach Drive – Dorado, Puerto Rico, 787.626.1100, ritzcarlton.com

JOSE’S HOUSE
While staying at the Ritz, dine at Mi Casa, yet another showstopper from James Beard award-winning chef Jose Andres. Just as the Spanish toque incorporates local flavor into his Iberian menu at the Bazaar in Miami Beach, he researched Puerto Rico’s culinary heritage, known as cocina criolla, from mofongo to roasted pork prepared at roadside stands. He was pleasantly surprised to find many similarities between the island’s natural beauty, blend of cultures and simple ingredients and his childhood memories of Asturias. In addition to his tapas and molecular gastronomy standards, the famed regional cocktail pina colada is reinvented as an oyster appetizer, and Guavate lechon, named for the nearby barrio that’s home to the delicacy, is served with caramelized mango. Finish with passion fruit flan.

100 Dorado Beach Drive – Dorado, Puerto Rico, 787.626.1100, ritzcarlton.com

SOUL STRINGS
A tropical holiday calls for bright baubles. Enter The FFS, insanely fun jewelry designed by real life and soul sisters Cheryl Freeman and Donna Freeman Hughes of San Francisco and Miami, respectively. Their haute, multimedia looks with an ethnic twist have already caught the eye of Barneys stores nationwide and Base boutique in Miami Beach. Globally sourcing and stringing together odds and ends such as oxidized copper from Ethiopia, and recycled vulcanite from Portugal, they also incorporate high-low materials such as diamonds, turquoise beads, braided leather and charms. There are subdued versions of bracelets for men. Also pick up one of their adorable bags in African Ankara prints that go from beach to bar in a snap.

the-ffs.com

FOR SHORE
Though named after Sunset Beach in Shelter Island, N.Y., 6 Shore Road resortwear flew south for its Summer 2013 collection. Every season, founder and designer Pooja Kharbanda chooses a different destination as inspiration, and Old San Juan in Puerto Rico tickled her fancy this time. (The Indian native first got a taste for the Latin American lifestyle growing up in Panama.) Look right at home on the Caribbean island in her “Fortress” jumpsuit in a turquoise geometric print with bright pink embroidered waist. The “Ricon” one-piece swimsuit’s sexy woven side straps aren’t tan-friendly, but sure look good. Top off outfits with one of her cute colorful turbans. The line is available at Big Drop, Jessie and Nikki Beach in Miami Beach.

6shoreroad.com

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