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.

Apr 22

2013 First Quarter Market Report

Posted in Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Real Estate Market Report Comment

The real numbers for the first quarter are in and they all point to real recovery. The latest issue of TRENDS ‘1st Quarter 2013 Update’ offers a comprehensive analysis of the activity in Miami-Dade and Broward counties from January through March. Overall sales continue to increase along with prices, which rose an average of 13.7%. Inventory continues to be absorbed quickly in both counties and there has been an 18% decrease in the number of properties for sale compared to the first quarter in 2012.

In the luxury sector of Miami-Dade, sales of properties in the $1-$5 million rage showed a 30% increase. Condos also did well, and now the average price per square foot is averaging $721. Condos in Coconut Grove, Miami and Brickell continue to sell, and Aventura has the most condo units closed with a 72.7% increase in sales over last year. Broward’s $1 million – $5 million condo sector had an extremely significant rise with an 85.7% increase in sales.

Overall both the Miami-Dade and Broward markets continue to show stability with the majority of higher priced sales in cash. International buyers are still strong but we have recently seen the return of the working wealthy start to make investments.

Mar 21

Significant listing- 1600 Ponce De Leon Drive in Fort Lauderdale

Posted in Ft. Lauderdale, Rio Vista Homes Fort Lauderdale Comment

Our newest Significant Listing is a waterfront masterpiece nestled in the Rio Vista community in Fort Lauderdale. Situated on nearly two acres of land, these estate features nine bedrooms, eight full bathrooms, three half bathrooms, two kitchens, a wine cellar and recreation room complete with a bar and a full guest house.

The home has been featured in the Wall Street Journal’s ‘Private Properties’ section and is currently listed for $32 million.

Read more about the property on the WSJ: Private Properties

All the outdoor areas of the house have been landscaped by world renown architect Raymond Jungles, that has created majestic entertainment areas to enjoy the grand waterfront views. The house also has 500 feet of water frontage with deep water dockage that is ideal for any yacht aficionado.

The home is listed by ONE Sotheby’s Top Producer Jorge Uribe.

For more information on the property visit: 1600 Ponde de Leon.

Feb 28

Las Olas Art Fair Celebrates 25th Anniversary This Weekend

Posted in Events, Ft. Lauderdale, South Florida Art Scene Comment

jim-holehouse-las-olas-art-festival-poster

Festival poster by Jim Holehouse.

The 25th annual Las Olas Art Fair takes place the first weekend of March on Fort Lauderdale’s beautiful, tree-lined boulevard and features some of the newest names in the contemporary art scene, as well as established favorites.

The art fair, produced by Howard Alan Events, Ltd. is a juried, first-class outdoor art gallery showcasing 250 artists from 30 different states.

Works on sale include paintings, photography, ceramics, collage, wood, mixed media, life-size sculpture, and more, with prices up to $30,000. Unique, handmade jewelry, including that of West Palm Beach designer Don Marksz, will also be available. Marksz works in sterling silver with pearls and gemstones.

Las Olas Boulevard itself is a local’s favorite, featuring sidewalk cafés, art galleries, specialty stores, jewelers, spas, salons, boutiques and more. Located next to the New River, Las Olas Boulevard is easily accessible by water taxi. The boulevard is also home to One Sotheby’s International’s office in Fort Lauderdale.

The art fair opens from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. on March 2 and 3, 2013. Admission is free. The navigational address is 600 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.

For more information, visit artfestival.com.

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

Feb 26

Mayi de la Vega Makes An Appearance on The Today Show

Posted in OneSir Press Room Comment

The Today Show visited Miami for a live show that featured the best of our city. From fashion to cuisine to real estate, Al Roker and crew took a tour around Miami to show America what it’s all about. ONE Sotheby’s Realty CEO Mayi de la Vega made an appearance on one of the highlighted segments to talk about the area’s real estate recovery and the hottest luxury properties live from a listing in Brickell.

It was great to show the rest of the America the potential of Miami and prove that it’s grown into a cultural hub where artists, entrepreneurs, and new business are flocking to every day. It’s more than a beach town and on par with NYC, LA, Chicago and other major cities.

Many thanks to Mayi for showing the best that we have to offer! It was a job well done!

Click here to watch the video from The Today Show

Dec 21

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Fort Lauderdale

Posted in South Florida Community, Uncategorized Comment

Fort Lauderdale will ring in 2013 in grand style with an array of fun events, fireworks displays and musical performances. We’ve put together a comprehensive list of the best parties to welcome in the new year.

B.B. King at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts- The legendary B.B. King will perform a special New Year’s Eve Concert at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

B on Top Penhouse Party at B Ocean Fort Lauderdale- The hip B Ocean Hotel invites guests to countdown to 2013 with a champagne toast, music and dancing.

Fort Lauderdale Downtown Countdown- The CIty of Fort Lauderdale will have family activities, live music and entertainment for everyone to enjoy starting at 4:30pm on Dec. 31st.

Solita Italian Restaurant New Year’s Eve Dinner- Guests enjoy an Italian dinner followed by a New Year’s Eve party like no other on Las Olas Boulevard.

Dec 13

Winterfest Boat Parade Lights Up Fort Lauderdale’s Waterways

Posted in Events, Ft. Lauderdale Comment

Photo Courtesy of Winterfest Boat Parade.

The 41st annual Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade takes place this year on December 15 along the Intracoastal Waterway in a 12-mile route from Fort Lauderdale’s New River to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. A family-friendly tradition, the nighttime flotilla boasts a variety of watercraft — from privately owned boats to showboats and corporate megayachts — decked out by local artists, professional decorators and individual boat owners who’ve spent countless hours festooning their vessels with colorful holiday decorations and lights. Musical entertainment also accompanies the visual feast.

This year, Moët and Chandon presented a Black Tie Ball at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino — the largest holiday gala in Fort Lauderdale — to support the non-profit organization that runs all Winterfest activities, which now go beyond the parade itself and feature culinary contests, student art contests, family fun days, grand marshal receptions, white parties and more.

Holiday enthusiasm doesn’t just end on the surf. Shoreline decoration of Broward’s waterfront homes along the route is also encouraged in an extravaganza event.

The parade theme for 2012 is “Musical Memories” with Grand Marshal Deborah Norville of Inside Edition boarding luxury charter yacht the Floridian Princess to lead the flotilla. And for the first time in the parade’s history, a replica of an 1812 tallship, The Lynx Privateer, will be sailing along with the other boats.

The Winterfest Celebration enhances quality of life in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area. From the website:

The Winterfest Celebration embraces the dual goals of providing a means for the community to come together and enjoy spectacular and unique events as well as attract positive national attention to the Greater Fort Lauderdale area as a tourist destination and as a great place to live and work.

With over 300 miles of navigable canals, Fort Lauderdale has been dubbed the “Venice of the Americas” and is a yacht lover’s paradise. Click here to read more about Fort Lauderdale’s waterfront homes and dockage.

IF YOU GO

Grandstand viewing tickets sold out early this year, but there are plenty of viewing opportunities along Las Olas Boulevard starting at 6 PM near the Stranahan House in downtown Fort Lauderdale and admission to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is only $3, where the parade is expected to pass by at 8 PM. The official viewing hotel is the Riverside Hotel on Las Olas.

Visit the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade website for more information.

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

Dec 5

Unique Homes Features Two ONE | Sotheby’s Properties in Ultimate Kitchen Search

Posted in Coral Gables, Delray Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, South Florida Luxury Homes Comment

The kitchen is at the heart of any home. This one is in Fort Lauderdale's Coral Ridge neighborhood.

Unique Homes, a website devote to the world of luxury real estate is currently running a contest to find the world’s ultimate kitchen.

Two ONE | Sotheby’s properties were nominated out of twelve – one in Fort Lauderdale and the other in Delray Beach. South Florida is the only part of the globe with two entries among luxury properties in New Jersey, California, Utah, Arkansas, Seattle, Tennessee and Mexico. Two other Sotheby’s International affiliates made it into the mix in Texas and New Zealand.

With top-of-the-line appliances and materials, both kitchens are designed for gourmet food and wine aficionados, large families and those who love to entertain.

The stunning kitchen at 2900 NE 37th Street.

Number one on the list is a lavishly decorated kitchen, part of a 9-bedroom luxury waterfront estate in Fort Lauderdale at 2900 NE 37th Street, within walking distance of exclusive Coral Ridge Country Club. The home also boasts stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway and three docks.

This spacious, open layout kitchen was featured in Forbes Magazine’s Ultimate Kitchens for the Holidays. With a butler’s pantry behind the kitchen, the space is ideal for anyone who hires staff for cooking or just throwing a big party. Eileen Kedersha, who represents the property, was quoted in the article: “This kitchen essentially has another kitchen behind it so that if you are having parties, you have plenty of room.”

This Delray Beach kitchen is also a finalist.

While equally stunning, the Delray Beach kitchen is more contemporary in style sporting a sleek, minimalist/maximalist look. The kitchen is number five on the list.

The 4-bedroom, waterfront home at 954 Banyan Drive not only boasts a gourmet kitchen, but also separate bar and lounge area in a sprawling environment, lit by sunshine from windows on high ceilings. With a spacious living area next to the kitchen, the space is suited for open style entertaining. Gourmands will appreciate how the kitchen doubles up on appliances – two refrigerators, freezers, ovens and dishwashers.

banyan-drive-luxury-delray-beach-kitchen

An ideal space for entertaining with an open style kitchen at 954 Banyan Drive.

Voting is currently underway for the Ultimate Kitchen. You may click here to choose your favorite. The Fort Lauderdale and Delray Beach finalists are number 1 and 5, respectively. Those who vote can enter to win a Kindle Fire.

SIDE NOTE

Local foodies who love kitchens will enjoy the Coral Gables Tour of Kitchens, a fundraising event for the Coral Gables Community Foundation, where guests visit select private kitchens in the City Beautiful throughout the day for food, tastings, cooking demonstrations and more. Save the date for January 26.

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

Oct 24

Real Estate and Interior Design Come Together at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Posted in Ft. Lauderdale Comment

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show kicks off this week! ONE Sotheby’s International Realty is thrilled to be a sponsor of this year’s show with a VIP Booth at the yacht Builder’s Annex Text in Bahia Mar Marina. We’ve partnered with the prestigious interior design firm Trend Design Build that has outfitted the space with modern furniture and home décor accessories to give it a sophisticated and polished style.

Based out of Miami, Trend Design Build specializes in interior design and construction projects for both residential and commercial spaces as well as yachts and boats. From concept to execution, the Trend Design Build team manages each project with impeccable detail, which is apparent at the completion of each one. Their portfolio includes everything from luxurious private residences and elaborate architectural build outs from the bottom up.

Residential decor by Trend Design Build

We hope to see you at the ONE Sotheby’s Booth this Thursday October 25th through Monday. We will be hosting a special Sunset Cocktail event on Saturday, October 27th from 5pm-7pm where guests will be able to enjoy refreshments and browse through our collection of penthouses and majestic estates.

While at the boat show there will also be select listings hosting Open Houses- feel free to visit each one after touring the show!

Oct 14

ONE Sotheby’s to Participate in the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show Oct. 25th-29th

Posted in Events, Ft. Lauderdale Comment

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show returns to South Florida for its 53rd year on October 25th-29th. ONE Sotheby’s is excited to be a sponsor of the event and will have a VIP booth located at the Yacht Builder’s Annex Tent in Bahia Mar Marina where our top brokers and agents will be showcasing the most exclusive waterfront properties in the area. Guests are invited to visit the ONE Sotheby’s booth throughout the fair from 10am-7pm.

Fort Lauderdale is known as the yachting capital of the world, so it’s fitting that this boat show is one of the three largest in the country. With over 3 million square feet of exhibition space spread across six locations, this event is expected to attract thousands of watercraft aficionados from all over the world. From super yachts to sport fishing boats and even jet skis, the fair caters to everyone that enjoys life on the water.

ONE Sotheby’s International Realty specializes in waterfront real estate and participating in the boat show is a perfect opportunity to connect with buyers and sellers interested in living close to South Florida’s beautiful waterways. We hope to see you at the boat show and tell you more about the incredible homes that are currently available in area.

If you can’t make it to the boat show this year, visit waterfrontpropertysir.com to view Sotheby’s International Realty’s portfolio of breathtaking waterfront properties.

Tag Archives: fort lauderdale