Your Palladian-inspired Waterfront Estate in Fort Myers Awaits

Stretching over two-acres of stunning waterfront, this Palladian-inspired estate situated in Fort Myers, Florida, is synonymous with the words ‘opulence’ and ‘privacy’.  Complete with its own gated residence that is fully furnished alongside bespoke design features, as well as a berth, a lift, and direct access to the Gulf of Mexico, the property was listed by Christie’s International Real Estate for an astounding $15,950,000.

The main residence’s Palladian design, of which introduced a style reminiscent of the archaic temples of the Ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, was inspired by famed, Venice-born Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio with the use of aesthetically symmetrical lines and ode.  In addition, the property also features a wide-range of amenities that were built by utilizing expert craftsmanship in order to turn the entire estate into an aesthetic masterpiece.

Image Courtesy of: Christie’s International Real Estate

Image Courtesy of: Christie’s International Real Estate

Image Courtesy of: Christie’s International Real Estate

To enter the gated estate, which has two private roads, you must drive through a lengthy granite driveway that leads to an exquisite fountain in front of the main residence, where you can then park in a magnificent garage.  Once you step past the front door, you will be welcomed by Italian marble floors, Venetian plastering, custom lighting, oversized windows overlooking pristine waters, and an elegant wrought iron staircase.  One of the most impressive aspects of the house is its wine cellar that can be better described as an artful showpiece rather than a storage facility.  The cellar can harbor around 2,000 bottles enclosed behind a glass screen located right at the dining room’s entry point.  And if you are a lover of fine art, you will be excited to know that the house has numerous glass cases to display your extensive art collection.

Rick Moeser, Executive Director of Christie’s International Real Estate, states that: “This home speaks to collectors of all categories—collectibles, wine, sculpture, paintings, and other works of art.  It is the perfect canvas, seamlessly incorporating art and architecture. The grounds are meticulously maintained, as you would expect of an estate of this stature. Add to that the recreational options, and this home truly stands apart.”

Image Courtesy of: Christie’s International Real Estate

Image Courtesy of: Christie’s International Real Estate

Image Courtesy of: Christie’s International Real Estate

Image Courtesy of: Christie’s International Real Estate

The 10,493 square feet of living space includes a total of four bedrooms, five bathrooms, three half baths, master suite with balcony overlooking the water, an extensive fitness room, a 16-person spa, a billiards room with bar, an indoor and outdoor cinema, his-and-her offices, and a professional kitchen that has a custom-made walk-in refrigerator, first-rate appliances, and African walnut finishes. Additionally, there is a leading-edge security system, an elevator, a three-bedroom guest house, and a staircase, which leads you from the pool to a sand patio that offers waterway views.

The outside aesthetics consists of fully-grown palm trees as well as a botanical garden that shelters a variety of fruit trees and other plants from all over the globe.  There also includes a mosaic infinity pool and a loggia with an outdoor kitchen, bar, dining area, and setting nook, that commands a view from above the pool to provide a breathtaking scene of the water.

Images Courtesy of: Christie’s International Real Estate

For More Information Visit: www.ChristiesRealEstate.com

Billy Joel’s Florida Estate Hits The Market

American singer, songwriter, and pianist, Billy Joel has just put his nearly two-acre Florida estate, situated in the private enclave of Manalapan, on the market for $16,900,000USD.  This masterfully restored property is currently listed by Pascal Liguori and William Koch of Premier Estate Properties, which is an affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate located in Boca Raton, Florida.

This luxury home was renovated in 2015, where it was given an extremely open and refreshing design to its already breathtaking Mediterranean styled layout.  In addition, it also boasts bespoke furnishings, which even includes the piano personally played by Mr. Joel in the house’s club room.  This detail alone was quite eye-catching because Mr. Joel was nicknamed “Piano Man” for his primary use of a piano with many of the pop songs he wrote.

The geographic position of the estate is beyond excellent as it spans across the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, of which each side offers a lofty 150 feet of waterfront view.  The 13,000 square-foot main residence features elegant artisan marble flooring, exquisite cypress and coffered ceilings, as well as Chicago brick accents for the ceilings that makes it an incomparably extraordinary architectural design.

The home has two gated entry points that both guide you to the formal entrance, where a motor court is stationed.  After entering through the eight-bedroom main house’s grandiose front doors, you are welcomed by a marble staircase that spirals up to the upper gallery, which is flooded with light thanks to a double deck of oversized oculus windows.  Furthermore, due to a multitude of French doors, the outlook of the pool terrace can be clearly seen, not to mention the spectacular view of the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, which are definitely a sight to see when the sun sets beyond the horizon.

The main floor features a two-story dining hall that seats up to at least 14 with a hand-stenciled wood ceiling and impressive wood-burning stone fireplace, as well as a European style kitchen with a barrel-vaulted brick ceiling that includes top of the line appliances such as the six-burner Wolf gas range alongside double ovens, Wolf steamer, dual Sub-Zero refrigerators and freezers, dual Miele dishwashers, and a Summit wine cooler.  Additionally, the first level boasts a club room complete with a wet bar and seating encircling an onyx counter, a media room, a private bedroom suite, a fitness studio/playroom, and staff quarters.

As for the home’s second level, which can be accessible through the elevator, it accommodates a grand gallery that commands a view over the dining hall.  The master suite features a sitting area centered around a fireplace, a private balcony with views overlooking the water, walk-in closets, and two opulent marble-and-onyx baths. The second wing of the estate consists of a total of three en suite bedrooms, all of which include their own personal balcony.  Moreover, the estate has an air-conditioned four-bay garage that is right underneath a guest house with two bedrooms and one bath.

Once you take a step outside the house, you will find an Intracoastal dock, verdant landscape, lawns that stretch all the way to the Intracoastal shoreline, and oceanfront space along with a dune passage way.  There is also an outdoor colonnaded loggia with an alfresco layout that introduces a fountained spa, a summer kitchen and bar, a cabana bath, and a seated dining area accompanied by a fireplace nook, which provides a stunning view overlooking the saltwater pool.

Images courtesy of: Christie’s International Real Estate

For additional information, please visit www.christiesrealestate.com.

Christie’s International Real Estate Showcases the upcoming Rockefeller Sale in Beverly Hills

The highly anticipated upcoming Christie’s auction regarding the collection of David & Peggy Rockefeller has received nothing short of royal welcomes, as it has made its way across the globe. The collection, which includes a widespread & diverse set of artwork is estimated to gross more than $500 million USD; the proceeds you say? They will go to benefit several charities selected by the late David & Peggy Rockefeller. Some of the organizations that stand to benefit from the sale include charities dedicated to medical, educational, cultural, and environmental causes.

“The Rockefeller Collection is arguably the most important and valuable to ever be sold at auction,” Christie’s International Real Estate Executive Director Zackary Wright said. “The opportunity to provide both art and real estate clients an up-close preview of this historic sale, as well as a glimpse into the lives of the Rockefellers and their passion for art and philanthropy, is what sets the Christie’s luxury brand apart from the others.”

On April 10th of 2018, Christie’s International Real Estate in collaboration with Hilton & Hyland, VistaJet and U.S. Trust hosted an exclusive gala style discussion titled “The Rockefellers: Art and Philanthropy, A Family Legacy”  which acted to conceptualize the upcoming May 8th through 11th auctions that will take place at the Rockefeller Center in New York City. The High Society committee included Marc Porter, Chairman of Christie’s Americas and John Goldwyn, producer of the hit TV series Dexter.

The committee, who explored insights on The Collection of Peggy and David Rockefeller also explored ideas and thought processes regarding the tax implications related to sale, donation, and holding of one’s own collection. The discussion was followed up by a chic gala and private preview of pieces belonging to the collection.

The collection consists of numerous works; pieces that are particularly noteworthy are Picasso’s Fillette à la corbeille fleurie (Young Girl with a Flower Basket), as well as a Claude Monet water lilies painting.

Images courtesy of: Christie’s International Real Estate

Living Luxe in Miami

In sunny Miami, there’s no shortage of new development properties offering sleek architecture, modern interiors, and beach front views; but, there are few that amaze quite like these two.

Penthouse 5101, Biscayne Beach Residences 

Firstly, this penthouse offers stunning, nearly-panoramic views of Biscayne Bay and, in the distance, Miami Beach. Listed at $9,453,900, it also features a private rooftop pool, summer kitchen, sauna in the master bath, and over 10,000 square feet of living space. The space includes four bedrooms, five bathrooms and two half baths, a den, and a study. Represented by The Elmir Group, the penthouse is on the top floor of the Biscayne Beach Residences. The building, designed by renowned interior designer Thom Felicia, is one of the premiere luxury buildings in the city. It offers residents premium access to a residential spa with a sauna, a steam room, a blow-dry bar and massage treatment rooms, a fitness center with floor-to-ceiling windows, a 24-hour concierge, and a beach club compete with private cabanas, volleyball courts, and a sanded area.

7311 Belle Meade Island Drive 

This L-shaped property in the gated community of Belle Meade Island is brand new, from the ground up. The over 7,000 square foot space offers a vestibule with soaring 20 foot ceilings, modern fittings, and an open concept layout. It is also outfitted with SAVANT smart home technology, so the home’s amenities can be monitored through an iPad. Alongside the seven bedrooms, den and 6 ½ bathrooms, the home has a gorgeous water-facing deck, an outdoor pool, and a private dock. Listed at $8.45 million, the home defines modern luxury.

Images courtesy of: Alicia Rivas at Levy Public Relations

Price Cut on Harry Styles’ Hollywood Hills Home

Just last month, Harry Styles reduced the asking price of his 4,100-square foot Hollywood Hills Bachelor Pad to $7,995,000 USD; Hilton & Hyland, an affiliate of Christies International Real Estate, is representing the property, which carried an initial asking price of $8.45 million when it was first listed by Mr. Styles in May of 2017.

Situated in the hills above the Sunset Strip with stunning city and ocean views, the 1960’s era residence is accessed via a long tree-lined gated drive, offering the pen-ultimate in privacy. The home which can be most notably characterized by sleek modern lines, features a three bedroom, five bathroom lay out with 10’ ceilings. Standout features include a gourmet kitchen, formal dining room, media room, gym, master suite with sprawling views, as well as a pool with a cabana and hot tub.

Styles, who is best known for his time serving as a member of the band “One Direction” and for his recent acting debut in Dunkirk, purchased the three-story contemporary home, just under 2 years ago, in June 2016. Subsequently after purchasing the property, Styles commissioned multiple modifications including the addition of silver travertine floors to stretch beyond the interior living areas out onto the terraces, allowing for a perfect blending of the residence’s indoor and outdoor living spaces. Additional updates consisted of a more modern open-air rooftop entertaining area, which now offers an enlarged seating area as well as a fire pit.

For more information visit:  HiltonHyland.com

Images courtesy of:  Christies International Real Estate and HiltonHyland.com

Living With A Panoramic View: Miami’s Panorama Tower

What would it be like to live on top of the world, high above everything and everyone else?  Imagine waking up every morning and going to bed every night with an unparalleled view of the Miami skyline. The new residents of Panorama Tower in Miami, Florida don’t have to imagine these delights, they can live them. Designed and developed by Florida East Coast Realty, LLC (FECR), Panorama Tower dominates 868 feet over the Miami skyline. Thus, labeling the tower the tallest residential building south of New York is no understatement. Panorama Tower boast 85 stories and 821 rental apartments (including a penthouse), as well as more than 200 hotel rooms; 90% of these residences also boast the most breathtaking views of the bay.

The construction of this extraordinary tower has been a long time in the making. Plans were first made for construction in 2006, but were postponed due to financial complications resulting from the Great Recession. Plans were rebooted in 2012-2013 and development began in 2014. Construction concluded in late 2017, and resident move-in begins early 2018. FECR has also owned and developed the Rivergate Plaza Complex, 888 Brickell, One Bayfront Plaza, and two US Treasury buildings, among many others. FECR, undoubtedly, has set a precedent for extravagance and the Panorama, it seems, will be no different.

Building amenities include yoga and pilates studios, private dining and wine tasting rooms, pet grooming and boarding facilities, three private movie theaters and “muse rooms” for jam sessions and recordings. Additionally, the center has kept the environment in mind and offers $1,000 in annual reduced rent for residents without cars, as well as car charging stations for hybrids and electric vehicles. Panorama certainly boasts an amenity for every character desiring to live the high life.

Panorama Tower is located in the Brickell District of Miami, which is also known as South Florida’s major financial district. Residents of Panorama are granted access to the best of Miami: the finest restaurants and stores in the Brickell district. In addition, Brickell offers public transportation to all popular Miami attractions, such as Frost Museum of Science, Perez Art Museum Miami and The Miami Heat. Panorama Tower itself accommodates over 50,000 square feet of high end retail space. Panorama boasts having the best address in all of Miami and that its residents have not only the most extravagant, but the highest level of living.

Panorama’s floor units start at around 1,100 square feet for a one bedroom (the average one bedroom Miami apartment is 720 square feet), and sizes increase by room size; two bedrooms start at 1,600 square feet and three bedrooms start at 2,100 square feet. Monthly rent starts at approximately $3,000 per month, which may seem steep, but with all that Panorama has to offer, surely it’s worth the price to pay. Panorama living includes nine foot ceilings and floor to ceiling windows, which are absolutely perfect for taking in the Miami bay views. Move in for these stellar apartment homes starts in March 2018, and spaces are filling up fast – obviously. Who wouldn’t want to live in this sky-high paradise?

For more information visit:  PanoramaTower.com

Images courtesy of Florida East Coast Reality/Levy Public Relations & Events

A Luxurious Montana Lake Home Lists for $6.2 Million

Situated along the shore of Flatehead Lake, and surrounded by a majestic forest of Ponderosa pines is a modern wooden five bedroom 8,100 square-foot retreat featuring walls of glass, which showcase both lake and mountain views, in addition to a private beach and dock.

The estate set across over an acre is located one mile from the city of Lakeside in exclusive Conrad Point, only 30 minutes from Glacier Park International Airport. Just recently the property was listed for sale by Christies International Real Estate’s affiliate, Pure West Real Estate for $6,250,000 USD.

The property is characterized by grass lawns, a 200 foot long private pebble-beach, and a main home with a luxurious deck, allowing you to enjoy the seemingly endless views of Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort and the peaks of Glacier National Park.

“The lifestyle this home offers is beyond compare,” said Rick Moeser, Executive Director of Christie’s International Real Estate. “It is perfect to accommodate extended families and also grand entertaining. There is no lack of outdoor activities – snow in winter and water in summer, plus hiking or horseback riding, among others. Parks and wilderness areas surround the lake, so the abundance of wildlife never ceases to amaze. This is a rare opportunity be part of a nature sanctuary with modern conveniences a short drive away.”

Laid out at the end of a gated drive way is a rock fountain situated in-front of the main residence.  Stepping through the massive wood front doors, visitors will immediately notice the home’s open floor-plan and high ceilings, boasting gracious entertaining areas; the living room includes a bar and a two story double sided river rock fireplace that also heats the formal dinning room. Directly off of the dinning room is a gourmet kitchen with custom wood cabinetry, marble countertops, and top of the line appliances by Viking. Other highlights of the home include a first floor master suite with radiant heat floors and magnificent views across Flathead Lake.

David Fetveit of Pure West added: “The home is just as exquisite as its location. The main water source of Flathead Lake comes directly from Glacier National Park some 30 miles to the north, which is why the water is so pristine and so blue. There are no large resorts in the area, the land is either privately owned or protected. You can boat all day and might only see one or two others. The usage is so low you feel like this amazing natural resort is almost all yours.”

The main home’s lower level includes a 1,500 bottle wine cellar, cinema, game room, sauna, gym as well as an additional bedroom for guests or staff. However, our favorite feature of the lower level is the expansive entreating patio with it’s meticulously designed landscaping.

A two bedroom guesthouse completes the estate offering two bathrooms, a full kitchen, and a wood burning fire place for those chilly nights. Heading towards the lake, the property’s dock is oversized and makes for convenient access to all types of water sporting activities; and includes covered hydraulic and electric lifts.

For the security conscious buyer, the property’s surveillance system includes multiple cameras and a gated driveway. The home is topped of with several smart house features such as a sophisticated light and sound system, which can be operated from a mobile device.

For additional information please visit:  christiesrealestate.com

Images courtesy of: Christies International Real Estate

A Look Into the Islands Made By Man

The world we live in is more unique than ever before, and this unprecedented level of individuality is emphasized by man’s ability to create anything and everything. One example of this extraordinary artistry is the Ocean Reef Islands, located of the coast of Panama City, Panama. The Ocean Reef Islands are a pair of man-made, artificial, real estate islands designed by real estate developer Grupo Los Pueblos. Grupo Los Pueblos has a thirty-year history focusing on innovation in architecture; their involvement in the construction of these islands ensures the highest degrees of excellence and luxury. The islands have a land area of 46 acres and are connected to Panama City by a 500 foot long bridge.

These anomalous islands have been under construction since 2009. The first island, which has already been completed, had astounding success in home sales. It’s One Of A Kind residences, Waterfront Residences, and Lot 65 are all completely full. The Garden Apartments, however, are only at 85% capacity; these apartments start at $1.3 million. Residents here have access to a swimming pool, a mini-golf course, and a rooftop infinity pool. The island’s close adjacency to the Panama Canal also highlights gorgeous views of ocean liners and sailing yachts as well as the connection of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

The second island is still in construction, although it will feature 65 ocean front properties, starting at $3.7 million. These properties range anywhere from 9,000 to 13,000 square feet. Ocean front properties, condos, and penthouses (which range from $1 million to $2 million) are accented by 360 degree views of the ocean as well as the city skyline. The real estate developer is promising that you would be able to move in to all properties on both islands by 2019.

Living on these islands is not for the faint of heart, the amenities on the island certainly have a “go big or go home” attitude, so residents should be prepared to live and spend lavishly. The islands feature tennis courts, a private yacht club, full-service spas, and complete gym facilities- these are available to all residents of the islands. More information on the services and amenities offered by the islands, as well as residential opportunities, can be found on their website: Ocean Reef Islands.

Man’s ability to create islands from scratch opens up numerous possibilities for the future. These islands are designed to be the perfect place to live and are absolutely an incredible engineering feat. The Ocean Reef Islands were designed with only the best in mind, and, when they open for residency in 2019, the world is sure to appreciate this great level of innovation.

The 250 Million USD Bel Air Mega Mansion

Built in 2017 by famed real estate developer Bruce Makowsky, this luxury home located on 924 Bel Air Rd. Los Angeles, California was placed on the market for a groundbreaking $250,000,000USD.  This piece of real estate may very well be Bruce Makowsky’s greatest masterpiece, as it even set the record for the most expensive home listed in the United States.  Situated in the ultra-exclusive Bel Air Enclave, the home offers 38,000 square-feet as well as an additional 17,000 square-feet of entertainment decks.

This extravagant Los Angeles home features 2 master suites, 10 over-sized VIP guest suites, 21 deluxe bathrooms, 3 gourmet kitchens and the most cutting-edge home tech system ever created.  In addition, it also includes a 85-foot glass tile infinity swimming pool, an impressive wellness spa/massage studio, a state-of-the-art fitness center, 5 bars, a 40-seat 4K Dolby Atmos Theater, 4 lane bowling alley/lounge, 2 fully-stocked champagne & wine cellars, outdoor pop-up theater, a grand candy dispenser wall, 7 round-the-clock staff personnel and an auto showroom.

The house’s auto showroom is particularly extravagant as it harbors $30 million worth of avant garde motorcycles and automobiles, which will also be included when sold.  The home has a total of four levels with an array of bespoke items throughout as well as  indoor & outdoor nirvana complemented by 270-degree unobstructed views that stretch from the mountains all the way to the ocean & the incredible Los Angeles skyline in-between.

Its decor offers hand-cut stone & marble as well as a collection of over 100 curated art installations; this consists of  Lamborghini wall clocks, vintage gas cans & fire extinguishers, Gale Hart-designed chrome sculptures and a pair of Rock Royalty Custom guitars.  Being the gem that it is, the property presents wondrous views, matchless stone work, water features all around the house and one of a kind audio-visual elements.

Bruce Makowsky envisions the same explicit feeling one would find on a yacht in each of his homes.  He wishes to stimulate your senses by introducing you to a house that is the manifestation of luxury as well as being in immaculate condition with flawless attention to detail. Bruce Makowsky figured, why should a person spend only seven to eight weeks a year on their yacht, when you can experience a similar luxury in the comforts of your own home the whole year round.

On top of the home’s helicopter pad there sits the original Airwolf helicopter, which is a deactivated Bell 222A helicopter that was the main character on the TV series “Airwolf”.  The show’s plot was centered around the military helicopter, codenamed Airwolf, and her crew as they engaged in all sorts of precarious missions.  The helicopter was later restored with luxurious elements as well as outfitted with a new modern instrument panel in order to be a permanent installation for the house.  The property does not permit any helicopter use, so this Bell 222A helicopter will sadly remain just for aesthetic purposes, such as jumping into the cockpit and watching the sun set beyond the horizon.

For further inquiry visit:  HiltonHyland.com

Photography by: Tri-Blend Media

The $67 Million Girasol Estate on St. Barts has sold

Girasol, the former Saint Barts retreat of Benjamin de Rothschild, was just sold for an undisclosed sum, though, the asking price at the time of the sale was $67 Million USD. The sale was announced just two months after Hurricane Irma stormed across the Island.

Sibarth Real Estate, Christie’s International Real Estate’s exclusive affiliate on the Island, held the prestigious listing.  Girasol first made it’s way onto the international market in February with a sale closing in November.  Hurricane Irma hit the island on September 6th, and left St Barts as one of the most impacted islands across the Caribbean.

“The structures on the estate weathered the storm,” says Christian Wattiau, Managing Partner of Sibarth Real Estate. “The new buyer visited Girasol after it passed through and was pleased to proceed with the sale, a strong show of confidence in the enduring appeal of St. Barth’s as a destination market to purchase real estate.”

The Girasol Estate was originally designed and constructed by Benjamin de Rothschild, a financier and prominent member of the Rothschild Banking dynasty.  Most recently the property has undergone massive improvements by macro-investor, Bruce Kovner.  Spread across over seven acres, Girasol offers a resort like atmosphere with six bedrooms contained within two villas, an opulent pool, personal office, gym, and over 500 feet of beachfront.

“Hurricane Irma was a force to be reckoned with,” says Rick Moeser, Executive Director of Christie’s International Real Estate. “But even that historic storm couldn’t dampen the resolve of the island’s citizens and of international buyers looking to live among the splendor of St. Barth’s. While there is still work to be done, the island will recover and is already recovering, as evidenced by this significant sale.”

Featuring forever views of the majestic Atlantic Ocean, Girasol is situated on Marigot Beach within an area that’s waters are classified as a protected preserve, and include a quintessential 1.2 acre coconut grove.

Image courtesy of: Christie’s International Real Estate