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  The Mandarin Oriental. Photo by George Apostolidis

The Guide: Miami

Samantha Brooks

November 1, 2005


The Four Seasons tower includes a two-acre terrace with four swimming pools. Photography by Troy Campbell. (Click image to enlarge.)

Real Estate: Single Family Homes
Those who prefer traditional single-family homes in the most desirable neighborhoods should expect to pay from $3 million and up for a comfortable estate to $30 million for a trophy property. Driving from downtown Miami to South Beach on the MacArthur Causeway, you pass a series of off-ramps for islands containing some of the city’s most expensive property. If you’re a high-wattage celebrity (Shaq, Stallone) and enjoy the limelight, then you will want to buy on Star Island. Neighboring islands Palm and Hibiscus help catch some of the A-list overflow. Missy Elliot is one of Hibiscus’ 60 residents, as is Joe Morgan (of Captain Morgan rum), who maintains another home on Star Island for entertaining. The ultimate in privacy and security is Fisher Island, which is accessible exclusively by private boat or by a ferry that is only for the use of residents and their guests. The island’s purchase in late 2004 by Euro Fund Properties means that its dated communal facilities are undergoing a major overhaul. Arguably the most desirable island is Indian Creek, where 38 stunning homesites encircle a private golf club (membership is by invitation only). The island has its own mayor and is constantly patrolled by boat.

The private dock at Aqua. Photography by Sid Hoeltzell.  (Click image to enlarge.)

Back on the mainland, on the city’s south end, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables are more family-oriented. The quieter neighborhoods are green and lush, and unlike the owners on islands and in the high-rises, most of the residents live there full time. Homes in Gables Estates, a community on the waterfront edge of Coral Gables, are the most coveted. Nestled on an aquatic preserve in Biscayne Bay is the recently completed five-floor, 10-unit boutique development property of Beacon Harbour, where yacht enthusiasts can store boats up to 68 feet in their backyards (from the harbor, boaters have a straight shot out to the Bahamas).

Real Estate: Single-Family Homes
Fisher Island, 800.537.3708, www.fisherisland.com
Beacon Harbour, 786.337.1317, www.beaconharbour.com

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