Ultra-Sustainable Trophy Home on Miami Beach Island Lists for $75 Million
A waterfront villa designed to combat climate change on Miami Beach’s exclusive La Gorce Island that has a moat and a dock large enough for a yacht has just hit the market for $75 million.
Villa Arte, the North Beach residence, which is still under construction and on nearly three-quarters of an acre with 172 feet of water frontage, was designed by the Miami-based architectural firm of Choeff Levy Fischman and is LEED Gold certified.
It’s being developed by the seller, the Miami-based design/build company Aquablue Group, and is expected to be completed in February 2023.
It was listed on Saturday by Albert Justo and Mirce Curkoski of the Waterfront Team at ONE Sotheby’s International Realty.
More: The Most Expensive Listing in One of Florida’s Priciest ZIP Codes
“It’s spectacular, and it’s in a No. 1 location,” Mr. Curkoski said. “There are only 29 waterfront residences on the island, and they rarely come up for sale. As far as I know, there are only two more homes being built, but they are for end users.”
Property records show that Aquablue Group, which has designed and built villas across South Florida, bought the parcel in 2019 for $9.325 million. This is the company’s first project on La Gorce Island.
“The market has appreciated significantly since then,” Mr. Curkoski said. “The new benchmark is over $1,000 per foot for just land and $5,000-plus per foot with a new build.”
He added that his listing is the only modern new build available on the island.
Philippe Harari, the owner/manager of Aquablue Group, said this residence, the facade of which is made of book-matched Italian travertine and faux white oak imported from Japan, is the “most detailed and luxurious I’ve ever designed.”
He added that the residence, which features a smart-home system that activates everything from the music to the temperature of the pool with the tap of an iPhone, will come fully furnished, indoors and outdoors, with customized pieces from top luxury Italian brands that include B&B Italia, Minotti and Molteni.
The grand front entrance, in bronze and book-matched travertine, has a landscaped courtyard whose pool-like moat has a large tree.
The Waterfront Team/ONE Sotheby’s International Realty
Everything from the Hermes bath towels to the Sferra linens will be in place for the arrival of the new owner.
“You just need to bring your toothbrush and suitcases,” Mr. Harari said.
The grandeur begins at the front entrance, which looks like a piece of sculpture. One walks across a moat-like pond to the mammoth bronze door. The canopied courtyard is bookmarked by a waterfall and a green wall of live plants. A large potted tree springs from the pond-like pool.
“When you walk in, you’re in awe,” Mr. Curkoski said, adding that the size of the home’s rooms and height of the ceilings, most of which are at least 12 feet, give the residence “great volume.”
More: Sunny, Coastal Dubai and Miami Will Lead the World in Luxury Price Growth Next Year, Report Says
The house checks all the amenity boxes that luxury buyers expect these days. The office and gym, which has a custom infrared sauna, a steam shower and a juice bar, have water views, and the soundproof theater has a bar.
Upstairs, the huge 1,800-square-foot primary suite has a lounge, complete with a bar and TV.
The window shades—sheers and blackout panels—are controlled electronically to assure a perfect night’s sleep.
The 1,500-square-foot roof deck, reached via elevator, offers 360-degree views of Miami Bay.
Other features of the property include an 88-foot-long infinity-edge pool with a hot tub, covered terraces, an ipe and concrete deck and a marble wine cellar.
More: Hair Removal Mogul Looks to Break Miami’s Condo Record with $85 Million Listing
The garage, which is cleverly and discretely integrated into the architecture, accommodates three cars and can be fitted with lifts to hold three more.
The residence, which has double-insulated windows, solar panels on the roof and a full-house generator, is green enough to get the LEED-Gold label. “It’s designed to be self-sufficient if it has to be,” Mr. Harari said.
La Gorce Island, a 58-acre gated community on Biscayne Bay, courts high-net-worth individuals seeking privacy and exclusivity. There’s a golf course and country club, entry is via ID only and a boat patrol provides security.
