40 S Hibiscus Dr – Miami Beach

Listed for $12,900,000

Miami Beach has homes and then it has HOMES.  This particular house is not just the epitome of seductive contemporary architecture, but it’s one of Chad Oppenheim’s sculptures.  I’ve talked about Oppenheim’s architecture many times here in Miamism.com, starting with Ten Museum Park’s poetic attitude.  His architecture is profound, intense, esoteric, austere and honest.  But enough about the architect and let’s talk about 40 S Hibiscus Drive.

The home boasts 8,000 square feet of living space with 8 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms and 2 half-baths.  It sits on a 24,000 square foot lot with 120 feet of water frontage with a a South-West exposure and direct ocean access.  It was built new in 2010 and designed by renowned architect Chad Oppenheim (I can’t reiterate this enough).  It has an amazing infinity pool that seems to flow into the home’s interior space and blend magically with Biscayne Bay.  To think that Shaq’s home sold for $16 Million (just next door in Star Island) and was a gut job, let’s you know that this house is a great buy.

The MLS description reads:

Spectacular residence designed by award winning architect Chad Oppenheim overlooking the bay of Miami Beach. This newly constructed property located on gated Hibiscus Island offers the best finishes throughout. Features include Kreon lighting, 80kw generator, and a fully integrated Crestron system that controls everything from the lighting to the extensive security system. The spectacular grounds spoil you with an 82′ pool spanning two sides of the house.

As for photography…..I wish these would be retaken….seriously….some great interior photos would this home justice

Features:

• 8,000 square feet of luxurious interior living space
• Built in 2010
• Floor to ceiling impact windows and doors
• Kreon low voltage lighting
• 80kw generator
• 120 feet of prime waterfront and dock, no fixed bridges
• Designed by Chad Oppenheim
• Fully integrated Crestron intelligence system
• Miele appliances
• 82′ swimming pool spanning two sides of the property
• Covered outdoor kitchen and BBQ area

Chris Bosh is da’ bomb!! ….really.  I’ve never been a huge basketball fan, but the way he stood up to Justin Timberlake during The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and then the fact that he bought contemporary instead of “Mediterranean-wanna-be”…..just perfect!!!  Congrats to Bosh on his new home, on his new engagement and I’m sure the new home will fit him and his future family like a glove.

(see the Tonight Show video at the bottom of this article – when Chris Bosh calls JT, ” Justin Bieber” – too funny!)

This listing is the epitome of Sexy Miami Beach Real Estate – with white, sleek, contemporary finishes on a canvas of gorgeous blue bay water.  North Bay Road is known for its architecture and style and it doesn’t hurt that these homes look out into endless bay views.  The location of this home is just south of La Gorce Island, close enough to South Beach but with enough privacy to make it the perfect location.  A lot of people prefer island living instead of North Bay Road, I say it depends on your lifestyle – and this property may just be the perfect one.

6396 N. Bay Road – Miami Beach, FL 33140

Listed for $18,000,000 reduced to $14,970,000

Some may think the house is a bit too white for their taste, but that’s an easy fix.  White in Miami architecture represents a clean slate of contemporary minimalism where the beach and water setting is what creates the space. (not too practical for kids…..but beautiful nevertheless)

This home is brand new and built in 2009 with 100 feet of water frontage and 24,000 square feet of land.  It offers luxury in every way imaginable from custom closets, fireplace, elevator, 2-car garage, summer kitchen …just to mention a few things and was designed by Touzet Studio.  This is what the MLS description reads:

This stunning 2 story modern waterfront wide bay estate nestled in Upper North Bay Road, rates second to none.  No fixed bridge with 100′ on water, enjoy paradise in Miami Beach.  Seven bedroom all with balconies – 10 bathrooms complete with 2-story living room, gourmet kitchen with butler’s pantry and media room, gym, guest room, commercial elevator, 2 laundry rooms, impact windows and doors.  Features courtyard, double height 2-car garage, cabana with bathroom, covered outdoor kitchen and infinity pool with separate spa and exterior fireplace.  Dock.  Cascading water feature at entry.  Designed by Touzet Studio.  Price excludes sculpture.

UPDATE:  New Listing Agent, New Price and New Description

THIS MAGNIFICENT WORK OF ART IS SITUATED IN MIAMI BEACH MOST PRESTIGIOUS WATERFRONT AREA, ON NORTH BAY ROAD. GOVERNED BY THE THREE MAIN ELEMENTS GEOMETRY, WATER AND LIGHT. OUTSTANDING FEATURES INCLUDE CASCADING WATER AT THE ENTRANCE, GOURMET KITCHEN, GYM, ELEVATOR, IMPACT WINDOWS AND DOORS, SEPARATE GUEST QUARTERS, COURTYARD GARDENS, HEATED POOL WITH A COVERED SUMMER KITCHEN AND BBQ AREA. IT COMMANDS MORE THAN 100 FT OF PRIME WATERFRONT WITH A LARGE DOCK AND NO FIXED BRIDGES.

Property Features:

• Built in 2009
• designed by Touzet Studio
• 11,800 square feet of living space
• 24,000 square foot lot (240′ X 100′)
• 100′ of water frontage
• 7 bedrooms / 8 bathrooms / 2 half-baths
• 2-car garage
• marble floors
• heated pool
• private dock
• CBS construction with concrete roof
• Open Bay Views

**property information courtesy of South East Florida Multiple Listing Service and LenCor International Prop. Inc. Engel & Voelkers/Miami Brickell** (originally posted on May 26th, 2009 – and updated May 23rd, 2010)

This Miami Beach Luxury home  is located in Miami Beach at San Marco Island, one of the Venetian Islands. This residence was built new in 2003 and is a contemporary gem with over 100′ of water frontage and sits on a 13,382 square foot lot.

1215 N. Venetian Way – Miami Beach, FL 33139

An architectural waterfront gem on 105 feet of direct bay frontage. This 7 bedroom, 6.5 bathroom residence is all about simplicity, beauty and serenity. 2-story contemporary architecture featuring a unique open-concept design inclusive of a great room, living room, dining room, music room, and game areas unified by polished natural stone, soaring ceilings and 30 feet high glass walls; a gourmet kitchen, wood floors, see-through walk-ways, stainless steel, Onyx walls, negative edge black bottom pool.

UPDATE:  New Agent, New Price, New Description

Architectural gated waterfront 105ft direct city/bay views, 7 bed, 6.5 bath composition, simplicity, beauty, serentity,two-story contemporary residence,unique open-concept design, great room, living, dining, music,game areas unified by polished natural stone, soaring ceilings 30 ft glass walls,gourmet kitchen, wood floors, see-through walkways, stainless steel, onyx walls, negative  edge, black bottom, infinity heated pool roof-top terrace with 360 views. 14,000 Sqf Lot. Furnished by eemiami.com

Offered at $7,900,000 $7,850,000

Features include:

• 7 bedroom / 6.5 bathrooms

• 7,653 square feet of living space

• 2-car garage

• Built in 2003

• Private Dock

• 13,382 square foot lot

• 105 feet of direct bay frontage

• Negative edge pool

• Property located in City of Miami

**property information courtesy of South East Florida Multiple Listing Service and Campins Company LLC , BANK PLUS REALTY, INC.** (originally posted on May 20th, 2008)

Charming Mediterranean home on this fantastic property on gated Hibiscus Island with stunning wide bay views.  This two-story residence encompasses over 3000 square feet including 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms.  60 feet of water frontage, pool and dock.  Enjoy the South Florida lifestyle; just minutes from downtown Miami or South Beach. Renovate or re-develop this amazing property located on one of Florida’s most prestigious islands.

The MLS history shows that it was under contract at the end of 2008 and didn’t sell.  Although the photos are better than the previous ones, this Hibiscus Island home is obviously stale and needs a marketing pick me up and can you say PRICE REDUCTION?

81 N Hibiscus Drive, Miami Beach – FL 33139

They can start by pointing out that it’s a historic 1935 Mediterranean Revival home with a lot of the original charm and finishes like the quarry tile in the living room, the iron work in the staircase handrail, the tray ceiling and plaster work … and then reduce the price.

Here’s the original article from 2007

Just in time for tennis, Steffi Graf has listed her Miami Beach Home for sale.  According to Luxist,

“Steffi Graf has listed her Miami home, for $3.5 million. Graf bought the Hibiscus Island home for $1.315 million in 2001, about eight months before she married Andre Agassi…….Only in Miami would a home like this be listed as a potential teardown.”

These are the pictures that appear on the Multiple Listing Service (courtesy of the MLS).

The house is located on Hibiscus Island in Miami Beach, has 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, 3,010 square feet of living space and sits on a 10,500 square foot lot, with 60 feet of bay frontage.  This is the MLS description:

“Incredible opportunity to restore or build a new home on this fantastic piece of property on gated Hibiscus Island. This two-story residence encompasses over 3000 square feet including 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. 60 feet of water frontage, pool and dock.Enjoy the South Florida lifestyle with warm weather and delicious breezes and live just 5 minutes from downtown Miami or glamorous South Beach.”

I’ve written about The Temple House before and have given you all the relevant real estate information you need about the house.  From the typical description:

The Temple House is South Beach’s largest private residence.  Steps to the beach, Lincoln Road and Lummus Park.  Over 16,000 SQ FT as per previous tax records.  This former synagogue was transformed into an ultra contemporary residential compound over a two year period.  Living quarters abound on both levels, 6,000+ SQ FT grand LOFT with approx. 30 foot high ceilings, 2.500+ SQ FT outdoor terrace, two car garage + parking for 3 additional vehicles.  Newly finished rooftop swimming pool!

to my own take on the house:

The Temple House in South Beach is one of those “wow” houses you don’t see every day.  The largest single family home in South Beach with over 16,000 square feet of living space.  This house is amazing all on its own but when you hear its history, then you realize it is so much more than a big house.  Originally designed in 1933 by none other than famed architect L. Murray Dixon, converted into a temple in the 40’s, expanded in the 60’s by renowned architect Lester Avery and then converted back into a home in 2003 by the current owner, Dan Davidson.  This home defines South Beach Living with no expense spared – 30 foot ceilings in the 6,600 square foot great room, theater room, 1,200 square foot kitchen, state of the art lighting and audio system, new terrace pool with iridescent mosaics and waterfalls…..imposing and majestic.

But as Bea Garcia puts it in her housingwatch.com article for AOL real estate, Temple To High-End Zen For Sale in Miami,

For a house with a self-professed “wow” factor-its website address is www.ownthewow.com-it seems that no amount of promotion is too much.

The Temple House, in the heart of Miami Beach, has a Facebook fan page, a Twitter account, its own blog with postings of all the celebs-Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, BowWow and Playboy model Vicky Vodar, to name a few- who have crossed its threshold, and a stream of photos of its Flickr page.

So check out OwnTheWow.com  to see the latest documented celeb visit to The Temple House:

The Temple House is not just a property for sale – it’s a house with a story, a story that cannot be told in just a few words.  This blog will narrate an uber rich story, it will serve as a chronicle of The Temple House’s past present and future.

The Temple House has housed top celebrities in all kinds of different capacities, it has been published and re-published, has served as backdrop in popular music videos, movie scenes, megastar parties, weddings, charitable events…..and so much more

The Temple House

“if WOW is what you’re looking for”

Everyone knows that Star Island is one of the most exclusive islands in Miami Beach, but what makes this island so special other than a few celebs like Shaq, Gloria Estefan,  Rosie O’Donnell and Stallone as known “residents”?  Proximity to South Beach’s action could be one, ease of access by boat without all the tedious draw bridges and idle zones is another, mammoth sized lots is a third and the fact that there are only 29 homes on the island is definitely another reason.  But just the mere fact of living on Star Island gives anyone Miami Beach star status, plain and simple.

I want to tell you about a particular property that sits on a 48,266 square foot piece of land with  215 feet of water frontage and amazing Southern Exposure.  The fact that the listing agent only provides exterior photos can tell you the condition of the inside of the property (so don’t blame me for the lack of interior shots).  Keep in mind, when you see this property, that there was only one sale last year on Star Island, and that was Shaq’s house selling for $16,000,000 or the gift of $823 per square foot – I’ll compare this listing to Mr. O’Neal’s as you read on.

44 Star Island Drive – Miami Beach, FL  33139

$8,750,000

The house itself is only 4,720 square feet, which is tiny compared to its neighboring estates.  It was built in 1935 and to many it will be the “ugly duckling” of the island.  But I urge to look past the obvious and notice that the existing structure does have a nice Florida Vernacular feel to it and nothing a little money and love can’t fix.  It’s listed at $1,854 per square foot but I know that’s not a fair assessment since it’s all about the size of the lot.  Well….Shaq’s lot was 87,120 square feet with 312 feet of frontage and the house was impeccable and needed no “updating” (other than changes here and there for tastes sake).  So, my guess is that neighbors are pretty angry right about now because the only comp is throwing all the numbers off.  Just based on the one sale, this property is grossly overpriced.

Here’s the MLS description:

Located on exclusive Star Island among some of Miami’s favorite celebrities, this bayfront estate offers over 200 feet of prime water frontage and provides beautiful sunrises, southeastern breezes and the utmost in security and privacy.  Just minutes from both Downtown Miami and South Beach, this Colonial-style 4,720 home is ready for your update or build to suit.  Ideal waterfront for large vessel.  Least expensive property on Star Island!!

Property Features:

• 4,720 square feet of living space
• Built in 1935
• 6 bedrooms / 5 bathrooms / 1 half bath
• 215 feet of water frontage
• 48,266 square foot lot
• Barrel tile roof
• 2-story home

**property information courtesy of South East Florida Multiple Listing Service and Avatar Real Estate Services **

When you think Miami Beach Luxury Homes, La Gorce Island always comes up.  The scale of La Gorce Island homes is unquestionably impressive and vistas from surrounding islands always leaves you wanting more.  Waterfront homes in La Gorce Island are some of the largest in Miami Beach and the house we are featuring today is the perfect representation of that with 260 feet of water frontage, sitting on the Northeast corner of the island – protected from the elements.

88 La Gorce Cr – Miami Beach, FL  33141

Listed for $19,500,000

Here we have one of Todd Michael Glaser’s impressive Luxury estates.  Haute Living Magazine’s Stephanie Wilson gives us the scoop:

His impressive projects are scattered throughout Miami-Dade and beyond. He “started” the design district. He has appeared on HGTV. He built the house featured on Hogan Knows Best. Todd Michael Glaser’s name is one you should know, but he doesn’t necessarily want you to know it.

The home is impressive to say the least – contemporary, simple, austere and phenomenal.  With over 20,000 square feet of living space, sitting on a 48,000 square foot lot, guest cabana, elevator, 5-car garage, amazing landscaping….what else could you want?  My only concern of course is that we have not seen any waterfront sales in La Gorce in 2009….the whole mega luxury home real estate market in Miami Beach is at a standstill….waiting waiting waiting.  The house has been active for sale since January of 2008 starting at $25,000 ($5,500,000 reduction is not bad at all).  It’s also currently for rent at $100,000 per month and known to house a few celebs on a short-term basis.

The MLS description reads as follows:

New modern estate on prestigious La Gorce Island, 260′ waterfront, 2 docks, stunning lap pool  and spa, elevated guest house/cabana built for peaceful relaxation, oversized rooftop terrace, double high end kitchen appliances, staff house, 5-car garage, generator.  Unique marble staircase leads to a splendid master suite with designer bath, terrace overlooking pool and manicured landscaping, commercial Otis elevator.  the ultimate sun drenched masterpiece!

WARNING:  it’s not you, photos above ARE blurry….courtesy of our MLS

Property Features:

• Built in 2008
• Living square feet:  20,000
• Lot square feet:  48,000 (185′ X 260′)
• 5-car garage
• 260′ of water frontage with 2 docks
• 10 bedrooms / 12 bathrooms / 3 half baths
• Guest house/cabana
• staff house
• pool and spa
• elevator
• faces Northeast
• La Gorce Island location

**property information courtesy of South East Florida Multiple Listing Service and Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. **