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    A Private Island Off the Florida Keys Returns to Market for $75 Million

    Tired of renting vacation homes with obnoxious and nosy neighbors? Prefer your tropical getaways to be hideaways that are far from the maddening crowd? Why settle for a rental at all when you could have your own private island sanctuary instead? 

    Pumpkin Key, a lush 26-acre isle off the Florida Keys, is looking for its next owner—and at a reduced rate. The picturesque spread has reemerged on the market for $75 million, a $20 million price chop from back in 2020 when it was listed for $95 million. Located in Key Largo’s serene Card Sound Bay, the tropical compound includes automatic membership to the Ocean Reef Club, an exclusive private club community that’s less than five minutes by boat. The island is also a quick 10 minutes from South Beach via helicopter. 

    Pumpkin Key, a 26-acre private island off the coast of Florida, includes a pristine private beach.

    Become Legendary

    Whether as a private retreat, legacy investment, or a sanctuary for generations, this property stands as a beacon of distinction and exclusivity,” notes the listing, which is held by Compass agent Liz Hogan. According to Mansion Global, Pumpkin Key was originally purchased in 1970 by a family of industrialists hailing from Chicago. At the time, the island was undeveloped and uninhabitable. Today, nearly 75 years later, the island is a serene retreat that is totally self-sufficient when it comes to water and electricity. 

    So, what does $75 million get you? Aside from the massive amounts of privacy and tropical tranquility, the buyer of Pumpkin Key will get a three-bedroom residence, a pool house, three guest apartments, and a pristine stretch of beach. There are two side-by-side tennis courts (one also has pickleball court lines) that double as a helipad. There’s also a large swimming pool and a 20-slip marina that offers plenty of room to park your megayacht along with a whole bunch of your friends’ boats. Paved golf cart paths link the island’s various locales.

    For those who prefer their vacation retreat to not be so isolated, the island has 12 one-acre vacant lots for development. The homesites could be sold off to friends (or strangers) or built out and added to the existing structures to create a super-sized island compound. 

    The property also has two side-by-side tennis courts that can serve as a helipad.

    Become Legendary

    The buyer of Pumpkin Key will also take possession of a waterfront home on Key Largo, within the 2,500-acre, guard-gated Ocean Reef Club. The resort community, which is accessible by car, comprises 1,700 mostly waterfront homes, and residents have access to all of the club’s many swanky luxuries. Think pristine championship golf courses, a 175-slip world-class marina, a slew of fine dining restaurants, and a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center. Ocean Reef even sports its own private airstrip if you plan on flying in on your PJ.

    Click here to see all the photos of Pumpkin Key. 

    Become Legendary

    Authors

    Abby Montanez

    Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, dining, travel and topics…

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    Pumpkin Key in Photos

    Modified on February 22, 2024 ,

    Published on February 19, 2024

    Become Legendary

    Authors

    Abby Montanez

    Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, dining, travel and topics…

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    Second Homes Will Continue to Draw Luxury Buyers Around the World in 2024

    When the pandemic drove up housing prices and mortgage rates, many wealthy Americans jumped on the opportunity to acquire investment properties in less pricey foreign countries and, in some cases, to pack up and move overseas. While we’re only a few weeks into the new year, it appears that the uptick in affluent U.S. citizens heading abroad is continuing full steam ahead.

    According to the 2024 Trend Report, published by the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury program, nearly 40 percent of the survey participants intend on purchasing a home in a foreign country within the next year, and two-thirds said they plan on buying property abroad within the next five years.

    “If lower mortgage rate trends combined with the new inventory momentum continue, luxury homebuyers could be inspired to move forward with their next home purchase,” Michael Altneu, vice president of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury, said in the report. Altneu added that shoppers are prioritizing “new amenities” and are open to exploring “overseas options for their next property.”

    The report also found that location ranks as the top consideration among 45 percent of discerning consumers. About 29 percent of high-net-worth consumers are looking to move to Europe, while 28 percent are eyeing destinations in North America outside of the U.S., and 23 percent are considering the Caribbean.

    High-net-worth home buyers are looking to relocate to Europe and the Caribbean, according to a new report.

    Pexels

    On the flip side, the U.S. will continue to be a place of interest for deep-pocketed international buyers in 2024. Per the Coldwell Banker Trend Report, there was a 25 percent increase in the number of well-heeled foreign buyers purchasing real estate in the top 5 percent of the market in 2023. More specifically, those shoppers are looking to purchase property in bustling metros such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, and Washington, D.C.

    “We are seeing money from China, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Middle East being ‘parked’ in real estate in California as a holding place for wealth,” said Paul Lester of The Agency Beverly Hills in the firm’s annual Red Paper Wealth Report.

    “Instability in various South American countries continues to make Miami real estate very attractive,” noted Daniel Tzinker of The Agency Miami. “In the past three years, we’ve seen 100+ businesses like Citadel, Amazon, and Tesla move to Miami, taking advantage of the favorable tax environment…world-class restaurants, private clubs, and art galleries have followed.” 

    Authors

    Abby Montanez

    Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, dining, travel and topics…

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    These 10 Sports Stars Had the Most Expensive Real Estate Transactions of 2023

    Even as the luxury housing market fluctuates, one thing remains steady: sports celebs love to play the real estate game.

    Last year, celebrated University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban splashed out eight figures for a mega-mansion in South Florida, while NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw offloaded his sprawling Oklahoma ranch. At the same time, Chicago Bulls shooting guard and two-time NBA All-Star Zach LaVine set a record when he scored a lavish estate in southern California’s Newport Beach.

    A new report from luxury real estate brokerage RubyHome Northwest analyzed the 10 biggest property moves made by sports figures in 2023, whether that meant investing in a new home, putting a residence on the market, or selling a swanky place for a profit. At the top of the list was LaVine, whose $34 million transaction made headlines as the priciest home ever sold in Orange County’s exclusive Pelican Crest community. The athlete’s new digs, a Tuscan-style mansion, measures 11,200 square feet and offers six bedrooms and seven bathrooms, The Real Deal reported. Originally built in 2010, the villa has sweeping views of Newport Beach. Plus, it’s packed with tons of perks, including a movie theater, a private gym, a golf simulator, and a swimming pool.

    Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford came in second place after the Super Bowl LVI champ threw down a cool $28.2 million on a spec home in Hidden Hills—the most ever paid for a house in the guard-gated community that is a favorite among music stars, professional athletes, and the Kardashian family. Stafford and his wife, Kelly, also own the house next door, which they purchased in 2022 for $10.5 million.  

    Terry Bradshaw sold the Oklahoma ranch that he custom-built over two decades.

    Icon Global

    “With new milestones set by Zach LaVine and Matt Stafford, the data underscores a vibrant landscape within the sports celebrity real estate realm, with approximately 14 sports stars making acquisitions, 47 listing properties, and 36 completing sales in the past year,” a spokesperson for RubyHome Northwest said in a press statement. “We also found football stars are the most dominant in the results, showcasing NFL names as strategic buyers and adept at leveraging their property assets.” 

    Speaking of football stars, legendary Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw parted ways with his custom-built, 744-acre ranch near the Texas border, Icon Global confirmed in a news release. Last asking $22.5 million, the longtime Fox Sports broadcaster’s former estate includes eight lakes and ponds, horse stables, riding trails, several barns, and an 8,600-square-foot residence.

    Holding down the fourth spot is retired NBA point guard Goran Dragic, who is hoping someone scoops up his Miami abode, which is currently on the market for just shy of $20 million. Dubbed La Grande Dame (shout out, Karen Huger!), the 6,000-square-foot home is positioned on Biscayne Bay and comprises seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms.  

    It appears Saban, who announced last week that he’s stepping down from coaching college football after a successful 17-year run, will be spending some of his retirement in the Sunshine State, where last year he dropped $17.5 million for a palatial home on Jupiter Island. The waterfront home, which was listed with Joanne Wagner and Susan Turner of The Corcoran Group, includes a private dock, a 40,000-pound boat lift, and 150 feet of ocean frontage.

    Along those same lines, Justin Verlander picked up a $16.75 million penthouse in New York City after the MLB pitcher inked a deal with the Mets, while former NBA star Jason Kapono is aiming to offload his 6,200-square-foot-home in Austin, Texas, which hit the market last October for $13.5 million.  

    Recently retired University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban dropped $17.5 million for a mansion on Florida’s Jupiter Island.

    Robert Stevens Photography

    In the eighth spot is former Atlanta Braves great Chipper Jones, who landed a buyer for his 37-acre spread in Georgia. The massive property, which fetched a record-setting $11 million, is equipped with eight bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a horse barn, a movie theater, a bike track, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

    Next up was Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, who shelled out $10.5 million for a new home in Manhattan Beach, California. The property was previously owned by Modern Family executive producer Danny Zuker and by MLB pitcher Ken Brett. (It was also formerly occupied by NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal.) More recently, Goff picked up the house next door for $8.6 million.

    Last on the list, but definitely not least, off-road racer-turned-developer Roger Norman parted ways with his record-setting acquisition of a huge home in Reno, Nevada. Dubbed the Pennington Mansion, the stone-clad crib clocks in at 20,000 square feet; the $10.3 million deal went down as the biggest in the city’s history. 

    Authors

    Abby Montanez

    Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, dining, travel and topics…

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    Tennis Champ Caroline Wozniacki’s Miami Penthouse Swings Onto the Market for $42.5 Million

    Game, set, match. Tennis pro Caroline Wozniacki and her husband, former New York Knicks player David Lee, have served their sprawling Florida penthouse on the market for a whopping $42.5 million with Dina Goldentayer of Douglas Elliman. Located on Fisher Island, an exclusive 216-acre enclave off the coast of Miami, the waterfront condo is perched at the top of the 10-story Palazzo Del Sol development.

    The couple, who married in 2019, originally purchased the palatial pad back in 2021 for $18.7 million, property records show, and according to The Wall Street Journal, they upgraded to the penthouse apartment after selling a different unit in the luxury Kobi Karp-designed complex that same year for a cool $16.25 million.  

    The penthouse features a custom bar that overlooks Biscayne Bay and the South Beach skyline.

    Dina Goldentayer/Legendary Productions

    Altogether, the 7,000-square-foot spread comprises five bedrooms and five full baths across its two floors. There’s an additional 5,000 square feet of outdoor space divided between two terraces. Goldentayer told the WSJ that after Wozniacki and Lee bought the residence, they went on to transform the raw space by reworking the floorplan and adding high-end touches such as white oak herringbone flooring throughout and a striking custom bar. 

    The lavish duplex opens to a dramatic great room with soaring 18-foot ceilings and glass pocket doors. The huge space is broken up into four different entertainment spaces, including a hosting salon, a bar area, a TV watching space, and a formal dining area. Elsewhere, the kitchen feels super sleek and contemporary. Here, you’ll find top-of-the-line Gaggenau appliances, a swanky dine-in marble island, a massive wine wall, and an Art Deco-inspired hood above the stove.

    The residence sports a private rooftop lap pool alongside an alfresco dining area.

    Dina Goldentayer/Legendary Productions

    Of course, the aerie has a few aces up its sleeve. For starters, the screening room is equipped with a state-of-the-art Bang & Olufsen sound system, and on one of the terraces, there’s a hot tub and fire pit. The real pièce de résistance, however, is without a doubt the private rooftop pool, which has sweeping views of Biscayne Bay.

    The 47-unit condominium, which was completed in 2016, is positioned on the north end of Fisher Island and is complete with its own fitness center, movie theater, hair salon, and spa treatment rooms. The ultra-elite, members-only island is known for being one of the priciest ZIP codes in the country and has counted Oprah Winfrey, Mel Brooks, Julia Roberts, and Andre Agassi among its residents.

    Click here to see all the photos of Caroline Wozniacki’s Miami penthouse. 

    Dina Goldentayer/Legendary Productions

    Authors

    Abby Montanez

    Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, dining, travel and topics…

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    Rick Ross Just Dropped $35 Million on a Waterfront Mansion on Miami’s Star Island

    Rick Ross may have a track entitled “I’m Not a Star,” but he is the newest resident of Miami’s Star Island.

    Last month, it was reported that The Boss had his eyes on a waterfront estate on the exclusive island, and this week, the “Hustlin” rapper officially closed on the residence in question. Rozay threw down a whopping $35 million for the 40,000-square-foot mega-mansion that’s located near the middle of the star-studded and guard-gated enclave. From Diddy to billionaire Ken Griffen to Jennifer Lopez and Gloria Estefan, scads of high rollers maintain opulent abodes here. And, with only 30 homes on the island, it’s pretty impressive that the record exec was able to snag himself a coveted piece of the Star Island pie.

    “We are so excited to have hit a high note in finding the right buyer for this spectacular property so quickly after listing it,” said Jill Eber of The Jills Zeder Group, who represented the seller alongside colleagues Jill Hertzberg, Felise Eber, and Fabio Lopes. “There is only one Star Island, and we know the buyer will be so happy with his new residence on the much-sought-after island.” Kimberly Knausz with ONE Sotheby’s International Realty and Tawanda Roberts of Florida Realty of Miami represented Ross.

    Rapper Rick Ross just dropped $35 million on a mansion on Star Island in Miami

    The Jills Zeder Group/1 Oak Studios

    “He instantly fell in love with the grand entry, it has a very long driveway stretching towards the mansion that creates an air of real luxury,” added Knausz. “The architecture also played a part as it’s far beyond the ordinary modern home and he plans to enhance it to reflect his personal style.”

    The 12,374-square-foot spread offers up six bedrooms and nine bathrooms, plus a generous 100 feet of water frontage on Biscayne Bay. Currently, there’s a two-car garage on-site, but the Maybach Music Group founder will need way more room than that to fit all of his prized cars. And, when he decides to travel by boat, there’s a 40-foot dock equipped with an electric and water pedestal. Maybe he’ll get that Lamborghini yacht after all—if he hasn’t already.  

    The waterfront estate has views of the ocean and Biscayne Bay

    The Jills Zeder Group/1 Oak Studios

    The record exec is known for throwing his fair share of celeb-laden parties, so the spacious swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, and massive stone terrace should definitely come in handy. Inside, the two-story estate is decked out with a glass-enclosed foyer, a living room with 30-foot ceilings and a custom mahogany fireplace, a media room, and a library. Nearby, the chef’s kitchen is outfitted with granite counters, top-of-the-line appliances, a butler’s pantry, and a separate breakfast room.

    Ross clearly has a taste for the finer things in life so, naturally, the primary suite is fit for rap royalty. Think remote-controlled shutters, a wet bar, two walk-in closets, and dual marble bathrooms.

    Click here to see all the photos of Rick Ross’s Star Island mansion.

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    Cher Once Owned This Waterfront Miami Manse. Now It Can Be Yours for $42.5 Million.

    Here we go again. Another one of Cher’s trophy homes has splashed onto the market.

    The singer-actress has racked up quite the real estate portfolio over the years, and now a Miami mansion that the pop legend owned in the 1990s is up for grabs. The Moorish-meets-Spanish-style estate is located on Florida’s uber-exclusive La Gorce Island, an upscale, guard-gated community with only 29 other waterfront residences.

    Per The Wall Street Journal, the sellers are James Eaton, president of a Canadian private holding company, and his wife, Cecily Eaton. The couple coughed up a cool $17 million for the 12,450-square-foot spread back in 2020, a heck of a lot more than the $1.5 million Cher paid in 1993.

    Cher’s former mansion on La Gorce Island in Miami newly listed for $42.5 million

    Become Legendary/Dina Goldentayer

    The Eatons spent much of the last three years renovating the place, including raising some of the ceilings and turning a covered terrace into a brand-new dining room and sitting area. Altogether, the sprawling abode comprises six bedrooms, nine bathrooms, and, most importantly, 158 feet of frontage on Biscayne Bay. The views are epic, and boaters will appreciate that they can park their yacht in the backyard.

    Even though the “Strong Enough” singer parted ways with the sumptuous spread some 30 years ago, it sports a ton of opulent features that the so-called Goddess of Pop would no doubt approve of. For starters, the double-height foyer makes a lasting first impression with soaring 19-foot ceilings and grand dual staircases. Elsewhere, the chef’s kitchen is kitted out with gold-toned finishes, and the primary suite is complete with a marble-clad en suite bath and a private terrace. In true Queen of Camp fashion, there’s also an Art Deco-style bar area that’s wrapped in abstract patterned custom wallpaper.

    The home has been renovated and includes an Art Deco-themed bar with custom wallpaper

    Become Legendary/Dina Goldentayer

    The many deluxe amenities help to explain the hefty price tag, with a few of the most compelling perks including a top-floor fitness studio, a 50-foot-long swimming pool, and a Palm Beach-inspired pool house. If Cher could actually turn back time, she might’ve kept this swanky sanctuary all to herself.

    Dina Goldentayer with Douglas Elliman has the listing.

    Click here to see all the photos of 64 La Gorce Circle.

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    Baseball Great David Ortiz’s Miami Mansion Hits the Market for $12.5 Million

    While David Ortiz’s MLB career might be over, Big Papi is still taking big swings—the latest being the massive Miami manse he built.

    The former Boston Red Sox slugger has hoisted his home in South Florida’s Pinecrest neighborhood onto the market and for $12.5 million. According to records, the American League All-Star originally bought the one-acre lot back in 2016, the same year he announced his retirement. He then custom-built an uber-modern estate in 2019 and had it decked out with its own state-of-the-art movie theater, an elevator and, wait for it, a sports bar with enough space to mount nine TVs. 

    David “Big Papi” Ortiz is selling his Miami mansion for $12.5 million

    1 OAK Studios / ONE Sotheby’s International Realty

    Altogether, the spread measures a whopping 10,200 square feet and includes five bedrooms and eight bathrooms across two stories. Outdoors, you’ll find a sparkling swimming pool, a spa, shower and summer kitchen. The tropical grounds are also dotted with multiple fire pits that you can cozy up next to, a gazebo, lush greenery and a reflecting pool.  

    Internally, giant full-length windows and soaring high ceilings bring in a ton of extra sun making the whole space feel bright and airy. From the looks of it, it’s clear that the superstar athlete liked to entertain. There are two different living areas to kick back in, an expansive dining room, plus a great room. Naturally, the kitchen has plenty of space to prep for guests with dual refrigerators, a large center island and a walk-in pantry. 

    The primary suite has a hidden TV that drops down from the ceiling

    1 OAK Studios / ONE Sotheby’s International Realty

    Of course, the primary suite is as impressive as the rest of the property, if not more, outfitted with its own sitting area, spa bath, soaking tub and 16-foot shower. Considering there was nowhere to put the TV that wouldn’t interrupt the views, Big Papi decided to install a hidden screen that unfolds straight from the ceiling instead. Pretty clever, huh?  

    Michael Martinez with ONE Sotheby’s International Realty holds the listing. 

    Click here to see all the photos of 9505 SW 63 Court.  

    1 OAK Studios / ONE Sotheby’s International Realty More