What’s new in The Roads

The Roads is known for its old homes, historic public schools, and its tree-covered streets. It was designed, platted and developed by Mary Brickell in 1922 as a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, with wide streets, median parkways and roundabouts with native Miami plants. Today, many of the residents in the Roads are young families and urban professionals who work in neighboring Brickell and Downtown Miami.

A Limited Edition of 24 modern residences has been developed in this neighborhood.  Designed by award-winning architect Kobi Karp, Eleven in The Roads is quintessentially refined and uncommonly private, designed for the most discerning of purchasers.

According to its website, residences feature the ultimate in modern luxury living with breathtaking attention to detail and a carefully curated sense of style; these 24 bespoke condominium residences ranging from 1,386 square feet to 2,187 square feet embrace the quiet confidence and modern elegance that define Miami.

All residences offer generous layouts with up to 10.4′ ceilings, in-suite bathrooms, oversized windows and flowing entertainment spaces, custom cabinets by Snaidero, Compac Quartz counters, Bosch stainless steel appliances, and other unexpected surprises including private gardens, decks and roof-top terraces in select residences.  Three types of units are available: Garden Residences, Spa Residences, and Penthouse Residences.

Eleven in the Roads is as much about transcending trends, forsaking conventional ideas, and creating innovative living spaces. The landscape is an active interplay of nature and architecture featuring gardens and roof-top amenities imaginatively configured and set in an environment of tropical gardens, swimming pools, cabanas, lounges, summer kitchens and other recreational areas, making it one of Miami’s most relaxing urban oasis.

Top Five Coral Gables Real Estate Sales in 2014

In the years immediately following the recession, the most expensive properties listed for sale simply sat there.  Finally, 2014 saw a big upswing in the real estate market and that meant the mammoth residential properties were part of the mix.  Here are the top five CoralGables real estate sales in 2014:

41 Arvida Parkway, Gables Estates, Sale Price:  $25,000,000

Yes – this property seems to set the record for the largest residential real estate sale in Coral Gables at $25 million.  Set on a corner lot facing Biscayne Bay and Key Biscayne, this property is luxury at its very finest.  It has a large dock that accommodates large vessels and offers a wide deep canal on one side with the Bay on the other side.  Sold in June 2014, there is absolutely no stone left unturned with this home.  In terms of the details, the home has nine bedrooms and eight and a half baths under 13,000+ square feet.  The sale price per square foot was $1,843 – which is pretty typical in Gables Estates.  So if you wonder what $25 million buys you in Miami-Dade County, here you go. By the way, the property was sold furnished. 

For Sale in Gables Estates

4 Tahiti Beach Island, Tahiti Beach Island, Sale Price: $18,000,000

As the second most expensive Coral Gables property sold in 2014, we mentioned this property in a blog in September 2013.  This 21,000+ square foot home sold in July for $18 million ($848/square foot).  And we can tell you, it has everything any home of this caliber should have.  It sits on the most beautiful Bayfront lot with the most amazing views of water.  And inside this palatial estate is as beautiful with a huge chef’s kitchen, high ceilings, media room with theatre seating, and so much more.  On top of all this, it features a large deep water dock that accommodates large vessels and a private Tahiti Beach is probably Coral Gables most exclusive neighborhood with a guard gated private entrance and even more privacy with individual secure gated entrances.  Homes may take slightly longer to sell as they attract a specific buyer.  In 2014, there were two home sales in Tahiti Beach.  This property took a little over a year to sell.  Currently, there is one property for sale in Tahiti Beach listed at less than half of this one although the price per square foot is comparable. 

Tahiti Beach Real Estate Listings

5 Tahiti Beach Island Road, Tahiti Beach, Sale Price: $11,500,000

July was a big month for home sales in Tahiti Beach!  Next door to the previous listing is another top sale of 2014.  This home is a gorgeous Mediterranean style home has the most luxurious features throughout the home from the marble and hardwood floors to the enormous gourmet kitchen to the elegant pool area that rivals any five-star resort.  There is no detail that is omitted at this estate.  It also sits on a private lagoon that opens up to Biscayne Bay giving its residents all the privacy they want.  As for the details, the property features nine bedrooms and 11 baths under 11,500+ square feet and sold for $954/square foot.  When comparing this one and the other property that sold this year, the only current Tahiti Beach property for sale has a list price per square foot that falls in the middle of the two sold properties.

444 Arvida Parkway, Gables Estates, Sale Price:  $9,000,000

Gables Estates is a much higher priced neighborhood when comparing neighborhoods on a sale price per square foot basis.  This home is no exception at $1,045 per square foot.  Taking about a year to sell, the 8,613-square foot has five bedrooms and six and a half baths. It is open and airy, and sits on the widest lagoon in Gables Estates with direct access into the Bay.  High-end appliances and luxury details make it obvious why it made the top five list.  Currently there are 10 properties for sale in Gables Estates with list prices from about $8 million to almost $20 million – the price per square foot ranging from about $675 to over $1,800 per square foot.  It is worth noting that the most affordable on a price per square foot basis is a new home still under construction although it is not a waterfront property. 

200 Leucadendra Drive, Gables Estates, Sale Price:  $8,500,000

Driving through the gates of this gorgeous 9,180 square-foot Mediterranean estate is breathtaking.  Located in Gables Estates, the eight-bedroom, seven-bath home was fifth most expensive Gables residential sale in 2014.  Like the others, it has the most beautiful finishes including marble and wood flooring, great built-ins, and tons of green space.  Best of all, the lot is large (47,000 square feet) and includes 240 feet of water with no bridges to the Bay.  The sale reflected a slightly lower price per square foot compared to other sales in Gables Estates at $954 per square foot and took just over eight months to sell. 

SHOWING ITS MUSCLE

The past year was finally the shot in the arm we all needed as the real estate market really showed its muscle.  Now we see that 2015 is already showing it may continue on its upward course as six $1 million-dollar plus Coral Gables real estate sales have already taken place since the start of the year.  

Top Five Coral Gables Country Club Listings

Many of the Miami-Dade communities are undergoing major overhauls whether through the development of planned neighborhoods or the complete destruction of older homes on premium lots.  Coral Gables is one of the area communities where buyers are buying up older homes in need of an overhaul so that they can knock it down to build their dream homes. 

But in the midst of all this new construction, the Coral Gables Country Club neighborhood sits in all its grandeur with some of the most beautiful and unique homes commonly described as “old Florida.”  Surrounding some of the Gables nicest golf courses (Riviera Country Club and Biltmore Golf Course)ost have a Mediterranean influence in their design and no matter the size offer characteristics not found in newly constructed homes today.

The Country Club neighborhood is a carefully thought out and designed neighborhood that features homes in most every price range and size from the coziest bungalows that appeal to buyers who want to update and renovate property to the most impressive estates that entice only discerning buyers who expect a level of excellence.  On top of this, the location is ideal as it is close to some of the area’s best shopping as well as top public and private schools and golf courses (as we mentioned earlier.  Additionally, the University of Miami and Miami International Airport are a short drive from this centrally located neighborhood.

There is a broad spectrum of list prices in Coral Gables Country Club typically ranging from the low-$400s to the millions.  Following are the top five Coral Gables Country Club listings:

3305 Alhambra Circle, List Price:  $12,500,000

WOW!  What else can be said for this grand manor?  Originally designed by Walter De Garmo (Women’s Club of Coconut Grove), this estate, built in 1926, is an architectural masterpiece with eight bedrooms and six and a half baths with a one-bedroom, one bath private apartment.  While the home has been updated, the original finishes radiate throughout the house with wood beam Cathedral ceilings, inlaid marble floors, intricately carved wood doors, and more.  The large chef’s kitchen is amazing as is the open living area with French doors leading out the Mediterranean-revival style pool area and deck.  A large backyard area opens up to the fairway along the Biltmore Hotel’s golf course.  The home is surrounded by a high wall on three sides with private double iron gated entrances to exude privacy as an estate of this caliber should. 

Coral Gables Homes for Sale 

3200 Granada Boulevard, List Price:  $4,850,000

Pulling into the driveway of your new home on Granada Boulevard signifies that you have truly arrived.  Granada Boulevard is a street that stretches across two Coral Gables neighborhoods.  As the street numbers get larger so do the houses along this lovely tree-lined street in one of the nicest neighborhoods in Coral Gables.  The gated, tree-lined entry of this spectacular leads to a beautiful estate is remniscent of a European estate understated in its design yet one of the most gorgeous homes on the street.  Inside, this home showcases vaulted ceilings, wood inlay floors, and so many other intricate features and fixtures.   The kitchen itself is a dream kitchen to anyone who enters with it exposed brick walls, high-end stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops.  The master features tons of room with a sitting area as well as a custom designed walk-in closet, enormous bath and terrace.  There is so much to see that it is necessary to tour this grand estate.  Remodeled in 2009, this is the ideal home for entertaining as well as enjoying life in Florida.   

2800 Alhambra Circle, List Price:  $4,395,000

Another home on the highly desirable Alhambra Circle is this showplace built by Legacy Custom Homes.  Under the 7,113 square feet are large rooms that flow from one to the other in a most relaxed manner making the house perfect for entertaining.  Additionally, there is a large chef’s kitchen with beautiful granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances and room for a large kitchen table for family dinners.  There are six bedrooms and seven and a half baths with each bedroom having its own private bath.  Outdoors, the residents and their guests can enjoy the Florida sunshine from the large rear patio and veranda adjacent to a resort-style pool while dining on meals prepared in the outdoor kitchen.  Other fixtures and finishes include a gated entry, automobile courtyard, elevator and exquisite extras throughout the home.  This is truly a showplace without being ostentatious.    

3309 Granada Boulevard, List Price:  $2,995,000

Back over to Granada Boulevard, we have another spectacular home currently under construction by Gregan.  This gated estate with a Transitional European architectural style will feature a fountain courtyard that will lead to a beautiful foyer at the main entrance.  Inside, the plans show a large kitchen and family room that open to a rear yard with beautiful pool and pergola.  On the first floor, there will be a guest suite as well as one for house staff.  Upstairs the master spreads across the entire rear of the house and includes a sitting room, two walk-in closets and an unbelievable master bath.  This is a huge opportunity to live on one of the best streets in Coral Gables in a new home that is as impressive as those around it. 

4209 Santa Maria Street, List Price:  $2,875,000

It is the intricate detail that makes this home an absolute treasure.  Situated in the main section of Merrick’s historic Pioneer Village is this gracious 5,300+ square foot estate with a Mediterranean architectural design.  Situated on Santa Maria Street, this home offers panoramic golf course views across Riviera Country Club.  Inside, the foyer opens to a huge two-story great room with stunning open beamed ceilings, a large fireplace, and upper level bookcases that line the walls.  Additionally, there is a dream kitchen with sleek granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and custom cabinetry which opens to a large breakfast area and into a family room.  The bedrooms are large and feature hardwood floors.  Outside, there is a lovely covered loggia with an outdoor living area with a tropical feel.  There is impact glass as well as extra land large enough for a guest house, pool or an addition onto the main house. 

Classic Florida Real Estate

The Country Club neighborhood in the heart of Coral Gables is probably one of the most sought after areas for Coral Gables real estate buyers.  It is in this neighborhood that homes feature the best in classic Florida real estate with a modern twist where inside most properties there are substantial updates so that the idea of a “dream home” is a true reality.  

Top Coral Gables Waterfront Neighborhoods

There is no doubt, if you live in South Florida, more than likely you love the water.  While many simply want to have access to it whenever they need it or have all the toys that come with living on the waterfront, Coral Gables offers neighborhoods that are ideal waterfront communities for those who are drawn to the water.  Here are a few of the top Coral Gables waterfront neighborhoods:

Deering Bay, List Prices:  $1 Million to $5 Million

Deering Bay has everything an upscale, exclusive community in South Florida should have from its own marinas and yacht club to the only Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course as well as a nice mix of single-family homes and five condominium communities:  Verona, Venice, Siena, Milano and Padua.  It appeals to everyone including families, retirees and anyone who is accustomed to luxury style and privacy. 

In terms of the properties, no stone is left unturned leaving each and every property features all amenities along with top of the line fixtures and finishes expected in any million-dollar plus home in South Florida.  At the top of the list are the views that every home has the privilege to enjoy.  While not all may be water views, the other views play host to meticulously manicured fairways, the adjoining preserve, or one of the three yacht clubs.  To enjoy the community’s luxury amenities, private membership is required but well worth the investment.  Residents enjoy a 30,000-foot clubhouse with formal dining, an informal restaurant, private wine cellar, state of the art fitness center, and more.  As for the “fun,” there is a large swimming beach, junior Olympic-sized pool and more (we’ve mentioned the marinas and yacht club). 

Deering Bay real estate list prices start at about $1 million for a residence in one of the condominiums to about $5 million for a large single-family home with private dock and boat lift.   Many of the single-family homes sit on wide canals with direct access to the Bay.  They have docks with lifts that accommodate large yachts as well as multiple vessels.  One of the most appealing traits of Deering Bay is access to the marinas that provide accommodations for various size vessels.  This is why we put it in our list of top neighborhoods for yacht owners and water lovers.

Gables Estates, List Prices:  $3 million to over $30 Million

Another exclusive waterfront community is Gables Estates. Located in South Gables, it spreads out over 200 acres of shoreline and features some of the most unbelievably palatial estates in the entire country.  As an ideal community for yacht owners, 192 of the lots in Gables Estates are waterfront lots that sit on wide, deep sea-walled canals perfect for large mega-yachts and multiple vessels.

The architectural style in Gables Estates varies but for the most part, has a Mediterranean or Spanish influence and each is surrounded by lush tropical landscaping.  Inside each home, every fixture and finish is perfectly placed to create some of the most beautiful homes in the world.  To give an idea of available Gables Estates properties, the sizes range from about 5,000 square feet (that is large to most people) with five and six bedrooms to well over 16,000 square feet with nine or more bedrooms.  List prices fall between about $6 million to about $20 million.  Over the last three months, three properties have sold with sale prices ranging from $4.5 to $8.5 million.  Typically, homes may take up to a year to sell simply because of the limited number of potential buyers. But without a doubt, this neighborhood is well worth it to live here.

Tahiti Beach, List Prices:  $2 Million to $15 Million

Without a doubt, Tahiti Beach is the most exclusive neighborhood in all of Coral Gables.  It is one that truly takes your breath away while driving through it.  This very private neighborhood is situated in the South Gables and on Tampa Bay giving many of the beautiful estates amazing Biscayne Bay views.  Those not directly on the Bay are situated on wide canals with direct and easy access to the Bay.  Not only is this a perfect neighborhood for yacht owners, it is ideal for those who own large yachts or several vessels. 

The entire community is guard gated with some homes further secured with private gates.  The architectural styles vary with one thing in common – grand and stately.  On top of that, the interiors feature unbelievable gourmet chef’s kitchens, three car garages, elegant foyers and resort-style pool and entertainment areas that overlook the water.  From there, the neighborhood tennis facilities, a community pool with a well-appointed clubhouse, a large playground and more.  

Some of the area’s most well-known celebrities live in Tahiti Beach.  Homes in Tahiti Beach real estate is typically priced anywhere from about $2-3 million all the way to about $15 million. Only one 10-bedroom, 10-bath home with over 21,000 square feet has sold over the past few months with a sale price at $18 million.  This is the simply the top neighborhood for yacht owners and water lovers.

Other Excellent Neighborhoods

While these are three top areas for yacht owners and water lovers, there are other excellent neighborhoods from which to choose that feature similar properties and amenities.  List prices in neighborhoods like Gables by the Sea and Cocoplum start as low as $1.5 million and can climb to over $30 million in Tahiti Beach or Gables Estates.  The common denominator of all the waterfront communities is the easy direct access to the Bay whether situated directly on the Bay or on one of the deep and wide canals that feed directly into the Bay.