Christmas in Coming!

The most wonderful time of the year is almost here and Miami likes to celebrate it big time. In the city you’ll find a bunch of activities and places to visit with your family and spend time with them. Fill your soul and theirs with the Christmas spirit! Here’s a list of the most attractive activities of our city:

·      Santa’s Enchanted Forest: If you’re a fan of Christmas trees and lights, then this is the right place for you! In this enormous Christmas-themed amusement park you’ll find a 92” Christmas tree and over 3 million lights. Enjoy many live shows, games, magic acts, mazes, rides, and carnival food. It’s an excellent place to visit with the whole family, especially with the younger kids for its variety. Santa’s Enchanted Forest will be open untill January 8.

·      Christmas Tree Lighting at Bayfront Park: The day just after Thanksgiving (November 25, this year) is the first official day of Christmas. This day, Bayfront Park will unveil its 50-feet-tall tree covered with lots of glittering lights. The idea is to spend the night waiting for the tree lighting while enjoying holiday music and food trucks.

·      Winterfest Boat Parade: If you’re a parade person, then you can’t miss this one in Ft. Lauderdale on December 10. You’ll enjoy thousands of lights and the Christmas spirit sailing the intercostal waters. Anything can be expected from the sailboats, yachts, barges, gondolas, and kayaks that will be lighting the night.

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The Annual Living Nativity: Every year, at Miami Shores Presbyterian Church, a live, open-aired reenactment of the origins of Christmas is organized. Not only are the characters represented by real actors, but you’ll also see live camels, donkeys, goats and sheep, along with digital and live-action characters, and of course: an amazing choir. It’s a great place to spend the night with your kids and teach them about the origins of this holiday.

Bayside’s Update

49% of the nearly 30-year-old waterfront shopping center in downtown Miami, Bayside Marketplace, has been recently sold, and Zyscovich Architects, Ashkenazy Acquisition and General Growth Properties have already revealed their plans. They intend to completely renovate the installations.

The renovation will be divided into several phases. In phase I, the renovation includes covering 140,850 square feet of common outdoor space, new paint scheme for the building, piers, bulkheads and exposed structures, new flooring for the upper level, new stairs and railings, restrooms, signage, lighting, landscaping and graphics.

This mall already features about 150 stores and restaurants, such as Fat Tuesday, Hard Rock Café, The Gap, and Victoria’s Secret. However, future phases will add more retail space along Biscayne Boulevard and will also expand the two-level parking garage, almost doubling its size.

The most recent additions to Bayside Marketplace are Segafredo and a future SkyRise Miami. This is the real jewel. The SkyRise will be a 1,000-feet-tall entertainment and observation tower. It will feature a vertical adventure park with flight simulators and bungee jump platform and also nightclubs to dance all night long.

We’re eager to see its outcome!

Classic Coral Gables Home Listings Built in the 1920s

Established in the 1920s during the land boom in Florida, Coral Gables has a claim to fame of being one of the first planned communities in Florida.  The city covered almost 10,000 acres with the architectural design being Mediterranean Revival throughout the city.  Following the boom, the market went bust (sound familiar?) and its founder, George Merrick, lost everything but the ancestral home.

Over the course of several decades, the home, called Merrick Manor, went through several hands and was occupied by different types of occupants.  Since about 1976, it has been in the hands of the City of Coral Gables which restored it to its 1925 style with décor, fixtures and finishes because it “best represented the Merrick family,” according to a recently featured article in Curbed Miami and is open twice a week for tours.

This got us thinking about Coral Gables real estate and how it has changed over the years.  While there are many new construction homes that have replaced some of the original homes built in the 1920s, there are still those that stand out as original Coral Gables properties with the unique characteristics of the architectural design. Here are five Coral Gables homes listed for sale and built in the early to mid-1920s that reflect the design of properties during that era while featuring modernized upgrades on the interiors that make these homes spectacular and ideal for those who love the uniqueness to original “old Florida” style.

920 Coral Way, List Price:  $2,495,000

This gorgeous home located just very short distance from the Coral Gables Merrick House consists of the best of the old with truly modern updates.  Built by George Merrick in 1922, this historically designated house is constructed with coral rock and still has the original hardwood floors, terracotta tile floors and other classic details along with newer, remodeled upgrades like a fabulous walk-in closet, new kitchen with updated stainless steel appliances and so much more.  A screened-in porch that runs the across the rear of the house features exposed coral rock walls and posts with the terracotta tile floor and the original tongue and groove plank ceiling. On top of this, in addition to four bedrooms and four baths includes a library with a wet bar, large living and dining rooms, and a Florida room just off the kitchen and family room.  One really nice attribute is the pool house (with bath) that accommodates guests. The entire property encompasses three lots and is filled with tropical landscaping and fruit trees.

Coral Gables Country Club Listings

1046 Almeria Avenue, List Price:  $999,000

This Spanish-style villa, built in 1923, features the epitome of “classic Florida” with a two-bedroom, two-bath main house and a one-bedroom, one-bath guest residence above the garage.  Situated on a 10,000+ square foot corner lot, the home was designed by renowned architect, Walter DeGarmo and features the original Dade County pine and terracotta floors throughout the house as well as modern upgrades and remodels to bring the house to its updated state.  These updates include a fabulous chef style kitchen, a large master bedroom with unbelievable closet space and a master bath, and impact-resistant windows and doors.  In the back is a wonderfully large brick-paver patio perfect for entertaining.  The location is just one block to Salvadore Park and only a short walk (or drive) to the Biltmore Hotel.

1248 Aguila Avenue, List Price:  $568,000

Located in one of Coral Gables most established neighborhoods, this Gables Granada house was built in 1924 and features the best of both worlds in terms of old and new.  The home recently went through a huge remodel to update while still keeping the unique charm of this original Gables home.  It offers two bedrooms, one bath and an artist studio with a wall of arched windows as well as beautiful wood floors, a living room with a wood-burning fireplace, and a family/sunroom.  The kitchen and bath have been totally remodeled with contemporary fixtures and cabinets and stainless steel appliances.  A loggia opens up to a beautiful courtyard and patio.  This is a truly spectacular home.  Real estate listings in Gables Granada feature list prices starting as low as the mid-$400s and climbing into the millions.  This is a fantastic neighborhood for families.

1232 Palermo Avenue, List Price:  $1,499,000

This is a 3,600+ square foot home built in 1924 and located in the Coral Gables Country Club neighborhood.  It showcases a Spanish-style architectural design with lots of room to house the five bedrooms and four baths.  The main floor has a split floor plan with two master bedrooms one featuring a spa-style master bath with marble walls and floors and a large walk-in closet.  Original hardwood floors have been refinished and other rooms have been modernized and updated.  The rear of the home opens to a beautiful pool area with brick paver deck and lots of lush landscaping that spreads over the entire 12,000+ square foot lot.

1416 Medina Avenue, List Price:  $689,000

This home screams history as it is one of the original homes built by George Merrick in 1925.  It offer three bedrooms and two baths under almost 2,000 square feet as well as a detached garage that easily be transformed into a perfect in-law’s suite or pool house.  Inside, there are travertine and tigerwood floors throughout and a large recently remodeled gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, custom cabinets and granite counter tops not to mention new contemporary baths – the master bath has marble, and a Jacuzzi tub.  The master bedroom includes a walk-in closet and pool access. On top of that, there is new central A/C and a new garage roof.

Gables Granada Real Estate Listings

Everything Under One Roof

There is nothing like history kept in its original state even when you want to remodel or update property.  In the neighborhoods within a short radius of The Merrick House showcase so many homes like this that feature everything under one roof.  When considering a home in Coral Gables, be sure to consider the older homes as they have the character of classic Florida combined with newer upgrades in terms of appliances and all the conveniences of modern day.

Small Tea – Coral Gables Newest Tea Room

Whenever anyone from the UK has something that is consuming their thoughts or day, they typically like to “have a cup of tea” while they figure things out.  They always have tea in the afternoon and at night.  For them, tea is a part of their daily existence.

This tradition seems to have come across the Atlantic.  Although tea is now touted as a miracle elixir for the body, it is also very relaxing to sit down and have a cup of tea.  And there is no place better to have that tea than at Small Tea in Coral Gables.

Small Tea is a relatively new café on Aragon Avenue just off Ponce de Leon Boulevard and only a block off the Miracle Mile.  It is a modern twist on a classic tea room that offers a wide selection of popular and rare teas as well as a delicious menu filled with breakfast, lunch desserts and snack options that go perfectly with their teas.  From the basics like English Breakfast Tea to an absolute decadent Matcha tea, there is something for everyone. 

One of the most appealing features of Small Tea is the way that people simply want to go there.  In addition to simply serving tea and food, they have board games and cards so that people can enjoy an hour (and buy more tea) relaxing with a game of Scrabble or a good game of Gin Rummy.  There is also a smelling bar where anyone can smell different teas to help decide which one to choose. 

Coral Gables has an eclectic feel to it where people love to come and meander around the Miracle Mile.  Small Tea adds the perfect ambiance to the neighborhood either as a way to start your day or a little late afternoon pick me up to finish the day.

Much of the charm of living in the Gables is that everything is within walking distance.  Whether living in a close by neighborhood or in a condominium, being able to walk everywhere makes living here so enjoyable. 

Condominiums feature a broad spectrum of list prices from those starting in the low to mid-$200s at the David William Hotel/Condo to well over $1 million at Segovia Tower.  Mid-priced condos like Coral Gables Tower, 55 Merrick and others offer properties from the mid-$300s and to the mid-$700s or higher. 

As for Coral Gables single-family home neighborhoods, there are several within walking distance (a little more than a block or two).  Most list prices start in the mid-$300s and climb to the multi-millions. 

Small Tea caters to tea lovers of which many live in the Miami-Dade area.  The reviews are stellar – locals love that there is a great place to get tea in Coral Gables. One local said that Smart Tea is “A petite dim lighted place near a corner in Ponce de Leon, not in the mainstream avenue, but in a place that at first sight could look as behind the action, just nailed it” when rating it on Yelp.  

The café is also bringing people out from Miami who want to sit and, you guessed it – have a cup of tea saying that   “OK, this is probably the coolest place that has opened up in Coral Gables in years!!!”

If you love tea and have not been to Small Tea, make sure you visit.  We promise you will come back almost every day!

Tips for Buying Coral Gables Vacation Property

The Florida real estate market has come back with a vengeance and is clipping along at a fantastic pace.  Prior to the market collapse, many were seriously considering buying vacation homes.  Those who bought at the time have already reaped the rewards of increased value to the property they purchased while others decided to wait.   For those who waited, the dream of owning a vacation home is back on this list of possibilities. 

If you are ready to dive into the home buying waters and considering a vacation home, here are several tips for buying Coral Gables vacation property to make sure you make an informed decision:

Decide How You Want to Use It.  The first thought that comes to mind when buying a vacation home is to decide how you want to use it.  Do you want to keep it strictly as a home for you to stay at your discretion (your friends too) or do you want to buy a vacation home as a rental investment?  In this part of Florida, there is a huge market for rental property especially during the winter when the “snowbirds” fly south to escape the cold – the past couple of winters in the winter have been brutal.   It is common for vacation home owners to only use their property for as little as a couple of months a year so the idea of using it as rental property may be a great way to make it more affordable.

Choose the Type of Property.  Prior to buying a vacation home, you need to choose the type of property you want – single-family or condominium.  Much of this is based on whether you want to use it as a vacation rental.  Coral Gables condominiums and single family homes are always appealing to second home buyers because of the rental potential.  There are several advantages to owning vacation property in condominiums including the ability to put your property in a vacation management pool within the condominium for greater rental possibilities and built-in amenities like a pool, a marina, reserved and valet parking and more. Single-family homes draw those who want more privacy and an atmosphere similar to being at home.

Rent First.  Before you buy a vacation home, be sure that you rent in the neighborhoods or condominiums in which you are interested.  You can speak firsthand about staying there to potential guests and decide if you will enjoy your time there.  Renting always helps you know your likes and dislikes.  

Ask About the Rental History.  If you are considering a second home for investment purposes, ask about the rental history.  You want to know what you are getting with your investment.  For properties that have not been used as rental property, you can look at comparable properties that do have rental histories to see the potential income.

Consider the Additional Financial Obligation.  A second home will have additional financial obligations especially at the beginning.  That is why it is important to know a general idea of the expenses that accompany your new home – initial expenses during the purchase as well as the monthly expenses that any homeowner pays, taxes and insurance.   Even if you buy a second home with an established rental history, rental income typically does not cover ALL of the expenses involved. 

Work with a Local, Experienced Realtor®.  Probably the best thing anyone thinking about buying Coral Gables vacation property is to work with a local, experienced and Florida licensed Realtor®.  A Realtor® that knows which neighborhoods or condominiums best meet your needs as a resident (and rental property owner) provide you with a wealth of information and knowledge to help you make an informed decision. 

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.  

“Boutique” Coral Gables Condominiums

One of the most types of popular condominium properties is the “boutique” style condominium.  This term is commonly used in the real estate industry representing a more exclusive, smaller condominium with fewer units.  Real estate buyers tend to gravitate towards boutique condominiums because of the relaxed atmosphere, lower condo fees due to typically having fewer amenities and somewhat tighter leasing regulations within the condominium covenants.  Typically with boutique condominiums, there tend to be fewer units on the market as property owners lean towards staying put as well. 

Coral Gables is an affluent part of Miami-Dade that appeals to a more buyers who want to step back from the excitement and glitz of Miami’s more progressive neighborhoods.  Boutique condominiums lend themselves well to tranquility and exclusive nature of Coral Gables.  Here are a handful of highly sought after boutique Coral Gables condominiums with listings.

Century Village Park, 1650 Galiano Street.  Century Village Park is a gorgeous boutique-style condominium built in 2010 and centrally located in a beautiful and established part of the Gables that is close to parks, golf courses, and shopping and dining on the Miracle Mile.  With only 41 units on eight floors, Century Village Park offers residents the choice of a one-story condominium unit housing one or two bedrooms or two-story townhouse with three bedrooms. The most appealing characteristics of Century Village Park are its Mediterranean style architecture on the exterior and the interior details that make this condominium stand apart from the pack.  Fixtures and finishes on the inside lend themselves to a more high-end residence with marble and hardwood flooring, elegant baseboard and crown molding throughout the home and update yet classically styled kitchens and baths.  List prices usually start in the upper-$200s and climb over $500K for single-story condominium units and the mid-$500s to mid-$700s for townhouses.  Investors can expect to garner anywhere from $2,500 per month for a one-bedroom unit to almost $4,000 per month for a three-bedroom townhouse. 

CENTURY VILLAGE PARK LISTINGS

The Nevis, 2650 SW 37th Avenue.  Located a mere two miles from the University of Miami, The Nevis is a nine-story condominium that houses only (41) one or two-bedroom units.  This is an ideal property for first-time buyers and those who are interested in second or winter homes.  Sizes range from just under 800 square feet for one-bedroom units to over 1,200 square feet for two-bedrooms and feature updated kitchens and baths along with extended balconies.  Amenities include an outdoor pool, assigned covered parking, 24-hour camera security and a fitness center with sauna.  List prices start at about $200K and climb to the mid to upper-$300s depending on the size and location of the unit. 

FOR SALE AT THE NEVIS

Villa Calabria, 20 Calabria Avenue.  Villa Calabria is a six-story condominium with only (31) two-bedroom units ranging between 1,200 and 1,400 square feet in size.  It is ideally located just a few blocks from the Miracle Mile as well as area parks and top golf courses.  Units are open and spacious with updated fixtures and finishes along with extended balconies.  Amenities include a well-equipped fitness center, covered parking and a pool.  Currently there are two listings with list prices falling between the mid to upper-$300s even into the low-$400s.  Annual leases are allowed but there are none available.  This is an excellent option for those in need of a second home for business or spending extended time in Coral Gables and south Florida. 

VILLA CALABRIA LISTINGS

Villa Isabella, 322 Madeira Avenue.  Villa Isabella is a boutique condominium in the truest sense of the term with five stories and only 29 units with one or two bedrooms.  Built in 2004, it is a standout condominium with its unique Mediterranean architecture that is very common in this part of Miami-Dade. It features beautifully finished residences updated kitchens, spacious bedrooms and living areas along with an elegant balcony.  List prices fall from the upper-$200s to upper-$300s depending on the size and location.  Square footage ranges between about 750 and just over 1,500 square feet.  As for amenities, there is a gym as well as a beautiful roof top terrace, assigned parking and a secured entrance. Villa Isabella is centrally located within walking distance to the Miracle Mile and other areas that are very popular with Gables residents.  There is only one unit listed for sale which speaks to its popularity.  As for rentals, annual leases are allowed with rental rates typically falling between $2,000 and $3,000 per month. 

VILLA ISABELLA LISTINGS

Villa Zamora, 118 Zamora Avenue.  Unlike many other boutique Coral Gables condominiums, Villa Zamora is ideal for home buyers interested in second or vacation homes as each property owner receives a complimentary membership to the Biltmore Hotel.  In terms of what is featured at Villa Zamora, amenities are similar to those in upscale condominiums and include 24-hr security cameras, covered parking, gated entry, a private elevator lobby, full-size washer and dryer, and impact glass windows.  Inside each residence, owners have a spacious kitchen with granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and custom cabinetry, an open living area, full laundry room, a large bedroom with double vanity master bath and so much more.  List prices range from the low-$500s to mid-$600s.  Rental rates typically fall between about $2,500 and $3,200 per month with two rentals allowed each year. 

FOR SALE AT VILLA ZAMORA

Offer Lower Condominium Fees

Boutique condominiums are very popular in South Florida especially in Coral Gables.  They offer an exclusive atmosphere where everyone knows everyone in the building with a bonus of lower condominium fees.  The key to being lucky enough to purchase a property in a boutique condominium is to grab it before it is gone as they sell quickly.  

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.  

Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Coral Gables

Coral Gables has always been a very walkable city and with so many residents and visitors out with their dogs in tow, many businesses have embraced the idea that dogs are welcome to their establishments. There are several area restaurants that are very open to their patrons bringing their furry babies with them.  Here are our favorite dog friendly restaurants in Coral Gables:

Lokal Burgers and Beer, 3190 Commodore Plaza, Coconut Grove.  Located in Coconut Grove, Lokal is such a dog-friendly restaurant it has a dog menu with items like “Marmaduke’s Meatloaf.”  Open every day for lunch and dinner, dogs are allowed on the patio which is logical.  Lokal Burgers has received lots of accolades which is no surprise once you eat here.  Miami New Times voted Lokal as one of the “Top 10 Best Chicken and Waffles in Miami” as well as having one of the “Top Five Veggie Burgers in Miami” not to mention “Top 10 Dog Friendly Restaurants in Miami.”  It is well worth it venturing over there to enjoy one of the best burgers you will ever eat and the coldest beer you will ever drink.  The Frita burger is absolutely awesome with the guava jelly and gruyere cheese.  Another favorite is the Lokal burger with its local twist of Florida grass-fed burger topped with homemade honey mustard using local honey, melted jack cheese, Florida tomatoes, sliced red onions, arugula, and Homestead avocados. It literally does not get much better than that.  This is the perfect place to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon with Fido. 

Shake Shack, 1450 South Dixie Highway (US1), Coral Gables.  Another dog-friendly favorite is the Shake Shack.  And, yes, again, this fairly new hot spot is so dog friendly it offers a few items for the pooch.  The stand out attribute about the newest Shake Shack is that it was built with sustainable and recycled materials.  For instance, the tables were sourced from reclaimed bowling alley lanes handcrafted in Brooklyn, NY, and window seating was made with wooden counters made from river-recovered cypress.  It is just a hop, skip and a jump from University of Miami and has good burgers, fries, shakes, custards and more. They even have wine and beer if you want it.  The shakes and cones are made with frozen custard made from real sugar and milk that contains no hormones or antibiotics right at the restaurant.  If you are calorie conscious, feel good knowing that the Shake Shack features calorie counts for each item on the menu.  As for out furry children, there are a handful of items on the menu for the dogs as well as their own bowls of water. 

Ortanique on the Mile, 287 Miracle Mile.  An all-time favorite restaurant on the Miracle Mile is also a very pet friendly restaurant in the Gables.  And it is a good thing since the Mile is one of the most highly traversed roads by foot in all of Miami-Dade County. After all, the Miracle Mile is so close to Coral Gables condominiums.  So you can just imagine the number of dogs that walk on the Mile!  As for the restaurant, it is unique, Caribbean themed restaurant that is very similar to its sister restaurant in Grand Cayman.  There are so many favorites on the menu from ceviche to fresh salads and seafood that patrons have a hard time choosing something so they come back.  As for pets, it is very common to see people having lunch and dinner outside on the patio with their beloved furry family members sitting beside them.   Everyone loves Ortanique on the Mile and goes there over and over again.  It is one of those spots where you enjoy sitting outside with friends and family while enjoying tropical drinks and dining on delicious specialties. 

Pete’s Authentic Cooking, 153 Giralda Avenue.  Everyone loves Pete’s Authentic Cooking – we know that!  But to add its dog-friendly nature to its status takes it even further up the food chain.  It offers some of the best sandwiches, salads and more in addition to breakfast and brunch items that leave you wanting more.  Open only on weekdays between 8am and 4pm, Pete’s is very popular spot in Downtown Coral Gables which is why it is so crowded.  And for those who love taking their dogs with them everywhere they go, Pete’s is very dog friendly.  For those who watch what they eat or who avoid certain foods, Pete’s has vegan and gluten-free items to appeal to everybody.  Just check out the blackboard for specials and the extensive menu if you still need ideas.  When coming with the dog, be sure to sit outside.  While they love dogs, they know that not all of their customers do, so they prefer to keep them outdoors.  But, hey!  This is South Florida – it is much nicer to sit outside!

Spizzigo, 127 Giralda Avenue.  Of course, we have to include an Italian restaurant in our dog friendly picks.  And one of favorites is Spizzigo just off the Miracle Mile.  Open for lunch and dinner, Spizzigo features fresh homemade pastas as well as unbelievably good pizza and the best wines and drinks for everyone who has a craving for Italian.  And being so close to the Mile, it is also a restaurant within walking distance to many Coral Gables condominiums and neighborhoods.  When the outdoor dining is set up, dogs are very welcome to hang with their parents.  Everyone wolfs down the pizza bread they bring when seated as well as most everything on the menu.  Its classic Italian fares are the best around and the prices are not outlandish which makes it easy to eat here a couple of days (or nights) a week.  Top your meal off with their gelato and you will think you are in paradise.  And, if you bring the dog, you can walk off dinner! 

A Dog-Friendly City

Not only is Coral Gables called the City Beautiful, it is a very dog friendly city as well.  Whether you live in a centrally located Coral Gables neighborhood or away from the downtown business area, there are lots of businesses that invite dogs just as often as they invite their owners.