One of South Florida’s most coveted reaches of coastline has given inspiration to an absolutely enchanting haven stretching all the way from the Atlantic Ocean’s splendor to the Intracoastal Waterway. Residing above a carpet of powdery sands, this picturesque palazzo redolent of the Mediterranean seaside blends Old World charm with an abundance of riches.

Monumental ironwork doors open to reveal a realm of exquisite beauty, the centerpiece of which is the romantic open-air garden courtyard outlined with colonnaded galleries and French doors opening the views to the ocean. Here, under the starlit skies, a trickling fountain and glowing lanterns set off a magical entertaining space for a night to remember. Formal living areas resplendent in marble and pecky cypress adroitly balance grandeur and intimacy, and everywhere is the azure allure of the sea.

The immense coquina stone oceanside terrace steps out to a sitting area right beside the beach. Adding to the outdoor pleasures, an entertainment pavilion on the sweeping west grounds sits between the elegant pool and regulation tennis court. The dock on the Intracoastal beyond easily berths a 130-foot yacht and has a boat lift that holds up to 25,000 pounds. This private paradise simply offers the best of everything.

Location

South Ocean Boulevard, Manalapan, Florida. Few places in the world rival the lifestyle of Manalapan, an idyllic Gold Coast hamlet on a barrier island between Palm Beach and Boca Raton. Residents have deeded club privileges which include at the prestigious Palm Beach Ritz-Carlton Hotel’s La Coquille Club. This membership also includes preferred seasonal golfing rates at the following championship golf courses; Atlantis Country Club and Polo Trace.

Property

Directly fronting 160± feet of oceanfront, this sprawling 2±-acre estate also fronts 160± feet on the Intracoastal with full-service yacht dock. A long winding drive leads to the impressive coquina-stepped entrance with elaborate stonework and 16-foot-high hand-made wrought iron doors. Outside lighting illuminates groomed tropical foliage that sweeps around the glistening formal heated pool. The poolside pavilion, also opening by the tennis court, provides a full summer kitchen, wet bar, powder room, and his-and-her dressing rooms with showers. Facing the ocean, the grand coquina stone terrace captures breathtaking views from the 19±-foot elevation.

Residence

Totaling 22,000± square feet with 6 bedrooms, 9 full and 2 half baths, this spectacular palazzo intertwines indoor and outdoor spaces in a breezy courtyard plan ideal for the balmy Mediterranean-like climate. For the car collector, garage space for 15 vehicles includes 2 air-conditioned bays. Special features include the high-grade barrel tile roof, electronically controlled storm shutters, automatic back-up generator, high-capacity air conditioning, sophisticated security system, and elevator.

Main Level: Under vaulted pecky cypress ceilings, the entrance-level Saturnia marble foyer ascends to the main floor’s colonnaded galleries embracing the al fresco fountain courtyard in a magnificent classical composition. The guest powder room highlights a charming sink fashioned from a Turkish stone fountain. Through a row of transomed French doors, an indoor gallery transitions into the stunning 51-foot-long living room soaring to 23-foot pecky cypress vaulted ceilings above a baronial stone fireplace, linen-upholstered walls, and 5 pairs of trefoil-topped French doors along the glorious oceanfront terrace. The banquet-sized formal dining room is graced with an oceanfront bay window, silk wallcoverings, and richly veined marble floors. Equipped to professional standards, the chef’s kitchen is beautifully designed with custom cabinetry, marble counters, Sub-Zero refrigerators and freezers, Gaggenau double ovens, warming drawer, a 6-burner range with grill encased in hand-painted Portuguese tile, a full-length butler’s pantry, and walk-in storage pantry. An inviting oceanfront breakfast room adjoins. Stretching over the south wing, the oceanfront grand master suite creates its own sumptuous sanctuary. French doors open to the terrace bringing serene ocean views into the 32-foot-long bedroom also showcasing a romantic stone fireplace under rare clear pecky cypress ceilings. Generous walk-in closets accompany luxurious his-and-her marble baths, hers with spa tub private water closet with bidet and walk-in shower. The suite’s massage room connects to the elegant custom-appointed office/study, adorned in hand-carved walnut, which has a full bath and also opens to the courtyard. Three beautifully appointed guest suites are placed in the opposite wing.

Lower Level: The gallery opens south to a billiard/media room with full-service wet bar, entertainment center, wine cellar, and full bath. The north-wing staff apartment contains a sitting/dining room, kitchenette, study, 2 bedrooms, bath, and laundry room. Utility/storage rooms and a exterior gardners half bath are also provided.