Naples, Florida, is no stranger to luxurious waterfront estates, but one sprawling compound is now vying for the throne as the ultimate regal residence. Priced at an eye-watering USD$295 million (AU$454 million), this property is poised to potentially shatter records as the most expensive residential sale ever recorded in the United States (per the Wall Street Journal). The current record for the most expensive home in the US was set in 2019 when hedge-fund CEO Ken Griffin coughed up a reported USD$240 million (AU$370 million) on an apartment near Central Park in New York City.
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Situated in the prestigious Port Royal neighbourhood, this tropical retreat spans the far edge of a peninsula known as Gordon Pointe. With a colourful backstory that adds to its allure, the property was initially envisioned by financier John Donahue, who was captivated by the undeveloped stretch of land during a plane ride in 1985. Determined to turn his vision into reality, Donahue purchased the 4.3-acre lot for a mere USD$1 million, marking the inception of what would become an illustrious estate.
Over the years, the Donahue family transformed the property, expanding it into a 60-acre haven of unparalleled luxury. The crown jewel of this compound, now listed for sale, spans 9 acres and features an impressive 1,650 feet of waterfront. Complete with three lavish homes and a private yacht basin boasting a T-shaped dock, this portion of the estate is not your average beach house. We can imagine DJ Khaled riding his jet ski around this crib, marvelling at its architectural beauty.
Each of the three homes exudes next-level grandeur, offering a total of 23 bedrooms across approximately 23,800 square feet of living space. The primary residence, spanning around 11,500 square feet and built in 1989, sets the tone with its six bedrooms and screened-in pool. The second residence, constructed in 1990, totals approximately 5,500 square feet and features five bedrooms alongside an outdoor pool. Then a third 5,800 square feet residence was erected in 2013, because why not?
The Donahue family, comprising 13 children, each of whom holds a seat on the family office’s board, has decided to part ways with this beloved retreat. Following the passing of John and Rhodora Donahue in 2017 and 2022 respectively, the family feels that it is time to pass on the legacy of this remarkable estate.
While the compound holds sentimental value for the Donahue family, its listing presents a rare opportunity for discerning buyers to acquire a piece of Florida’s waterfront paradise. Marketed by Coldwell Banker Realty’s Dawn McKenna Group in collaboration with The Leighton Candler Team of Corcoran and Savills Rory McMullen, the property’s sky-high asking price is apparently justified by its unparalleled size, prime location, and the scarcity of such extensive waterfront parcels in today’s market.
If this property sells anywhere close to its asking price, it will undoubtedly etch its name in the annals of real estate history as the most expensive residential sale ever recorded in the United States, solidifying Naples’ status as a haven for luxury coastal living.
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