How about an animal mural on your rotunda ceiling? Or a private collector's hall for displaying your large statue of a horse? Wealthy animal art lovers, the perfect home for you has just hit the market in Coral Gables, Fla., for $67 million, making it the second-most expensive listing in Miami-Dade County.
Car dealer Alan Potamkin and his wife, Dr. Brigitt Rok-Potamkin, are selling their 20,862-square-foot mansion at 1 Casuarina Concourse in Coral Gables, in the gated community of Gables Estates. A major nature-lover, Potamkin brought many trees to the property, including one he purchased from Leona Helmsley. He put in two saltwater aquariums and an aviary. And while the horse statue is not included in the listing, "There’s plenty of room for animals to roam around the property," says Jill Eber, who together with Jill Hertzberg, both of Coldwell Banker, has the listing. The 3.6-acre lot juts out into Biscayne Bay, offering a broad waterfront view and 937 feet of private water frontage, including a private beach.
Built in 2000, the home features a front lawn with a much older—more than a century—Tanzanian Baobob tree that has itself been designated a historical landmark. "It came over from Tanzania," says Hertzberg, noting that it is the mother tree used to started a Baobab tree farm in South Florida. Another century-old banyan tree graces the grounds, which feature a koi pond, tennis and basketball courts, and a large heated pool and spa overlooking the bay. The property’s 100-foot-long dock can accommodate boats of up to 130 feet in length.
The house itself is three stories, with a main floor boasting both a main and separate chef’s kitchen, a formal dining room and a 1,500-bottle wine room. The main floor has a family room with a movie projector, as well as multiple offices, one with a private bath, a den, a guest bedroom, and a children’s playroom. There are three fireplaces on the main floor.
The home’s second level has a master suite with a fireplace, his-and-hers walk-in closets, and ocean views. The master bath has a steam shower, a tub, dual vanities, and two (separated) toilets. The second floor has three additional bedrooms, each with its own bath. This floor also houses the gallery, designed for the owner’s art collection.
The basement level is for relaxation and entertaining, and features a game and billiard room with a kitchenette and full gym, a boxing room, massage room, and a two-bedroom nanny unit. There is also an attached guest apartment with a master bedroom, guestroom, office, kitchen, laundry room and private entrance.
The most expensive home for sale in Miami-Dade County currently is a $75 million property, a pocket listing (not listed on the MLS), at 40 Star Island in Miami Beach.
