Gold Coast: Palm Beach Perfection

Gold Coast is a new real estate feature for this blog, focusing on notable homes for sale around the country. My goal in highlighting these properties is to inspire and delight you.

I'm starting with one of the country's most famous coastal towns, Palm Beach. Last weekend, I visited the area for the first time, driving up A1A North through some of the area's most valuable scenery. It's a great town to explore, with its stunning Atlantic vistas and elegant shops and resorts. At the end of this posting are some travel resources you may enjoy.


The Property

Sotheby's International Realty of Palm Beach calls this one a "Magnificent Fatio Mediterranean." I was not familiar with architect Maurice Fatio, but he's mentioned in tandem with the more well-known Addison Mizner for creating the local Palm Beach Mediterranean aesthetic. This home, MLS # 08-1307, is one of Fatio's creations.

I suspect that the interiors may be dated, which is why none of them show up in the photo gallery. Perhaps they were modernized in the 60s or 70s and no longer fit the home's historic architecture. Or maybe they're original, but largely in poor repair. I welcome a response from the Realtor on this matter.









Details, Details

Here is the listing description: Maurice Fatio Mediterranean Estate with 150 ft. oceanfront and 150 ft. on South County Rd. plus beach parcel and cabana. Restored to original Gilded Age splendor. Living room with museum-quality linenfold paneling. (Wish they would have included a photo!) Picturesque loggias & cloister surrounding garden courtyard. Magnificent pool and 2-bedroom pool house. Very cool detail: Seller applying for permit to build tunnel under S. Ocean Blvd. to beach parcel and cabana. (I believe Trump has such a tunnel for his local estate.)

Property Features include:

Year Built: 1930
6 Bedrooms
10 Full Baths
4 Half Baths
Hardwood Floors
Casement Windows
Guesthouse/Cottage
Built-in Grill


The Pricetag

$19,500,000*

*Original full 288' oceanfront listing including tennis court still available for $35M.


Palm Beach Bonus

Here are some rich resources for visiting Palm Beach:

Design*Sponge City Guide - Oriented to design-savvy travelers like us
Fodors - Travel details for everyone; my usual guidebooks and site
Forbes Traveler - A different perspective, some really nice recommendations
Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach - For those interested in the local architecture