Florida’s Fort Lauderdale has weathered the ravages of Hurricane Irma and is now well and truly open for business
People from all over the world are drawn to Fort Lauderdale, also known as the ‘Venice of America’, because of its fabulous coastline and plethora of waterfront residences. Its world-class shopping, dining, cultural activities and one of the most spectacular boat shows you will find anywhere in the world are only few of the many highlights of the area. Ron Shuffield, President, EWM Realty International, says,
“With much of the same benefits of its larger neighbour, Miami, but much lower cost, it’s no surprise so many people have their eyes set on Fort Lauderdale.”
Mr Shuffield reports that the markets in Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas of Broward County have seen a lot of positive change in recent years.
“Miami, has experienced a high rate of growth over the last decade,”
he says.
“As competition for property in Miami-Dade County increases, residents have ventured north into Fort Lauderdale where they can experience a similar lifestyle for much less cost.”
Christies International Real Estate finds that Las Olas Isles, Harbor Beach and Rio Vista prove popular with those seeking high-end properties. Buyers tend to be ‘tail end Baby Boomers’, those from west Broward suburbs, Miami-Dade County, California, Northeast US, Texas and Chicago. The company reports that the market is stable but becoming more of a buyer’s market in terms of being able to negotiate the price.
Built in 1980 and twice remodelled, this superb six-bedroom, six bathroom, 6,531-square foot residence is on one of the largest plots in Bay Colony. Its extensive grounds have been scrupulously landscaped with islands of lawn, tropical plantings, mature palm trees, small hedges and trellises trailing greenery against a deep blue canal. Covered patios provide lounging and dining areas complete with barbecue, refrigerator and sink. It also includes a large swimming pool and multi-yacht dockage.
£2.6m / €2.86m / $3.437m
Christies Real Estate
www.christiesrealestate.com
Harbor Beach
Two storey penthouse on the 19th and 20th floors in one of Fort Lauderdale’s premier buildings. It offers unsurpassed direct ocean, Harbor Beach, Lake Sylvia, Port Everglades and downtown city views. With custom finishes including onyx, granite and marble, the property is freshly decorated and ready for immediate occupation.
£2.5m / €2.74m / $3.295m
Christies Real Estate
www.christiesrealestate.com
Southwest Ranches
An impressive water-feature greets visitors on entering this avant-garde, contemporary 15,932 square foot estate. Featuring floor-to-ceiling sheet glass windows, the two-storey, six-bedroom, eight bathroom mansion also includes a study, theatre, dual wine storage, wet bar, kitchen and laundry stations on both floors. Staff quarters are positioned with access to the garage, storage and laundry. All bedrooms are en suite with walk-in closets, while the exterior offers a large pool, covered lanai and full summer kitchen.
£5.22m / €5.72m / $6.88m
EWM Realty International
www.ewm.com
Rio Vista, Deepwater Estate
This beautiful gated estate looks south on around 100 feet of shoreline with an 80-foot yacht dockage giving quick access to the inlet. A fresh take on classic Mediterranean style, the architect-designed residence opens to an entertainment loggia and fountained pool from the elegant living/dining rooms, gourmet kitchen and family room with bar. Upstairs, the multi-room master wing has two waterside balconies.
£3.15m / €3.45m / $4.15m
Christies Real Estate
www.christiesrealestate.com
Harbourage Place
An elite residence in the sky, this is one of just 44 residences in the 23-storey Harbourage Place situated directly on Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway. Its expansive living spaces include a living room, dining room and den area, all featuring magnificent marble floors, custom millwork and moldings, and motorised sun shades. The 600 square feet of terraces are nearly all under cover, allowing for indoor/outdoor entertaining.
A chef’s-style eat-in kitchen offers an expansive workspace with granite countertops and backsplash, a tiered breakfast counter and an oversized culinary island. The master retreat features walls of glass that frame views of the ocean and Fort Lauderdale Beach, its own private terrace, walk-in closets and a spa with ‘his and her’ separate vanities.
£1.21m / €1.33m / $1.595m
EWM Realty International
www.ewm.com
Hallandale
Contemporary waterfront estate in the golden isles, one of South Florida’s most sought-after areas. The large lot is on a quiet cul-de-sac street and has deep water, ocean access with no fixed bridges to the ocean. Spanning over 7,800 square feet, the property has five bedrooms and six bathrooms, including a sumptuous master suite with private terrace. Walls of glass lead to the lush backyard, pool area and summer kitchen. Elsewhere, the home is superbly equipped with a custom home theatre, gourmet kitchen, bar and open dining area.
£4.51m / €4.95m / $5.95m
EWM Realty International
www.ewm.com
