SOUTH FLORIDA
THE PREMIER LUXURY HOME AND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

THE PREMIER LUXURY HOME AND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
PRESENTED BY MARGIT BRANDT PREMIER ESTATE PROPERTIES
Summer Day in Palm Beach, from
t’s summertime in Palm Beach—or, as some of us like to call it, locals’ season. Traffic thins, the pace slows, dinner reservations come easy, and the Florida sun comes out in full force. Humid, hot, and muggy, yes, but there are many things to love about summertime in Palm Beach. Here’s how
Start your day as the locals do, with a candycolored sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. It’s one of the best times of day to hit the beach during summer if you want to skip the extreme UV index of midday. Then grab a coffee, matcha, or Banks Bagel from everyone’s new favorite café, Drift Palm Beach (instagram.com/drift_pb), recently
Rookie move: biking the lake trail during the daytime, when it’s hottest and a sunburn is
guaranteed. Expert move: biking the lake trail during golden hour or just after sunrise. Grab a premium electric bike from Palm Beach Ebike Rentals (pbebike.com) to pedal the island in style; the sisters can also recommend the best routes depending on what you want to see.
MUSEUMS, LONG LUNCHES, AND MORE Dodge the summer thunderstorms, which hit every afternoon, and spend the better part of the day inside and away from the elements. The Norton Museum of Art (norton.org) is a good choice for those interested in art, history, and culture; current special exhibitions include Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet
org), which has a permanent collection of millions of items spanning more than 12,000 years of Palm Beach County and Florida history. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $5 per person.
More interested in exercising the AmEx? Many stores on Worth Avenue close during the summer, and the street gets hot with minimal shade. Instead, stroll the breezy arcades of The Royal Poinciana Plaza, housing everything from Assouline to Zimmermann. For lunch, tuck into Sant Ambroeus if you like to linger, Celis Juice Bar for something quick and healthy, or—my favorite—the speakeasy vibes of Honor Bar behind Palm Beach Grill.
As for dinner? Take your pick—even the island’s most coveted reservations aren’t hard to score in
Margit, you've been recognized as one of the top-performing brokers in South Florida, can you share which accolades or awards have been most meaningful to you and why?
Thank you! What means the most to us is the trust of our clients and the respect of our colleagues and helping people find the right home is always the ultimate reward.
In terms of recognition, were ranked by Real Trends as a Top 20 Individual Agent in America and Top 6 in Florida for 2025, and noted as the youngest agent on that list. We also ranked among the Top 10 female real estate advisors in America, which is especially meaningful as a woman-owned and women-staffed business.
In 2024, we achieved the #1 Highest Price Per Sale nationally at $34M+ (for agents with over
10 transactions) and handled the Largest Sale on the East Coast, a private island in Palm Beach. We've also transacted over $1 billion in sales since 2022, proudly cementing our position at Premier Estate Properties.
None of this would be possible without the trust of our clients and the dedication of our team—we’re truly grateful.
What distinguishes your approach in South Florida’s luxury real estate community?
We take a highly personalized approach— every client and property gets a tailored strategy. It’s about combining market expertise with attention to detail, anticipating needs, and making the experience seamless and enjoyable. We focus on positive relationships and believe househunting should feel fun, not transactional.
Your listing at 253 Jamaica Lane in Palm Beach is this month’s featured cover property of South Florida Real Estate Showcase. What makes this home so special?
253 Jamaica Lane is a like-new Dutch Colonial gem on the North End of Palm Beach. It blends classic elegance with sunfilled designer interiors and seamless indooroutdoor flow—perfect for entertaining or relaxing by the pool. The North End has a real sense of community, where neighbors wave, take golf cart rides to the beach, and enjoy dog walks along the Lake Trail. It truly feels like a private sanctuary with that laidback, Bahamas-inspired Palm Beach vibe.
Word is out that you are opening your own Palm Beach storefront on Royal Palm Way, expanding from the original Premier Estate Properties’ Worth Avenue location. Can you tell us more?
We’re really excited about this new space. We’re working with designers now on a full transformation to make it feel like a home away from home, not just an office. With over five years as one of Palm Beach Island’s top agents, this new location strengthens the Margit Brandt Palm Beach presence and positions us, alongside our partners Premier Estate Properties, right at the center of Palm Beach’s most prestigious business district.
We love stopping into Red Horse Market for some light groceries, breakfast at Sant Ambroeus in East Hampton, Round Swamp and Balsam farm stands for fresh produce, Soul Cycle in Bridgehampton, Tutto Il Giorno in Sag Harbor for dinner, and taking the boat out to Shelter Island. Sundays in Montauk aren't too shabby either. The Hamptons is really my happy place.
Located in the heart of Downtown West Palm Beach, this timelessly chic residential tower will offer the ultimate South Florida lifestyle. Beaches and boating, Italian-style dining and social spaces are just steps from home.
Residential interiors and amenity spaces reflect the global culture and oceanside energy that gives West Palm Beach its unique character and soul. Rich, natural materials, open, light-filled layouts, ocean-inspired elements and masterful craftsmanship touch every detail of design.
Residences starting from $1.6M
MrCResidencesWPB.com info@mrcresidenceswpb.com 561.516.3165
Mr. C Sales Gallery 401 S. Olive Street West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Itrophy properties — those featuring new construction, premier waterfront, or perfect turnkey design — remain market is embracing renewed vibrancy as confidence
connection to the essence of a home. And for those that
HRES spoke with some of the region’s most soughtafter brokers. Their perspectives offer a window into a season defined by bold moves and shifting dynamics. Here’s what they had to say.
HRES: What are the current trends you’re seeing in luxury home pricing across South Florida?
Waterfront trophy properties are selling at staggering numbers. Palm Beach Island, recognized as the leading luxury market in the country—and arguably the world—with a median sales price of $13 million, is at the forefront of these record-breaking transactions. Buyers from around the globe are moving to this area, exploring options along the East Coast to find homes that fit their needs and budgets. These buyers are knowledgeable and take the time to understand the market. With increased inventory, they have more choices. Move-in ready homes continue to fetch impressive prices and sell quickly when aligned with the market value, which is now double what it was just three years ago.
BEACH HOUSE IN THE SKY A boutique-sized and exquisitely located collection of just 30 oceanfront beach houses with over 50,000 square feet of amenities, architecture by Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design, refined interiors by Alessandro Munge of Studio Munge, lush landscaping by Naturalficial, and dining by Michelin-starred Chef José Andrés.
South Florida have maintained their values as evidenced by strong sale prices. The highest equestrian related sale to date in Wellington is $25,500,000 with substantial sales in other equestrian communities throughout Wellington.
HRES: How has inventory changed year-over-year in the $10M+ range, and what impact is that having on sellers and buyers?
Inventory in the $10M+ range across South Florida has grown year over year, giving ultra-luxury buyers a bit more to choose from—but only on the surface. The truth is, while more listings have hit the market, the number of exceptional properties—those offering new construction, prime waterfront, or fully furnished designer finishes—remains limited and incredibly sought-after.
Sales slowed down quite a bit in the first quarter, but prices stayed strong thanks to more high-end deals in the mix. Even with fewer homes changing hands, luxury buyers helped push pricing upward, especially with standout waterfront sales that reinforced the value of top-tier real estate.
For buyers, that means patience is key—many are holding out for properties that deliver not just luxury, but lifestyle. For sellers, it’s a moment to shine if the home offers something truly special.
the season, and this, coupled with increased uncertainty in the global markets gave buyers pause. With more choices and more uncertainty, buyers took longer to make decisions. However, in the past few months, with price reductions and growing confidence in the economy and less uncertainty, buyers have come back to the table with offers and the supply is getting taken out once again. Confidence in our market is back again, and buyers are realizing they must be more aggressive in order to secure a property for next season.
HRES: Can you share one of your standout sales so far this year?
DAVID WELLES: One of my recent sales was $12,500,000 for a 20 stall equestrian property in Grand Prix Village on just over 3 acres near the horse show grounds. It included an owners apartment with elevator, several staff quarters
located in the prestigious Saint Andrew’s Country Club. This fully furnished, designer-renovated estate wasn’t just a home—it was a luxurious wellness retreat wrapped in resort-style living. What made this sale especially significant was how quickly it resonated in today’s market. Listed at just over $7M, it went under contract in under two weeks—a rare feat, even in a strong market. The message is clear: luxury buyers are still ready to act, but they’re looking for more than just a beautiful home. They want that intangible “something special”—a feeling, an experience, a lifestyle.
HRES: Are you seeing an increase in off-market or pocket listings? What does that suggest about today’s seller strategies?
One of the most memorable sales we had this year in South Florida was 7226 Ayrshire Lane,
FRANCES & TODD PETER: We are seeing a slight uptick in off market and pocket listings, but this is pretty typical for this time of year as buyers want to “rest their properties” over the summer to reduce days on market. Sellers will also wait to officially list their homes until the fall when more buyers are present.
HRES: Are features like waterfront access, smart tech, or wellness spaces helping homes sell faster or fetch higher prices?
ELIZABETH DEWOODY: Waterfront properties are in high demand. Buyers approach me with specific requirements, such as intracoastal waterfront homes with deep water, a dock, and proximity to the inlet, or oceanfront properties with private beach front parcels, deeded beach access, or direct ocean feet in the sand homes. I currently have the only new construction oceanfront home listed on Palm Beach Island, north of Mar-a-Lago, available for the upcoming 2026 season. 1285 N Ocean is fully equipped with a basement, wine cellar, fitness room, and oceanfront lap pool and spa, ready for its new owner!
THE WELL Bay Harbor Islands is more than a high-end home. It’s 400,000 square feet of spaces and services surrounded by tranquil beauty to help you live a healthier, balanced everyday —It’s fresh-pressed juice at your doorstep, a weekly massage in your living room, yoga on the terrace, workouts in your private gym, a breakthrough session with your nutritionist, restored sleep, new meditation practices, fitness in body, mind and spirit—your home for personal wellness.
Residences from $1.4 Million. Approaching Completion. Move-In This Year.
From Wynwood to West Palm Beach, These are Some of the Area’s Best French Dining Options
BY MARIETTE WILLIAMS
signature attention to detail to Bouchon. Tucked into the historic circa 1924 La Palma building, the restaurant is a French feast of classics like roast chicken, steak frites, and croque madame. If you’re in the mood for seafood, the “fruits de mer” section has a fine array of oysters, mussels, lobster, and shrimp. The wine menu features bottles from France and California and classic French cocktails like the French 75 and the St. Germain Spritz.
Downtown Brickell’s ongoing transformation includes the addition of Claudie, which opened in February 2025. Inspired by the South of France,
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straight from the source, like lobster flown in from Maine, salmon from the Faroe Islands, and tomahawk steaks from Australia. The restaurant has a long list of wines imported from France, Italy, and Spain, and the cocktails pay homage to French icons like Renoir and Coco Chanel. Celebrate your evening with the Eau de Coco, a smooth cocktail infused with vodka, coconut, passion fruit, and lavender.
Also in Brickell, Dirty French Steakhouse is a contemporary steakhouse influenced by French flavors. The windowless dining room is an opulent space with lots of glam details (think gold tray ceilings, zebra print chairs, and gold and purple booths). The food here is a master class in steak and seafood. The 32-ounce Tomahawk steak and 40-oz Porterhouse steak are meant for sharing, and there’s also a sumptuous duck à l’orange and Dover sole meuniere on the menu. Though the restaurant specializes in French flavors, there are still a few nods to Florida, like the crisp Key West cocktail, made with rum, grapefruit, mint, and tarragon. For dessert, save room for the hot beignets and classic crème brûlée.
Pastis was a mainstay in Manhattan for 15 years before arriving in South Florida, and when Pastis Miami arrived in Wynwood in 2023, the French restaurant was an instant hit. The menu here is a solid selection of French favorites, including onion soup, escargot, steak frites, and a raw
bar with scallop crudo. Inside, the dining room features a few Pastis signature design details like white subway tiles, red leather banquettes, and hand-painted mirrors that display the daily specials. There’s no shortage of French wines and classic cocktails on the menu, and for dessert, the profiteroles and sticky toffee pudding are not to miss. Outside, there’s plenty of courtyard seating for enjoying a breezy dinner with friends.
West Palm Beach’s Maman opened in August 2024, and the charming French cafe joins the slew of new restaurants in CityPlace, the city’s restaurant and retail hub. Maman’s decor has a
French provincial vibe with wooden farm tables, signature blue plateware and linens, and plants and vines suspended from the walls. The popular restaurant also has a charming patio ideal for
long, lazy weekend brunches. Come here hungry and fill up on a few of Maman’s popular menu items like the seasonal quiche, pina colada pancakes, and eggs ratatouille. And if you have a sweet tooth, the bakery churns out a few French classics like the flaky almond croissants and decadent pain au chocolat.
At Miami Tropic, a new standard of living takes root, where Jean-Georges expands his culinary mastery into the realm of residential lifestyle.
Overlooking the vibrant Design District, Miami Tropic debuts the city’s first abc kitchens by Jean-Georges, with curated programming throughout. The renowned Yabu Pushelberg designed striking, lush interiors for homes unlike any other in Miami.
South Florida continues to lead the luxury real estate scene, with bold sales reflecting deep-rooted confidence in its lifestyle and value. From Palm Beach estates to Miami penthouses, high-end buyers are claiming their slice of paradise—lured by tax perks, year-round sun, and a life of privacy, prestige, and coastal ease.
BY SKYE SHERMAN
Make a Palm Beach address your own — at least for a spell. These hotels blend the island’s storied past with a new-and-now verve.
Long a magnet for the rich and rarefied — from Frank Sinatra to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor — The Colony Hotel remains one of the hottest places to see and be seen on the island. With its signature pink facade, chintzy Florida-shaped pool, and unique take on laidback luxe, it’s equally popular among the younger set and their grandparents.
Andrew and Sarah Wetenhall, the owners of the Colony Hotel, have added to their hospitality portfolio with the March 2025 acquisition of The Hedges Inn—an iconic 13room property in East Hampton.
From the island of Nantucket to the island of Palm Beach comes the White Elephant, a luxury boutique hotel set in a historic building in the center of town. The level of pretension
the epitome of a luxurious resort stay. Nothing beats the hotel’s attentive service, fine dining, beautiful beach, and plentiful activities. For an even more exclusive experience, stay at the 25room Flagler Club, a next-level hotel-withina-hotel spanning two private floors inside The Breakers. There’s a chauffeured Tesla house car, private rooftop terrace, and snacks served all day long.
location and its southerly sister: here, winter days average a balmy 80 degrees.
Some hotels are shining stars that burn brightly but eventually dim; The Breakers has a 125-year history as a grande dame of high society and
Who can resist a boutique hotel that feels more like an exclusive enclave within a residential area of midtown Palm Beach? Not guests of The Brazilian Court Hotel, which is perhaps the most plush yet homey accommodation option available on the island. Marrying Spanish
Sure, The Boca Raton is off-island, but it’s nevertheless the of-the-moment destination of the in crowd — and worth the 30-minute drive south to Boca Raton. A recent $200 million renovation of this nearly 100 year old hotel aims to usher in a new golden era of South Florida and has the rooms, dining destinations, and multifaceted resort experience to succeed.
INSIDE VILLA MIAMI
Developed by Terra and One Thousand Group and brought to life by the creative force behind hospitality icon Major Food Group (MFG), Villa is not just a residence; it stands apart in a city that is always redefining luxury.
Rising 56 stories above Biscayne Bay at 710 NE 29th Street, the copper-clad tower offers just 70 half- and full-floor homes that channel estatestyle living in the sky. With an onsite private dock, rooftop helipad, and uninterrupted views of sea and skyline, every detail is sculpted for those who demand the exceptional.
“Villa Miami offers an intimate, estate-style living experience that redefines what it means to live in the sky,” said David Martin, CEO of Terra. “We’ve created a sense of privacy and exclusivity where every home is elevated, and the social spaces feel like a seamless extension of your personal sanctuary.”
At the heart of Villa Miami is The Copper Club, a private, residents-only sanctuary that spans three floors of curated amenities. Designed by Charles & Co. and envisioned in collaboration with MFG, this club is where the art of hospitality
meets the intimacy of home. Here, residents will find everything from private dining rooms and a screening lounge to a rooftop pool deck, yacht club, and hair salon, all tailored for effortless socializing, entertaining, and wellness.
“Villa Miami is a truly singular project,” said Kevin Venger, Co-Founder of One Thousand Group. “This is a building for those who expect more than luxury, they seek originality, intimacy and a meaningful connection to place.”
The wellness program takes cues from the legendary thermal retreats of Ischia, Italy. Think marble plunge pools, herbal steam rooms, yoga and boxing studios, and private treatment suites that rival the world’s top resorts. Complementing these serene escapes is a full-service fitness center and a pool deck staffed by MFG-trained teams who know your preferences by heart.
Villa’s culinary program is a centerpiece. Residents enjoy priority access to a brand-new two-story restaurant and bar from Major Food Group, serving coastal Italian fare in a waterfront setting
located just downstairs. Residents also have VIP status across MFG’s global network, their favorite table at Carbone is just a phone call away, their pantry comes stocked with MFG’s signature sauces and spices, and their wine cellar can be curated by an in-house sommelier.
Inside each residence, the interiors tell a story of refined, Mediterranean-inflected glamour. It’s Charles & Co.’s first Miami condominium project, and the aesthetic is unmistakable- mid-century Italian villas reimagined with soft curves, warm wood tones, and panoramic bay views. Charles is an AD100 designer with a roster of celebrity clients including the Beckhams, the Clooneys, Harry Styles, and more.
Beyond the walls, Villa operates as a seamless ecosystem of service and style. Landscape architect Enzo Enea has crafted the grounds to reflect the spirit of Miami’s natural elements.
Now under construction and with delivery slated for 2027, Villa Miami is poised to become the city's most coveted address.
Jennifer Kilpatrick is a top-tier real estate advisor known for delivering recordbreaking results and an
concierge-style
tailored to
net-worth buyers and sellers. With deep expertise in the waterfront market, strategic marketing, and a reputation built on integrity, Jennifer ensures every property is positioned for success. From securing top-dollar sales to matching discerning clients with their dream coastal homes, she sets the standard for luxury real estate in Palm Beach County, from Jupiter to Boca Raton.
2330 Sev en O ak s La ne, P al m Bea ch Garde ns $27.9M | 7 BR | 10 BA | 3 HALF BA | 21,988
Experience the ultimate in luxury living at this exceptional Palm Beach Gardens, Florida waterfront estate. An area locally renowned for its world-class golf courses & boating lifestyle. Set on 2.63 acres of manicured gardens along the Intracoastal Waterway with direct ocean access, this gated residence offers 150
feet of intracoastal frontage & a deep-water dock. The tree-lined drive creates a private entry to the main residence, guest house, resort-style infinity pool, outdoor kitchen, & a 7-car capacity. Inside, the home includes a family kitchen, separate chef’s kitchen, beautiful media room, elevator, & full Crestron home automation. Additional features include a 75KW generator, impact windows / doors, & meticulous attention to detail throughout. Just minutes from fine dining, & luxury shopping. The Palm Beach International Airport is conveniently located within 30 minutes of the home. This estate offers the perfect blend of privacy, elegance, & access to the best of South Florida’s coastal lifestyle. This is a rare opportunity to own an incredible waterfront sanctuary.
Suzanne Frisbie
Broker-Associate
Suzanne Frisbie Broker-Associate
BY MARIETTE WILLIAMS
elements in the entrance and lobby. The theater’s facade features distinctive curved neon lights, and the lobby features gleaming terrazzo tile and a pastel-colored bird mural.
And another unique testament to the Art Deco style is the Miami Beach Post Office. In what might be one of the most extravagant post offices in Florida, the building features a rotunda with a gold-painted ceiling, a working fountain, and gold-toned post office boxes. The post office was designed in 1937 by Chicago architect Howard Lovewell Cheney and is still in operation.
Visitors can also enjoy Miami’s Art Deco architecture by checking in to a number of hotels like The Gabriel Miami South Beach. Located right on Ocean Drive, the hotel is
spread across four buildings, one of which is the former Park Central Hotel, built in 1937. Designed by famed Art Deco architect Henry Hohauser, the Park Central Hotel used to be a hangout spot for Hollywood stars like Clark Gable. The contemporary property has been completely updated, but the hotel’s restaurant, Meet Dalia, still includes Art Deco details like rounded windows, sculpted gold light fixtures, and opulent velvet couches in rose and navy hues.
Another great option is the Shelborne South Beach hotel. Originally built in the 1940s, the beachfront hotel was designed by famous Art Deco architects Igor Polevitsky and Thomas Triplett Russel. The property has a signature neon ‘Shelborne ‘ sign above a circular overhang, and the lobby features hanging starburst lights, cranberry-toned mid-century furniture, and an oversized marble check-in desk.
A newer addition to Miami Beach, The Goodtime Hotel opened in 2021 and features whimsical Art Deco details like pink rotary phones, a coral-colored library, and cheeky leopard print benches. The hotel’s main attraction is the Strawberry Moon restaurant and pool club. Pinstriped awnings, teal scalloped cabanas, and striped pastel pool tiles welcome travelers to the hip pool deck. The hotel is a throwback to Miami’s Art Deco heyday and also represents Miami’s current reputation as a haven for relaxation and entertainment.
Skara Glen
Wellington, FL | Offered at $18,975,000
Equestrian Way Stables Way
Wellington, FL
Wellington, FL
Offered at $7,950,000 Offered at $7,250,000
David Welles P.A.
Global Equestrian Real Estate Advisor | Wellington, FL 561.313.9123
david.welles@sothebys.realty wellesproperties.com
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