Charles Andrews – ONE Sotheby’s International Realty
It’s no exaggeration to say that Miami Beach is a marvel—a marvel of nature, culture, engineering and ingenuity. Barrier islands, some of which were man made, stretch between the radiant waters of Biscayne Bay and the turquoise tides of the Atlantic. They are home to some of the world’s finest resorts and residences, shopping and dining, and art, architecture, and design.
But the best work of art and architecture is one that you can call your own—one that you can call home. And to that end, nothing compares to this custom, canal-side masterpiece located in the exceptional Biscayne Point, one of the most prominent communities in Miami Beach. Every day spent in this stunning villa, and in this vibrant city, brings new spaces to explore.
Morning: From the Beaches to the Boardwalk
When the sun’s first rays fan over the eastern horizon, reaching across the open expanse of the ocean, you’re already enjoying it from your rooftop sundeck, sipping your coffee next to the plunge pool. The tropical foliage sways lightly in a mild breeze, and it’s so pleasant that you’re tempted to head to North Beach Oceanside Park, a renowned (yet still tranquil) nature area that you can drive to within minutes.
But you’ll have plenty of other days to relax on the beach; right now, you have plans. You go to the garage, get the car, and head out onto State Road A1A—also known as the iconic Collins Avenue—which parallels the shoreline all the way from your home in Biscayne Point to South Pointe Park at the southernmost tip of Miami Beach. It’s a scenic drive, and as you approach the city center, near 17th Street, you park so you can stroll down the famous Miami Beach Boardwalk.
Once you reach the acclaimed Lincoln Road, it’s time for breakfast. This one-of-a-kind pedestrian mall, designed by the distinguished architect Morris Lapidus, was constructed in 1960, has a global reputation for its restaurants, cafés, shops, and galleries. It’s not busy right now and you can take your time touring the picturesque coastal boulevards; Arts Center South Florida, the Colony Theater, and the New World Symphony are all located here, and you make a mental note to check out their programs this season.
Noon: Art Basel Arrives in the Art Deco District
Now for the real reason you’ve come to the middle of town today: as November draws to an end, the city is preparing for the launch of Art Basel. That means the best of the international art world has landed in the Art Deco Historic District, energized by premier exhibitions, inspiring installations, elegant parties, and a broad selection of curated ancillary events.
By the time you return home in the early afternoon, you’re invigorated. You prepare a light, delicious lunch in your state-of-the-art, open-concept dining and living space, with its vaulted wooden ceilings and garden views. A retractable wall of glass grants immediate access to your immaculate poolside patio.
Admiring your property, you can’t help but notice how the main level—with its purpose-built art walls lined with hardwood, perfect acoustics, and open floor plan—would be an ideal showcase for several of the pieces you just witnessed. As you return to Art Basel Miami Beach in the days ahead, you’ll have an eye for expanding your private collection.
Night: A Twilight Cruise Through Biscayne Bay
You’re excited to return to the southern portion of the city because Art Basel isn’t the only festival to showcase color and sound late in the season. At the end of November and the beginning of December, SCOPE Miami Beach brings approximately 150 artists with diverse contemporary practices to different sites around town.
After browsing the work on display at SCOPE Miami Beach, you head a little further west along 8th Street to the Designer District, an urban enclave of upscale boutiques where you can not only engage in a little retail therapy, but meander north back onto the Art Deco streets of downtown, and find a fashionable restaurant to order some dinner.
When you arrive home, the sun is setting over mainland Miami, and you just have to soak in the beauty. Luckily, just beyond your covered terrace, personal spa, and infinity pool, your home is among those with exclusive waterfront access. With your beautiful private boardwalk leading straight to the brand new dock and proprietary boat lift, setting sail is enviably easy. It takes no time for you to settle comfortably in your personal vessel and head out onto Biscayne Bay to make the most of the breathtaking evening views. As the sun sets and you chart a course homeward, you’re already thinking about what tomorrow holds in store.