A $60 Million Florida Mansion With Subterranean Secrets and Italian Flair
A beachfront mansion in Delray Beach, Florida, is seeking to set a new price record in the area with a unique combination of traditional Italian grandeur and modern luxurious amenities. This unique architectural masterpiece, known as Mar Pietra, which translates to "sea stone" in Italian, is listed for a staggering $60 million. The home, built by Massimo Musa, a successful entrepreneur in the eye-care industry, boasts an array of captivating features, from the 300 stone-carved columns and vaulted ceilings in the main residence to the subterranean space packed with modern marvels including a supercar gallery, a glowing tequila bar, and a steel vault filled with cash.
Key Takeaways:
- Record-Breaking Price: Mar Pietra’s $60 million asking price aims to surpass the previous record for a single-family home in Delray Beach, currently standing at $34 million.
- Unique Design: The home seamlessly blends classic Italian architectural elements, such as hand-carved marble and fresco ceilings, with modern luxury features like a supercar garage and a glowing tequila bar.
- Rare Zoning: Mar Pietra benefits from unique zoning allowances that allowed for a larger footprint and proximity to the shoreline than typically permitted under current regulations, making it a truly one-of-a-kind property.
- Subterranean Secrets: The home’s underground level offers an unexpected and exciting twist, housing a supercar gallery, a tequila bar, and a stunning home theater.
- Two-Lot Opportunity: Musa is open to selling the property with the adjoining Intracoastal Waterway lot, creating the only ocean-to-intracoastal compound in Delray Beach.
A Symphony of Stone and Modern Luxury:
The construction of Mar Pietra was a labor of love, taking five years to complete and employing dozens of skilled craftsmen, painters, and sculptors, many hailing from Italy. The home is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship, with tons of limestone imported from Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, hand-carved marble shipped from Verona, Italy, and vast panels of cedar sourced from Colombia. These exquisite materials come together to create an unparalleled experience of opulence and Italian design.
Beyond the Surface: Unveiling the Underground Oasis:
Stepping inside Mar Pietra’s main residence, visitors are greeted by a grand staircase leading to a central open-air courtyard, reminiscent of Miami’s Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. The interior features vaulted ceilings, intricate stonework, ornate fireplaces, and a library with a fresco-adorned ceiling inspired by the Sistine Chapel.
But the true surprise lies beneath the surface. The subterranean level, a testament to modern luxury, features a climate-controlled garage that comfortably houses a collection of supercars. Adjacent to the garage is a sophisticated lounge offering breathtaking views of the car collection through a floor-to-ceiling wall of curved glass. A steel vault, strategically placed on the side wall, serves as both a functional storage space and a captivating art piece.
More Than Just a Home: A Compound of Extraordinary Proportions:
The $60 million listing also includes a separate two-story guesthouse, offering three bedrooms, three full baths, and two half baths. However, Musa isn’t stopping there. He is open to selling the property along with the neighboring lot on the Intracoastal Waterway, creating a unique opportunity to construct a second waterfront house and adding a rare spot on the Intracoastal Waterway for a mega yacht.
Luxury Real Estate in the Face of Market Shifts:
While the luxury real estate market in South Florida experienced a slight downturn in the first quarter of 2023, with inventory rising and average sales prices dropping, Senada Adzem, the listing agent for the property, remains optimistic about the market’s future. She emphasizes the continued allure of Palm Beach County for wealthy clientele, citing factors such as oceanfront locations, privacy, and exclusivity.
A Rare Offering in a Competitive Market
Adzem points to the recent sale of a $50 million oceanfront home in Highland Beach as a testament to the strength of the ultra-luxury market. She also notes that Mar Pietra’s unique zoning allowances and meticulous construction are key factors in its high asking price. While the market offers other impressive waterfront properties, Mar Pietra’s rare combination of historical grandeur, modern amenities, and its potential for expansion make it a truly exceptional offering.
A Legacy of Luxury and Design:
Mar Pietra stands as a testament to Massimo Musa’s vision and passion for creating a unique and breathtaking home. The property’s blend of traditional Italian design elements and modern technological advances, along with its expansive grounds, underscores the unparalleled luxury that can be found on Delray Beach’s prestigious South Ocean Boulevard. Whether purchased as a single property or as a two-lot compound, Mar Pietra promises to be a captivating acquisition for those seeking a home that transcends the boundaries of traditional and modern.
