This estate has truly gone to the dogs. Believe it or not, a handsome German shepherd named Gunther VI owns this Miami mansion, and he also boasts a net worth of half a billion bucks. Yes, that is certainly a lot of Beggin’ Strips.
So how did Gunther make his money? Silicon Valley tech startup? Cryptocurrency trading? Derivative swaps? TikTok? Nope. He made it the old fashioned way: he inherited it from his grandfather, Gunther IV, who also inherited from his sire — that would be, of course, Gunther III, who was bequeathed a multimillion-dollar trust from German countess Karlotta Liebenstein, who died in 1992.
It was Gunther IV who purchased the Miami house from Madonna about 20 years ago, paying $7.5 million. Situated behind gates right next to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, the property includes a 1.2-acre plot with 100 feet of water frontage. Perfect for a hound used to the finer things in life, there are plush lawns and lush landscaping for lifting one’s leg, a swimming pool for cooling off, a private dock for sunbathing whilst taking in open Biscayne Bay and city views. And today’s price? A whopping $31.75 million. Ruthie and Ethan Assouline at Compass hold the listing.
The house is spacious and Mediterranean in style, with 8,400 square feet, 9 bedrooms and 8.5 bathrooms, though Gunther VI personally prefers to hang around the grassy yard. There’s also a large kitchen, perfect for rustling up the steaks Gunther prefers, a grand coral staircase, and a great room with vintage millwork. We are not sure if the gold-framed portrait of Gunther that hangs over the living room fireplace is included in the sale, but we’d insist on it.
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Image Credit: LPG for The Assouline Team at Compass Wanting to know more, Dirt naturally asked Gunther some questions about his property portfolio and lifestyle.
Love your round bed, Gunther. Where did it come from?
It was custom made for me. The velvet is super soft, so it’s cozy for my frequent naps.Who manages your money for you?
My team is great—they’ve purchased mansions and villas all over the world, from Miami to Florence and Milan, and have also invested in various sectors from real estate to publishing, sports teams, nightclubs and scientific research. I keep a full staff of maids and butlers who tend to my every whim, whether it’s riding in one of my sports cars with the top down and my tongue out or going for a cruise on one of my yachts. I do enjoy the simple things in life, too, such as chasing a tennis ball.That sounds like a dream dog’s life.
It is. My main kennel is in Tuscany, and I travel between my homes on my private jet, which is pretty sweet. But we also believe in giving back: Gunther Rescue helps animals in need.Any hardships?
I do live with six cats. That’s about six too many, if you ask me.So, Gunther, are you single?
The bitches never leave me alone. When I go out clubbing, there’s always some hot poodle batting her eyelashes at me. But I’m not interested in gold-diggers, y’know?What’s on the menu for tonight?
I usually have steak and caviar. Would you care for some? I can ask the maid to put out an extra bowl for you.You are such a sweet boy, Gunther, but no thank you.
No. Thank you! You may scratch me behind my ears now. -
Image Credit: LPG for The Assouline Team at Compass -
Image Credit: LPG for The Assouline Team at Compass -
Image Credit: LPG for The Assouline Team at Compass -
Image Credit: LPG for The Assouline Team at Compass -
Image Credit: LPG for The Assouline Team at Compass -
Kitchen
Image Credit: LPG for The Assouline Team at Compass -
Pool
Image Credit: LPG for The Assouline Team at Compass -
Image Credit: LPG for The Assouline Team at Compass