With Its Modernist Simplicity, a Brand-New Florida Home May Set Town Record

The small and somewhat under-the-radar town of Bay Harbor Islands, about nine miles north of South Beach, has undergone something of a luxury transformation over the past few years as the South Florida real estate market has heated up and caught on fire. At the north end of Biscayne Bay, the town of 6,000 residents consists of two islands that are not so imaginatively known as the West and East Islands. To the west, across the bay is the city of North Miami, while to the east, across Indian Creek, lies the tony village of Bal Harbour.

A recently completed residence near the center of West Island has just been listed at $8.4 million, the most ever asked for a non-waterfront home in Bay Harbor Island. Crafted by Stephanie D. Halfen, founder SDH Studio Architecture + Design, the seven-bedroom and six-and-a-half-bath dwelling’s façade is sheathed in a combination of coral and shell stone, both materials an echo of the early days of Florida architecture.

Inside, the combination of natural materials and modern minimalism makes for a luxurious tropical vibe. Oversized blocks of limestone flooring add to the natural palette, while 11-foot ceilings make for elegant proportions in the downstairs entertaining areas. Black-bordered floor-to-ceiling windows keep the interiors crisp and bright.

At the center of the great room, the Mia Cucina kitchen incorporates black-lacquered Italian cabinets, premium-quality appliances and quartz countertops, while the second-floor primary suite is awash in earthy elements of gray marble and dark wood. The powder room is accented by a wall of travertine that complements the custom-made vanity, while other bathrooms are adorned with beautiful gray Grigio Argento marble.

This being South Florida, the backyard features lush greenery and a 38-foot pool. There’s also an outdoor shower, a summer kitchen with black granite countertops and a sheltered outdoor dining area, an essential feature for passing thunderstorms.

Set on almost a quarter acre of land, the 5,500-square-foot organic-modern home is repped by Dina Goldentayer at Douglas Elliman.