In Florida, an Oceanfront Mansion Takes the Proverbial Simple Glass Box to New Level

For a certain ilk of moneyed homebuyer, the epitome of good taste is a simple glass box set on a beautiful beach. And indeed, such houses can be seen just about everywhere rich people gather to frolic in the sand and surf, whether it’s St. Barths, the Hamptons, or South Florida.

But for those who like a little something (or a lot) more than a simple glass box, a brand-new ultra-contemporary mansion set right on the sand in under-the-radar Highland Beach — on a barrier island along the northern shores of Boca Raton, just south of Delray Beach — checks off all the give-me-more glass boxes and then some. Large? Yes, it’s pushing up on 12,000 square feet. A lot of bedrooms? Yes. More bathrooms than bedrooms? Uh-huh, there are seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms, plus three more powder rooms. Über-modern infinity pool and spa? Do you even have to ask?

Stacked four stories tall with unimpeded ocean views, the glass-walled house makes the most of its smallish .57-acre plot. And for those worried about nature and its sometimes angry ways, the property sits well above sea level and is protected behind a sea wall. Constructed of concrete, the house also includes impact windows and doors throughout, while smarthome automation, a gate, and multi-camera security mean owners needn’t worry when not at home.

The house enjoys a low-maintenance tropical landscape dotted with specimen palms, not to mention, as the listing puts it, “motor court parking in front of the auto salon.” That’s what regular people call a driveway and a five-car garage. Entry is via a pivoting glass door leading to a large window overlooking the pool. A glass-encased elevator services all four floors, while those who wish to firm their legs can take the glass and wood staircase. There’s also a screening room with luxury seating on this level.

On the second floor, framed by glass front and rear (seriously, folks, send someone to Costco for a few dozen cases of Windex!), the two-story living room opens to the oceanside pool deck. The north wing is defined by a Mondrian-style wall, which creates partial separation between the living room and the top-of-the-line kitchen and dining room. The dining room opens to a covered alfresco dining terrace with a full summer kitchen. Beyond the kitchen is a staff suite with a full bath and private entrance. The main floor is completed by a guest suite and a cabana bath accessible from the pool area.

The third-floor primary suite, as with many hyper-luxury new builds, is practically an apartment of its own: entry vestibule; morning/midnight bar complete with dishwasher; dual walk-in closets; a bed chamber with floor-to-ceiling ocean views; a glass-railed oceanfront balcony; and a huge bath with all the bells and whistles. Across the glass-railed bridge is another guest suite, along with a laundry room.

Up top is a family room with floor-to-ceiling glass and a sit-down bar with refrigerated wine storage. Completing the penthouse level are three en-suite guest bedrooms, a second laundry room, and a gym. Back downstairs, beyond the covered patios and the sexy swimming pool, is a private stairway to the beach.

Not as well known as some of its nearby neighbors, Highland Beach is well situated, with Palm Beach International Airport just 25 minutes away and Boca Raton’s private airport about 17 minutes away.

Asking $31.5 million, the glass box residence is listed with Carmen N. D’Angelo, Joseph G. Liguori, and Gerard P. Liguori at Premier Estate Properties, who also built the house. Taxes are a yikes-worthy $81,000 a year.

P.S. The Costco in Boca is only about 15 minutes away!