A waterfront Miami mansion owned by Dutch photographer and film director Will van der Vlugt hit the market Tuesday for $22 million, making it the most expensive listing to hit the South Florida market during a slow holiday week.
Mr. van der Vlugt—whose production company Caramel Pictures is behind hundreds of commercials for global food and drink brands, such as Lindt, Nescafe, McDonald’s and KFC, and auto manufacturers, including Hyundai and Ford—bought the property on Biscayne Bay for $4 million in 2011, records show.
He then demolished the old house and commissioned Miami-based architect Kobi Karp to design a contemporary home, Mr. van der Vlugt said.
"I saw a house Mr. Karp designed in South Beach," Mr. van der Vlugt said. "I really like his timeless simplicity style and seamless blending of indoor and outdoor living."
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Completed in 2014, the modern mansion features a sleek concrete exterior with floor-to-ceiling glass windows in all exposures, large outdoor balconies, pools, docks and a five-car garage. It also comes with 350 feet of water frontage and a separate plunge pool on the roof deck.
The house has 14,000 square feet of interior living space, including five bedrooms, five full bathrooms, seven half-bathrooms, a living room with 22-foot ceilings and a gym. Throughout, the residence features oak wood floors and sliding doors opening to every room.
"There is a 2,000-square-foot double-height flex space with loft, which can be used for a studio, a mother-in-law suite or an entertaining area," Mr. van der Vlugt said.
Start the new year right—with a superior deal on some stunning South Florida real estate. This expansive estate on Miami's exclusive Star Island once listed for $65 million. Now it will go to the highest bidder at auction, regardless of price https://t.co/cx5hd6Rned pic.twitter.com/kft2nsB0Uo
— Mansion Global (@MansionGlobal) December 29, 2017
Although Mr. van der Vlugt declined to disclose how much the construction cost, he said the elevated ground and the cantilevered concrete structure was much more complicated than expected.
"To make the house aesthetically beautiful as well as structurally stable is an enormous project," he said. "I am glad it withstood the test of recent hurricanes."
Mr. van der Vlugt decided to sell the house because he’s ready to move onto a new project in the Florida Keys, he said.
With an asking price of $22 million, the mansion is the most expensive listing in Miami over the last seven days, according to Realtor.com.
The unique architecture and location of this property justify the price tag, said listing agent Jorge Uribe of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty.
"The house is situated at a perfect angle to enjoy the spectacular water, sunset and Miami skyline views," Mr. Uribe said, adding that it’s within easy commuting distance to downtown Miami.