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REAL ESTATE:

LUXURY LIVING IN THE SUNSHINE STATE

Quite simply there’s never been a better time to find that place in the sun--and particularly in the Sunshine State! Thanks to historically low interest rates, a cooperative lending environment, and many new and unique real estate possibilities, a luxury home in the sun isn’t as far away as you may think.

Of course, many realtors still say that the three most important factors in real estate are location, location, and location. This great state’s location includes the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, many inland bodies of water, great golf, acres of protected land and wildlife, and endless man-made attractions to suit every taste. And, of course, Florida is certainly well-situated, with wonderful weather all year.

But the Sunshine State offers so much more than sunny year-round weather. Reasons for Florida’s popularity when it comes to real estate also include: an array of options on an off many forms of water; everything from new high-rise developments right on the ocean to mature communities with quiet streets; amenities packages that seemingly feature everything; and a wide range of activities right at home or nearby, including golf, boating, swimming, and so much more.

Whether it’s a primary retirement home or a second or third vacation home, Florida will fit the bill. Though extremely popular for retirement, there’s definitely a trend in real estate in this state with first and multiple home buyers still in the workforce.

Obviously, interest rates make buying that place in the sun even more possible. Many buyers are finding that they can afford ‘more’ home than they originally thought, upgrading to waterfront or fairway locations, adding designer kitchen appliances, or buying that penthouse suite towering above the Atlantic Ocean.

We’ve found several excellent possibilities throughout this great state. It’s the ideal place to begin your search for that luxury lifestyle in the sun!

GRAND HARBOR

Located on the southeast Florida coastline, Vero Beach’s Grand Harbor may harbor the perfect answer to finding your place in the sun, thanks to a wide variety of real estate options, great golf, and a host of other amenities. This 14-year-old community on the Indian River just keeps getting better, thanks to intelligent development and a tireless effort to preserve (and enhance) natural surroundings to create a unique environment where wildlife and residents can intermingle in harmony.

These efforts are definitely apparent on Grand Harbor’s two championship golf courses. Designed by Pete Dye and Joe Lee, the Harbor Course and River Course, respectively, are not just scenic, but also a delight to play. Meticulously maintained, each course appeals to all skill levels.

A sheltered harbor and marina form the waterside gateway in Vero Beach for Grand Harbor. Originally developed on depleted citrus groves surrounded by degraded wetlands, Grand Harbor has spent millions to maintain and increase both saltwater and freshwater marshes. In fact, the community has devoted more than half of its 900 acres to estuary, golf, marina, and freshwater lakes!

Of course, there’s also room for a luxury lifestyle in the sun. Grand Harbor is a private gated community, with amenities like 144-slip deep water marina, luxurious beach club, new tennis complex, grand club house, and more added to the great golf.

Grand Harbor is comprised of 25 individual golf course and waterfront neighborhoods--each of them offering a variety of luxurious floor plans. The newest of these neighborhoods, River Village, is the private country club’s finest residential offering, with pre-construction prices ranging from $600,000 to more than $1 million.

River Village offers a stunning riverfront gallery of both condominium and single-family residences of unparalleled luxury befitting a setting of such rarity and beauty. All River Village homes will enjoy majestic views of the Indian River, waterways, preserve, or golf course. Four single-family home designs of one and two stories epitomize the singular architectural standards established for Grand Harbor. The condominium residences feature just six homes per building, all of which are positioned to afford panoramic views of the cherished river.

Next, The Falls of Grand Harbor will add yet another option to the community. The neighborhood will include walking, jogging, and exercise facilities, as well as a new luxury spa. A wide selection of the community’s most popular floor plans are available at The Falls, each offering the remarkable beauty and variety by which Grand Harbor has become so successful.

In addition, Grand Harbor recently purchased 77 acres for a new neighborhood of 100 high-end homes. This will be Grand Harbor’s 26th neighborhood, offering yet another grand option in the Grand Harbor tradition.

For further information, visit www.grandharbor.com or call (800) 826-8293.

THE WATERS PALM BEACH

Palm Beach epitomizes luxury living and now there’s a new oceanfront option to consider. The Waters Palm Beach will be situated directly on the ocean and steps from the lake, making for an ideal location in Palm Beach.

The upscale development will be home to two residential buildings with a total of 30 luxury residences ranging in size from more than 4,300 square feet to more than 5,000 square feet. Pricing will be from under $3 million to more than $5 million. An on-site sales center is already welcoming visitors and construction is expected to start this summer.

The Waters will be the first oceanfront, multi-family project to be built in the Town of Palm Beach in more than 10 years. The development will be situated at the narrowest point between the Atlantic Ocean and the lake, affording views of both bodies of water. It was this location that inspired the name.

Michael Kempner, principal of Premier Palm Beach, L.P., says, “The Waters was conceived for those who are accustomed to nothing but the best. To deliver a residential project that achieves just that, we have formed a development/design partnership with industry professionals whose expertise in the luxury real estate market is unsurpassed.”

Designed by the Palm Beach architectural firm, The Lawrence Group, The Waters will feature ultra-spacious bedrooms, bathroom suites and closets, a caterer’s kitchen and butler pantry, formal dining room, library living room, and large, sweeping twin terraces.

Each spacious residence will feature ceilings of almost 11 feet in all primary living area, as well as designer floor-to-ceiling glass windows opening to spacious sunrise and sunset terraces. Penthouse homes will boast 11 1/2-foot ceilings. A long list of standard features will include imported European kitchen cabinets, the finest names in appliances, and marble-appointed bathrooms.

Building amenities will include full-time concierge services, a lushly landscaped oceanfront swimming pool and spa area, two tennis courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a multi-purpose meeting and social room, 24-hour valet service, and 24-hour manned lobby security.

The Waters’ advanced wiring system will also enable residents to enjoy the lifestyle benefits of emerging technologies in their home. Each residence will be built to accommodate the latest in communications, entertainment, and security.

For further information, visit www.thewaters.com, www.thewaterspalmbeach.com, or call (561) 588-1744.

THE VILLAGE OF SEA OAKS

Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River, just seven miles north of Vero Beach, The Village of Sea Oaks features practically everything one could want in a beach and tennis community in Florida. Whether you choose a condominium with vast views of sea and sky or the comfort of a home on a tree-lined street, Sea Oaks has it all.

Having it all at Sea Oaks includes: oceanfront and riverfront residences, plus many other options; The Beach Club; The Tennis Center; the 48-slip Marina; fine and casual dining; the Jungle Trail running along the Indian River, the Cairns Conservation Center to the south; and all of the amenities of Vero Beach nearby.

Established in 1983, Sea Oaks is a special place in the Sunshine State. Centuries-old oaks shade charming homes and cottages, where wide verandahs welcome residents, friends, and neighbors and deep terraces feature spectacular sunrises and sunsets. The architecture is inspired by coastal Carolina and the West Indies.

Thus, the Sea Oaks lifestyle includes an incredible location, gracious real estate, a host of amenities that make luxury the norm. From the Atlantic to the Indian River, Sea Oaks is a very special Vero Beach destination.

For further information, visit www.seaoaks.com or call (888) SEAOAKS.

MURANO GRANDE AT PORTOFINO

If you’re looking for the hottest new ticket in the South Beach sun, Murano Grande at Portofino is the perfect price of admission. It’s not only one of the most luxurious properties to be brought on the market in this hot real estate market, it’s also one of the fastest selling.

Overlooking Miami Marina and boasting 700 linear feet of bayfront and spectacular vistas that defy description, Murano Grande is slated for a premium 4.1-acre site immediately south of bustling Fifth Street. The Soho-style area appropriately dubbed South of Fifth or SoFi, is one of the hottest real estate areas in neon-hot SoBe. From the Atlantic Ocean and cruise ships negotiating Government Cut, to Biscayne Bay and the colorful skyline of downtown Miami, this panoramic canvas provides an idyllic setting for a lifestyle of luxury for lucky Murano Grande residents.

To do justice to the incomparable site, The Related Group retained two of South Florida’s most esteemed and experienced architectural firms. The Sieger Suarez Architectural Partnership and Fullerton Diaz Architects collaborated to design the gracious three-tiered tower that will redefine luxury on South Beach. The community will include towers of 24, 30, and 36 stories, with 18 floor plans and just 260 residences (more than 200 have already sold). Prices currently range from the $300s to more than $5 million, with completion scheduled for May, 2003.

Here, residences from 1,400 square feet up to an incredible 4,000 square feet cater to every creature comfort, starting with private or semi-private high-speed elevators that directly access the formal foyers of each residence, assuring homeowners perfect peace and privacy. Ceilings rising to heights of nine feet immediately enhance the sense of expanse, while finishes of fine imported marble and granite establish the theme of opulence that is played out with floor-to-ceiling glass, oversized private balconies, and (in select residences) incredible see-through floor plans that put all of South Beach literally at the homeowner’s feet.

Murano Grande’s master suites include master baths that early buyers have called works of art. The marble flooring in all wet areas is coordinated with granite vanity tops and double porcelain sinks. Completing the picture are a whirlpool tub and glass-enclosed shower, as well as an elongated commode and European-style bidet. Room-sized walk-in closets feature enough capacity to accommodate even the most dedicated South Florida fashion aficionado.

The kitchens are a gourmet cook’s dream, with granite countertops, imported European custom cabinetry, and top-of-the-line appliances that include a Sub-Zero built-in refrigerator/freezer with cabinetry-matching front panels. Select floor plans even feature state-of-the-art wine chillers and spacious eat-in breakfast areas.

But residential luxury is only part of the total Murano Grande story. The on-site amenities and services also allow residents to enjoy South Beach’s good life at its very best. These include a grand porte-cochere entrance and lobby, a heated bayfront pool and complete spa, lighted tennis court, secure garage parking, 24-hour concierge, security, and valet services, and lushly landscaped grounds.

Finally, there’s the sophistication of South Beach, which has become a true international Mecca of fine dining, shopping, club-hopping, culture, golden beachfront, and more. Easily accessible highlights include the beach, Ocean Drive, Washington Avenue, Lincoln Road, the Jackie Gleason Theater of the Performing Arts, and much more. Additionally, the located just south of MacArthur Causeway (I-395) puts residents with 15 to 20 minutes of Miami International Airport, the Port of Miami, and the business districts of downtown Miami, Brickell, and Coral Gables.

For further information, visit www.muranogrande.com or call (877) 604-2088 or (305) 604-2088.

OCEAN III

With more than 40,000 units worth more than $2.5 billion in real estate assets, The Related Group is building on the success of Ocean I, Ocean II, Portofino, Murano Grande (see above), and elsewhere, thanks to upscale Ocean III in South Florida’s Sunny Isles Beach. For Ocean III, The Related Group is again collaborating with The Sieger Suarez Architectural Partnership to deliver a lifestyle of distinctive luxury, comfort, and convenience.

Ocean III is earmarked for a 3.2-acre oceanfront site in Sunny Isles Beach, a city that is considered to be the last oceanfront jewel along Miami-Dade’s shoreline. In fact, Ocean III is already shaping up to be an even quicker success than Ocean I and Ocean II, with record-breaking sales that reached 70% in less than months. The 37-story complex will feature 215 residences and six floorplans ranging in size from about 1,600 square feet to more than 4,000 square feet. Its sleek design is a departure for oceanfront towers in the area, giving it a feel that’s more Milan than Miami.

Ocean III’s unique Y-shaped architectural design has given rise to floor plans that are surrounded by glass, in addition to flow-through models that span the entire floor (with walls of glass overlooking both sunrise and sunset panoramas). Seen from overhead, the tower’s unique ‘Y’ shape creates three wings. At the tip of each is a three-sided luxury residence the size of a beach house, which happy buyers are dubbing ‘beach houses in the sky.’ At the interior of the tower’s wings, other residences include equally unique see-through floor plans.

But Ocean III’s beachfront also gets top billing, with Dade County plans in place to begin widening and renourishment of a 2 1/2-mile stretch of coastline extending from Haulover Park to Golden Beach and including Ocean III’s beach, which will expand to 300 feet in width. The project, which should be completed about early-2002, will also include structures to reduce wave energy and subsequent erosion in order to preserve the newly widened white sand beach. More than a dozen private beach cabanas are planned for Ocean III owners.

Ocean III’s residences are equally spacious, with estate-sized homes of up to 4,000 square feet. All residences include oversized private balconies and the finest granite and marble finishes, as well as imported Italian kitchens with custom-designed European cabinetry. Most owners will enjoy private elevator access. In fact, from the grand lobby and rooftop spa to 2 1/2 miles of pristine beachfront, Ocean III is setting a new standard in private and luxurious oceanfront living.

An imposing porte-cochere entrance sets the stage for the grand lobby, where a curving staircase climbs the 2 1/2-story marble interior to a reception area and oceanview fitness center and two-story spa. The Ocean III rooftop, 400 feet above the ocean, features an open-air terrace and Jacuzzi spa. It’s the perfect spot for unwinding after a busy day or enjoying a nightcap with dinner guests that includes the ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, and city skyline as panoramic backdrops for the Ocean III lifestyle.

Ocean III also features 24-hour security, valet and concierge services, multi-level garage parking, tennis curt, oversized beachfront swimming pool, and more, as well as a Sunny Isles Beach location that puts residents within minutes of Bal Harbour and South Beach, as well as downtown Hollywood and Ft. Lauderdale. To make globetrotting fast and easy, Ocean III homeowners have access to international airports in both Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

For further information, visit www.oceanIII.com or call (305) 682-2222.

THE PALMS

As The Palms moves toward sell-out, fabulous residences and views are still available on the Ft. Lauderdale coast.

On a 450-foot sweep of prime oceanfront, The Palms presents a perfect opportunity: immediate residency in Ft. Lauderdale's newest luxury condominium. This celebrated address is fast approaching sell-out, as a limited number of select residences, including penthouses, remain available. The steady sales can be attributed to the fact that every residence offers a superior level of beauty, views, and spaciousness.

"Each Palms residence is a consummate masterpiece. That includes our remaining few residences," says Scott Roth, Senior Vice President of The Plaza Group, developer of The Palms.

“The surprise is that those available residences include our extraordinary Penthouse Collection,” continues Roth. “These are ‘mansions in the sky,’ located on the uppermost stories and offering a half-floor or full floor of living space.” Available residences and penthouses range from two to five bedrooms, 2-1/2 to 5-1/2 baths, and more than 2,500 to nearly 5,000 square feet, offering something for every lifestyle.

Here, amidst Mediterranean Revival architecture and an unusually low density (a total of only 92 residences in each of the twin 31-story towers), Palms residents enjoy the ambiance of the Italian Riviera within the tropical splendor of Ft. Lauderdale.

It's a luxury lifestyle beyond comparison. Created by The Plaza Group, a development firm with international experience, The Palms is their newest and most lavish condominium and is expected to become the new standard for residential excellence in South Florida. The available Palms selections, include residences from $750,000 and penthouses from $1.6 million to $3 million

The Palms' success story begins in the impressive lobby, where grand windows and lofty ceilings highlight elegant treasures. Award-winning interior designer Steven G. traveled the world to capture exquisite marble flooring, silks from the Orient, hand-carved European sofas, embroidered fabrics from Spain, hand-woven tapestries, and hand-painted murals.

One look at these remarkable residences and penthouses is enough for instant love. Each residence’s foyer is accessed directly from the privacy-keyed elevators. Dream kitchens are detailed with imported cabinetry by Snaidero and thick granite countertops. The bathrooms, finished in beautifully matched marbles and premier fixtures, are equally sumptuous.

From wraparound windows and extensive terraces, the majestically proportioned floor-through plans provide sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the sparkling skylines of South Florida’s Gold Coast.

The Palms has also been honored for the quiet elegance of social and recreational amenities that rival a five-star resort. Among the unique amenities is The Palms Club, more than 20,000 square feet of offerings include a two-story Spa and Fitness Center, indoor racquetball, grand ballroom, and impeccable gathering areas. Outdoor pleasures include tennis and the oceanfront Palms Pool & Beach Club. Whether a primary home or vacation home, every day at The Palms is a relaxing holiday.

For further information, visit www.plaza-group.com/thepalms or call (888) 632-8880.