Sean 'Diddy' Combs Sells 1 Star Island Waterfront Estate for $55 Million

Sean "Diddy" Combs has sold one of his two waterfront estates on Miami Beach's prestigious Star Island in an off-market transaction valued at $55 million, according to property records.

The sale involves the bayfront residence at 1 Star Island Drive, a property Combs acquired in 2021 for $35 million. Public records show the seller was an entity tied to Combs, while the buyer is JFStar LLC, a Virginia-based company led by John A. Franklin. The acquisition was financed in part with an $18.5 million loan from Axos Bank.

The sale price is approximately $20 million higher than the property's recorded 2021 purchase price. Property records also indicate Combs continues to own the neighboring estate at 2 Star Island Drive.

The property traded in an off-market transaction, a common approach for many of South Florida's highest-priced residential sales, where privacy often takes priority over traditional public marketing.

Situated on approximately 1.3 acres at the entrance to Star Island, the estate offers roughly 240 feet of Biscayne Bay frontage and panoramic views of the Miami skyline. The property includes a two-story main residence and separate guest house totaling nearly 8,000 square feet of living space.

Originally constructed in 1940 and expanded in the mid-1990s, the compound features a private dock, swimming pool and spa, outdoor entertaining areas, and recreational amenities including a basketball court.

Before acquiring the property, the estate had long been owned by Gloria and Emilio Estefan, who used it as a guest residence while maintaining their primary Star Island home nearby. The couple sold the property to Combs in 2021 for $35 million, the purchase was financed with a $20.7 million loan from Bank of America.

The sale is the latest notable transaction on Star Island, where limited inventory and high-profile ownership continue to attract ultra-high-net-worth buyers. The approximately 30-home island remains one of South Florida's most exclusive residential addresses, with record-breaking sales and continued demand reinforcing its position among the country's premier luxury waterfront communities.

Images from previous PROFILEmiami coverage via The Jills Zeder Group at Coldwell Banker

Past PROFILEmiami coverage of homes on Star Island:

For more information about homes on Star Island, private showings or purchasing/ leasing information please fill out the form below:

Check Out This $54 Million Star Island Mansion Previously Owned By Rosie O'Donnell

43 Star Island, previously owned by Rosie O'Donnell, has just been listed for $54 million by Compass agent Liz Hogan. Set on over an acre of land overlooking 203 ft of prime waterfront, the 11,104 sq ft. private tropical oasis is currently the only home for sale on the island. Star Island is a widely recognized, celebrity enclave located in Miami Beach known as one of America’s most expensive neighborhoods and home to celebrities, athletes and politicians. Notable current residents include Jenifer Lopez, Ken Griffin, Rick Ross,and Gloria Estefan.

Dr. David and Linda Frankel bought the property from Rosie O’Donnell in 2013. Dr. Frankel was a renowned doctor, professor and businessman with a portfolio of properties in New York, including the Prada store which they sold in 2012 for $416 million.

A generational opportunity to purchase on Miami Beach's most coveted guard-gated Star Island. Spanning over an acre of lush foliage, this meticulously curated private compound boasts over 200’ of prime WF w/captivating skyline & Bay views. Upon entry to the double height foyer, you will find numerous entertaining areas throughout the 11K SF+ residence. The expansive gourmet kitchen is outfitted with Viking, SubZero & Miele appliances, and an oversized island & breakfast room flows effortlessly into the elegant dining room. All bedrooms are ensuite & generously sized. Additional highlights include a bar, office, upstairs kitchen & family room, workshop, rooftop terrace, two separate guest houses, boathouse, & more.

Images via Mike Ruiz / Legendary Productions

Roy and Lea Black List Star Island Estate For $37.5 Million

Attorney Roy Black and his wife Real Housewives of Miami-star Lea Black, have listed their Star Island home for $37.5 Million. Saddy Abaunza Delgado with ONE Sotheby’s International Realty has listed the property alongside Elena & Stefano Iturriaga of London Real Estate Company. Located at 45 Star Island, the property is nestled along Biscayne Bay and provides 180-feet of waterfront access, a rarity on the island. The existing home offers 7 bedrooms, 8 full baths, 1 half plus a two-bathroom guest house. Additional features include a 60-foot dock to park your boat, new pool, a movie theater that sits 10, a Viking gas stove, a sub-zero refrigerator, a children's pirate tree house, and a sauna.

The gated Star Island has long been one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Miami, just across the MacArthur Causeway from the entrance to Fisher Island and Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood. Star Island is a man-made island in the middle of Biscayne Bay and located in the city of Miami Beach. The island was built by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1922 as part of a dredging project and was developed by Carl Fisher into an island for the rich and famous. The island is now home to celebrities and billionaires such as Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Rick Ross, Philip Frost, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, Alex Rodriguez, Stuart Miller and Vladislav Doronin.

In March 2023 PROFILEmiami reported that Star Island had emerged as the leader among the most expensive neighborhoods in the United States, leading Port Royal in Naples, FL and Beverly Hill’s Beverly Hills Gateway and Trousdale Estates, according to sales data from Zillow Group Inc. The average home sale on the ritzy island in 2022 traded for $40.2 million, up $16.7 million and 71% from 2019 when the average home sale on the island was $23.5 million.

Over the past several years hedge fund heavyweight Ken Griffin, founder Citadel, has purchased an assemblage of five properties on the island for a combined $170 million. In 2018 Lennar Executive Chairman Stuart Miller acquired Thomas Kramer's former 4 and 5 Star Island Drive for $33 million and also developed an ultra-luxury spec home at 22 Star Island with Todd Michael Glaser which was designed by DOMO Design and sold for $49.5 million in an off-market deal overseen by David Solomon and David Miller in 2020. In August 2023 music mogul and rap superstar Rick Ross closed on 37 Star Island Drive for $35 million.

Credit: LuxHunters for ONE Sotheby’s International Realty

The First Estate Built On Star Island In 1924 Sells For $57 Million Following Ultra-Luxe Mega-Expansion

The first estate built on Star Island in 1924 has sold for $57 million following an ultra-luxe mega-expansion. The transaction is one of the highest prices paid for a modern home in Miami-Dade. The seller was represented by Dina Goldentayer with Douglas Elliman, while the undisclosed buyer was represented by Chad Carroll with The Carroll Group at Compass.

Located at 27 Star Island, the sprawling estate offers history and the ultimate in contemporary living with two distinct homes spanning 25,000 square-feet of living space on an expansive 40,000 square-foot waterfront lot. The property initially listed for $90 million with Alyssa Morgan, currently of INSIDE Network, seeking to set a Miami-Date County record. Star Island is one of Miami Beach’s most coveted address’ with just 30 waterfront homes in the gated community.

The original home built in 1924 by prominent architect Walter De Garmo is Star Island’s first residence. The structure was picked up and relocated to the South side of the property in 2014 and masterfully restored in a way that embodies the roaring 20’s. The second home is a modern masterpiece overlooking 100 feet of water frontage designed by Starchitect SAOTA and built by Coastal.

Together the residences offer a total of 11 bedrooms plus 12 full and 3 half baths. Features include a Chef’s kitchen with Gulio appliances and 5 cooking methods, elevator, sunset rooftop lounge, and 1,400 bottle wine room. Estate amenities include a waterfront gym, spa with sauna & steam, cold plunge, jacuzzi , massive wraparound pool, office cabana, spa with massage room and hair salon, and new dock with boat lift.

Images by Lifestyle Production Group (LPG) from the original listing by Alyssa Morgan which was covered by PROFILEmiami in January 2022.

Images via LPG/ONE Sotheby’s International Realty

Music Mogul Rick Ross Closes On 37 Star Island For $35 Million

Music mogul and rap superstar Rick Ross has officially closed on 37 Star Island Drive for $35 million. Ross says the purchase was "a major piece to the puzzle" in building his already robust real estate portfolio. 37 Star Island Drive is a 12,374 square foot, 6 bedroom home situated on a manicured 40,000-square foot lot with 100-feet of waterfront on Miami Beach’s exclusive and ritzy Star Island.

Jill Eber, Jill Hertzberg, Felise Eber, and Fabio Lopes of The Jills Zeder Group represented the seller, Yale R. Brown, the president of IMS Ventures and the managing partner of Columbus Ventures. Kimberly Knausz with ONE Sotheby's International Realty and Ross’ sister Tawanda Roberts, a real estate agent with Florida Realty of Miami, represented the buyer, Rick Ross, a rapper and record executive.

“He instantly fell in love with the grand entry, it has a very long driveway stretching towards the mansion that creates an air of real luxury. The architecture also played a part as it’s far beyond the ordinary modern home and he plans to enhance it to reflect his personal style,” said Knausz.

The gated Star Island has long been one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Miami, just across the MacArthur Causeway from the entrance to Fisher Island and Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood. Star Island is a man-made island in the middle of Biscayne Bay and located in the city of Miami Beach. The island was built by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1922 as part of a dredging project and was developed by Carl Fisher into an island for the rich and famous. The island is now home to celebrities and billionaires such as Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Philip Frost, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, Alex Rodriguez, Stuart Miller and Vladislav Doronin.

In March 2023 PROFILEmiami reported that Star Island had emerged as the leader among the most expensive neighborhoods in the United States, leading Port Royal in Naples, FL and Beverly Hill’s Beverly Hills Gateway and Trousdale Estates, according to sales data from Zillow Group Inc. The average home sale on the ritzy island in 2022 traded for $40.2 million, up $16.7 million and 71% from 2019 when the average home sale on the island was $23.5 million.

Over the past several years hedge fund heavyweight Ken Griffin, founder Citadel, has purchased an assemblage of five properties on the island for a combined $170 million. In 2018 Lennar Executive Chairman Stuart Miller acquired Thomas Kramer's former 4 and 5 Star Island Drive for $33 million and also developed an ultra-luxury spec home at 22 Star Island with Todd Michael Glaser which was designed by DOMO Design and sold for $49.5 million in an off-market deal overseen by David Solomon and David Miller in 2020.

37 Star Island Drive features a 12,374 square foot residence is situated on a manicured 40,000 square foot lot, featuring 100 feet of water frontage facing Biscayne Bay and offers direct bay and ocean access. The home spans six bedrooms plus an office space, eight full bathrooms and one-half bathroom. Elegant design and linear architectural details are featured throughout the home, plus custom millwork and use of rich woods, octagon-shaped ceiling accents with custom lighting, and oversized “Plaza Deck” terraces.

This impressive entry foyer greets with soaring 30-foot ceilings with a rotunda ceiling accent, while surrounding glass walls encase the foyer appearing to bring the outside water feature into the home. A custom hand-crafted winding mahogany-travertine staircase leads to a second-floor landing and seating area that overlooks the living room below and provides direct views to the pool and bay.

The oversized formal living room also features 30-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows streaming natural light, a custom-built fireplace with mahogany and burled wood accents, and direct access to a covered terrace with views to the pool and bay.

The chef’s kitchen offers granite countertops, a cooking and prep center island, top-of-the-line appliances and a large food pantry. A large butler’s pantry, a separate breakfast room and a spacious private dining room are adjacent to the kitchen.

Also on the first floor is an expansive entertainment/media room, an office den with rich mahogany paneled walls and beautiful custom detailed millwork, staff quarters with full bathroom, and full laundry room. There is three-phase power and a back stairwell/elevator shaft provisioned to add an interior elevator.

The spacious, first-floor principal suite features floor-to-ceiling windows with direct bay views and access to the pool deck, remote controlled black out/hurricane shutters, midnight wet bar, and spacious dual walk-in closets with custom built-ins. The gentlemen’s bathroom features travertine marble floors, a mahogany wood vanity and a large shared walk-in rain shower with steam that can be accessed from either side; the ladies’ bathroom boasts large slab marble floors, a bird’s eye maple vanity and mirror with inset lighting, mirrored ceiling and a Jacuzzi sunken spa tub.

On the second floor are four spacious guest suites, each featuring a full en-suite bathroom, high ceilings, walk-in closets and oversized “Plaza Deck” terraces. Two are east-facing and overlook the pool deck with direct views to the bay and South Beach; two are west-facing and overlook the front of the home and Downtown Miami.

Outdoor highlights include a large, covered terrace with al fresco dining tables leading to the pool; large heated pool featuring an automated pool cleaning system; covered summer kitchen/bar with TV, sink, BBQ; fountain, and Jacuzzi, surrounded by lush palms, tropical flowers, plants, and a Japanese Zen garden. A full cabana bathroom is located next to the pool. A private 40-foot dock with an electric and water pedestal can accommodate a large vessel.

Images via The Jills Zeder Group /1 Oak Studios

Look Inside This Lavish Waterfront Star Island Estate Which Just Hit The Market For $37.5 Million

37 Star Island Drive, a lavish waterfront estate on Miami Beach’s exclusive and ritzy Star Island, has hit the market for $37.5 million. The 12,374 square foot residence is situated on a manicured 40,000-square-foot lot, featuring 100 feet of water frontage facing Biscayne Bay and offers direct bay and ocean access. The home spans six bedrooms plus an office space, eight full bathrooms and one-half bathroom. Elegant design and linear architectural details are featured throughout the home, plus custom millwork and use of rich woods, octagon-shaped ceiling accents with custom lighting, and oversized “Plaza Deck” terraces.

The home is owned by Yale R. Brown, the president of IMS Ventures and the managing partner of Columbus Ventures. Jill Eber, Jill Hertzberg, Felise Eber, and Fabio Lopes of The Jills Zeder Group are listing the property.

The security gated entrance leads to a long, grand stone paved driveway lined with soaring royal palms and lush gardens. A flowing water feature with fountains lines both sides of the entrance to the front door.

This impressive entry foyer greets with soaring 30-foot ceilings with a rotunda ceiling accent, while surrounding glass walls encase the foyer appearing to bring the outside water feature into the home. A custom hand-crafted winding mahogany-travertine staircase leads to a second-floor landing and seating area that overlooks the living room below and provides direct views to the pool and bay.

The oversized formal living room also features 30-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows streaming natural light, a custom-built fireplace with mahogany and burled wood accents, and direct access to a covered terrace with views to the pool and bay.

The chef’s kitchen offers granite countertops, a cooking and prep center island, top-of-the-line appliances and a large food pantry. A large butler’s pantry, a separate breakfast room and a spacious private dining room are adjacent to the kitchen.

Also on the first floor is an expansive entertainment/media room, an office den with rich mahogany paneled walls and beautiful custom detailed millwork, staff quarters with full bathroom, and full laundry room. There is three-phase power and a back stairwell/elevator shaft provisioned to add an interior elevator.

The spacious, first-floor principal suite features floor-to-ceiling windows with direct bay views and access to the pool deck, remote controlled black out/hurricane shutters, midnight wet bar, and spacious dual walk-in closets with custom built-ins. The gentlemen’s bathroom features travertine marble floors, a mahogany wood vanity and a large shared walk-in rain shower with steam that can be accessed from either side; the ladies’ bathroom boasts large slab marble floors, a bird’s eye maple vanity and mirror with inset lighting, mirrored ceiling and a Jacuzzi sunken spa tub.

On the second floor are four spacious guest suites, each featuring a full en-suite bathroom, high ceilings, walk-in closets and oversized “Plaza Deck” terraces. Two are east-facing and overlook the pool deck with direct views to the bay and South Beach; two are west-facing and overlook the front of the home and Downtown Miami.

Outdoor highlights include a large, covered terrace with al fresco dining tables leading to the pool; large heated pool featuring an automated pool cleaning system; covered summer kitchen/bar with TV, sink, BBQ; fountain, and Jacuzzi, surrounded by lush palms, tropical flowers, plants, and a Japanese Zen garden. A full cabana bathroom is located next to the pool. A private 40-foot dock with an electric and water pedestal can accommodate a large vessel.

Images via The Jills Zeder Group /1 Oak Studios

Miami Beach's Exclusive Star Island Now Ranks As The Nation's Priciest Neighborhood

Miami Beach’s exclusive Star Island has emerged as the leader among the most expensive neighborhoods in the United States, leading Port Royal in Naples, FL and Beverly Hill’s Beverly Hills Gateway and Trousdale Estates, according to sales data from Zillow Group Inc. The average home sale on the ritzy island in 2022 traded for $40.2 million, up $16.7 million and 71% from 2019 when the average home sale on the island was $23.5 million.

Over the past several years hedge fund heavyweight Ken Griffin, founder Citadel, has purchased an assemblage of five properties on the island for a combined $170 million. Griffin made a splash when he acquired 8 Star Island Drive, a teardown built in 1993 on 1.8-acres, for $75 million. The sale set record for single-family home sales in Miami-Dade County at the time, a record Griffin is no stranger breaking. Griffin has also acquired the adjacent 10 Star Island for $25 million and 11 and 12 Star Island Drive in an off-market deal for roughly $37 million and 13 Star Island for $32.5 million. He also owned 14 Star Island which he purchased for $24 million in 2020 and sold to ex-New York Yankee and real estate investor Alex Rodriguez for $18.5 million in a reported swap for 13 Star Island.

Griffin hasn’t been the only high-profile investor buying and selling on the Island. Lennar Executive Chairman Stuart Miller kicked off a long list of transactions on the prestigious island when he acquired Thomas Kramer's former 4 and 5 Star Island Drive for $33 million. Stuart Miller developed an ultra-luxury spec home at 22 Star Island with Todd Michael Glaser which was designed by DOMO Design and sold for $49.5 million in an off-market deal overseen by David Solomon and David Miller. Next door, Miller sold a 1.9-acre property at 23 Star Island Drive to the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies owner Robert Pera for $25 million in 2019. Pera is developing a controversial 28,000 SF waterfront mansion with basketball complex. On the other side of 22 Star Island, Roger and Sloan Barnett acquired the historic Carl Fisher estate at 46 Star Island Drive for $39 million from Marc Iacovelli. Other recent high profile deals on the island include Shay Kostiner selling his vacant lot at 44 Star Island for $10 million in June 2020 and Anthony Hsieh, the founder and CEO of LoanDepot, acquired 34 Star Island Rive for $30 million.

Currently, Alyssa Jansheski of The Inside Network has 27 Star Island listed for lease for $325,000 per month. The Jills Zeder Group has a vacant lot at 36 Star Island spanning 40,000 square feet with 100 feet of waterfront asking $37 million.

The gated Star Island has long been one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Miami, just across the MacArthur Causeway from the entrance to Fisher Island and Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood. Star Island is a man-made island in the middle of Biscayne Bay and located in the city of Miami Beach. The island was built by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1922 as part of a dredging project and was developed by Carl Fisher into an island for the rich and famous. The island is now home to celebrities and billionaires such as Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Philip Frost, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, Alex Rodriguez, Stuart Miller and Vladislav Doronin.

Ken Griffin Revealed As Buyer Behind The Record Breaking $106 Million Deal For Adrienne Arsht's Bayfront Estate

When a residential sale crossed the $100 million threshold for the first time in Miami-Dade County history in August as The Arsht Estate sold for $106,875,000, many wondered who the mystery buyer was. It has been revealed that multi-billionaire hedge fund magnate Ken Griffin, who founded and recently moved Citadel Securities from Chicago to Miami, was the buyer in the mega-transaction for the four-acre waterfront compound which was formerly owned by Adrienne Arsht. Ashley Cusack with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty represented Arsht and Jill Hertzberg of The Jills Zeder Group with Coldwell Banker represented the undisclosed buyer later revealed to be Griffin.

Neighbored by the historic Vizcaya Museum, The Arsht Estate encompasses more than 25,000 square feet of exquisitely detailed structures. Overlooking Biscayne Bay from atop one of Miami’s highest bayfront elevations, it features more than 400 feet of water frontage, as well as panoramic views of Key Biscayne and downtown Miami. Throughout the years, the property -- often referred to as South Florida’s “embassy” -- has been the backdrop for numerous important events and gatherings involving international luminaries, including U.S. presidents, ambassadors, and world leaders. The Arsht Estate features two connected estates, a primary residence, known as Indian Spring, which was built by Arsht in 1999 and designed by Jose A. Gelabert-Navia; as well as Villa Serena, which was built in 1913 by former U.S. Secretary of State and three-time U.S. presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

After announcing earlier this year that both Citadel and Citadel securities will move to Miami from Chicago, Griffin has been on a buying and expansion spree. Citadel signed a lease for 95,000 SF at OKO Group’s 830 Brickell office tower. At roughly the same time, through an entity Griffin acquired the adjacent 1250 Brickell Bay Drive and 1260 Brickell Bay Drive for $20 million, the lots total roughly 6,655 SF. The lots are adjacent to 1221 Brickell Avenue, which an entity tied to Citadel reportedly acquired in June 2022 for $286.5 million.

The assemblage of properties spanning from 1221 Brickell Avenue to 1250-1260 Brickell Bay Drive is across the street from 1201 Brickell Bay Drive, which Citadel was revealed as the buyer of after Tibor Hollo’s Florida East Coast Realty sold the 2.5 acre supertall development lot in a $363 million mega-deal also in April 2022. The price equated to $145 million per acre, $3,340 PSF dirt value. Citadel is planning to develop the property with the Chicago-based developer Sterling Bay.

Ken Griffin’s net-worth is estimated to be about $31 billion and he has been one of the largest luxury property buyers in the world over the past several years. Also in Miami, Griffin has spent years and $170 million acquiring a Star Island assemblage. He made a splash when he acquired 8 Star Island Drive, a teardown built in 1993 on 1.8-acres, for $75 million. The sale set record for single-family home sales in Miami-Dade County at the time, a record Griffin is no stranger breaking. Griffin has also acquired the adjacent 10 Star Island for $25 million and 11 and 12 Star Island Drive in an off-market deal for roughly $37 million and 13 Star Island for $32.5 million. The acquisitions total $170 million.

In 2015 Griffin purchased two penthouses in Faena House on Miami Beach for a record at the time $60 million, he later sold them off for a combined $46 million. In 2019 Griffin purchased a $240 million unit at 220 Central Park South in Manhattan, NYC, in a deal that broke the record for the most expensive residential transaction ever recorded in the U.S. In Palm Beach Griffin has assembled $350 million of land at Blossom Way and South Ocean Blvd. where he began buying in 2012.

The First Estate Built On Star Island In 1924 Lists For Record $90 Million Following Ultra-Luxe Mega-Expansion

The first estate built on Star Island in 1924 has hit the market for a record $90 million following an ultra-luxe mega-expansion. Located at 27 Star Island, the sprawling estate offers history and the ultimate in contemporary living with two distinct homes spanning 25,000 square-feet of living space on an expansive 40,000 square-foot waterfront lot. The sale would set a Miami-Date County record which was recently set at the nearby 8/9 Star Island Drive which billionaire hedge fund manager, entrepreneur and investor Ken Griffin purchased for $75 million. Star Island is one of Miami Beach’s most coveted address’ with just 30 waterfront homes in the gated community.

The original home built in 1924 by prominent architect Walter De Garmo is Star Island’s first residence. The structure was picked up and relocated to the South side of the property in 2014 and masterfully restored in a way that embodies the roaring 20’s. The second home is a modern masterpiece overlooking 100 feet of water frontage designed by Starchitect SAOTA and built by Coastal.

“This home is not a spec house, it was built for the owner with no expense spared,” said listing agent Alyssa Morgan with ONE Sotheby’s International Realty. “There’s over a quarter of a million dollars worth of acoustic soundproofing and no level changes from interior to exterior for a flush flow that requires a very expensive pedestal drain system. The floors in the original De Garmo residence are restored Miami Dade Pine that are the under water pilings from the original 1924 home.”

Together the residences offer a total of 11 bedrooms plus 12 full and 3 half baths. Features include a Chef’s kitchen with Gulio appliances and 5 cooking methods, elevator, sunset rooftop lounge, and 1,400 bottle wine room. Estate amenities include a waterfront gym, spa with sauna & steam, cold plunge, jacuzzi , massive wraparound pool, office cabana, spa with massage room and hair salon, and new dock with boat lift.

“It’s so special to be able experience the vibe of being in a home with so much history and in one of the most architecturally significant modern homes by SAOTA that really showcases Miami living today - all in one property,” added Morgan.

27 Star Island is listed for $90 Million by Alyssa Morgan with ONE Sotheby’s International Realty. Images by Lifestyle Production Group (LPG).

Images via LPG/ONE Sotheby’s International Realty

Emilio And Gloria Estefan Sell Their 1 Star Island Waterfront "Guest Estate" For $35 Million

Famed musician and producer partners Emilio and Gloria Estefan have sold their “guest estate” located at 1 Star Island Drive on the prestigious Star Island, for $35 million. The sprawling residence sits atop 58,332 SF of prime waterfront land. The one-of-a-kind property had been owned by the Estefan’s as their guest home for more than 20 years. Jill Eber of The Jills Zeder Group at Coldwell Banker represented the Estefans and Todd Nordstrom of Compass represented the buyer, an LLC that financed the purchase with a $20.7 million loan from Bank of America.

“This breathtaking estate has been a very special place for our family and friends, and it offers a level of safety, privacy and elegance that is simply unmatched,” said Emilio Estefan.

Prior to the sale the Estefan’s brought in award-winning architect Carlos Ott to conceptualize plans for the next evolution of the estate.

The current estate’s main house is a sprawling, two-story Floridian-style home, features five bedrooms, four full bathrooms and one half bath. The elegant residence boasts a spacious living room with a fireplace, a private dining area, a graceful piano room and a large kitchen with breakfast room. The second-floor master suite features a romantic master bathroom with a cast iron pedestal sunken tub and flaunts a sweeping private veranda that overlooks the backyard.

The property also includes a separate, private three-bedroom, three-bath guesthouse which sits at the front of the property near the gated entrance. The guesthouse features a large center courtyard with covered loggias and seating areas, a living room with soaring 30’ ceilings, a combined kitchen/dining area and a spiral staircase that leads to the family room.

Out back, the estate features 240’ of water-frontage complete with unobstructed views of both Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami. Additional amenities include a private dock with electric boatlift, an expansive pool terrace, a jacuzzi, an outdoor gazebo and 24-hour Star Island security.

Star Island has experienced an extremely hot market over the past several years. Lennar Executive Chairman Stuart Miller kicked off a long list of transactions on the prestigious island when he acquired Thomas Kramer's former 4 and 5 Star Island Drive for $33 million. Miller also developed and sold an ultra-luxury spec home at 22 Star Island has sold for $49.5 million in an off-market deal, followed by Roger and Sloan Barnett acquiring the neighboring 46 Star Island Drive for $39 million from Marc Iacovelli. In June 2020 Shay Kostiner sold his vacant lot at 44 Star Island for $10 million. Prior to their break-up Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez acquired 13 Star Island Drive for $32.5 million. Billionaire hedge fund magnate Ken Griffin of Citadel Securities has amassed a $95 million Star Island assemblage. In August 2020 Griffin acquired the adjacent double lot at 11 and 12 Star Island Drive in an off-market deal for roughly $37 million. Soon after, Griffin would purchase 13 Star Island for $32.5 million and 10 Star Island for $25 million.

For more information about homes on Star Island, private showings or purchasing/ leasing information please fill out the form below: