Miami's real estate market saw another spark when Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic snapped up this home for $7 million on Feb.16. It's the most expensive real estate transaction on tony Sabal Palm Road since singer Enrique Iglesias sold his home for $6.7 million in October 2013.
What's inside the 6,500-square-foot Mediterranean-style manse on a 23,000-square-foot lot? In addition to seven bedrooms, an office, and 5.5 baths, there are French doors leading to the outdoor pool, as well as an iron staircase, a wine cellar, and a large soaking tub in the master bath.
Outdoor fun -- along 120 feet of private waterfront -- includes a backyard with gorgeous mosaic fountains, a cabana, outdoor kitchen, play area for children, and pool with bay views. "You have (views of) all of Miami Beach and downtown Miami. At night, you see it all, and the sunrises are amazing," says listing agent Mirce Curkoski of ONE Sotheby's International Realty's Miami Beach office.
But the home's best amenity may be its privacy -- it's in a gated community. There are very few of these in Miami-Dade County, Curkoski says.
"The other ones are on Bal Harbour, Fisher Island, Indian Creek Island, and a few to the south."
Proof of the area's popularity shows in the recent activity. "Every new sale (here) is a record-breaking sale. From listing to closing, it was about a hundred days," says Curkoski.
A bonus: The area's two best private schools -- the Cushman School and Miami Country Day School -- are nearby. The Miami Design District is a quick walk, with edgy, artsy Wynwood not too far away, either. "It's an amazing neighborhood for families and people who own their own business or have their business in the Design District," says Curkoski.