This past July, Rick Ross finally closed on the missing piece of the puzzle that is his real estate portfolio: a home on the überexclusive Star Island in Miami. As Kimberly Knausz, the real estate agent who represented him in the transaction, previously told AD, “Star Island is the ultimate goal in Miami. It’s so exclusive. There’s only roughly 30 homes…. It’s a big accomplishment for [Ross], as someone who grew up in Miami.” Upon entering into contract for his new home, his neighbor, Diddy, welcomed him to the neighborhood with a golf cart.
Now, Ross, Diddy, as well as a whole crowd of other high-profile residents—including Emilio and Gloria Estafan, Lisa Hochstein, and Jennifer Lopez—may soon welcome a new neighbor into the folds. As Robb Report shares, the first home ever built on the land mass has just listed for $68 million.
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Located at 27 Star Island Drive, the property in question is not one, but two homes. The first, which was built in 1924, was designed by Walter De Garmo as the first residence on the island. In 2014, the Mediterranean revival home was physically lifted, turned 90 degrees, and moved further south on the lot. The current owner, John Jansheski, founder of the DenTek oral care company, then hired South Africa–based firm SAOTA to design a modern waterfront home on his parcel of land. Together, the two homes encompass 10 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, a wine room, media room, pool, gym, sauna, bar, and dock.
“Rarely does an estate of this caliber become available, especially in one of the country’s most elite neighborhoods,” Dina Goldentayer of Douglas Elliman, the home’s listing agent, says. “The significance of the historic home coupled with the architecturally brilliant modern estate—this property offers the best of both worlds. Its resort-style amenities, open bay views, privacy, and proximity to the South of Fifth neighborhood provide a lifestyle that can’t be replicated anywhere else.”
Star Island has long been a favorite among celebrities eager to take advantage of the privacy and exclusivity of the 86-acre isle. Previous residents include Don Johnson, Rosie O’Donnell, and Shaquille O’Neal. Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez also purchased a mansion in the neighborhood in 2020, which they are reportedly sharing post-split. The neighborhood is among the most expensive in the world, but its not just the 35 waterfront homes or famous residents that make it so.
In addition to its name-dropping prestige, the island is also a hot spot for world-class architecture. Built in 1922, the isle is actually an artificial landmass, which was created by real estate developer Carl Fisher. In addition to a number of 1920s Spanish and Mediterranean revival homes designed by De Garmo, the area is also a hot bed for modern design, including contributions by Domo Architecture + Design and SAOTA.
