2011 the Top Ten Island Enclaves for Sale

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2011 The Top Ten Island Enclaves For Sale

Please credit the list to: Top Ten Island Enclaves For Sale by Top Ten Real Estate Deals

As children trying to recapture the fantasy life of The Swiss Family Robinson, swinging by wild grapevines out over the beloved swimming hole, whooping and hollering with no one to hear us, we could never imagine the pressures that would override our lives today. Even 30 years ago it was easier. People would go home from their jobs at 5 p.m. after they turned off the typewriters and copiers and could start thinking freely about enjoying an evening with their family or what they would do on their date. Today we work from home where the computers come on at 6 a.m. and go off around 11 p.m.; people who work in offices go home, but the computers are still whirring and night shifts are picking up where the others left off. Instead of thoughts turning to pleasures of the evening, the cell phone is going off to let you know a critical server went down and you find yourself on the phone with the provider half the night troubleshooting and dreading the morning apology calls to your clients for getting their work behind. So do you still fantasize about the simple life in Blue Lagoon, or the simple pleasures of survival in Castaways? You bet! More than ever before! It’s not just a fantasy anymore, though one that has grown up a bit. We have found islands for your great escape where you can actually live year round within electronic distance of your new, more sophisticated life requirements, but still on an island. The Swiss Family Robinson tree house has been brought to ground level, but your view across huge bodies of water is there bringing you back to your dreams of those days gone by. The stress falls off and you start to imagine again as you watch the Wenatchee trek past on her way to the San Juans from your terrace. For which island is she bound? And all of a sudden you find you’ve forgotten the trials of the day while the pleasure of island life floods your sensibilities.

Experience the wonderful island homes we’ve found from Puget Sound to Fisher Island, Florida to Cape Cod and many points in between. We’re sure you can find a decent grapevine here if you absolutely must!

Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Island, WA

$8,500,000

Beds: 6Bath: 5 Full 1 Half7,529 Square Feet

Credit:

Dennis Paige & Sonja Jones, Co-Listing Agents, Realogics Sothebys International Realty

Contact:

Dennis Paige

206/920.3824 Mobile

206/842.0842 Office

Sonja Jones

206/769.0669 Mobile

206/842.0842 Office

Property Website:

Island Property Details:

Special Selling Point: Bringing the East Coast to the Northwest

Named the second best place to live in the United States by CNN/Money and Money Magazine and only a short 35-minute ferry ride from Pier 52 in downtown Seattle, this enchanting Beans Bight property is material for a whole new storybook. Consisting of a land mass of only 27.6 square miles, the only access to the island is via the Agate Pass Bridge or by Washington State Ferries. This is surely one of Seattle’s most charming and increasingly affluent bedroom communities. Looking just like the one of historical grand oceanfront homes overlooking the Atlantic, one couldn’t have found a better location for repositioning this style of house. It’s nestled in the dark green backdrop of mature northwestern conifers and shrubs and has natural stepping stones leading across the lawn to the front door. This gray weathered shingle home has found its perfect environment. Renowned Architect Stuart Silk traveled the Atlantic Coast gathering inspiration for what would become a grand and classic shingle – styled home straight out of The Hamptons. The property sits on nearly an acre and half of beachfront retreat with the master bedroom facing Rich Passage and east toward downtown Seattle. This 6,100 Sq. Ft. home is adorned with classic white trim and furnished with beautiful authentic décor. Boasting 6 BR and 5.5BA as well as a charming waterfront guest house, the views from every window and terrace of Mt. Rainier, Seattle and open water are so dramatic it’s hard to tear yourself away. Each room is more beautifully appointed than the room before. We applaud the decorator, who with subtle touches of color and fabric gently repeating the soft colors of the outdoors, created rooms of extreme comfort that enhanced the style of the house and the incredible views without competing. One has to marvel over the hours it must have taken to create this masterpiece. This is the island escape that will make you forget all other island fantasies!

Belvedere Island (Needs writeup)

Belvedere, CA

Bed: 7 Bath:6.5 Sq. Ft: 8,000

$22,250,000

Contact info:
Bill Bullock & Lydia Sarkissian
415.517.7720

Property Website:

Alone in Its Class
Gazing at the Golden Gate Bridge from the kitchen sink gives fresh meaning to the term chef’s kitchen! But then again, this spot on Belvedere Island gives a whole new perspective on life. Sited on possibly the best water-level parcel in Belvedere, this glamorous contemporary blends beautifully into its 220’ of treed, lawn-swept shoreline making it an attractive addition to the natural environment. This is where we want to sit in a bubble bath, lights dimmed to imperceptible, with a glass of wine and the sounds of Bach wafting through the room while we watch the reflections of the San Francisco skyline over the Bay. Mesmerizing! The views of Mount Tamalpais, the Bay Bridge, Richardson and San Francisco Bays, the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline are too breathtaking for words. Unlike viewing the dark nighttime ocean, here you will never be without sparkling lights to entertain and amaze. Within its 7,900sf of view-oriented living space are five spacious and airy bedrooms along with 5.1 elegant baths, remarkable kitchen, wine cave, and everything conceivable for upscale living. The guest house, perched charmingly on its little bluff overlooking the water has an additional 2 bedrooms and bath. In a class all its own, we can’t imagine a more heavenly place to spend one‘s days . . . and nights!

Bay Island (needs writeup)

Bay Island, CA

$27,900,000

Bed: 5Bath: 5.75 5,415 Square Feet

Credit:

Rob Giem - HÔM Real Estate Group

Contact:

JONATHAN PUGH

Office of Rob Giem

HÔM real estate group

1200 NEWPORT CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 100

NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA 92660

T 949.554.1219

M 714.749.8794

F 949.554.1219

Property Website

Island Property Description:

By golf cart or by foot, your private island will never hear the blare of car horns or any larger motor than a lawn mower. With only 23 unique residences, a botanical garden, private beaches and open only to foot traffic, Bay Island is a rare treasure. The house at 12 Bay Island is one of those amazing homes where every possible comfort producing detail has been covered, from its location to capture the views, to the private outdoor rooms, to the locations of the multiple fireplaces. Sited on a natural promontory and surrounded by water on 3 sides, this is the premier homesite on the island. You will never be without a spectacular view. Decorated by a master, each and every room is elegant, intimate and memorable.

This remarkable pan-Asian 3-level home is filled with mahogany, limestone, bronze and Venetian plaster and has recently been lovingly completed; ready for a buyer who will value the beauty and peacefulness of the island and want to make it their forever home. With rolling lawns, it’s own beach and ever changing water scenery, it will be hard to pull yourself inside. The interior is lush and exotic while maintaining simplicity and ultimate comfort. Guests will love the ambiance of the home and entertaining will be carried out with ease. Take a dip in the pool, catch some rays on the beach, launch your kayak from the shore or just curl up to reread The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the garden rooms. You’ll have no trouble imagining the scenes from this wonderful island retreat!

Kiawah Island

Kiawah Island, SC

$14,950,000

Bed: 3 Bath: 3 Full 1 Half6,505 Square Feet

Credit:

Tricia Flanagan, Listing Agent, Kiawah Island Real Estate

Contact:

843/768.3414 Office

843/693.9457 Cell

Property Website

Island Property Description:

Special Selling Point: Privacy

Love at first sight! When you see this island the first time from the air, you’ll think you see your name written all over it! Oh so private and beckoning, you strain your eyes to see what’s inside that grove of trees. The grass marshes are punctuated by clear rivers of water cutting through, giving water birds nesting privacy and lush fishing grounds. We see piers stretching out over the marshes to the open river and we can picture ourselves coming back to the dock after an afternoon of fishing in the shallows. We wonder if the pirates of days gone by might have hidden here to evaluate their treasures and count their ill gained gold? Instead of a pirates’ hideaway, the stunning home standing just inside the grove is one of the most exclusive homes on Kiawah, Captain Maynard’s Estate . Surrounded by waterways and the undisturbed maritime forest whose protection is fundamental to residents of the island, this personal island oasis sits on 6 acres of land gently positioned between Kiawah River, salt-water marshes and winding creeks. Designed to blend with the natural beauty of its environment, this beautifully crafted home has lovely hardwood floors, impressive exposed beams, huge screened in porches, wood-paneled vaulted ceiling and a stone fireplace that soars up to the ceiling with another on the porch where you can sit on cool spring evenings toasting your toes while enjoying yet another spectacular sunset. This is the perfect spot to read The Swiss Family Robinson to your grandchildren. Hearing the story here will have them spending their days recreating the scenes and searching for that perfect grape vine to swing out over the water and create lifetime memories.

Fisher Island

Fisher Island, FL

$5,195,000

Bed: 4Bath: 5 Full 2 Half5,500 Square Feet

Credit:

Niki Higgins, Listing Agent & Photographer, Seaside Properties Group

Contact:

To contact office e-mail Sajo Chavara at or call her at 954.828.1858

Property Website

Island Property Description:

Special Selling Point: Golfer’s Dream and Exclusivity

From the verdant northwest islands, land of lush conifers, apples and the Pacific, to islands in the sun of the Atlantic with oranges for the picking outside your doorstep, glamorous Fisher Island off Miami is an island dream many have but few attain. Exclusive and elite and accessible only by private island ferry, seaplane or helicopter, you will enjoy your civilized “isolation.“ Watch the cruise ships leave for their island escapades, and Chalks seaplanes coming in to land with their passengers from the islands for a weekend of shopping. On Fisher, you’re just a ferry ride away from world class entertainment, shopping and dining in endless variety. With its spectacular and exclusive golf-course lifestyle, this home offers the best of the best as one of the only 12 single family estate homes on this elite island. With its unique location, spectacular views span over the golf course, South Beach and Government Cut. Half a mile from world famous South Beach, Fisher Island is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. Live the golfer’s dream with sparkling beaches, splendid social clubs, emerald fairways, manicured tennis courts, stylish shops, fine restaurants, deep water marinas and a distinguished international spa – a resplendent world all its own.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod, MA

$4,500,000

Beds: 8Bath: 5 Full 1 Half 5,554 Square Feet

Credit:

Vincent D’Olimpio, Listing Agent, Robert Paul Properties

Contact:

508/420.1414 Office

508/737.5853 Mobile (preferred number to be associated with in the article)

Assistant’s E-mail:

Property Website:

Island Property Description:

Special Selling Point: Historic East Coast Home

Ah! Cape Cod! Just the name fills your summertime dreams of sand and sea . . and Jaws!. Of historical interest and coveted by so many as the ultimate ocean retreat, this incredible home is well located centrally in West Yarmouth where you can partake in all of the activities of Cape Cod including beaches, shopping, the Cape Cod National Seashore, golf, historic and cultural events, biking and hiking trails, antiques shopping, whale watching, fine dining, and more. Is there any wonder so many dream about Cape Cod? Formerly a peninsula, in 1914 the Cape Cod Canal was cut through the isthmus, which turned the Cape into an “island.” This stunning waterfront property, known as Seven Bells, on the shores of Lewis Bay offers a wealthy history, having been owned by only three separate families during the 2nd half of this century. Having been continuously updated by the previous owners, the home is said to be any designer’s dream canvas. The interior boasts intricate wood work, a chef’s kitchen with custom cabinetry and top of the line appliances over Brazilian cherry floors. Six out of the eight bedrooms offer outstanding water views. Live luxuriously with the estate’s outdoor gunite pool, hot tub, and fully equipped outdoor kitchen with mature landscaping including over 100 hydrangea bushes. A 2-car garage provides an apartment above for guests. If you hurry, Seven Bells could be yours to enjoy and to leave a memorable legacy to future generations.

Islesboro

Islesboro, ME

$10,300,000

Bed: 8 Bath:11 Sq. Ft: 9,025

Credit:

Terry Sortwell, Listing Broker, LandVest, Inc.

Contact:

207/236.3543 Office

207/671.8966 Mobile

Property Website:

Island Property Details:

Special Selling Point: Historic East Coast Home

The Penobscot Indians called it Pitaubegwimenahanuk, meaning "the island that lies between two channels." Situated in upper Penobscot Bay, the narrow, 14 mile island is the marker between East and West Penobscot Bay and is accessible by ferry or by air taxi service. First called Long Island Plantation, it was settled in 1769. Islesboro developed as a Gilded Age resort community, and many large summer homes were built by the wealthy. The town remains a famous upper-class enclave and well-known summer colony.

The Grace Estate, a Penobscot Bay landmark, commands a premium location at the end of Keller point. The 8.8±-acre estate features a 1918 year-round cottage, a grand 8-bedroom residence oriented to offer water views from nearly every window. The estate includes a guest house, saltwater swimming pool, paddle tennis court and over 3500± feet of shorefront. With its premium location it offers the charisma of the beautiful historic and mellow east coast. This stunning setting offers overlooking views of Penobscot Bay and the Camden Hills. The classic east coast shorefront features many sand and pebble beaches stretching 3,560 feet that accommodate a saltwater swimming pool and grand boathouse. A blend of original east coast architecture and updated amenities makes this the perfect Maine island home. We’re looking forward to the evening clambake! How many lobsters?

Long Island Sound

Long Island, NY

$12,500,000

Beds: 8Baths: 7 Full 1 Half7,700 Square Feet

Credit:

Maggie Keats, Licensed Associate Broker, Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate

Contact:

516/944.2879Phone

Property Website:

With a total land mass of 5.6 square miles, the charming town of Sands Point is surrounded almost entirely by water. Originally owned by the Sands, Vanderbilts and Cornwells, the town was first incorporated in 1910 when Daniel Guggenheim bought his 216 acre estate, Castle Gould. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, Sands Point was referred to as “East Egg” and was known to be inhabited by old money. As most of us are currently aware, demolition of the house "Land's End" began on April 16, 2011. How many of us have dreamed the dreams of Gatsby while curled up reading of his adventures and loves? Now, some fortunate family can make their Gatsby dreams come true at Boulder Beach Estate. Built in 1930 and tucked far back from a country lane, this majestic colonial offers a unique combination of history, luxury, comfort and complete privacy. Quite grand but at the same time warm and inviting, this exquisite mansion with its manicured grounds, rolling lawns and trees that have stood vigil over the last centuries, you cannot help yourself; you must stand and stare. It's as though every historical novel about the heydays of the wealthy families of old has just come alive again in the vision before you. Comprised of 8 BR and 7.5 BA, the foyer with its grand staircase promises pleasure throughout. Large enough to seat 30 for dining, every detail has been designed for all the ways we live. Sited on nearly 3 acres capturing prime western views across Long Island Sound, the home is graced with a new dock and boathouse-cabana and even has a gatehouse with 2 BR, 1.5 BA, a fire place and an attached 3-car garage. A short ride from Manhattan, you are likely to become a permanent resident rather than a part-time summer visitor!