Rick Ross is Moving to Star Island in Miami Beach

Rick Ross Buys Star Island Waterfront Mansion
Rick Ross Buys Star Island Waterfront Mansion

Rick Ross, the Grammy-nominated rapper and record executive is buying the 12,400-square-foot home located at 37 Star Island Drive, Miami Beach. For $37.5 million, the 0.9-acre property first appeared on the market in May 2023.

On his Instagram story, Ross made a post about the sale with Sean ‘P Diddy Combs who is a Star Island resident. Combs said that the Star Island homeowners group had just given Ross their approval. Combs also gifted Ross a golf cart stating, “You can walk around Star Island, but it’s better to drive.”

Ross, a resident of Miami Gardens whose real name is William Leonard Roberts II, established the music publishing company Maybach Music Group in 2009. He was raised in Carol City and went to Miami Carol City Senior High School.

37 Star Lane includes six bedrooms, eight full bathrooms, and one-half bathroom with a 40-foot dock, a wide covered patio, a pool, a summer kitchen, and a Japanese Zen garden in addition to 100 feet of Biscayne Bay waterfront. The home was constructed in 1992.

Star Island is located off the MacArthur Causeway, which connects the Miami mainland to Miami Beach, with roughly 30 residences. Several island owners have sold their homes in the last three years as the luxury market grew following the start of the pandemic.

The island itself is man-made located along Biscayne Bay. Star Island is one of the most coveted and exclusive islands in South Florida. Star Island is within close proximity to Hibiscus Island, the Venetian Islands, and Palm Island. Each waterfront lot offers at least 40,000 square feet of unobstructed water views and frontage.

Star Island can be accessed through one bridge with a guardhouse entrance. A large number of celebrities live or have owned on Star Island. Some notables include Gloria Estefan, P. Diddy, Lea Black from the Real Housewives of Miami, and Jennifer Lopez.

Miami Beach’s Star Island is Now Ranked as the Nation’s Highest Priced Neighborhoods

Star Island in Miami Beach
Star Island in Miami Beach

Miami Beach’s exclusive Star Island has taken the top spot among the most expensive areas in the country, surpassing Port Royal in Naples, FL, Beverly Hill’s Gateway, and Trousdale Estates in Beverly Hills. In 2022, the price of the typical home sold on the island was $40.2 million, an increase of $16.7 million and 71% from 2019 when it was $23.5 million.

Ken Griffin, the founder of Citadel and a heavyweight in the hedge fund industry, has spent a total of $170 million over the past few years buying a collection of five houses on the island. Griffin made a big impression when he paid $75 million for a 1993 demolition on 1.8 acres at 8 Star Island Drive. At the time, the sale broke a record for Miami-Dade County single-family home sales, but Griffin is no stranger to shattering records.

Griffin also bought the nearby 10 Star Island for $25 million, 11 and 12 Star Island Drive for about $37 million, and 13 Star Island for $32.5 million in an off-market purchase. Also, he was the owner of 14 Star Island, which he acquired for $24 million in 2020 and reportedly traded for 13 Star Island for $18.5 million with former New York Yankee and real estate mogul Alex Rodriguez.

Griffin is not the only well-known investor who has bought and sold on the Island. Stuart Miller, the executive chairman of Lennar, paid $33 million for the old 4 and 5 Star Island Drive owned by Thomas Kramer, which marked the beginning of a protracted series of deals on the renowned island. With Todd Michael Glaser, Stuart Miller created an extravagant model home at 22 Star Island that was designed by DOMO Design and sold for $49.5 million in an off-market transaction managed by David Solomon and David Miller.

The owner of the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies, Robert Pera, purchased the 1.9-acre property next door from Miller in 2019 for $25 million. A contentious 28,000 SF seaside home with a basketball complex is being built by Pera. Marc Iacovelli sold the historic Carl Fisher estate at 46 Star Island Drive to Roger and Sloan Barnett for $39 million on the other side of 22 Star Island. On the island, Shay Kostiner recently sold his vacant lot at 44 Star Island for $10 million, while Anthony Hsieh, the founder and CEO of LoanDepot, just paid $30 million to purchase 34 Star Island Rive.

Just over the MacArthur Causeway from Fisher Island’s entrance and Miami Beach’s South of Fifth district, the gated Star Island has long been one of Miami’s most sought-after neighborhoods. The Army Corps of Engineers constructed the island in 1922 as part of a dredging project, and Carl Fisher turned it into an island for the affluent and well-known. Celebrities and billionaires like Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Philip Frost, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, Alex Rodriguez, Stuart Miller, and Vladislav Doronin currently reside on the island.

Former NY Yankees Player A-Rod Just Purchased a Star Island Home for $18.5 Million

Former New York Yankee A Rod Buys Star Island Mansion
Former New York Yankee A Rod Buys Star Island Mansion

For $18.5 million, a company run by former New York Yankees player Alex Rodriguez just purchased a mega-mansion on Miami’s infamous Star Island in Miami Beach.

Casa La Bonita, located at 14 Star Island Drive features 0.9 acres with over 100 feet of water frontage directly on Biscayne Bay. The estate was built by renowned Mexican developer, Carlos Gosselin.

The property boasts imported entrance gates that welcome guests to the gorgeous Mediterranean-style estate opening to arched hallways and courtyards. Throughout the home, it is evident the custom-made Hindu doors, a movie theater, a poolside gazebo, an elevator, high-impact windows, a pool, and a boat dock.

Rodriguez is the manager of Star Island 14 LLC, which is the name of the purchaser of the home. The former MLB All-Star Rodriguez’s addresses in Miami and Woodland Hills, California, were included in the $20 million mortgage from First Republic Bank.

The off-market transaction cost $463 per square foot. In 2020, the house last sold for $24 million.

Rodriguez has purchased on Star Island before. In 2020, Rodriguez and singer/actor Jennifer Lopez bought the home next door, 13 Star Island Drive. Rodriguez and Lopez are no longer together and it is unclear if 13 Star Island will be sold or if either will take sole possession.

Star Island Waterfront Mansion Just Listed for $90 Million

Star Island Mansion Front View
Star Island Mansion Front View
Photo credit: Alyssa Morgan

Star Island is known for its exclusivity along with its custom mega-mansions and just released yesterday is the most expensive property ever listed on the Island at $90 million. If sold for the listing price, it will also be the most expensive sale on Star Island in front of a mansion that sold last month for $75 million.

Located at 27 Star Island, this waterfront mansion is sited on 40,000 square footage of east-facing water frontage. The expansive property includes 2 separate homes. The main home showcases 23,737 square feet of living space and was designed by Starchitect SAOTA and was constructed by Coastal.

This property features 6 bedrooms with 12 bathrooms. The most unique amenities of this home include the gym located on the water with a sauna and steam room, cold plunge, massage room, and hair salon. Soundproofing and chef’s kitchen with high-end appliances really makes this place spectacular.

For the wine connoisseur, you can enjoy the 1,400 bottle wine room that overlooks the exquisite kitchen. Enjoy views of the wraparound pool and cabana from the rooftop lounge. There is also a new boat dock and lift.

Star Island Mansion Wine Cellar
Photo credit: Alyssa Morgan

The second home is located at the front of the lot and enhabits the 20’s era with the 1924 Degarmo home that has been completely restored. The floors are the original but are restored Miami Dade Pine. The property was originally built by Walter De Garmo, a famous Miami architect in the early 1900’s. This home features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

According to the MLS (multiple listing service), this property was rented at $400,000 monthly. No other information was provided. The seller is also unknown.

Star Island is a man-made island located in Miami Beach along Biscayne Bay. Made up of just a few dozen homes, Star Island is one of the most coveted and exclusive islands in South Florida. Star Island is within close proximity to Hibiscus Island, the Venetian Islands, and Palm Island. Each waterfront lot offers at least 40,000 square feet of unobstructed water views and frontage.

Star Island can be accessed through one bridge with a guardhouse entrance. A large number of celebrities live or have owned on Star Island. Some notables include Gloria Estefan, P. Diddy, Lea Black from the Real Housewives of Miami, and Jennifer Lopez.

Star Island Waterfront Mansion
Photo credit: Alyssa Morgan

Sell of Star Island Waterfront Mansion Sets New Miami Record

Star Island in Miami Beach
Star Island in Miami Beach

Star Island has seen many record sales in the past year but a new sale has just topped them all. A mansion on Miami Beach’s Star Island sold for $75 million, setting a new record for any single-family home in Miami-Dade.

The 16,619-square-foot mansion located at 8 Star Island Drive was sold by Dr. Lourdes R. Sanjenis, an internist in Miami. In 2013, Sanjenis inherited the home from Modesto M. Mora, who originally built the home in 1993.

Sitting on 1.84 acres, the home features 9 bedrooms, 8 full bathrooms, and 3 half bathroom. The mansion showcases over 20,000 square feet of luxury. Throughout the home, touches of Mediterranean and Caribbean architecture is evident.

Amenities include a beautiful pool overlooking the gorgeous manicured yard and an expansive dock with Port of Miami and Miami skyline views. The property also features an elevator and a commercial generator.

Star Island is a man-made island located in Miami Beach along Biscayne Bay. Made up of just a few dozen homes, Star Island is one of the most coveted and exclusive island in South Florida. Star Island is within close proximity to Hibiscus Island, the Venetian Islands, and Palm Island. Each waterfront lot offers at least 40,000 square feet of unobstructed water views and frontage.

Star Island can be accessed through one bridge with a guard house entrance. A large number of celebrities live or have owned on Star Island. Some notable include Gloria Estefan, P. Diddy, Lea Black from the Real Housewives of Miami, and Jennifer Lopez.

The buyer for the Star Island mansion record sale has yet to be disclosed.

Diddy Purchases Gloria Estefan’s Waterfront Mansion on Star Island

Diddy Purchases Waterfront Mansion
Diddy Purchases Waterfront Mansion

In July 2021, Gloria Estefan and her husband Emilio sold their Star Island home to a mysterious buyer for $35 million. At the time, we knew the buyer was listed under an LLC managed by Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group and that Sean Combs, also known as Diddy, was a neighbor to the Estefan’s.

It has now been revealed that Diddy is actually the buyer of Gloria Estefan’s waterfront mansion on the exclusive Star Island. Diddy can now add this waterfront mansion located at 1 Star Drive to his portfolio.

The 8,000 square foot mansion sits on 1.3 acres and features a total of 6 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms spread out through the main and guest houses. The rich hardwood and marble floors flow effortlessly through the open floor plan leading to the gorgeous outdoor oasis.

The Estefans originally purchased the home for $1.84 million in 1993. Since 2015, the property has been on and off the market with an original list price of $40 million. The last list price of this property was $27.9 million in 2020.

Diddy purchased the home next door in 2003 for $14.5 million. This property features 19,545 square feet with 9 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, a swimming pool, and a private boat dock. Diddy’s home was formerly owned by Tommy Mottola.

Is hasn’t been released yet what Diddy plans on doing with both of the properties or if he plans on combining the two but we can’t wait to see what he has in store!

Other notables that have owned or currently own on Star Island Include Alex Rodriguez, Don Johnson, Rosie O’Donnell, Xuxa, Shaquille O’Neal, Lea Black, and Phillip Frost.

1 Star Island Drive in Miami
Photo credit: Jill Eber with Coldwell Banker Realty
Kitchen at 1 Star Island Drive
Photo credit: Jill Eber with Coldwell Banker Realty
Star Island Miami
Photo credit: Jill Eber with Coldwell Banker Realty
Star Island in Miami
Photo credit: Jill Eber with Coldwell Banker Realty

Gloria Estefan Sold Star Island Mansion for $35 Million

1 Star Island Drive in Miami
Star Island homes in Miami Beach

The Miami luxury real estate market is hot! It is so hot, that multiple real estate records have been broken in the last few months for Miami-Dade. Just last month, a luxury mansion sold for the highest price sold home in all of Miami-Dade history at $65 million.

1 Star Island Drive in Miami
Photo credit: Jill Eber with Coldwell Banker Realty

Bay Harbor Islands also had a record-breaking sale of $12 million just last week, making it the highest sold home on all of the 2 islands. We are seeing more and more luxury residential homes sell than ever in the past few years and now we can add Gloria Estatfan’s mansion to the list!

Kitchen at 1 Star Island Drive
Photo credit: Jill Eber with Coldwell Banker Realty

Gloria Estefan and her husband Emilio sold their Star Island Mansion for $35 million at the end of July. The buyer for this property is unknown but according to tax records, the buyer is listed under an LLC managed by Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group.

The gated waterfront mansion located at 1 Star Island Drive features a main house as well as a guest house situated on 1.3 acres of bliss. The two-story main house boasts 3 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, rich hardwood and marble floors throughout, arched doorways, and a large refined kitchen with remarkable ocean views.

Star Island Miami
Photo credit: Jill Eber with Coldwell Banker Realty

At the front of the property is the separate 3 bedroom, 2.1 bathroom guest house. The grounds also feature a pool/spa, private boat dock, tropical foliage, and palm trees providing plenty of privacy. Sean “Diddy” Combs is also the neighbor of this gorgeous estate.

Gloria and Emilio first purchased the home for $1.84 million in 1993. The property has been on and off the market since 2015 at $40 million but the last list price in 2020 was $27.9 million.

Although their house sold, they will reside in their primary home which is reported to be within proximity to Star Island.

Star Island in Miami
Photo credit: Jill Eber with Coldwell Banker Realty

Lea Black of the Real Housewives of Miami Sells Waterfront Mansion on Star Island for $34 Million

Star Island in Miami
45 Star Island Miami

Another waterfront mansion has just been added to the market and the owner is non-other than Lea Black of the Real Housewives of Miami. Her and her husband, Roy Black are selling their waterfront estate on Star Island for $34 million.

The waterfront mansion is located at 45 Star Island Drive situated at the entrance of Star Island on 1.07 acres with 190 feet of water frontage with an expansive dock. Featuring 9 bedrooms, 9 full bathrooms, and 3 half baths, the home includes 2 stories of 10,636 square feet of living space. The property was built in 1981. Amenities for this massive mansion include a pool and guest cottage.

The Black’s originally purchased the home in 2011 for $7 million, which is also the same year that the Real Housewives of Miami first aired on Bravo.

Leah Black stated in an email to TMZ, “We had planned to renovate and move there ourselves, but later decided that with our son in college, the amount of time we spend traveling and in L.A. that it was not feasible for us to enjoy further. Although we own other homes, this one is very special to us because of the exclusivity it offers and the wonderful people that live there.”

Lea and Roy have listed their home ‘for sale by owner,’ and stated that they have received a few qualified offers. The family also owns home in Coral Gables, Key West, and Los Angeles.

27 Star Island Drive (Casa Di Paolo) Hits the Market for $21M

27 Star Island Drive

It may not be particularly noteworthy when a Star Island home hits the market for $20M+.  After all, there are currently two Star Island homes with asking prices of $35M.  What does make this new listing particularly noteworthy, however, is that 27 Star Island Drive, also known as Casa Di Paolo, was purchased last May for $10.75M.  The home was relisted earlier today with an asking price of $21M.  The listing makes no mention of any upgrades or additions made to the home since last May and the pictures included with the listing are the exact same which accompanied the listing last year.

Here’s an excerpt from a blog post I wrote about the sale of 27 Star Island Drive last year:

The 12 bedroom/13.5 bath mansion resides on a 40,000 square foot lot and has 15,000 square feet of living space, a bayfront swimming pool and a boat dock with 100 feet of water frontage. The property sold in 300 days at a 17 percent discount from its initial asking price of $12.95M. The estate was previously purchased in 1999 for $5.9M.

There’s no denying that the luxury real estate market in Miami is hot right now.  In fact, several major publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and Huffington Post reported last week about an Indian Creek home that was recently placed under contract for $40M by Sears Holdings Corp.’s chairman and hedge fund billionaire, Edward Lampert.  But just how hot is the luxury real estate market in Miami? How much has the luxury real estate market improved over the past year?  27 Star Island Drive may help to shed some light on these questions if and when it sells.  I’ll be sure to keep an eye on it and report any property status updates

13 Star Island Drive Sells for $25.5M – Record Breaking Sale

13 Star Island Drive

13 Star Island Drive in Miami Beach recently sold for $25.5M, making it the highest priced sale in Miami-Dade County history.  The sale closed late last month but wasn’t updated in the MLS until yesterday afternoon.  The 8 bedroom/8 full bath/2 half bath waterfront home resides on a 40,000 square foot lot and has 15,008 square feet of living space, a bayfront infinity edge pool and a fitness center.  The Star Island waterfront estate sold in 50 days at a 20.3% discount from its initial asking price of $32M.  The property was previously purchased in 2000 for $3.7M.

To put this sale into perspective, let’s compare it to another recent sale on Star Island.  As you may recall, 27 Star Island sold earlier this month for $10.75M.  That property also sat on a 40,000 square foot lot and had 15,000 square feet of living space.  My initial reaction is that there is A LOT that can be done with $14.75M.  An argument can be made that the west side of Star Island is preferable over the east side because you get a gorgeous view of the sunset and Downtown Miami skyline but you’d be hard pressed to find someone who would say that justifies the price. Nonetheless, 13 Star Island Drive is a beautiful property.  There’s no denying that the luxury real estate market has performed remarkably well this year, especially given the state of the economy.  There have now been four home sales this year of $10M or more, two of which have been properties located on Star Island.