South Florida Real Estate Showcase July 4th , 2026 Issue

SOUTH FLORIDA

THE PREMIER LUXURY HOME AND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

INTRACOASTAL GRANDEUR

PRESENTED BY MARGIT BRANDT

PREMIER ESTATE PROPERTIES

SEE PAGE 98

Leading the Luxury Market

MARGIT BRANDT'S RECORD-BREAKING RISE

With her historic Addison Mizner waterfront listing at 800 South County Road gracing the cover of this issue's Florida Living feature section, Palm Beach luxury real estate advisor Margit Brandt continues to set the standard in one of the nation's most competitive ultraluxury markets. We sat down with Brandt to discuss her remarkable growth, and her exceptional waterfront property portfolio that continue to attract discerning buyers from around the world.

Q1: From your iconic Intracoastal estate “Casa del Ensueños” in Palm Beach to some of Palm Beach's most coveted waterfront addresses, you have become known for representing extraordinary luxury properties. What sets these residences apart and makes them so desirable to today's discerning buyers?

Waterfront real estate continues to be among the most sought-after assets in South Florida, and the residences we represent offer an exceptional combination of location, lifestyle, and long-term value. From iconic oceanfront estates to landmark Intracoastal compounds, each property provides a unique opportunity

to enjoy the very best of Palm Beach living. Buyers today are looking for more than just a home, they're seeking privacy, spectacular views and a world-class waterfront lifestyle.

Q2: According to Real Trends Verified Rankings you are the #1 Agent in America Under 40 and a Top 20 Agent in America for the second year in a row. How has your business evolved and what lessons have you learned along the way?

In 2022, we closed approximately $188 million in sales volume. Today, in 2026, we have surpassed $870M in sold or pending transactions year-to-date (as of June 1), a milestone that underscores not only the strength of the market we serve but also the confidence our clients continue to place in me and my staff. Growth of this magnitude does not happen overnight, nor is it the result of any single transaction or opportunity. It is the culmination of years of effort, the implementation of a nuanced market strategy, the power of a team, and an unwavering commitment to client service. What I find most meaningful is that this growth has been driven organically through longstanding relationships, referrals, and

foundation of long-term growth. Our business has certainly evolved in scale, but our core philosophy has remained the same: provide an elevated level of service and always place our clients’ interests first.

Q3: You've had sales year-to-date of over $750M with a 65% growth rate, how do you continue to differentiate yourself?

These achievements reflect not only our team's dedication, but also the trust our clients place in us to represent some of Palm Beach's most exceptional properties.

Perhaps the most valuable lesson I have learned is to keep thinking big. We’ve put no limits on ourselves and continued pushing the envelope. Eventually, you get close or even surpass the goals that once seemed a bit crazy. Second, while market conditions may fluctuate, maintaining a reputation for integrity and consistently delivering exceptional outcomes remains the

Differentiation comes primarily by offering superior results. So for us that means 1) providing heightened visibility and access into the market (making sure our clients see more options with us than with anyone else), 2) branding and marketing our public property portfolio in a more targeted but also more global way, and 3) having the data, experience, and credibility so that our clients are always negotiating with extraordinary confidence.

Q4. How important is storytelling when marketing a luxury property, and how do you bring a home's unique character to life?

Storytelling is everything. Luxury buyers are not simply purchasing square footage, they are investing in a lifestyle, a legacy, and a connection to the community. Every extraordinary property has a story, whether it's a historic Palm Beach estate, a waterfront compound with architectural significance, a family home that has been cherished for generations, or even a brand new home.

My role is to uncover what makes a property truly special and present it in a way that resonates. We combine cinematic photography and film, thoughtful editorial narratives, and highly targeted global exposure to create a compelling identity for each home. The goal is not just to market a property, it is to ensure buyers have the ability to visualize their particular lives in the home.

Q5. What role does discretion play in your business, particularly when working with high-profile clients and extraordinary properties?

business. Trust is earned through repetition, and proven confidentiality.

A significant portion of activity happens within The Margit Brandt Private Collection™ of off-market opportunities. Whether I am representing a public figure, celebrity, CEO, or a multi-generational family office, my responsibility is to protect their interests while delivering exceptional service. The ability to navigate those relationships with respect and a quiet confidence is often what separates agents in the industry.

Q6. As you look ahead, what opportunities do you see emerging in the luxury real estate market, and what is your vision for the future of Margit Brandt Palm Beach?

My vision for Margit Brandt Palm Beach is to continue evolving as a top-tier, white-glove advisory office for the world's most discerning buyers and sellers. We want to continue setting trends and standards within the industry.

At the end of the day, luxury real estate is still a relationship business. My goal is to remain the trusted advisor clients turn to for their most important real estate decisions, not just for a single transaction, but for a lifetime and even multiple generations.

SOUTH FLORIDA FEATURE COVER PROPERTY

CASA DEL ENSUEÑOS800 S COUNTRY RD, PALM BEACH

With the newly finished reconstruction yet to be resided in, few (if any) compounds of this magnitude and quality exist in such a prime South Florida location as this. Sitting on a nearly 1.5-acre direct waterfront lot along the Intracoastal with 200 feet of frontage, this gated estate features a sprawling 15 bedrooms and 18 full bathrooms spread out amongst an expansive 27,000 +- total square feet of elite Palm Beach living, alongside a private, sunken, red clay tennis court. The home consists of a main house, boat house, tennis pavilion, and a six-car garage.

Perfectly positioned directly on the Intracoastal waterway and looking out towards the private docks with a 40,000 lb boat lift, this uniquely elegant residence is a perfect blend between accessibility to the quaint, charming Town of Palm Beach as well as proximity to the bustling downtown of West Palm Beach.

MARGIT BRANDT

(561) 545-7386 | office@margitbrandtpalmbeach.com

the Hamptons’ most discerning buyers has quietly turned south. South Florida’s luxury market carries the confidence of a place that no longer needs to make its case. High-net-worth buyers continue to arrive, drawn by a favorable tax environment, a pro-business climate, and a quality of life that has proven to be far more than seasonal. Many who came as second-home buyers have since made it their permanent address, deepening demand in a market where inventory was already selective.

Transaction volume has risen meaningfully over the past year. Sellers remain in a position of advantage. The properties commanding the greatest attention offer not merely luxury, but precision — the right address, the right condition, the right outlook.

Hamptons Real Estate Showcase sat down with some of the region’s most respected brokers to find out what is driving the market today. Their answer was consistent: South Florida has become, for a certain kind of buyer, a defining statement of how one chooses to live.

HRES: How has buyer demand shifted recently across South Florida, particularly among luxury end users, multiple-home buyers, and investors?

STEVE ROCKOFF, CORCORAN – Buyer demand remains healthy throughout South Florida, but it has become far more selective than it was during the post-pandemic surge. In the Northern Palm Beaches luxury market, particularly within private club and waterfront communities, buyers remain highly motivated but are taking more time to evaluate opportunities and conduct due diligence.

Many of today’s luxury buyers are purchasing a lifestyle as much as a home. They are seeking waterfront access, club amenities, security, convenience, and turnkey condition. While second-home buyers continue to represent a significant segment of the market, they are generally more focused on value and long-term enjoyment than simply acquiring a South Florida address.

Investors remain active, but rising insurance costs, renovation expenses, and carrying costs have made them more disciplined in underwriting opportunities. Overall, today’s buyer is sophisticated, informed, and willing to wait for the right property rather than compromise.

JIM MCCANN, PREMIER ESTATE PROPERTIES – In Palm Beach anything on the water, whether Oceanfront or Intracoastal is in high demand, with more Buyers than opportunities. It also strikes us that with the amount of wealth created over the last decade, and the number of new billionaires, that prices at the high end of the market will continue to rise.

HRES: Which price points and property types are showing the strongest momentum today?

FRANCES & TODD PETER, SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY – Single-family homes on the North End of Palm Beach continue to show some of the strongest momentum, particularly in the $7M–$15m range. Buyers are drawn to the ability to find move-in ready homes as well as opportunities to renovate or build.

We are also seeing continued demand for waterfront properties at the highest end of the market. However, inventory remains limited and buyers are selective, with a focus on the right property and long-term value.

STEVE ROCKOFF - In Northern Palm Beach County, the strongest momentum continues to be in luxury waterfront properties, homes within premier private club communities, and residences that have been recently constructed or substantially renovated.

Properties offering direct Intracoastal or ocean access, exceptional views, quality dockage, and desirable club memberships continue to attract strong interest. In communities such as Admirals Cove and Frenchman’s Creek, lifestyle attributes often become just as important as the physical characteristics of the home itself.

HRES: How are factors such as interest rates, insurance availability, and new building requirements shaping negotiations and purchase timelines?

FRANCES & TODD PETER - The bigger considerations are often timing and the building approval process. Palm Beach has a very thoughtful (sometimes challenging) review process through ARCOM, so buyers who are looking to renovate or build factor that timeline into their decisions. This has also contributed to the continued demand for move-in ready homes. Most of our buyers pay cash, but lower interest is always helpful. Insurance rates have come down slightly for most homeowners, but that’s not usually a huge concern as many of our buyers choose to self-insure for windstorm insurance if they don’t have a mortgage.

JIM MCCANN - In Palm Beach, most buyers want “instant gratification.” The prospect of locating a building lot or teardown opportunity, hiring an architect and developing plans, receiving approval from the Town’s architecture review commission (ARCOM), can be a lengthy and difficult process, easily adding a year or more to the timeline before an 18-14-month build process. As a result, new or newly built homes are always in demand, and developers who are willing to go through the process

from lot purchase to completed home delivery are usually financially rewarded for their efforts.

HRES: What changes are you seeing in inventory levels and seller expectations compared to the same period last year?

STEVE ROCKOFF - Inventory levels have generally increased, creating more opportunities and choices for buyers than we saw during the inventory-constrained environment of recent years.

At the same time, there remains a disconnect in certain segments between seller expectations and buyer perceptions of value. Some sellers continue to benchmark pricing against peak-market sales, while buyers are evaluating properties based upon today’s market conditions and available alternatives. The result is a market that rewards realistic pricing and superior presentation. Well-positioned properties continue to sell, often at strong prices, while listings that enter the market at aspirational price points are experiencing longer marketing periods and more

FRANCES & TODD PETER - Last season we saw more buyer hesitation due to macroeconomic concerns with tariffs after the April 1st announcement. This year’s transaction volume and the number of sales in the Palm Beach market have increased meaningfully. We have closed and put under contract close to $300m in 2026 so far, reflecting the continued demand we are seeing firsthand.

Inventory remains limited, particularly for renovated and move-in ready properties. Sellers remain in a strong position, but accurate pricing continues to be important as buyers are more selective.

HRES: Which neighborhoods or micro-markets stand out as emerging or consistently strong performers, and what is driving buyer interest?

JIM MCCANN - Areas all along the Intracoastal Waterway in West Palm Beach between Flager Drive and Dixie Highway are becoming highly sought after as the Town of Palm Beach inventory becomes scarcer and prices have and continue to soar in the Town.

FRANCES & TODD PETER - West Palm Beach continues to see significant growth, particularly the South of Southern (SoSo) neighborhood. We are seeing more families drawn to the area, where buyers can find larger new construction homes at a lower price point compared to Palm Beach Island.

On the island, the North End of Palm Beach continues to be one of the strongest-performing markets. Buyers are attracted to the private beach access, familyfriendly atmosphere, and quieter setting. The area offers move-in ready single-family homes as well as larger lots for those looking to build, which continues to drive demand.

PALM BEACH’S BELOVED BRAZILIAN COURT HOTEL TURNS 100 YEARS OLD

most discerning guests

BY MARIETTE WILLIAMS

In 1926, Palm Beach reigned supreme as the ultimate winter sanctuary for high society. Enter Rosario Candela, a legendary New York architect, famous for designing some of Manhattan’s most prestigious co-op apartments. Candela brought his signature discretion to Florida, blending Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean Revival styles to design the intimate Brazilian Court Hotel, now an iconic fixture in Palm Beach.

Fast forward to 2026. Though the world has changed, when you step through the threshold of The Brazilian Court Hotel, time seems to stand still. When I first pulled up to the hotel, the unassuming exterior offered no hint of the grandeur waiting inside. Before my stay, I must have driven past the property dozens of times, completely oblivious to the hidden paradise tucked behind the hedges, which is part of the hotel’s charm.

“Unlike larger resorts, The Brazilian Court offers an intimate atmosphere with timeless elegance, privacy, and exceptional service,” says Bobby Schlesinger,

owner of the Brazilian Court Hotel. “Our refined, highly personalized approach to luxury dates back to 1926, with our lush courtyards and historic architecture creating the backdrop for exactly what a Palm Beach vacation should be.”

I savored a weekend stay in one of the resort’s Wisteria One Bedroom Suites, which featured dark wood floors, plush emerald furniture, and stately marble bathrooms. The tucked-away, 80-room property is also home to Café Boulud, Chef Daniel Boulud’s award-winning restaurant that features both indoor and outdoor seating. There’s also a chic outdoor pool shaded by breezy palm trees.

Representing a New Generation of Luxury Living in the Palm Beaches

A magnificent property in coveted Old Marsh Golf Club representing a new generation of luxury living in the Palm Beaches. This landmark estate on nearly two acres of masterful, curated gardens features a separate 2-bedroom guest cottage, an independent apartment, 7-car garage and extensive motor court. Designed for intimate daily living or entertaining on a grand scale there are 4 fully equipped kitchens, 4 fireplaces, walk-in pantry, family breakfast room, covered living & dining loggia, temperature-controlled 3,000+ bottle wine gallery, elevator, library and adjacent family room, billiards room, card room and expansive bar.

8 Bedrooms suites | 10 Baths | 5 powder rooms | 25,202 TSF | 17,820 AC SF

From its very inception, The Brazilian Court was designed to prioritize discretion. Candela, famously protective of his high-society clients, envisioned a lush, courtyard sanctuary where the ultra-wealthy could escape the public eye.

The gamble paid off, and the Brazilian Court Hotel was a quiet sanctuary for high-profile guests like Audrey Hepburn, Frank Sinatra, and even JFK. For generations, this Spanish-Mediterranean landmark became the ultimate Palm Beach fortress. It was a place where old Hollywood and high society mingled under the shade of manicured palms. Today, the hotel is a draw for the modern, discerning traveler.

“Our typical guest values privacy, personalized service, and an intimate residential atmosphere over a large resort setting,” Schlesinger explains. “Our guests are drawn to the hotel’s historic charm, spacious suites, and curated experiences.” Remarkably, a hundred years later, that very same spirit of understated luxury remains. Today, under the stewardship of Schlesinger, The Brazilian Court continues to evolve, proving that a legacy status doesn’t mean standing still.

“We always look for new ways to add to our suite of amenities,” Schlesinger says. “BC ONE, our exclusive 44-foot Italian-designed Solaris Power Yacht, offers complimentary two-hour cruises for hotel guests with onboard offerings by Café Boulud, which was a new addition lauded by our guests in 2024.”

This year, the Brazilian Court Hotel marks its 100th anniversary, celebrating a century of culture, society, and effortless style in Palm Beach. To honor this monumental centennial, the hotel is rolling out a year-long calendar of curated activations that bridge its historic past with contemporary luxury.

Centennials come and go, but few properties manage to survive a century while maintaining their original soul. The Brazilian Court Hotel has done just that. It remains what it has always been: a discreet, elegant haven where history is preserved, style is celebrated, and privacy is the ultimate luxury.

“Palm Beach is ever evolving,” Schlesinger says, “but providing impeccable service and curating a product that is intentional and uncompromising is timeless, and we look forward to continuing that directive for the next century.”

Timeless Architecture. Modern Coastal Luxury.

103 Quayside Drive, Jupiter | Admirals Cove

Offered at $23,750,000

Stunning British West Indies-inspired estate set on rare point lot, offering over 180 feet of deep, navigable waterfront and exceptional southern exposure. This beautifully appointed two-story residence showcases expansive water views, elegant architectural detail, and a seamless indooroutdoor lifestyle designed for both relaxed living and sophisticated entertaining. This home features generous living spaces, a well-conceived floor plan, and refined finishes throughout, complimented by resort-style outdoor areas, a private dock, and sweeping vistas.

Ideally situated within one of the area’s most sought-after waterfront communities, this property represents a rare opportunity to enjoy premier coastal living.

Coastal Sophistication

55 LINKS ROAD, JUPITER ISLAND

4 BR | 4.5 BA | 3,938 SF | $11,800,000

Move right into this beautiful home! Located on Jupiter Island just minutes to Bridge Road, 55 Links Road presents a rare opportunity to own a renovated (2024) residence with golf course views. Set on .48 acres, the property features a 2-bedroom, 2.1-bath main home with light-filled interiors and well-proportioned living spaces designed for effortless entertaining. A separate 2-bedroom guest house offers ideal accommodations for visitors. Surrounded by lush tropical landscaping, this private retreat is just moments from pristine beaches and the Intracoastal. Property has designated beach access. A refined offering capturing the essence of Jupiter Island living.

LOCATION

Hemingway’s Retreat at 406 N Ocean Boulevard is a rare beachside estate in the heart of Delray Beach, offering an extraordinary combination of privacy, character, and location. Nestled behind lush tropical landscaping on a remarkably deep 350+ foot parcel, this timeless residence is just moments from the beach and Atlantic Avenue’s acclaimed dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. The residence offers 3 bedrooms and 3.1 baths, including gracious living and entertaining spaces that open seamlessly to the gardens and pool. Rich in architectural character and timeless appeal, the home presents a unique opportunity to enjoy as-is, thoughtfully enhance, or create a future legacy estate.

Hemingway’s Retreat at 406 N Ocean Boulevard is a rare beachside estate in the heart of Delray Beach, offering an extraordinary combination of privacy, character, and location. Nestled behind lush tropical landscaping on a remarkably deep 350+ foot parcel, this timeless residence is just moments from the beach and Atlantic Avenue’s acclaimed dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. The residence offers 3 bedrooms and 3.1 baths, including gracious living and entertaining spaces that open seamlessly to the gardens and pool. Rich in architectural character and timeless appeal, the home presents a unique opportunity to enjoy as-is, thoughtfully enhance, or create a future legacy estate.

A rare opportunity to thoughtfully reimagine a true coastal classic.

A rare opportunity to thoughtfully reimagine a true coastal classic.

Surrounded by mature palms and enchanting gardens, the property feels worlds away while remaining in one of Delray Beach’s most desirable locations. Expansive brick terraces, tranquil water features, and a resort-style pool create a secluded outdoor sanctuary rarely found so close to the ocean. Adding to its appeal, the property is ideally positioned directly across from the ocean, where a uniquely private setting enhances the beautiful views and peaceful coastal ambiance. With exceptional ocean views, estate-sized grounds, unmatched privacy, and walkability to Atlantic Avenue, Hemingway’s Retreat represents a truly rare offering in Delray Beach’s coveted beach area.

Surrounded by mature palms and enchanting gardens, the property feels worlds away while remaining in one of Delray Beach’s most desirable locations. Expansive brick terraces, tranquil water features, and a resort-style pool create a secluded outdoor sanctuary rarely found so close to the ocean. Adding to its appeal, the property is ideally positioned directly across from the ocean, where a uniquely private setting enhances the beautiful views and peaceful coastal ambiance. With exceptional ocean views, estate-sized grounds, unmatched privacy, and walkability to Atlantic Avenue, Hemingway’s Retreat represents a truly rare offering in Delray Beach’s coveted beach area.

PENDING & SOLD IN 2026

Palm Beach Season Highlights

North End Waterfront Estate

Last Asking $59,995,000 Represented Buyer

In Town Everglade Avenue

Last Asking $13,500,000 Represented Buyer

North End List Road

Last Asking $16,900,000 Represented Seller & Buyer

North End Monterey Road

Last Asking $9,950,000 Represented Seller

Last Asking $16,100,000 Represented Buyer

North Lake Way Lot Seabreeze Avenue

Last Asking $8,900,000 Represented Seller

As longtime Palm Beach residents, we are proud to call this community home. With two decades of experience in the local real estate market, we offer unparalleled expertise in the neighborhoods, schools, and lifestyle that make Palm Beach so exceptional.

1435NorthOcean.com

No Flamingos, please

An apartment in Palm Beach combines casual glamour and clever whimsy

BY NINA THOMSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARMEL BRANTLEY

Conventional wisdom holds that the “easy” way to transform a plain white box of an apartment into a stylish, comfortable retreat is to renovate. But renovation is costly, messy and time-consuming –  not so easy after all. There is one other option, however, and that’s to engage an interior decorator of vision. The new owner of a formerly unprepossessing two-bedroom, ocean-front apartment in Palm Beach, chose to take the second tack. Luckily, she found the ideal collaborator in Cindy Rinfret whose redesign exudes all the charm and casual glamour of a southern coastal town with an international feel.

“We love that aesthetic so for us the project was a natural fit,” says Rinfret, whose firm’s high profile projects include Dee and Tommy Hilfiger’s Palm Beach estate – Tommy Hilfiger is a longtime client – as well as homes on the South Fork of Long Island and Greenwich, Connecticut.

In due course the team set about creating a look that Rinfret describes as “timeless and layered.” According to Rinfret, the Seventiesmodern building was pretty-standard issue. Its strong points were great space, a balcony that ran the length of the unit and fantastic natural light. What with those assets, there was a consensus that the team wouldn’t touch the physical plant. Rinfret was confident she could make the most of the apartment’s existing features.

No need to knock down walls or relocate plumbing and gas lines – no renovation at all. Exacting design and the wizardry of a practiced hand and eye would be the extent of her intervention.

The result is a lesson in how to introduce character, interest and – why not? – a dash of whimsy to largely featureless rooms through the careful choice and placement of furniture, fittings, upholstery and just a smidge of architectural detail work.  In the kitchen, for example, the team added bamboo molding where previously there was none. With that small addition the room suddenly felt a lot less austere. Walls in both the kitchen and the dining room were covered in grasscloth, a means of introducing texture and creating a decorative link between the two distinct spaces. Other simple changes that made a big impact included changing the cabinet pulls, among other hardware upgrades, and installing chic new lights. In the dining area, a vintage bamboo table paired with colorful wicker bistro chairs underscores the bamboo and rattan theme.

It’s great when a client allows you to do things that are really fun.

- CINDY RINFRET

That theme carries over into the rest of the apartment, where the team deployed vintage rattan in organic shapes throughout. “The client is a writer so a beautiful, inspiring work space was a must,” says Rinfret. To this end, a Chinoiserie desk from Paula Roemer Antiques and a chair from nearby Circa Who occupy an alcove adjacent to the main bedroom. A mirror on the wall just above the desk simultaneously reflects light and makes the room feel bigger. Another wall is clad in a wall-covering from Scalamandre that depicts picture postcards from the Côte d’Azur. Its  old-timey romantic Gallic feel added what Rinfret calls an “eclectic and travelled” note to the décor. “It’s great when a client allows you to do things that are really fun,” she says.

The sense of fun continues in the rest of the living area where a bespoke sofa is dressed with throw cushions upholstered in botanical prints from Quadrille and Manuel Canovas, respectively. Above it hangs an outsize color photograph of a lion whose oranges and greens are echoed elsewhere in the apartment. A coffee table, also bespoke, is trimmed with the same bamboo detailing that enlivens the kitchen and dining areas.

In the main bedroom, the guiding principals were “restful and serene.” As it happened, one essential element for a good night’s sleep was already in place: glass sliders to let the ocean air in. Custom raffia-upholstered beds in the guest suite sport fin-shaped headboards that bring smiles of delight to guests of all ages.

At every juncture of the project Rinfret and her team worked with an eye toward unifying the interiors and in the end, they more than met that challenge. Each piece, whether custom or antique, imparts a collected, cohesive, lived-in feel to the apartment as a whole. As Rinfret puts it: “We added history in a way that reflected the client and her personality while honoring the place – and that’s what our design ethos is all about.”

BY ELIZABETH DEWOODY

A Secluded .78-Acre Sanctuary Moments from Town 4 BD | 5.5 BA | 8,746 SF | 33,976 LOT SF | OFFERED AT $25,950,000