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Paying the Price

By: Shellie Benson

A report on the 10 most expensive homes bought this past year—and why they got top dollar.

The 10 top-selling homes along the Gulfshore during the past 12 months turned up more than $108 million for their pristine condition or prized locale. Not surprisingly, all of these properties are located in Collier County, including a historic home that was moved off its land to make room for five new mansions. A few multimillion-dollar land sales made the list—i.e., the 5,000-square-foot homes are likely to be bulldozed for new construction. Then there are a few sparkling beachfront homes that are sure to stay intact, thanks, in part, to the one must-have on this elite list: a spectacular view of the Gulf of Mexico or Naples Bay.

$16 million

The home fetching the highest price along the Gulfshore wasn’t a gorgeous mega-mansion with a boat dock and private elevator. Instead, it was the home of one of Naples’ earliest residents, Louisville Courier Journal owner Walter Haldeman. The cottage home was built in 1886 by Confederate Gen. John S. Williams, and when the sale closed in November 2005, it was the oldest home in Naples, located on 12th Avenue South at the foot of the Naples Pier. But the house was cut into four pieces and moved to Pennsylvania Avenue in Bonita Springs, where preservation efforts ensued. The Haldeman family put the home on the market in 2004 due to property taxes in excess of $100,000, says Katherine Tusa, executive director of the Naples Historical Society. "There is no preservation ordinance in the city to grant the family tax relief," she says. "It’s a tragedy." Naples resident Gerald Goldberg bought the home and kicked in to help pay for the move to Bonita Springs. Now, five luxury homes are under construction where the Haldeman house once stood.

$12.5 million

Six of our list of top-selling homes are located in Port Royal, including the second-highest priced home at 4540 Gordon Drive, which sold in December 2005 for $12.5 million. But it wasn’t the 5,461-square-foot, three-bedroom home that enticed the buyers to purchase the home. It was the 160 feet of direct beach access on the southernmost end of Gordon Drive and the opportunity to join the prestigious Port Royal Club, says real estate agent Larry Lappin, who works with John R. Wood listing agent Bill Earls, and describes this deal as a land sale. "This is a very special property that comes on the market once in a lifetime," he says. "People who follow that market acknowledge that."

$12 million

This 10-year-old home in Bay Colony’s The Strand, above, is surrounded by beachfront as well as 570 acres of preserved land that will never see a developer’s shovel. One of 12 mansions in The Strand, this one stayed on the market for a little more than a year, and then collected $12 million at closing. Along with breathtaking views and casually elegant décor, The Strand offers another priority for residents: layers of security including a gated and guarded entrance and secured residence. "The beach estate offered a unique setting with the utmost of privacy, security and amenities," says Premier Properties listing agent Barbi Lowe.

$11,450,000

Back in port royal, 3255 rum Row caught $11,450,000 cash after a year on the market. The 2002, nearly 8,000-square-foot custom-built home sits on a corner lot along Naples Bay. The sunny yellow home features two master suites, six bedrooms in all, custom millwork and moldings, outdoor kitchen, private elevator, Gulf access, patio and pool deck.

$10.9 million

No matter where you go in this Regent penthouse in Park Shore, above, you’ll have a grand view, as the penthouses take up an entire floor. The Barbi and Steve Lowe realtor team are the only agents who made our list twice, and this residence brought in a $10.9 million sale. Designed by Marc-Michaels Interior Design, it’s one of the largest homes on our list, at more than 12,000 square feet, and offers some unusual details such as bamboo ceilings in the cabana room and mosaic inlays. "The spacious architectural design combined with the sophisticated ambiance make this one of the rarest and most remarkable finds in Naples," Barbi Lowe says.

$10.8 million

Naples’ architect alfred French dreamt up this Bermudian-style custom home, above, built 20 years ago by A. Vernon Allen on Naples Bay. The 6,200-square-foot home features never-ending views, four bedroom suites, a marble fireplace and a library and qualifies the owners for Port Royal membership. The original asking price, says Premier Properties listing agent Lindsey Forté Smith, was $13.9 million when it first entered into the market in November 2004. But it only lasted a few months after the price was reduced, and it sold in February 2006.

$9,975,000

Could this be rum row’s ultimate party house? One of three home sales on this street, the new construction home at 3555 closed for $9,975,000 cash only five months after it was offered. This majestic two-story, five-bedroom home sits on a half acre, right in the middle of the Row, with 180-degree views of the bay. This residence includes a boat dock, beach access and private beach pavilion, along with a two-bedroom guest suite with its own kitchen and laundry. Perfect for weekend guests, we think.

$9,406,000

The furthest north we go on this list is 110 Guadeloupe Lane in the Lely Barefoot Beach gated community, where a new construction, four-story home fetched $9,406,000. The amenities for potential buyers were seemingly endless—tray ceilings, built-in grill, outdoor kitchen and shower, wine cooler, granite, marble, media room, custom cabinetry and that must-have: waterfront views, in this case, of the Gulf of Mexico.

$7.7 million

This 20-year-old home on Port Royal’s Rum Row, above, didn’t last five months when it hit the market on Dec. 1, 2005. By the end of April, it brought in $7.7 million, more likely for its location than the 3,000-square-foot home that sat on the land. Premier Properties’ Ruth Trettis says the lot and a half, teak deck and stainless steel-edged pool as well as views of Man of War Cove are what set this property apart.

$7,350,000

We wrap up the list with the most northern Port Royal abode at 445 Galleon Drive, a 5,500-square-foot home built in 2005. The two-story, four-bedroom home included a four-car garage, pool, spa and 100-foot boat dock on the Jamaica Channel with water deep enough to accommodate a large vessel. At $7,350,000, perhaps that yacht is still within reach.