A landmark historic estate of South Florida's Gold Coast, "Mia Encantada" (My Enchantment) was designed by Marion Sims Wyeth, one of Palm Beach's leading architects, who, along with Addison Mizner and Maurice Fatio, was instrumental in transforming 1920's Palm Beach and its environs into an exclusive resort paradise, home to many prominent residents. Dating from 1925 and built for E.E. Allyne, inventor of the kerosene refrigerator, this breathtaking Spanish Mission-inspired jewel was designed to capture the splendor of its direct oceanfront setting in Manalapan's prestigious Estate Section, stretching from 200± feet of sugar-sand beachfront to another 200± feet on the Intracoastal Waterway, providing space for your own private yacht dock.
Romantically picturesque, the stately six-bedroom villa is dominated by a gold-domed bell tower above its striking rooflines and columned loggias. Over the years, this magnificent residence has served as the mise en scène for grand entertaining in the elegant rooms and outdoors among the fountained garden courtyards, terraces, and 72±-foot-long pool – all under the glow of the night-lit bell tower that, even from miles away, lead the way to the fabulous social galas.
At the heart of the house, the soaring living room is appointed with a baronial coquina stone fireplace under the two-story pecky cypress cathedral ceiling with a regal 8±-foot chandelier preserved from Colonel Edward Bradley's Palm Beach Oasis Club. Another fireplace appoints the beautiful pecky cypress-paneled library, with a decorative fireplace in the banquet-sized formal dining room. Five upper-level bedrooms feature the extensive oceanfront master suite. There is also a private guest cottage plus separate staff quarters. Serene and secluded in a prized location, neighboring the historic Vanderbilt estate, this captivating Ocean-to-Intracoastal paradise is a rare offering notable for its storied pedigree.
Location
South Ocean Boulevard, Manalapan Beach, Florida. Few places in the world rival the lifestyle of Manalapan, an idyllic oceanfront hamlet on a barrier island between Palm Beach and Boca Raton. Manalapan residents have deeded club privileges at the prestigious Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa.
Property
Designed by prominent Palm Beach architect Marion Sims Wyeth and built in 1925, this landmark direct oceanfront estate presides over 2.19± acres stretching all the way from 200± feet on the Atlantic Ocean to 200± feet on the Intracoastal Waterway. Above the beachfront, the property is protected by a specially engineered sea wall, commonly known as "The Vanderbilt Seawall". At the end of a long gated drive, the impressive Spanish Mission-inspired villa is picturesquely silhouetted with a monumental bell tower. Capturing the glorious ocean view, grand terraces stretch across the oceanfront side of the residence, looking over the lawns to the boundless blue waters.
Continuing in a tapestry of outdoor entertainment spaces, Spanish tile loggias wrap around a fountained garden courtyard by a terrace stepping down to the lushly landscaped, coquina stone grand terrace around the 72±-foot-long pool. Old World fountains also highlight another walled courtyard and a lovely garden. In addition to ample guest parking areas, there is a walled motor court by the three-bay garage and covered parking area.
Residence
In a grand total of 15,262± square feet, this stately villa offers six bedrooms, seven full baths, and two powder rooms. Beautiful finishes feature the original Cuban tile floors, pecky cypress millwork, and coquina stone elements.
Main Level: Inside the ground-level foyer with black-and-white marble floor and hand-painted mural, the grand staircase ascends to the main-level foyer served by a wet bar and ladies' and gentlemen's powder rooms. Opening its doors to the magnificent oceanfront terrace and courtyard loggia, the grand two-story living room soars to a pecky cypress beamed cathedral ceiling above the arched windows, monumental fireplace, and second-floor balcony atop a spiral staircase. French doors also open to the oceanfront terrace from the inviting pecky cypress-paneled library/den, centered on a fireplace. Set off by a decorative fireplace and hand-painted mural, the banquet-size formal dining room opens to a pair of sunset balconies. The kitchen has granite counters, Thermador double ovens, a Jenn-Air range, Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer, and dishwasher. Across the terrace, the private guest cottage with bedroom and bath currently serves as an exercise studio.
Upper Level: Opening to balconies gazing over the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway, the extensive master suite features an elegant oceanfront bedroom with beamed ceiling and decorative fireplace. In addition to a closet-lined dressing room, the suite offers two baths, one featuring Ocean-to-Intracoastal views, a jetted tub, walk-in shower, separate water closet, and walk-in closet. In another wing, two bedroom suites with Dade County pine floors include one opening to an oceanfront balcony. Another bedroom suite has hand-painted tile floors.
Ground Level: In addition to the entrance hall, this level hosts staff quarters with a living room, bedroom, and bath, plus a workshop and storage rooms.
