Written by Jack Wagner
From New York City to the Hamptons, Los Angeles to Malibu, and Miami to Palm Beach, the sale of ultra-luxury properties surpassing the $50 million mark seems to have become commonplace. Trophy properties eclipsing the $100 million mark have even become a somewhat regular occurrence for the uber-wealthy. However, to blow past those figures and claim the title of the most expensive home on the market in the United States, the property must not only be one-of-a-kind but also exceptional in every aspect.
Enter Gordon Pointe, with an asking price of $295 million. This 9.04-acre waterfront compound sits in the esteemed Port Royal neighborhood of Naples, Florida. Once considered a sleepier locale compared to its east coast counterparts of Miami and Palm Beach, Naples has burgeoned in popularity over the past few years, becoming one of the hottest real estate markets in the U.S. Nestled along the picturesque Gulf of Mexico, Naples offers both residents and visitors access to vibrant shops, high-end restaurants, top-notch entertainment venues, and world-class resorts and golf courses.
With approximately 708 feet of pristine beachfront and commanding views of the Gulf of Mexico, coupled with 952 feet of bay frontage, Gordon Pointe epitomizes luxury waterfront living. While the aquatic frontage is impressive, the property’s potential for development could be the selling point. Currently offering nearly 220,000 square feet of undeveloped land, it presents a future owner with the opportunity to create a family compound or an exclusive residential enclave.
Currently, three standalone estates have been established on the property. The largest of the three takes center stage, overlooking the white sandy shores of the Gulf of Mexico. For the luxury watercraft and water sports enthusiast, Gordon Pointe comes complete with a rare yacht basin spanning 231 feet, accompanied by a T-dock that can hold approximately six boats.
Financier John Donahue originally created the massive estate through numerous acquisitions. Donahue reportedly first saw the property while flying over it and said to his wife, Rhodora Donahue, “I want to go there.” In 1985, John made the first purchase, acquiring a 4.3-acre lot for $1 million. Today, the entire conglomerate of properties encompasses approximately 60 acres, with only the roughly 9-acre “crown jewel” of the estate available for purchase.
The Dawn McKenna Group of Coldwell Banker Realty is offering this private peninsula, with coordinated marketing efforts by The Leighton Candler Team of The Corcoran Group and Rory McMullen of Savills. If sold at, or even near, the $295 million asking price, Gordon Pointe would overtake the current record for a residential real estate transaction in the United States. Hedge fund billionaire and luxury property aficionado Ken Griffen set the record with his approximately $240-million condominium purchase on New York City’s coveted Central Park South in 2019.
