The Most Expensive Residential Real Estate Listing in Boca Raton Just Hit the Market
A rare Boca Raton waterfront triple-lot compound with two swimming pools was recently listed by The Jills Zeder Group for $52 million – making it "the most expensive residential real estate listing in the area," according to listing agents Jill Hertzberg and Jon Mann of The Jills Zeder Group. Known as the Parker Estate, the one-of-a-kind custom property is owned by the family of Constant Contact Founder and Tech Entrepreneur Randy Parker. The stunning 1.7-acre waterfront estate is poised on a prized southeast-facing corner lot (originally the most expensive lot in Royal Palm) in Boca Raton’s prestigious Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club and offers 437 feet of water frontage overlooking both the Intracoastal Waterway and a side canal. An arboretum-like vacant 0.4-acre lot across the street is also included in the sale. Parker’s late father, pioneering financial publisher Glen K. Parker purchased the properties with his wife Sandy, a well-known Boca Raton CPA and business leader, in the mid-1990s to be their primary residence and a resort-like venue for entertaining family and friends. Glen K. Parker is best known for his company The Institute for Econometric Research, which revolutionized the financial publishing industry and helped fuel the massive growth of mutual funds, beginning with the popular investor newsletter Market Logic in 1975 and culminating in the acquisition of the business by Time, Inc. in 1998. The Parker Estate, which was featured in the 59th edition of Florida Architecture magazine in 1998, was designed by architect Mitch Kunik to pay homage to some of the owners’ favorite vacation spots. The estate draws inspiration from the tropical resort lifestyle, deftly balancing nature, luxury and privacy. Among its standout features is a 10,000-square-foot curvilinear main house with interiors by award-winning designer Arlene Workman. Exquisite detailing, such as custom ceilings, windows and innovative architectural elements, define the interiors. The principal suite on the top level of the home brings expansive views into effortless focus while other unique features such as blackout shutters, dual bath suites, massive closets, workout and sitting areas, and private access to a rooftop sun patio elevate it from the mundane. A separate guest house reminiscent of the bungalows at the Little Palm Island resort in the Florida Keys includes a unique palm frond ceiling, soaking tub for two and a private outdoor shower. The property has not one – but two – swimming pools, including an infinity-edge pool that wraps around the main house and overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway, and a more traditional pool between the main house and guest house. Other standout features include a covered patio for entertaining and outdoor living, inspired by the grand outdoor dining pavilion at Little Dix Bay Resort in the British Virgin Islands, and a large, open kitchen with a 15-foot-long island and double stoves, ovens, sinks and dishwashers, where many cooking classes and tasting demonstrations by local chefs have been hosted. The beautifully landscaped, retreat-like grounds are ideal for relaxing in nature as well as entertaining ― weddings, boat parade-watching parties, wine tastings and more have been hosted there. The grounds were expertly designed and maintained by Craig Morell, one of the top horticulturists in Florida, the former horticulturist of what is now The Boca Raton resort and the Pinecrest Gardens in Miami, and a retired director of Coconut Grove’s The Kampong, one the gardens of the National Tropical Botanical Garden. He helped bring the owners’ vision of a tropical jungle paradise to life, importing unique trees and plants from around the world. The Parker Estate is considered "a magnificent fusion of waterfront luxury, architectural brilliance and natural splendor," said the listing agents. It's "one of South Florida’s most remarkable homes." A prestigious location in Royal Palm also places the property among Florida's greatest estates. Since its founding, Royal Palm has been a gathering ground and desired address for South Florida’s high society and community, business, philanthropic and social leaders.
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