A sprawling Mediterranean estate in one of South Florida’s most exclusive waterfront communities has been listed for $148 million. Located at 8901 Arvida Lane in Coral Gables, the property occupies 2.38 acres at the end of a tranquil lagoon within the guard-gated Gables Estates neighborhood, offering privacy, expansive water views, and direct access to Biscayne Bay.
Designed by architect Rafael Portuondo, the residence is distinguished by its classical proportions, barrel-tile roofs, elegant archways, and richly detailed interiors. The estate includes six bedrooms, nine full bathrooms, and three half bathrooms, with more than 14,000 square feet of living space described in the listing.
The property’s waterfront position is among its defining features. With 245 feet of deep-water frontage and an approximately 90-foot dock, the estate offers unobstructed boating access to Biscayne Bay without fixed bridges. Its location at the head of the lagoon also provides unusually expansive water views.
Mediterranean Architecture and Grand Interiors
The residence’s architectural character is established through a series of vaulted spaces, graceful arches, and refined material selections. Ceilings reach 25 feet in some areas, while marble and wood flooring, coffered ceilings, and groin-vaulted arches contribute to the home’s formal yet inviting atmosphere.
The main level is designed for both large-scale entertaining and everyday living. A double-height living room anchors the interiors, complemented by a formal dining room with a temperature-controlled wine room. The kitchen features Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, while a family room with exposed-beam vaulted ceilings and a full bar offers a more casual gathering space.
Additional amenities include a home theater, billiard room, two offices, and a private chapel featuring custom woodwork and stained glass. Staff quarters and laundry facilities provide further functionality. Upstairs, the primary suite serves as a private retreat with its own sitting area, balcony, wet bar, dual walk-in closets, and an onyx-appointed spa bathroom.
A Private Tropical Landscape
Outside, the estate’s extensive gardens create an immersive tropical setting. According to the listing, the grounds contain more than 600 species of palms, trees, and plants, establishing a lush backdrop for the Mediterranean architecture.
The rear elevation opens onto broad marble terraces and a richly colored mosaic-tiled swimming pool. Classical sculptures, formal landscaping, and a symmetrical arrangement of architectural elements give the pool terrace a distinctly European character, while towering palms and mature tropical trees provide a sense of place.
Covered terraces offer shaded gathering areas overlooking the pool and gardens, and a summer kitchen accommodates outdoor dining. Together, these spaces extend the home’s entertaining capabilities into the landscape, making the most of South Florida’s year-round outdoor lifestyle.
A detached waterfront fitness pavilion includes a bathroom and an upper-level sun deck with a hot tub, creating an additional setting for relaxation overlooking the water.
Waterfront Living With Room for Guests
The estate’s position along the lagoon offers an unusual combination of seclusion and boating convenience. From the private dock, residents can access Biscayne Bay without navigating fixed bridges, an important consideration for owners of larger vessels.
A separate guest villa enhances the property’s flexibility. Connected to the main residence by a covered loggia, the villa includes a living room, dining room, kitchen, and en-suite bedroom, allowing guests to enjoy independent accommodations while remaining close to the main house. Additional features include an elevator, impact-resistant windows and doors, an eight-zone air-conditioning system, Lutron lighting, and an air-conditioned four-car garage.
The property’s combination of extensive waterfront frontage, established tropical gardens, and Mediterranean architecture distinguishes it within the luxury residential market of Coral Gables.
Offered at $148 million by Dennis Carvajal of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, 8901 Arvida Lane presents an opportunity to own a substantial private waterfront compound in Gables Estates, with the space, privacy, and boating access that define South Florida’s most coveted coastal properties.