Just Listed: Waterfront Venetian Palazzo Estate - Greystone Manor

Welcome to Greystone Manor, an iconic Marco Island Estate unlike any other.

A most prestigious unique, waterfront residence encompasses 4 lots on 2.77 acres of land commanding wide and long water views on the Southern fringe of the protected deep-water cove of sparkling Robert's Bay.

Suitable for yachts with 190ft water frontage, 100' dock and water direct access to the Gulf of Mexico just minutes away. Situated at the highest 24' waterfront elevation on Marco Island, twin iron gates mark two main entrances, with the entire property fenced for ultimate privacy. Driving upwards you come upon an Italian Venetian Palazzo.

Remodeled in 2011 and again in 2018, the handsome hewn stone exterior features 6 Bedrooms and 7.5 Baths spaciously appointed in 13,262SF of luxury interiors and 20,655SF total area.

Opulent architectural details await, from the copper roof, circular drive with Porte Cochere entry, to the regal foyer with lavish 2700 sq foot grand salon and 25’ hand-painted barrel ceiling embellished by Italian artisans. Beyond is the formal dining area, social and formal seating areas with four high back winged statement chairs before a fireplace.

The adjoining circular balcony overlooks an imported fountain and statuary with formal gardens beyond and wide water views. Multi-room living and entertaining spaces feature floor to ceiling arched and leaded windows, gracious archways, colonnade columns, ornate crown moldings, crenellated, barreled and tray ceilings, antique and modern crystal chandeliers, lavish crown and floor moldings, hand wall finishes, grey travertine marble and stone flooring.

Multiple outside terraces grace most of the rooms. 3 fireplaces are thoughtfully incorporated into the special décor. The home includes plentiful storage closets that blend seamlessly with the design.

The well-crafted gourmet Chef's kitchen includes custom cabinetry, double island with built-in breakfast area, Viking sub-zero refrigerator and range with double ovens, pot-filler, dual sinks and dishwashers, large pantry closet and pass-through pantry with walk-in temperature-controlled wine cellar and diagonally laid travertine flooring, all overlooking a charming European-style patio kitchen garden.

In the West wing is the opulent private primary retreat crowned with a venetian plaster barrel ceiling, water views and a spiral stair to the pool. Generous in scale, featuring his and her bathroom suites, separate walk-in closets, a morning room with private vista balconies and a secret door to a generous sized cherry-lined office with full water views.

A split 2nd primary ensuite guest bedroom is located mid-level with charming terrace offering the absolute in luxe privacy. A mid-level cherry lined built-in library leads to a charming full bar and lounge overlooking a Japanese Koi Pond. Below is the expansive family room with fireplace that includes a full length built-in entertainment center leading to 3 spacious additional ensuite bedrooms with seating areas, custom built-in, walk-in closets all accessing water views and outside living features. A separate apartment or service quarters on a split upper level features a full kitchenette, bedroom and living room with separate entrance.

The garage offers 3 car parking and an outside parking pad. Multiple terraces offer water views from nearly every room. Lush, mature tropical landscaping landscaped grounds include formal lawns, a screened pool with spa and night lighting, pool bath, outdoor shower, outdoor kitchen with built-in barbecue, bar and dining areas, a Koi Pond with fountain, tennis court with adjoining gazebo, vegetable garden and walking paths over the grounds.

A separate property entry is a gated off of N. Barfield Dr., with motor court, separate delivery space and abundant parking for grand scale entertaining. suitable for construction to suit your needs, art or music studio, home theatre, business office, game room or gym. The land is sufficient to add room for your needs such as gym, art or music studio, a home theatre or board room.

Visit: https://1690Copeland.com for details, features, photo gallery, 3-D walk through, Floor plans and more.

Patrick Wilkins, Broker Associate | 239-290-8593 | RE/MAX Affinity Plus

Properties like this: https://1549Heightscourt.com

Where to Dine Al Fresco on Marco Island

As a resident of Marco Island, you will enjoy over 250 days of sunshine every year. Don't be surprised if you want to spend all of your time outside on our gorgeous island.

Marco Island features many wonderful restaurants with outdoor dining, so we have a list of some of our favorite places to dine al fresco. Try them all to find your new favorite!

Snook Inn Chickee Bar

Arrive at the Snook Inn by boat or by car to enjoy classic dishes and waterfront dining. Guests can watch the dolphins play while indulging in delectable seafood, succulent steaks, or a fresh cocktail. Stop by for happy hour with friends or make it a romantic date night. Either way, we think you will love this waterfront restaurant.

Doreen's Cup of Joe

For breakfast or lunch on the patio, look no further than Doreen's Cup of Joe. Voted one of the Top Ten Amazing Breakfast Restaurants in Florida, their menu features favorites like Breakfast Nachos, Crab Cake Eggs Benedict, and Cannoli Stuffed French Toast for breakfast and Fried Shrimp BLT, Avocado Burger, or Corn Flake Chicken Sandwich for lunch. They pride themselves on sourcing the best ingredients, never cutting a corner.

Mango's Dockside Bistro

Mango's Dockside Bistro is a family-friendly restaurant with a tropical atmosphere, a local favorite with guests of all ages. Their 750-gallon saltwater fish tank, waterfall, and outdoor dining will delight the whole family. They are open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner, with breakfast and brunch served on the weekends. The locally owned and operated restaurants feature special dishes like Coconut Shrimp, Hawaiian Flatbread, Mango Hushpuppies, and Macadamia Nut Encrusted Cobia. Some guests will be happy to learn that dogs are welcome on the patio, too!

The Speakeasy

This unique, waterfront dining experience offers Chicago style fare in a prohibition era themed restaurant. Dine on the deck of The Speakeasy any day of the week for lunch or dinner. Join them for karaoke on Thursday nights or live music every Saturday, or catch the game on any of their 16 TVs.

CJ's on the Bay

CJ's on the Bay is one of Marco Island's best waterfront dining experiences, with an elegant atmosphere and a menu featuring all your favorites. Try one of their signature cocktails or an imaginative seafood entree like Rum Butter Mahi Mahi, Diver Scallops, or Key West Pink Shrimp Linguine. If you are not in the mood for seafood, don't worry: CJ's on the Bay has an extensive menu with something for everyone.

Bistro Soleil

For French dining in a refined setting, look no further than Bistro Soleil at the Olde Marco Inn. Nestled in the historic inn, Bistro Soleil is the perfect place for a romantic dinner or an elegant celebration. Begin the meal with Charcuteries et Fromages and a signature cocktail, continuing on to Carré D'agneau Provençale or Moules Frites, and put the perfect bow on the evening by indulging in lavender Crème brulée with views of the ocean.

Dolphin Tiki Bar & Grill

When you want to relax or let loose, Dolphin Tiki Bar is the perfect place to grab a casual dinner and some delicious drinks. The waterfront bar is always a fun place to be, whether you are there for happy hour, crab legs, sushi, or cocktails with friends, all while taking in the gorgeous ocean views.

Dining al fresco all year round is just one of the many benefits of living on Marco Island. When you live here, you get to enjoy the vacation lifestyle all the time. To find out more about living your dream life on Marco Island, contact our office any time! We would love to help you find your ideal property on the island.

Read more on the best dining destinations on Marco Island

Remember, for all Marco Island homes and condos, contact my office or browse my website.

High End Home Buying Tips for Millenials

Many people in their 20s and 30s are waiting a little longer to buy their first home. And when they do decide to buy, they’re looking for a high-end “forever” home rather than a starter property.

Can you relate? If so, you’re probably extra particular about what you’re looking for.

Here are a few tips for finding the best property for your needs.

READ MORE…

6 Ways to Avoid Delays on Your Remodel

Unexpected delays can quickly turn a fun home remodeling project into stressful misery. But you’ve got more power than you think to keep your project on schedule — and it all comes down to what you do before a single nail is hammered. These six proactive tips will help you avoid remodel problems so your project runs smoothly.

1. Choose your team carefully

When you hire a contractor, the burden of verifying their credentials falls squarely on your shoulders. Start by checking the Better Business Bureau’s website for red flags, as well as visiting LexisNexis online (which requires a subscription) to see if any lawsuits have been filed against potential contractors.

It’s also important to get valid references, stresses David Merrick, president of Merrick Design and Build in Kensington, Maryland. Rather than simply trusting online reviews, Merrick suggests doing some legwork.

“Visiting a project that is actually in progress is the best way to get a reference,” says Merrick, who also serves as the chairman of the Government Affairs Committee for the National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s Metro D.C. chapter. “So if you’re serious about hiring a contractor, and you want to take the time to check their references, ask to talk to [a current client] or visit a job they have in production.”

Merrick goes on to explain that homeowners should also check contractors’ license statuses online and “request a certificate of insurance. This comes directly from the insurance agent without going through the contractor’s hands, so you know it’s not forged.” This official document also lets you know whether the contractor’s policy is sufficient for your project’s size, and if workers’ compensation coverage is included.

2. Build in a budget cushion

Setting aside money for unexpected costs could help prevent your project from being delayed indefinitely.

Although good contractors usually spot evidence of costly problems during the initial estimate, some issues don’t reveal themselves until the walls are opened up, explains Rebecca Davila, owner of Building Dreams, a construction and renovation company in Hawthorne, California. For this reason, she suggests homeowners protect themselves by factoring in a substantial budget cushion.

“You have to look at having at least 20% to 25% [more] money on the side of your project,” she advises, “just in case of unforeseen conditions.”

3. Order materials early

Backorders and slow order fulfillment can stop renovations in their tracks. That’s why it’s essential to select and order tiles, fixtures and other materials your contractor requests as early as possible. It’s also crucial to choose products that are in stock and can be delivered quickly.

“Make sure you have everything ready and available,” Davila says. “You don’t want to order something and find out you’re on hold for six weeks, and your whole project stops for that item.”

4. Pay attention to permits

To maintain building codes and regulations, renovations often require permits. Be aware that the larger your project is, the longer it may take for permit approval — and for very large jobs, it could take months.

Professional contractors generally have a good feel for permit requirements and lead times and should know when to file to keep your project on schedule. Merrick warns that if a contractor asks you to get a permit yourself, that’s a major red flag.

“Any time a contractor asks a homeowner to pull a permit, there’s a reason,” he cautions. “They’re either lazy or they’re not properly licensed. They’re usually doing it because they’re not licensed.”

Having your contractor pull permits is also preferable for liability reasons. “The contractor’s name should be on it because they should be liable for it,” Davila says.

5. Get everything in writing

Before any work begins or money changes hands, you’ll need to sign a detailed contract. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and protects against being left high and dry with your project unfinished.

Renovation contracts should cover all the work being done and materials used, along with a clear payment schedule based on either time intervals or project completion levels. Know that a reputable contractor will never ask for full payment upfront or expect your final payment before the entire project is completed to your satisfaction. If you don’t understand the details of your contract, consider having a lawyer look it over.

6. Avoid change orders

One of the simplest ways to prevent remodeling delays (and budget disasters) is to be sure of what you want and stick with it. Changing your mind midstream results in change orders, which are contract amendments that occur when a customer decides to change project details like the location of a wall or the type of flooring.

Change orders not only create delays when new materials don’t arrive on time; they also can easily derail your well-planned budget. As Davila explains, “When a contractor gets a job, that’s when their prices are the lowest. When a change order comes in, they know that you have to do it so they can charge you anything.”

The article 6 Ways to Avoid Delays on Your Remodel originally appeared on NerdWallet.