A vast 7-bedroom penthouse designed by renowned interior designer Delphine Krakoff and once featured in a May 2019 Elle DECOR article is for sale on the top floor of Miami's iconic Surf Club residential towers. The effortlessly chic residence offers 7,387 square feet of "curated sophistication and bespoke elegance" according to listing agents Danny Hertzberg and Jill Hertzberg, part of the Jills Zeder Group and the nation's No. 1 ranked real estate team.
Among its charms are a wraparound balcony and an East-West flow-through layout that spans the depth of the 12-story glass tower designed by Pritzker Prize winner Richard Meier. From its elevated position overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in front and Biscayne Bay to the rear, direct ocean and sunrise-to-sunset views will likely leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
Krakoff worked with her clients – a family from New York who had fallen "under the Meier-in-Miami spell" – to create "decorative fireworks," writes Vicky Lowry for Elle DECOR. Krakoff, the visionary behind Manhattan-based Pamplemousse Design, is known for creating stylish and welcoming spaces for her clients that reflect her French flair. She brought this same élan to the Miami residence, initially an unfinished space until the building was completed in 2017. Her art-loving clients, whose collection includes works by Vik Muniz, Jim Dine, and Chuck Close, sought Krakoff's expertise to create a beachy retreat that celebrates the Miami lifestyle. “You go to Miami, and you feel the energy, the colorfulness, and the multiculturalism—we wanted to celebrate that spirit,” the client told Lowry.
Since she had already renovated three residences for these clients, Krakoff had a natural sense of what her clients wanted for their Miami home. On the list of must-haves: a seamless blend of comfort and style, entertaining spaces (but also places for relaxation), designer pieces, and contemporary art that imbue the open, loft-like space with playful personality.
The decorative fireworks start at the front door. A "fearless and "bold" design gesture sets the tone for the rest of the interiors. Lowry describes it as "a wavy, rainbow-hued Sol LeWitt drawing that snakes through the 50-foot-long, windowless L-shaped hallway." Around the corner, the open living space flows seamlessly from the sitting, dining, and kitchen areas to meet wraparound glass views of sky and ocean. A glossy white chef's kitchen, outfitted with the latest modern appliances, offers a neutral respite from some of the more vivid decor. Meanwhile, the west-facing family room is perfect for enjoying the iconic Miami sunsets. A welcoming sitting area off the hallway provides a comfortable space to gather before venturing out for the night. A custom-built library, game room, and media room complete the picture of a spirited, fun, don't-take-yourself-too-seriously home. It's the kind of lively, ebullient atmosphere that made the Surf Club so iconic from its inception.
Opening its doors on New Year’s Eve 1930 on Miami’s fabled beachfront, Surf Club was revered as a "celebratory oasis" from the start, known for attracting the likes of the Duchess of Windsor, Noël Coward, Frank Sinatra, and Elizabeth Taylor. Today, it's been revived as a coveted hotspot once again, infused with 21-century vision – courtesy of a pair of glamorous residential towers and a Four Seasons hotel (also designed by Meier) flanking the original Mediterranean-Revival style clubhouse. Residents and their guests can enjoy an exclusive experience with unique cabanas and full service by the Four Seasons-trained staff, an onsite restaurant and bar, an oceanfront spa and wellness center, residents-only fitness centers, heated swimming pools, private beachfront gardens, 24-hour security, valet parking and an array of in-residence a la carte services such as housekeeping, dining, personal training, dog grooming and more.
Between these modern amenities, breathtaking views, and Krakoff's artfully curated haven, there is no stopping the next owners from embracing the luxury of play and joy that the Surf Club has long embodied.
