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Inside Key Biscayne’s Legendary $237M Waterfront Estate

Development: 485 W Matheson Drive
Location: Key Biscayne
Property Type: Historic ultra-luxury waterfront estate
Estate Size: Approximately 2.38-acre waterfront compound with 862 feet of direct Biscayne Bay frontage
Residence: Approximately 13,000-square-foot architectural estate with five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and two half bathrooms
Architect: Franklin E. Grau and Associates
Notable Legacy: Formerly President Richard Nixon’s “Winter White House” and featured in Scarface and Miami Vice
Listing Representation: Jill Eber and Judy Zeder of The Jills Zeder Group
Offered At: $237 Million

The former Nixon “Winter White House” and iconic Scarface filming location hits the market with The Jills Zeder Group.

The Setai St. Maarten
The Setai St. Maarten

The
Story

A Legendary Waterfront Estate in Key Biscayne

Some homes are listings. Others become part of Miami’s legacy. At 485 W Matheson Drive in Key Biscayne, presidential history, cinematic glamour, and extraordinary waterfront living converge within one of the most iconic estates ever offered in South Florida. Listed for $237 million by Jill Eber and Judy Zeder of The Jills Zeder Group, the private bayfront compound represents a rare combination of scale, privacy, and cultural significance.


Positioned on approximately 2.38 acres with an extraordinary 862 feet of direct Biscayne Bay frontage, the estate captures sweeping views of the downtown Miami skyline while offering a level of seclusion rarely found in today’s luxury market. Hidden behind lush tropical landscaping within one of Miami’s most prestigious waterfront enclaves, the property feels less like a residence and more like a private world of its own.

The Setai St. Maarten
From Presidential Retreat to Hollywood History

Spanning roughly 13,000 square feet, the estate features five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and two half baths. Yet beyond its size and location, what truly sets the property apart is its history. Originally acquired by President Richard Nixon in 1969, the residence became known as his private presidential retreat, later earning the nickname “The Winter White House.” Over the years, political leaders, celebrities, and influential guests passed through the estate, cementing its place in Miami history.


The property later entered Hollywood lore as the filming location for Scarface, serving as the residence of Frank Lopez. One of the home’s most recognizable features, the iconic glass elevator showcased in the film, remains fully functional today, preserving a rare piece of cinematic nostalgia within one of America’s most valuable waterfront estates.

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Outdoor Living Designed for Miami Luxury

Outside, the estate transforms into a true Miami waterfront retreat. A dramatic piano-shaped saltwater pool anchors the outdoor living experience, surrounded by expansive lawns, mature palms, and beautifully curated tropical landscaping. More than 500 integrated landscape lights illuminate the grounds at night, creating an atmosphere that feels cinematic from every angle.


Designed for both relaxation and large-scale entertaining, the outdoor spaces seamlessly connect to the bayfront setting. Expansive terraces, open-air gathering areas, and panoramic water views create an ideal environment for everything from intimate sunset dinners to major waterfront events. The property effortlessly balances grandeur with privacy, offering a lifestyle centered around both elegance and ease.


A Private Marina for the Yachting Lifestyle

Among the estate’s most remarkable features is its private marina, created from the former presidential helipad and capable of accommodating yachts up to approximately 200 feet. In a city where waterfront access defines value, this level of private docking capability places the property among the rarest offerings in Miami. For ultra-high-net-worth buyers seeking direct bay access and a true yachting lifestyle, opportunities like this have become nearly impossible to replicate.

The Setai St. Maarten
Timeless Interiors with Unmatched Views

Inside, soaring ceilings, marble floors, floor-to-ceiling glass, and preserved architectural details create a timeless atmosphere filled with natural light. Expansive entertaining spaces frame uninterrupted views of the bay, while the interiors balance classic Miami glamour with modern livability. The upper-level primary suite serves as a private sanctuary overlooking the water and skyline beyond, complete with terraces that further connect the home to its extraordinary surroundings.


The Miami Vibes Perspective

What makes 485 W Matheson Drive truly exceptional is its irreplaceability. In today’s Miami luxury market, assembling nearly 2.5 acres of prime bayfront land with this level of privacy, history, and yacht access is virtually unheard of. More than simply a luxury residence, the estate represents a rare piece of Miami mythology where architecture, waterfront living, political history, and cinematic culture converge on an extraordinary scale.

The Setai St. Maarten

The
Gallery

Property Details
  • Approximately 13,000 sq. ft. residence

  • Situated on a 103,775 sq. ft. lot (approximately 2.38 acres)

  • 5 bedrooms

  • 7 full bathrooms + 2 half bathrooms

  • 862 feet of direct Biscayne Bay frontage

  • Multi-level architectural waterfront estate

  • Expansive layout designed for entertaining and private living


Architectural & Interior Features
  • Designed by Franklin E. Grau and Associates

  • Original architectural elements preserved throughout

  • Soaring ceilings exceeding 24 feet

  • Floor-to-ceiling glass with panoramic bay and skyline views

  • Original glass elevator featured in Scarface

  • Marble flooring throughout main living areas

  • Stainless-steel kitchen cabinetry with teak wood accents

  • Wolf gas cooktop and Sub-Zero refrigeration

  • Custom steel and teak railings

  • Family/media room overlooking the pool

  • Game room and music room

  • Self-contained guest apartment with kitchen and full bath

  • Spacious boat room with direct marina access


Outdoor & Waterfront Features
  • Private marina created from the original presidential helipad

  • Dockage for yachts up to approximately 200 feet

  • Over 34,000 sq. ft. of submerged land ownership

  • Piano-shaped saltwater pool with saline system

  • Full cabana bathroom and outdoor lounge areas

  • Expansive entertainment lawn framed by mature palms and oak trees

  • More than 500 integrated landscape lights

  • Circular driveway with dramatic arrival sequence

  • Private security gate

  • Air-conditioned two-car garage


Presidential & Cultural Legacy
  • Formerly owned by Richard Nixon

  • Known historically as the “Winter White House”

  • Private helipad constructed by the U.S. Department of Defense

  • Featured in Scarface as Frank Lopez’s residence

  • Featured in Miami Vice

  • One of Miami’s most historically significant waterfront estates


Lifestyle & Location
  • Located in Key Biscayne

  • Minutes from Brickell, Coconut Grove, and Coral Gables

  • Surrounded by Biscayne Bay, Crandon Park, and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

  • Exceptional privacy and unobstructed open bay views

  • Rare large-scale waterfront compound in Miami


Notable Highlights
  • Offered at $237 million

  • Represented by Jill Eber and Judy Zeder of The Jills Zeder Group

  • One of the most significant private waterfront estates ever listed in Miami

  • Rare blend of presidential history, cinematic legacy, and ultra-prime waterfront living

  • Extraordinary opportunity for yacht owners and large-scale entertaining

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