Sunset Islands, Miami Beach: Luxurious Private Island Chain
The Sunset Islands are an ultra-exclusive enclave of four artificial islands in South Florida. Sunset Island I, II, III, and IV are located between Sunset Harbor and the Julia Tuttle Causeway. The islands are connected to Miami with bridge access, providing high levels of security and privacy to the islands' residents.
Since their creation, the Sunset Islands have been amongst the most highly desired addresses in South Florida. With unobstructed views of the glistening Biscayne Bay and stately waterfront mansions, the islands attract those seeking sophistication coupled with tropical luxury.
History
During the early 1900s, efforts were made to create channels and harbors within Biscayne Bay. The reclaimed sand that resulted from the dredging was used to build over twenty man-made islands, including four islands now known as the Sunset Islands.
S.A. Lynch, the former president of Paramount Pictures, developed the Sunset Islands in the 1920s just before the Florida real estate bubble burst and property values plummeted. S.A. Lynch waited until the 1930s for property values to recover and then began selling the first beautifully landscaped lots for home development.
The islands quickly became a highly sought-after locale for celebrities, politicians, and the wealthy seeking the gorgeous sun, sands, and views the islands offer. In the 1940s, entertainers such as Desi Arnaz, Jimmy Durante, Carmen Miranda, and Tony Bennett made the Sunset Islands their winter home, further cementing the area as an exclusive, posh paradise.
Today, the islands are still considered one of the most prestigious areas in South Florida, continuing to draw the rich and famous, including Enrique Iglesias, Anna Kournikova, and Lenny Kravitz.
The bridges connecting the islands to Miami Beach and each other were constructed between 1927 and 1929 and features distinctive Meditteranean Revival architectural influences. The bridges were officially designated as historic structures in 1996.
The gate & guardhouse for Sunset Islands III & IV
Lifestyle & Amenities
The Sunset Islands offer the utmost privacy and security, with access to all four of the islands being gated with guards monitoring the entrances at all times. The Sunset Islands are perfectly situated with convenient access to the heart of downtown Miami.
Sunset Islands I and II are connected via bridge to the vibrant restaurants, shopping, and white sand beaches that Miami Beach is known for. Sunset Islands III and IV are within walking distance from the prestigious Sunset Harbor neighborhood, a local spot for the hottest restaurants and boutique shopping.
The large community park on Sunset Island II
Sunset Island II features a large park dotted with swaying palm trees and is open to all residents for picnicking and enjoying the warm weather and bay views. The still waters of the Biscayne Bay provide prime conditions for paddleboarding, kayaking, and boating. The historic Miami Beach Golf Club sits adjacent to the islands and is a pristine course with views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline.
Luxury Meditterean home on Sunset Island II with exquisite landscaping
Real Estate
The Sunset Islands have an array of luxury homes with both waterfront and non-waterfront lot options. The exclusive location, oversized lots, waterfront access, and beautiful architecture command high home prices from the million to multi-million dollar range. A variety of architectural styles are represented on the islands, from Meditteranean-inspired to Art Deco and modern. Many of the charming original homes built in the 1930s have since been updated and expanded.
Waterfront homes enjoy private docks for yachts and boats with easy, unobstructed access to the emerald waters of Biscayne Bay. Lush, mature tropical landscape is present throughout all the islands, providing residents and visitors a hidden paradise.
Residents enjoy views of the sparkling bay and sights of the breathtaking downtown Miami skyline. Rooftop patios, expansive balconies, and outdoor living areas standard in most residences to take in the stunning Miami sunsets.
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