Privé offers island living in the heart of Aventura

Homes feature private entries, water views, outdoor kitchens

Imagine living on a private island, with amenities galore, but having easy access to everything South Florida has to offer.

The first residents have already moved in at Privé, a luxury condominium project on a private 8-acre island in the Intracoastal Waterway, at 5000 Island Estates Drive in Aventura. The project consists of twin 16-story towers with a total of 160 units.

“Privé is on the last developable island in all of South Florida,” says Greg Freedman, a partner, along with Charles Phelan and Daniel Lebensohn, in Aventura-based BH3, which is working on the project along with developer Gary Cohen. “It’s very unique and esoteric.”

Privé’s two- to six-bedroom units feature private elevator entries, flow-through floor plans, east/west water views, European kitchens and bathrooms, and outdoor summer kitchens. Penthouse units have private rooftop spaces and pools.

Property amenities include multiple pools, a tennis court, running path, poolside cafe, pier and a private marina with slips that accommodate yachts up to 135 feet. There’s also a pet-grooming salon, playground, electric-car charging stations and private garages available for purchase.

Each tower has a two-story fitness center, a spa, social entertainment rooms, wine room, cigar lounge and business center.

Freedman says most of the units have closed in the project’s North Tower, and residents are moving in. The South Tower recently received its temporary certificate of occupancy and closings began Jan. 16.

Overall, about three-quarters of the units have sold, both to Americans and international buyers, the majority of whom are from Mexico City. Most of the buyers are baby boomers, Freedman says. “They’re buying it for the family to get enjoyment out of it, to be there for holidays, and to celebrate milestones there,” he says.

About half of the buyers plan to reside there year-round, and for the others it’s a “second, third or fourth home,” Freedman says.

Jay Phillip Parker, chief executive officer of Douglas Elliman’s Florida Brokerage, called Privé a “great addition to the South Florida vertical residence portfolio.”

“From inception, I thought the concept of a luxury project secluded on a private island was exceptional,” says Parker. “Seeing the finished project, I’m thrilled to see that the reality is better than the dream.”

Remaining units at Privé are priced from $2.2 million to $8.75 million.

“It’s such an amazing and rare opportunity to do something special on a piece of real estate that doesn’t exist anywhere else in South Florida,” Freedman says. “We’re really proud of how it came out.”

“Seeing the finished project, I’m thrilled to see that the reality is better than the dream.” Jay Phillip Parker, Douglas Elliman’s Florida Brokerage

BARRY GROSSMAN/COURTESY Residents are already moving into the North Tower at Privé. The South Tower recently received its temporary certificate of occupancy and closings began Jan. 16.