CASE STUDY | VERO BEACH, FLORIDA

A Gem Of A Deal

The Who: Matilde Sorensen and Elizabeth Sorensen of Dale Sorensen Real Estate in Vero Beach, Florida

The What: The second-highest sale in Indian River County, Florida, in 2021 at the time of the sale was for a palatial estate on Gem Island off Vero Beach, Florida. The 1.4-acre property is part of a private barrier islands enclave and sits directly along a wide channel with 160 feet of waterfront. The 11,758-square-foot Georgian mansion features voluminous ceilings, intricately carved columns, crystal chandeliers and eight fireplaces as well as beautifully proportioned rooms. An enclosed veranda overlooks a resort-level swimming pool and cabana.

The How: Matilde Sorensen commissioned a cinematic video tour to capture not only the magnificence of the mansion but also the tranquil beauty of the community. Surrounded by expanses of water, Gem Island offers a front-row seat to spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Showcasing the area and the waterfront site was critical to attracting the highest bidder in a seller’s market full of out-of-state buyers. “The gated community is positioned along three miles of white sand beach between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway,” Sorensen says. She adds that access to “excellent dining, worldclass amenities and recreational facilities—including two remarkable beach and golf clubs and three championship golf courses—of John’s Island Club” are all part of the allure.

After several weeks on the market, Sorensen’s daughter, Elizabeth Sorensen, brought a winning bid of US $9.5 million, a price more than three times the median for the area.

With so many out-of-area buyers driving the market, Matilde Sorensen says that it’s important to open their eyes to what an area has to offer. “High-net-worth buyers from the Northeast and California are establishing residency in Florida and moving their businesses to Florida because of our tax-friendly environment as well as being a beautiful place to live.”