Palm Beach mansion with private beach tunnel listed for $130 million

On a narrow barrier island off Florida’s south-east coast lies Palm Beach, where manicured streets meet the Atlantic Ocean, royal palms stand like sentries and palatial estates hide behind perfectly clipped hedges.

A long-time playground for the United States’ elite, this stretch of coastline is a blend of tropical ease and polished exclusivity.

Grand homes are expected on South Ocean Boulevard – a stretch long known to locals as “billionaires’ row” – but few come with the rare inclusions and refined execution of number 1540, right down to a private tunnel to the beach.

“This particular home has commanding views of the Atlantic Ocean,” says listing agent Christian Angle of Christian Angle Real Estate. “It has a very rare tunnel that goes under the road to the beach, as well as a private beach cabana.

“Very, very few homes in Palm Beach have beach tunnels, and this is one of them.”

Brand new and move-in ready, the estate was designed by acclaimed local architect Roger Janssen, who is responsible for some of Florida’s most significant homes. Classic British colonial architecture gives the exterior a timeless quality, while the interiors are finished in soft, coastal tones.

The estate includes both a main residence and a separate guest house, with a total of eight bedrooms, 12 bathrooms and parking space for six cars. The main home has five bedrooms, while the guest house offers three more, creating a home that can adapt to its owner’s needs.

“What I think makes this property so special is we have a community here where it’s common to entertain, and residents have family that come to visit at any given time,” Angle says.

“When it returns to just being the primary owners, this home is more manageable, but it expands when friends and family and so on come to visit.”

The main house makes an immediate impression with a grand stairway hall, leading to a formal dining room that connects to an ocean-facing family room and eat-in kitchen. Here, twin oversized island benches and premium appliances make entertaining effortless.

The lower level is all about lifestyle. It boasts a wine cellar, a games room with wet bar, an exercise studio, and an oversized living space centred around a fireplace.

The main-bedroom suite spans half the upper level, with dual spa-style en suites, walk-in wardrobes, a bar, an office and French doors opening to an oceanfront balcony.

“When you walk in, you are immediately greeted with a big view of the Atlantic Ocean,” Angle says. “It’s what I would best describe as an all-encompassing suite, offering separation but togetherness.

“You each have your own spaces to go and get ready in the morning or the evening, but it’s connected by the primary suite.”

Three more bedrooms, each with an en suite, complete the level.

The guest house offers a self-contained retreat with a kitchen, living areas, a fitness space and multiple guest suites.

Outside, a central courtyard frames a resort-style pool and spa, with entertaining spaces and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen.

The residence is being sold fully furnished with interiors designed by Carly Joan Design that blend casual sophistication with island flair.

And then, there’s that tunnel. Head down a few steps, and it takes you underneath the road and right onto the beach. There you’ll find your own cabana with a bathroom, sitting area, balcony and bar with a sink, all right on the sand.

“If you’re sitting over there reading in the afternoon or watching a football game, you have a small kitchen and a place to shower and use the facilities,” Angle says.

The cabana has also been approved to add a beachfront plunge pool.

It’s a rare arrangement that captures the essence of Palm Beach — exclusive, effortless and entirely its own world.

“It’s pristine island living,” Angle says. “It feels like you’re on your own little island, going across under the tunnel to the beach. It’s quite a spot.”

While you’re in Palm Beach

Palm Beach is Florida’s most elegant seaside enclave. It’s a sun-drenched playground where European-style architecture meets tropical ease. Expect pristine beaches, tree-lined boulevards and a social scene that’s as polished as the estates themselves.

Stroll, cycle, admire

Take a walk along historic Worth Avenue or cycle the scenic Lake Trail, winding past grand homes and glittering water views. Then step back in time at the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, a glimpse into the Gilded Age set inside a beaux-arts mansion.

Dine like a local

Whether you’re beachside or in town, the food scene is as crisp and curated as the neighbourhood itself. From refined Italian at BiCE Ristorante and Sant Ambroeus to the lively bistro energy of Buccan or a long lunch at Le Bilboquet, Palm Beach does upscale dining with charm.