A Rare Convergence Of Presidential History, Cinematic Legacy, And Unparalleled Waterfront Scale

Situated on a 103,775-square-foot lot (approximately 2.38 acres), the estate commands 862 feet of direct waterfront along the open waters of Biscayne Bay, with unobstructed views of the downtown Miami skyline and an exceptional sense of privacy and scale. The famed, roughly 13,000-square-foot residence features five bedrooms, seven bathrooms and two half bathrooms. The property is not only full of history, but it is a defining piece of Miami’s history.

President Richard Nixon acquired the property in 1969, establishing it as his private presidential retreat – later known as the "Winter White House." World leaders and dignitaries arrived by helicopter to the estate's private helipad, and the surrounding shoreline was ultimately named Nixon Beach. In the early 1980’s, the property served as the primary filming location for “Scarface,” where it was immortalized as the residence of Frank Lopez. The glass elevator featured in the film's iconic scene with Michelle Pfeiffer remains fully functional today. The estate also appeared in the acclaimed television series “Miami Vice,” further cementing its place in American cultural history.

Masterfully designed by Franklin E. Grau and Associates, the residence embodies a refined and enduring architectural legacy. What sets this property apart is the remarkable preservation of its original architectural elements, many of which remain exactly as they appeared on screen.

The estate's arrival sequence establishes an immediate architectural statement. Bold structural lines, a circular driveway, a water feature, and manicured landscaping frame the approach, leading to custom-designed steel doors with rivet detailing. A private side security gate provides access to a two-car air-conditioned garage with direct entry into the home and a large laundry room with cabinetry and storage.

The outdoor grounds center on a striking piano-shaped saltwater pool with a saline system, flanked by a full cabana bathroom and lounge areas. An expansive back lawn, framed by mature palms and oak trees, can be transformed for large-scale events and intimate gatherings alike. After dark, more than 500 integrated landscape lights illuminate tree canopies, pathways, and open lawns, extending the estate's visual presence well beyond sunset.

The property's maritime infrastructure is among the most significant of any private residence in the United States. The historic helipad spanning more than 20,000 square feet, originally constructed during the administration of President Nixon by the U.S. Department of Defense, has been reimagined as a world-class private marina. Equipped with three-phase power typically reserved for commercial facilities, the marina can fit multiple large vessels, including yachts of up to approximately 200 feet, with additional slips for secondary watercraft. The property also includes more than 34,000 square feet of submerged land, providing rare control over surrounding waters and future opportunities for expanded dockage or overwater features. The helipad footprint can accommodate approximately 100 vehicles, providing great flexibility for large-scale entertainment.

The residence’s main second floor living level features marble floors and a living room with soaring ceilings exceeding 24 feet. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls frame sweeping views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. A grand open living area flows into an elevated formal dining space oriented toward the water. The galley-style kitchen retains its original stainless-steel cabinetry and countertops with teak wood accents, complemented by a Wolf gas cooktop, Sub-Zero refrigeration, and original designer lighting fixtures. A breakfast area opens directly to a side terrace, offering alfresco dining and shaded landscaping.

This level also includes a guest suite with a full bathroom and den, a gym with a full bath that offers the flexibility to be converted into a sixth bedroom, and a family and media room with glass walls overlooking the pool.

The upper third level, accessible by glass elevator or stairs, houses the primary suite. A spacious entry landing with a lounge area features original steel and teak railings overlooking the living space below, with direct views of Biscayne Bay. The suite includes custom wall closets, a fully built-out walk-in closet, and an ensuite bathroom with a teak vanity, dual sinks, curved walls, an original curved shower and tub combination with dual shower heads, and a private water closet. Two additional ensuite bedrooms on this level each offer private terraces with bay and skyline views, walk-in closets with built-ins, and custom ceiling accents.

Beneath the residence lies an expansive ground floor. Designed for flexibility, the level includes a game room, music room, and a self-contained apartment with a kitchen, seating area, and full bathroom, along with a spacious boat room for supplies and equipment with direct exterior access to the docks. Additionally, there are also several separate storage rooms and areas on this level.

“What makes this estate so rare is the combination of its history, its scale, and its position on the water,” said Devaney. “You can’t recreate this—between the land, the frontage, and the marina, it’s something that would be nearly impossible to assemble today.”

“485 W Matheson Drive stands as the iconic, legendary estate on Key Biscayne and among the most extraordinary properties in the world where cultural legacy spans both cinematic and American history,” added Eber. “Beyond its timeless architecture, the estate showcases trillion-dollar open bay and city views, plus offers dockage for vessels up to 200 feet, positioning it as one of the most significant private waterfront holdings in Miami. This estate has a true wow factor.”

“The estate's allure extends beyond the silver and small screens,” said Zeder. “Set across more than two acres of meticulously designed grounds along Biscayne Bay, the residence is enveloped by lush, mature tropical landscaping that creates a rare sense of privacy and scale. This secluded waterfront compound is ideal for intimate as well as large-scale entertaining.”

The Village of Key Biscayne is part of the Miami metropolitan area, connected to the mainland via the Rickenbacker Causeway, with Brickell, Coral Gables, and Coconut Grove accessible within 20 minutes by car. This high-end residential island is bordered on the north by Crandon Park; on the south by Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, on the east by the Atlantic Ocean; and on the west by Biscayne Bay. Known for its family friendly atmosphere and natural beauty, Key Biscayne features top-rated waterfront dining and an outdoor lifestyle with many recreation options.

About The Jills Zeder Group:

The Jills Zeder Group at Coldwell Banker Realty is ranked the #1 real estate team in the United States for the last five years. The team is comprised of three families and two generations: Jill Eber and her sister Felise Eber; Judy Zeder, Nathan Zeder, and Meredith Zeder; Jill Hertzberg, Danny Hertzberg, and Hillary Hertzberg Benson. The Jills Zeder Group has sold over $11 Billion in real estate sales since 2019. With offices in Coral Gables and Miami Beach, The Jills Zeder Group specializes in high-end, multimillion-dollar luxury properties in South Florida’s most elite enclaves, representing celebrities, Fortune 500 executives, and a diverse international clientele. They offer incomparable knowledge and services to luxury real estate clients.

About Coldwell Banker Global Luxury:

The Coldwell Banker Global Luxury® program embodies the Coldwell Banker brand's legacy of excellence in luxury real estate and the globalization of luxury real estate in today's ever-connected market. Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Property Specialists are an exclusive group within the Coldwell Banker® system, making up under 10% of independent sales associates affiliated with the brand worldwide. Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury logo are registered marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.