The name Disney brings images of happiness, sunny days, and childhood memories. Their slogan, "The happiest place on earth" has been proven true in the lives of every lucky family who visits this resort and theme park. Another phrase associated with Disney is, "where dreams come true". This phrase has come to life with their new residential community Golden Oak. Located in Golden Oak Florida residents travel down the aptly named Dream Tree Boulevard to gain access to this fantasy land. It definitely adheres to the Disney standard in that this neighborhood appeals to only your wildest dreams. Its sheer beauty and elegance make it seem almost like a visit to Disney World itself, but a lucky few actually get to call it their home. This spectacular city houses four neighborhoods. The first is the Marceline neighborhood. It's houses average 4-5 bedrooms with 4 1/2 to 5 baths. Each house is located on a one-quarter acre space and takes up around 3,000 to 5,000 square feet. The second is the Carolwood neighborhood. These houses are around 6,500 to 12,000 square feet and sit on land up to three quarters of an acre. They average 5 bedrooms 5 baths with a few six bedroom houses mixed in. The third is the Silverbrook neighborhood. These houses are mostly 5 bedroom 5 bath and about 5,000 to 7,000 square feet. Each home site is approximately one half acre. The last is the Kimball neighborhood with houses ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 square feet. Each house has an average of 4 bedrooms with 4 1/2 baths. A full description of each house in all four neighborhoods would be nearly impossible. Each house is equally as unique and beautiful as the next. Depending on the neighborhood and specific house most come with pools and back yard space. Some of the larger models have wine rooms, game rooms, guest wings, and of course spa style pools.  Golden Oaks is a residential community that also functions as a resort. They use a concierge fee based approach to assist their residents and visitors alike. There are many unique benefits and services provided to residents and guests. Just to mention a few; Disney parks and special events tickets, private VIP tours, in-home dinners and parties, Disney-inspired holiday décor, private transportation to destinations within the Walt Disney World® Resort, dining reservations, spa reservations, golf tee-times, and home maintenance as well as move-in services. All residents and guests also have access to the Summerhouse. This amenity only partially open yet it is already being enjoyed by the Golden Oak community. The Summerhouse provides guests and residents with state-of-the-art fitness facilities and locker rooms, a private training area and workout studio, a courtyard, function lawn, outdoor fire pit, heated outdoor pool, and family room game area. This is an extremely kid friendly neighborhood however it's easy to see the developers ensured adults would enjoy this paradise as well. These houses are truly elegant while the location is also impeccable. Residents get the unique opportunity to live their life in Walt Disney's own vision of the perfect neighborhood. For more information on this exclusive housing development contact Golden Oak Realty at (407) 939-5577 or visit their website at disneygoldenoak.com.

According to Forbes, the second most expensive home in the US is located in Dallas Texas and has a price tag of $135 million. How much would it take then to rank as the most expensive home in the US? The answer is an asking price of $190 million. This impressive home goes by the name, Copper Beech Farm, and is located in the prestigious Greenwich Connecticut. This town is no stranger to million dollar homes, but this one takes the cake. However, the asking price comes with good reason. This house sits on an impressive 50 acres with the house itself claiming 13,519 square feet. If you're looking for a place to bring the entire family or a place to entertain all your friends, this mansion is for you. The inside is filled with a remarkable twelve bedrooms, seven baths, and two half baths. If you enjoy sunbathing and refreshing afternoon dip then you'll love the two heptagonal pools that connect to give the homeowner a luxurious seventy five feet of swimming space. Once you’re tired of swimming you can relax in the spa or pool house. If islands are more your thing then feel free to take full advantage of the two offshore islands that are a quick boat ride away. Also located on the 50 acres is your very own apple orchard as well as vibrant formal gardens. A quick walk across the garden and you'll reach the tennis court. Also located on the property are a carriage house, clock tower, and practical six car garage. Take a step inside this mansion and you'll be greeted by a three story wood paneled foyer. For added luxury this mansion comes with its own wine cellar and wood paneled library. The interior design is described as French Renaissance, fitting for its 1896 birthdate.  As if the sheer grandeur of this house wasn't enough it is located a mere 45 minutes from New York City, making day trips into the city a breeze. The front yard of this mansion consists of formal gardens and an apple orchard, the back yard boasts a 75 foot swimming pool, private beach, ocean view, and easily accessible islands. No matter which way you look at it, this property has it all. To request more information or see the full listing of this extraordinary mansion, visit http://www.christiesrealestate.com.

• Set on a Premier 1+ Acre Flat Lot

• Over 8,000 Square Feet

•  Bedrooms and 7.5 Baths

• Lake and Mountain Views

• Designer Treatments Throughout

• Center Island Kitchen with High End Appliances

• Emotional Master Retreat with Sitting Area and Fireplace

• Tremendous Master Suite Balcony with Views

• Two Story Formal Living Room

• Office/Library

• Resort Quality Grounds

• Custom Pool and Spa

• Huge Manicured Lawns

• Private Setting

• Cul-De-Sac Location

• Prestigious Guard Gated Lake Sherwood

Offered at $4,999,950. For more information, contact Jordan Cohen at 818-435-5220.

The First Platinum LEED Certified “Dream Green Home” is being built in Miami Beach and helping to build the city's Green image. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environment Design and is an internationally recognized building certification system that strictly adheres to a set of environmentally friendly standards. Platinum LEED is the highest rating.

Under construction at 2020 Alton Road and within walking distance of South Beach, the home will be the first to house its own wind turbine to generate electricity, taking it off-the-grid as much as possible. That means lower electric bills saving money in the long run .  The home will also have a water recycling system making it less dependent on city water and a geothermal heating and cooling system.

Currently there are no LEED homes in Miami Beach and believed to be only two platinum certified homes in the entire state. About fifty nationwide.

Other green features of this five-bedroom, five-bath house include solar panels and special foam insulation keeping the home cool and dry in the summer, landscaping using native plants, low wattage lighting systems, a/c system with fresh air cycling, Energy Star rated appliances and motion sensors for bathroom lighting and ventilation.  Everything possible is being built from recycled products including concrete, wood and glass. 

Interested buyers can visit www.2020Alton.com or contact Tara West of Park Miami Realty at 305-926-8223 for more information.

With its reinforced concrete, steel, stone, glass and wood, One Thousand Ocean embodies a look of modern and casual elegance. This seven-story, 52-unit building sits on the tip of a private peninsula in Boca Raton, Fla., surrounded by water on all three sides: the Atlantic Ocean, Boca Raton Inlet and Lake Boca Raton/Intracoastal Waterway.

“This one-of-a-kind boutique building encompasses a harmonious blend of one-story residences, one- and two-story beach villas and sprawling, customizable penthouses,” says Jamie Telchin, President of Development at LXR Luxury Resorts & Hotels. “The ambiance at One Thousand Ocean is warm, welcoming and bright due to the abundance of floor-to-ceiling glass.”

 Of the remaining six residences at One Thousand Ocean, three are move-in ready and include a two-story beach villa two one-story residences. Delivered with finished flooring and decorator gourmet kitchens and baths, purchases can start living the enviable One Thousand Ocean lifestyle almost immediately. The three other available residences are expansive penthouses ranging from 5,600-8,700-square-feet of air-conditioned living space with expansive outdoor terraces that add approximately 3,600-4,500-square-feet respectively. The penthouses provide stunning panoramas of sea, sky and city and are completely customizable.

One Thousand Ocean owners who elect Premier Club membership privileges at the Boca Raton Resort and Club enjoy innumerable amenities and services, both at the resort and at One Thousand Ocean. As an example, due to the building’s proximity to the resort, member residents are able to opt for room service from the Beach Club in the privacy of their own home.

Residents and prospective residents of One Thousand Ocean live truly an enviable lifestyle with gorgeous living spaces, mesmerizing beachfront views, an abundance of amenities and special services such as pool service, room service and private catering. And with only six remaining residences available, it is a lifestyle we wouldn’t want any of readers to miss out on.

Nestled on the northern tip of Key Largo covering nearly 2,500 tropical acres of land and bordered on three sides by water, the Ocean Reef Club can only be accessed by members and their guests via the private jet to the airport on site, a yacht to the secured marina or by car through the gate. With amenities ranging from your own personal chef to a pre-k to 8th grade school, the community has all the amenities of a big city, in a secure small town atmosphere.

Inspired by its surroundings, Ocean Reef Club offers a wide range of activities, such as its 36 holes of golf, 20 tennis courts, shopping, and world-class spa making it possible to live a quintessential Florida lifestyle. Days could also entail SCUBA diving, catching lobsters and bringing them back to the Club's chef to prepare to succulent perfection.

The Ocean Reef Club lets you invest in a lifestyle that is truly unique: one that is decidedly Floridian with modern luxuries yet genuine in its congeniality. For this reason, properties have been selling well, with a particularly busy December 2012. Explore the possibilities of membership through these and other unique properties.

This custom-built oceanfront single family home is located in Sunrise Cay. The five-bedroom, four-bathroom home boasts water views from every room, a spa-like master retreat and even 100 feet of water frontage for your boat.

The next four-bedroom home is a gracious rancy style, drenched in sunlight and ideally situated on a canal. Upgrades inside include plantation shutters, large master bedroom and his and her offices.

The last home is a newly-built Sunrise Cay masterpiece created by Fran Murphy. High quality materials and the finest in furnishings meld seamlessly together to create this spacious 6-bedroom family retreat. Boasting 360-water-degree views, a graduated infinity pool and 100 feet on the Atlantic Ocean, the entire family may never want to leave this paradise-like setting.

Presenting an opportunity to live the family lifestyle you have always dreamed of in a relaxed and effortlessly elegant environment, the Ocean Beach Club paves the way as a premier community in South Florida with unbeatable amenities.

It is a happy observation that market conditions are showing huge signs of improvement. Luxury Real Estate Broker Ari Albinder of Mizner Grande Realty, Inc., in Boca Raton, Fla., has seen a huge demand for new construction now, much like there was in 2005. According to Albinder, “The market is back strong again.”

And now is one of the best times to buy. Historically low mortgage rates of 2.6-3.2 percent interest rates and extremely reasonable prices on all real estate have buyers flocking to Boca Raton from all over the country – and even the world. Boca Raton’s pristine sandy beaches, renown shopping, fine dining and multicultural reputation attracts buyers from countries like Venezuela, China and Russia. 

The year-round sunny Florida weather makes Boca Raton a desirable destination. It is perfect to enjoy everything from the beach to golf, tennis, parks, boating, fishing and an a variety of other outdoor activities. 

Albinder currently has a magnificent property on the market in Tropic Isle – one of Delray Beach, Florida’s most prestigious waterfront communities. This home has the highest level standard of design, workmanship and luxury details throughout, with many of the rooms offering panoramic waterfront views. Enter the 12,500-square-foot home through towering mahogany double doors. The 6-bedroom home has a formal living and dining room, chef’s kitchen with opening to a morning room and family room, library, club room and media room, guest master suite, sitting room and his and her marble spa baths and wardrobes. There is also a third-floor walk-up to a unique observation level with an even more breathtaking water view. Outside is a beautiful grand loggia and resort-style entertainment area with infinity pool overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway with a 4-bay garage and 144-feet of protected yacht dockage. This gorgeous luxury home is priced to sell at $5.75 million.

Over the past year, real estate market conditions have changed dramatically. Especially in Boca Raton, Fla., inventory at the luxury level has been reduced, and while there are new luxury listings being added to the market, there are many more prospective buyers hunting South Florida’s waterfront enclaves. According to luxury real estate expert John List, who is also Vice President and Broker Associate of Lang Luxury Living in Boca Raton, many foreign buyers still find South Florida a value. They appreciate the international flavor and ethnicity South Florida offers through gourmet restaurants and a wide array of entertainment options such as sports, music, drama and art. The ever-popular international boat shows continue to draw a vast audience from the United States and other countries. “There are also three international airports and seaports between Miami and Palm Beaches, adding to the ease of access for [foreign] buyers,” says List.

In the last year, List had the opportunity to sell the most expensive resale property in Lighthouse Point – one of the area’s most impressive yachting enclaves between Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton. This Asian Zen-inspired home was custom built in 2005 and boasts a true “trophy point” with southeast exposure. It had more than 13,000 total square feet with a captain’s quarters above the 9-car garage. The floors are made of bamboo and rough-cut slate and the designer finishes are like those found on a high-end yacht. Magnificent wood accents all the formal and informal areas of the home. The property was listed at $5.9 million and sold for $5.65 million.

Currently List has one of the finest sportsman’s compounds offered for sale in South Florida. “Also located on a southeast lot in Lighthouse Point, this property, offered at $5.5 million, boasts approximately 370-feet of seawall,” says List. “There is a Har-Tru tennis court directly on the Intracoastal Waterway – lighted for night play – and an elegant transitional 5-bedroom home that has been meticulously renovated.” This property is priced under other area properties that have less water frontage and interior exposure and views, making this property and its incredible location second-to-none. “It’s a tremendous value even in today’s suppressed market,” says List.

While Miami has always been known for its Cuban flavor, the Miami of today has evolved into a multi-cultural, multi-lingual hub of commerce, art and recreation; a delicious confluence of French, Asian, Russian, Haitian and Latin Americans to mention just a few.

"Miami is extremely international," says Vivian Serralta of Re/Max United Realty. "I enjoy being a Realtor in a dynamic market of various cultures and lifestyles. People come to Miami for the beaches and nightlife, then they fall in love with area. It is ever changing, always exciting, and offers something for everyone."

This includes everything from jet-setting entrepreneurs opening new business offices to Europeans looking for luxurious second homes and snowbirds tired of mud season.

What's the attraction?

For all its glamour and cosmopolitan air, real estate in Miami is still modestly priced. "Compare it to New York, Chicago, San Francisco, or any place in Europe," says Serralta. "not only is it less expensive, you get more for your money." 

There is star struck South Beach with its fabulous hotels and vibrant nightlife and Downtown Miami with the Performing Arts Center and upcoming Museum Park. In fact, beyond the sparkling ocean, glorious sunshine and unrivaled party scene, Miami has come into its own as a mecca for the arts. It is the home of the eight day literary party known as the Miami Book Fair International as well as Art Basel, the most prestigious art show in the Americas. Add to that not one, but four professional sports teams and you have the definition of a "Magic City."

It's sexy, it's hot, and not surprisingly, "the luxury market is booming," Serralta says. 

Take the 10,000 square foot beauty on close to an acre that she's listed in the beautiful suburban village of Pinecrest, the hidden gem that many Miami celebrities call home.

The gated, two-story, six-bedroom home on the village's prestigious north side features wonderful entertaining space, a gorgeous kitchen, both open and covered balconies off elegantly-scaled main rooms and bedrooms, a sweeping entry courtyard, and a fabulous pool.

"The right balance of modern and old-world, it is sleek and very clean in style. The home is luxurious without ostentation," she says.

Un peu de Français, un po' di italiano, um pouco do Brasil -- in other words, the ultimate Euro-chic residence in the perfect location.

Miami, Florida is a multicultural destination and a true testament to the sizzling city that has raised the bar for international playgrounds everywhere. With a variety of waterfront property on the market, the city offers homes that will meet the demands of even the most discriminating buyers.

Jill Eber and Jill Hertzberg have been business partners in their famed city home for nearly 20 years. The “Jills” have seen the transformation of the Miami market, and have a finger on the pulse as cool ocean front high-rises like the St. Regis plan on opening their doors to the public-all while building a solid business from the ground up and creating invaluable bonds in the community.

“There’s a synergy that has worked so well for us over the years,” says Jill Eber. “When people come to us, between the two of us, we have the combined knowledge of the entire market.”

In fact, the Coldwell Banker real estate duo has been known to work with the A-list, representing homes on some of the most exclusive areas such as Fisher, Sunset, Star, Indian Creek , and La Gorce Islands. Just in 2012, the Jills closed at $450 million, and show no signs of slowing down in 2013.

“I think that Miami is still an opportunity in relationship to other metropolitan cities. Our prices are still a deal for people in the heart of Manhattan,” says Jill Hertzberg. “You can’t even find a single family waterfront home there, but those exist here.”

One property in this category is the exquisite townhouse at the 40-story hotel Setai. This 3,650-square-foot oceanfront bi-level unit oozes Miami chic, from the lofty walls of floor to ceiling glass to the all-white interiors. Luxurious upgrades include remote control lighting in all rooms, sleek lacquer cabinetry in the kitchen, and blackout curtains for the utmost in privacy.

While the nightlife, shopping, and white powder beaches make Miami a destination, but the people make the oceanfront city an international escape. Whether it’s strolling down South Beach’s famed Collins Avenue or soaking up sunshine at a private beach club, Miami’s international appeal is evident in the people and homes that make the city one-of-a-kind.  

This one of a kind Mediterranean style historic gem offers unmatched character and beauty. The home consists of a spacious master suite, 5 additional bedrooms & 4 full baths. A dining area flanked by adjoining kitchens and a walk in pantry leads to a bright and airy living room. The living room opens to a walled courtyard through French doors. On the water side of the home the family room with pecky cypress vaulted ceiling leads to an oversized porch, pool and the rare 50 foot boathouse on Boca Grande Bayou across from the historic Gasparilla Inn and Club golf course. This home is on a double lot and is truly a must see!!! Interested buyers can contact Bill Morton and Peter Sieglaff of Gulf to Bay Sotheby's at 941-270-1133 or 941-270-2929.

Located in the prestigious Ashley Ridge section of Hidden Hills! A true showplace that spans nearly 13,000 square feet on approximately one-and-a-half usable acres with complete privacy. Impressive glass and iron doors open to a tremendous two-story double staircase foyer, a truly dramatic way to enter this spectacular estate! Interior appointments include a state-of-the-art home theater, grand formal dining room, gourmet kitch, beautiful paneled office/library, remarkable oversized gym, gift wrapping and bonus rooms... all professionally designed with super quality finishes. The resort quality exterior grounds boasts a custom pool, oversized covered patios, outdoor kitchen, lush manicured lawns, rose and vegetable gardens, multiple fountains and water features and an awesome chipping and putting course with three sand traps. This is an entertainers paradise backyard with beautiful mountain views! Among the homes many other attributes include a Crestron system, video surveillance with multiple interior and exterior cameras, gated 6-car garade and motor court and so much more. This is a one-of-a-kind estate for the most discriminating clientele. Interested buyer can contact Jordan Cohen at 818-435-5220 for more information.

An awe-inspiring Ron Firestone designed masterpiece inspired by the style of the great Italian architect, Andrew Palladino. Located behind private gates in the prestigious White Stallion Estates of Hidden Valley, this nearly 21-acre compound boasts everything expected and desired by the most discriminating buyers. Breathtaking unobstructed 360-degree views are enjoyed from everywhere! The main residence spans over 12,460 square feet and boasts a tremendous master suite with his and hers separate bathrooms and closets. There is also a dramatic two story entry, great room with wet bar, HUGE bonus room (easily converted to additional bedrooms), elevator, office/library, 7 fireplaces, private wells and more! The spacious center island kitchen boasts high-end stainless teel appliances as well as beautiful limestone counter tops and an adjacent breakfast room. In addition, there is an approximately 800-square-foot detached guest house with temperature and humidity controlled wine cellar that can accommodate approximately 3,800 bottles. The magnificent grounds are truly second to none! Infinity pool, tennis court, lush manicured lawns, walking paths, mini golf course with 3 greens and sandtraps, and two additional large building pads for horse facilities, etc. One of Southern California's Finest Estates! For more information, contact Jorden Cohen at 818-435-5220.

This magnificent estate on 1.5 acres on the open Bayfront was originally built in 1925 by John Tuttle with heart pine floors and first cut, clear cut cypress on beamed ceiling and fireplace surround. It has been lovelingly expanded and updated to enhance the authentic character of this southern hospitality home. This romantic residence evokes the gracious lifestyle of a time gone by... verandas, brick terraces, a reading porch, French doors, a formal dining room opening to a private pool, and expansive lawns for childern to play. 200 feet of Bayfront with dockage for 2 boats plus dockage for a 50 foot boat on Hanson Bayou. Offered at $5.999 million. Interested buyers can contact Betsy de Manio at 941-914-5540.