Lucerne - a stylish, sophisticated mid-rise along Moorings Bay in the heart of Naples
Posted On 2006-11-29 , 8:31 PM
“So I say, if you cannot learn to love real art; at least learn to hate sham art and reject it.”
- William Morris (1834 - 1896) English craftsman, poet
Lucerne is a casually elegant mid-rise building on the “bay side” along exclusive Gulf Shore Boulevard. This building of “streamline moderne” design boasts views of the Gulf of Mexico that many of its beachfront neighbors across the street do not outmatch. Lausanne – directly across the street – contains 2 towers, with a vast, low lying deck in between them. The views from the units in Lucerne facing the beach benefit immeasurably from the absence of a view-obscuring “stack” between it and the ocean. The result is that from the terraces of Lucerne, fabulous seascape vistas unfold.
You can “have your cake and eat it too” at Lucerne, enjoying near beachfront views, and easy walks to the beach – while also savoring dramatic views of Moorings Bay, and having the opportunity to lease dockage right on site.
This stylish building is also very low in density, containing only 24 residences. Six stories high and built in 1984, this building ages like a fine wine. The owners here know they have a good thing going, as this is a very low turnover building. In fact, since January 1, 2003, only 2 condominiums have been sold through the MLS. The building has an understated hip sensibility about it – and carries appeal broad enough to attract successful 30-somethings, as well as those who have retired to actively pursue the good life. The location of this building is truly in the “heart” of Naples, almost equidistant to all the luxury attractions this resort town is famous for.
Access to the beach is easy, as residents of Lucerne pass through the property of Lausanne. Each residence contains multiple terraces, establishing this as truly a “view” building. Perhaps a signature design element in each residence is the unique breakfast area, which contains floor to ceiling walls of glass. The views truly “pop” from these intimate, cozy confines.
The luxury features and amenities furnished at Lucerne include the following:
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10 boat slips available for leasing (with access to the Gulf through Doctors Pass)
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deeded beach access
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1,781 to 2,081 square feet in living area
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2 to 3 bedrooms
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2 to 3 full bathrooms
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beautiful, heated outdoor pool (which overlooks the bay)
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views including partial Gulf, Moorings Bay, and Naples skyline
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upscale social room
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under building assigned parking
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close proximity to the fabulous restaurants, shops, and galleries at the Venetian Village
Currently, only 2 residences are for sale in Lucerne. They are listed from $939,000 to just under $1,150,000. Several of the residences in the building have been recently remodeled, with great results. You can buy a completely furnished “turnkey” apartment, or use the “good bones” and dramatic views here, and work with your interior designer to customize the space.
Musings from the ImagineNaples team on Lucerne: Whether you go with tile, hardwood, bamboo, or other “acoustic friendly” flooring surface, these residences are begging for a high end audio system. Ideally, the choice would be something of modern design to match the art-deco motif of the building, yet compact and mostly wireless to maximize the space. For true audiophiles, perhaps nothing would fit the bill quite like the systems sold by Bang & Olufsen, the legendary Danish company serving the ultra-high end market. Iconic systems by this company such as the BeoSound 9000, perhaps paired with BeoLab 8000 speakers, would allow you to be carried away in style by music as you gaze out over the Gulf. You could do worse than to watch an orange, fireball-like sunset from your private balcony, while listening to Kind of Blue by Miles Davis on one of the world’s best audio systems.
Speaking of the balcony and terraces, these must be “christened” properly by new owners. Given that it is only about 200 miles from Naples to Havana – as the crow flies – a cigar, for those so inclined, suits the occasion. Just as it is rare that residences are listed for sale in Lucerne, it is more rare to track down vintage and perfectly legal, “pre-embargo” Cuban cigars that have been stored and aged properly. Ah, to put your feet up, and slowly savor, on your open air terrace, say a Montecristo No. 2 from 1961. (Just before signing the embargo, JFK had his press secretary, Pierre Salinger, secure 1,000 of Kennedy’s favorite Cuban cigars - H. Upmann Petit Coronas). Perhaps a champagne toast, or simply a quiet dinner for two by candlelight, fits your personal style. Whatever you choose, buying a residence in Lucerne is clearly a special occasion to be celebrated.
Current market conditions favor buyers, yet there will soon be no new mid or high rise projects along the beachfront in Naples, as full buildout is nearing. Sales activity at the very top of the market along the waterfront in Naples is robust. When you are interested in buying a residence in Lucerne, or learning more about exceptional real estate offerings along the waterfront in Naples, it is easy to reach us:
Jeffrey Ahren
Direct: (239) 398 - 7508
Douglas Sharpe
Direct: (239) 298-1499
The goal of our boutique style real estate team is to provide peerless service. Your satisfaction with our services is always fully guaranteed. We never require our clients to be obligated to continue using our services until we perform for you. Contact us today.
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