A mansion perched on a private island off the Florida Keys is listed for $16.5 million. The listing has drawn attention from buyers who crave seclusion, dramatic water views, and the convenience of a fully self-contained retreat. The story behind the property weaves together ambition, transformation, and a unique slice of American coastal lore, and it has been reported by outlets such as the New York Post.
Dating back to the late 1970s, the island’s history centers on Klaus Mekeler, a physician who became known for pioneering the use of specialized endoscopes to inspect the bile and pancreatic ducts. Mekeler purchased the 55-acre tract when it was simply a rocky outcrop rising from the water. What started as a pile of stones in the sea would soon be shaped into a home that rises above the surf, with volcanic rock leveled and a house erected to anchor the property’s future. This transformation speaks to a broader American fascination with turning raw coastal space into a private sanctuary.
In a turn of ownership that highlights the volatile nature of high-end real estate, Mekeler sold the island property in 1995 to the Williford family for $750,000. The sale marked a new chapter in the island’s evolving narrative, one that would see a series of changes in how the estate is used and perceived. Today, the family has continued to maintain the residence while also exploring opportunities to lease the property for selective stays, balancing privacy with the occasional economic return that comes from short-term rentals. The arrangement reflects a growing trend among luxury homeowners who diversify purposes for such unique assets while maintaining the aura of exclusivity that attracted them in the first place.
Accessibility remains a key feature of the property. The mansion sits about 400 meters from the shore, with a private boat included in the package to ensure effortless access for guests arriving by water. This detail underscores the immersive experience offered by the estate: a seamless blend of coastal beauty, practical seclusion, and the adventure of an island home. For visitors and potential buyers, the vessel represents more than transportation; it is a gateway to an entire lifestyle built around sunrises, crystalline water, and the quiet that follows the day’s end on the water.
Historically, the market has seen exceptional coastal mansions trade hands with dramatic price swings. In context, a separate historic sale in Ireland involved a 17th-century mansion fetching $14.8 million, illustrating the broad appetite for grand properties that sit at the intersection of history, architecture, and landscape. Each market, whether in North America or Europe, reflects distinct local dynamics, but the appeal of owning a private island home remains a potent draw for affluent buyers seeking a remarkable backdrop for living and entertaining. As buyers weigh options, the Florida Keys property stands out for its combination of dramatic geography, enduring architecture, and the promise of a life lived largely at the water’s edge. (Source references include media coverage from the New York Post.)