$62 Million Manalapan Mansion Becomes One of the Most Expensive Homes Sold in the Exclusive Florida Enclave

A prominent billionaire optometrist turned philanthropist has splashed out a staggering $61.75 million for a newly built waterfront compound in the tony Florida enclave of Manalapan, marking one of the area's most expensive residential real estate deals in recent history.

Dr. Herbert ‘Herbie’ Wertheim, who has a net worth of $4 billion, closed on the eight-bedroom mansion Dec. 15, according to records. It is the first time since 2022, when billionaire Larry Ellison snapped up a $173 million Manalapan property, that a private home in the exclusive community has changed hands for more than $60 million.

Beyond the price of the property itself, Dr. Wertheim, who made his fortune "over five decades of investing in stocks" using the profits from his eyeglass business, Brain Power, spent a total of $3.75 million on "additional assets and credits," including all of the decadent furnishings inside the abode.

According to The Corcoran Group, whose agents, Candace Friis and Phil Friis, represented the listing, the dwelling is one of just 60 properties in Manalapan that offer both private oceanfront and intracoastal access, making the estate all the more alluring.

Described in its original listing as a "rare retreat" where "architecture and nature exist in perfect harmony," the property boasts a stunning primary residence that spans more than 25,000 square feet and was outfitted with all manner of luxury amenities, including a formal dining room, ocean-facing bar, and a primary wing.

"From the grand entry hall, the journey unfolds—a symphony of light and space, where the living room merges with the ocean beyond," the description stated.

In addition to a dazzling primary suite, which is located in its very own wing and features a living room, ocean-facing office, and dual dressing rooms, there are three other guest suites on the main level of the home, each of which come complete with their own bathrooms.

Meanwhile, the lower level houses two more bedrooms that are described as being ideal for use as "private accommodation for any staff or extended family."

But the lower level is also home to a "haven of leisure and wellness, featuring a state-of-the-art gym, steam shower, wine room, game room, and immersive theater," the description revealed.

No expense was spared in the decoration and furnishing of the home, which features white oak wood floors, Santorini Shell Stone, Calacatta gold marble, Black Alexander honed marble, bespoke plaster walls, rich mahogany, and white oak accents.

The property is situated on a plum two-acre lot that also boasts a detached two-bedroom, two-bathroom guest house, as well as a meditation loggia, and two swimming pools. A large pool cabana and a gatehouse can also be found on the grounds.

It appears that the property was tailor-made for those with a fondness for entertaining at a high level, offering up a private catering kitchen that "allows for any on-site staff to work discreetly behind the scenes."

But it is not just hostesses and wellness warriors who will find a haven inside the home—which also features a climate-controlled 13-car garage, designed for elevating even the most impressive of car collections.

A need for speed can also be satiated at the private dock, which comes complete with two boat lifts and was described as being ideal for "yacht owners and water enthusiasts."

According to property records, the land on which Dr. Wertheim's opulent new abode now sits was last purchased for $28 million via a trust in 2021. However, it has since been completely overhauled, with significant changes made to the entire estate, including a total transformation of the primary residence.

Work on the newly constructed home took years to complete—returning to the market in February of this year with a sky-high asking price of $87 million.

That ask was reduced to $79 million in October, just two months before the scientist closed on the home for a very discounted price.

Manalapan has become famous for its sky-high real estate prices in recent years—while also becoming home to the likes of Ellison, as well as motivational speaker Tony Robbins and Fox News host Sean Hannity.

In 2021, Jeffrey Skoll, the first president of eBay, made headlines when he forked over nearly $90 million for a mansion just a few lots away from Dr. Wertheim's new dwelling.

Properties listed in the ultraexclusive community regularly come with eight-figure—if not nine-figure—asking prices, with Realtor.com® records showing that there are currently 13 properties on the market with an ask of $20 million or more.

In October, local agent Antonio Liguori, of Premier Estate Properties, told Realtor.com that Manalapan has become one of the most "exclusive and private communities" in the U.S.

As of September, Manalapan had a median listing price of $45 million—an 87.9% increase from the previous year.

The exclusive gated neighborhood has just one road in and out—the same stretch on which all of the homes in the community are located—and is home to just over 400 residents.

"The people who buy in Manalapan can buy anywhere in the world," local agent Nick Malinosky, of The Exclusive Group at Douglas Elliman, previously explained. "These are the who's who of billionaire clients. It's not like Manalapan was their second choice."