La Brisa, the 6.9-acre waterfront estate in Miami’s Coconut Grove, hit the market in 2014 at $65 million, the most expensive listing in Miami-Dade County at the time, and sold in June 2016 for $34.6 million to Ransom Everglades School. The asking price was cut to $55 million, then withdrawn, relisted at $47.5 million, and lowered again before it closed at about half the original ask.
La Brisa price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Listed | $65 million |
| Later | Cut, then withdrawn | $55 million |
| November 2015 | Relisted | $47.5 million |
| March 2016 | Lowered | $39.5 million |
| June 2016 | Sold to Ransom Everglades School | $34.6 million |
What is La Brisa?
La Brisa is a historic residence at 3551 Main Highway in Coconut Grove, “Old Miami”, on almost seven acres of waterfront with 207 feet on Biscayne Bay. The land was originally owned by Kirk Munroe, a pioneer of Miami and children’s novelist. In 1920 Munroe sold the property to John B. Semple, a Pittsburgh lawyer, who built the Mediterranean-style house. The architects were Kiehnel and Elliott, a firm established in Pittsburgh.
The listing broker, William P.D. Pierce, called it “an extremely rare opportunity to purchase not just part of Miami’s colorful history, but to own spectacular Hammock that rivals a private reserve in the heart of Miami’s famed Coconut Grove neighborhood, with 207 feet of waterfront on Biscayne Bay”.
What did the property include?
The interior measures almost 14,000 square feet, with another 3,338 square feet of outdoor space in walkways, terraces and balconies. The listing described nine bedrooms and eight full baths, a boat slip for a 68-foot yacht with direct access to the bay, and a tree collection of mahogany, banyans, royal palms, oak and royal poincianas, some as old as the house itself.
The architectural details include original woodwork on the upper floors, a multi-colored tile roof, arched doors and windows, and iron-and-wood balconies. You are still steps from the restaurants and boutiques of Coconut Grove.
Who bought La Brisa?
Ransom Everglades School, a private school based in Coconut Grove, bought the estate for $34.6 million, reported to have closed on June 21, 2016. The school planned to use the 6.9-acre property to expand its campus to 16.7 acres. A listing agent’s post says the seller had bought the estate about eight years earlier for $11.5 million, which we treat as the seller’s side of the story. We found no sign of a later resale.
Our take: $65 million was the dream price, and $34.6 million was the market. The gap is a useful reminder that an asking price is a wish. For what a real top-of-market sale looks like, see One57’s $100.5 million penthouse and Joan Rivers’ $28 million penthouse.
FAQ
How much did La Brisa sell for?
$34.6 million, in a sale that closed in June 2016, according to reports at the time. It was first listed at $65 million in 2014.
Who bought La Brisa in Coconut Grove?
Ransom Everglades School, a private school based in Coconut Grove, bought the 6.9-acre estate to expand its campus.
Who built La Brisa?
John B. Semple, a Pittsburgh lawyer, built the house after buying the land from Miami pioneer Kirk Munroe in 1920. Kiehnel and Elliott designed it.
How big is La Brisa?
The land is about 6.9 acres with 207 feet of frontage on Biscayne Bay. The house has almost 14,000 square feet of interior space.
Is La Brisa still for sale?
No. It sold in 2016 and we found no later resale or relisting.
What did the seller pay for La Brisa?
A listing agent’s post says the seller paid $11.5 million about eight years before the 2016 sale. We could not confirm that against public records.
Last updated: October 2026.
