Capturing Luxury: Inside the $42M Oceanfront Compound in Islamorada
At 1 OAK Studios, we specialize in luxury real estate through world-class photography, and few properties embody the essence of high-end island living like this breathtaking $42 million compound in Islamorada. Spanning five acres of pristine oceanfront, this estate is poised to set a new record for the Florida Keys. When Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty entrusted us with photographing this one-of-a-kind home, we knew we had to go beyond standard imagery—we had to tell its story.
A Dream Home Built from the Ground Up
The owners, Kurt and Kathi Westman, envisioned a private tropical retreat that would maximize the stunning natural beauty of the Florida Keys. After purchasing the former fish farm for $3 million in 2011, they spent six years transforming it into a luxury haven. Completed in 2017, the estate now features a grand 11,000-square-foot residence with panoramic ocean views, a private beach, a resort-style pool, and even a saltwater pond with native sea life.
The architecture was designed for that “wow” factor, with floor-to-ceiling windows in the double-height living room framing the endless blue horizon. The estate’s layout includes a main house with two bedrooms and guest quarters accessible via a breezeway, along with two offices, a formal dining room, a 1,000-bottle wine cellar, and hurricane-resistant construction. Outdoors, the heated pool, complete with a waterfall and grotto, adds a resort-like ambiance.
Now, with the Westmans spending more time in Colorado, this unparalleled property is on the market for $42 million—a price tag that could make it the most expensive home ever sold in the Keys. Visit Ocean Sotheby’s for more information
Behind the Lens: Capturing the Essence of Island Luxury
Photographing this property was more than just another shoot—it was an immersive experience. At 1 OAK Studios, we understand that luxury real estate photography isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about translating the soul of a property into visual storytelling.
To do this home justice, we spent an entire day on-site, from sunrise to sunset, ensuring that every angle and lighting condition was meticulously captured. The east-facing pool area was bathed in a golden sunrise, creating a serene, almost ethereal glow that highlighted the infinity-edge pool against the vast Atlantic Ocean. As luck would have it, our morning drone shots even captured a pod of dolphins gliding through the crystal-clear waters—a magical moment that perfectly encapsulated the unique beauty of this location.
As the sun moved west, we shifted our focus to the estate’s western-facing views. Sunset in the Florida Keys is an event in itself, and we ensured that the warm hues reflecting off the water and illuminating the property’s lush tropical landscape were immortalized in our shots. Every detail, from the intricate stonework to the swaying palms, was captured in its most flattering light.
