$40 Million ‘Architectural Masterpiece’ Megamansion on Sea Island Hits the Market for the Very First Time

A spectacular mansion on the Sea Island, GA, coastline has hit the market for the very first time since it was built by famed architect John Portman. The price: a whopping $40 million.

The awe-inspiring waterfront home creates quite the impression from the get-go, courtesy of its fascinating design. The exterior draped with greenery gives the impression that the imposing property is being swallowed by its lush surroundings.

Designed by Portman in the 1980s and completed in 1986, the seven-bedroom, 8.5-bathroom mansion has never before been publicly listed, according to records.

The property brings to life the philosophical theory of entelechy, which represents the physical realization or manifestation of something that would otherwise have only been seen as potential.

That lofty principle is “fully embodied” in the home, according to the listing. It calls attention to Portman’s “genius” in blurring the lines between the interior and exterior, as well as his “meticulous orchestration of space, light, and materials.”

“Portman’s genius manifests in the meticulous orchestration of space, light, and materials, where expansive glass facades blur the lines between inside and outside, inviting the serene views of the Atlantic into every room,” the listing states.

“It transcends the conventional, standing as a harmonious interplay between architectural form and the natural grandeur of its oceanfront setting.”

The home’s sophisticated interiors were designed with a restrained palette of materials that reflect the natural environment.

Portman envisioned the home as a meditative space and a living art form. He worked with light and shadow to create his ideal aesthetic, which transformed the 12,586-square-foot home from just a living space to a fully “immersive, sensory experience.”

Indeed, the property was intended to go above and beyond the realms of traditional architecture and instead help to create a “holistic experience” for its residents.

The home features courtyards, bridges, and exterior spaces, which, when combined with the living space, total 21,527 square feet.

The property comes with a four-bedroom, 3.5-bath guest cottage.

The home is designed to be a sanctuary that “elevates everyday living into an experience of enlightened architectural art.” It’s set against Sea Island’s coastline and is close enough to hear the waves.

“Here, the rhythmic sound of the waves and the ever-changing ocean hues enrich life with tranquility and awe, making it a rare opportunity to dwell within an architectural masterpiece,” the listing continues.

Sea Island, a gated community about 60 miles south of Savannah, was developed in the 1920s and attracts big-money residents and tourists. It’s a privately owned area that is part of the Golden Isles of Georgia, which include St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, and the city of Brunswick.

There are multiple resorts and beach clubs located on the island, along with multiple restaurants and shops.

Portman, an architect who was famed for designing jaw-dropping hotels and office buildings that featured his signature “super atriums,” is understood to have designed the home as a private “sanctuary” for his family. He died in 2017 at the age of 93.