Clearwater’s Most Exclusive Beachfront Property for Luxury Retirement Living

What Sets This Waterfront Sanctuary Apart:

• 3,434 square feet home

• Home can be reached by the private road or by boat

• Built in 1987

• Elevated 20 feet above sea level

• All of the rooms, including the bathrooms, offer views of the Gulf of Mexico, the Bay, and the tropical Southernmost tip of Caladesi Island

• Atrium with 20-foot ceilings, heated lap pool, and endless views

In previous articles for Resident.com, I’ve covered destinations like Naples and Puerto Rico, known for their refined lifestyle, natural beauty, and tax incentives. But Clearwater, Florida, is quietly making waves as one of the most desirable places to retire, especially for affluent individuals looking to combine privacy, beach access, and tax-smart investing. It offers all the luxury trimmings of South Florida, but with less noise, lower real estate density, and equally stunning coastlines.

Florida’s no-income tax, no estate tax, and no capital gains tax structure make it one of the most retiree-friendly states in the U.S.. 

But Clearwater offers even more: a relaxed pace, a thriving arts scene, high-end healthcare options, and a real estate market that still offers strong value relative to the rest of the Gulf Coast. For those searching for an off-the-radar haven with on-the-water appeal, this town is the full package.

Tucked into a gated enclave at the farthest northern point of Clearwater Beach lies 1198 Mandalay Point Road—a 42.57-acre private estate surrounded by two bodies of water: the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the intracoastal bay to the east. This isn't just a residence; it’s a self-contained natural sanctuary. It borders Caladesi Island State Park, a federally protected gem, and is part of a gated community with only 11 total homes. Privacy and peace aren't features—they're the foundation.

At $32.5M, this home isn't trying to be anything other than what it is: the apex of coastal luxury living. It's uniquely suited for retirees who want total seclusion, unmatched nature views, and the kind of waterfront lifestyle typically reserved for legacy properties. Whether arriving by car or boat, the experience is cinematic, serene, and deeply personal.

The 3,434-square-foot residence, constructed in 1987, was built with intention. Elevated 20 feet above sea level, it captures every angle of the surrounding landscape with floor-to-ceiling windows in nearly every room, including bathrooms. The southern tip of Caladesi Island sits just off the property line, offering an uninterrupted view that can never be developed.

The centerpiece is an atrium with soaring 20-foot ceilings and a heated lap pool, enclosed in glass and connected to a minimalist tropical design ethos. It’s not overbuilt. It’s balanced. The architecture embraces the surrounding ecology without competing with it. As I've written before about Puerto Rican cliffside homes and Naples beachfront estates, true luxury means restraint paired with confidence, and this home has both.

CALL TO ACTION:

Listed by Mary Hickok | Coastal Properties Group International - Forbes Global Properties

Contact by phone:  727-422-6463

This estate offers protected dockage and Gulf-to-Bay connectivity, making it an ideal home for marine lovers. Boaters can cruise into the Gulf of Mexico or relax in calmer intracoastal waters in minutes. You’re not just close to nature—you’re within it.

The private road leading to the home adds a layer of exclusivity, but it’s the water access that sets this property apart from even the most elite Florida homes. This is the kind of property that makes daily paddleboarding, sunset cruises, or dolphin sightings part of your everyday routine. It’s not about having a boat—it’s about having a reason to use it.

As I’ve covered in my Puerto Rico and Naples features, healthcare access and tax efficiency are the dual pillars of any serious retirement plan. Clearwater checks both boxes. Top-rated facilities like Morton Plant Hospital, which ranks among the best in Florida for cardiovascular and orthopedic care, are minutes away.

Florida’s zero state income tax structure ensures that your retirement savings go further, especially when coupled with no estate or capital gains taxes. High-net-worth individuals can retire luxuriously and preserve generational wealth, all while enjoying mild winters and the sound of the ocean every morning.

What separates 1198 Mandalay Point Road from other beachfront properties isn’t just size—it’s soul. The lot’s unique position between water and wildlife means you can wake up to coastal birds, watch dolphins from your kitchen, or kayak through mangroves without leaving your property.

There are no condos hovering over you. No noise. Just natural rhythms and uninterrupted skies. It’s an ideal match for those who’ve spent a lifetime building a career and now seek beauty, simplicity, and control. In my writing, I often talk about “silent luxury”—where wealth expresses itself in privacy and presence, not noise. This property embodies that principle.

As someone who has covered some of the most exclusive living opportunities in Puerto Rico, Naples, and Miami, I can say confidently: this home is in its own category. It’s rare to find 42+ acres of protected coastline with zero visual pollution, true dock access, and proximity to world-class healthcare.

If you’re nearing retirement—or planning early—and you’ve prioritized natural beauty, security, tax-friendly conditions, and personal peace, this Clearwater home may be the most underrated real estate opportunity in the country.