An iconic Palm Beach estate, affectionately nicknamed the 'ham and cheese house' for its distinctive red brick and coral-colored coquina stone exterior, has been listed for $105 million. The property, known officially as Casa Eleda, is one of a handful of residences on the island with a price tag exceeding $100 million.

Designed around 1928 by architect Maurice Fatio for investment banker Mortimer Schiff and his wife, Adele, Casa Eleda features an Italian Romanesque style. The estate spans over 13,000 square feet of living space and boasts approximately 150 feet of direct ocean frontage. Its unique name is derived from Adele's name spelled backward.

The property includes a private tunnel that runs beneath the road, providing direct access to a beach cabana equipped with a living room, wet bar, and full bathroom.

Historical Renovation

The Schiffs, original owners, did not reside in the home for an extended period. The property was later acquired by businessman Marion H. Antonini and his wife, Penny, in 2013 for $15.975 million. They undertook a multi-year restoration, focusing on preserving the historic character of the home while updating its amenities. This preservation effort earned them an award in 2017.

In a recent renovation, decorative details and the patina of the old house were carefully retained, while the grounds were extensively landscaped

During their stewardship, the grounds were extensively landscaped, and the swimming pool was redesigned with inspiration from a church in Venice, Italy.

The swimming pool is inspired by a church in Venice, Italy

Estate Features

Inside, the mansion features intricate coffered ceilings, hand-painted beamed cypress ceilings, carved stonework, multiple loggias, and marble fireplaces. The formal living room offers ocean views, complemented by a bar room connecting to an oceanfront library. The dining room includes a dramatic beamed cathedral ceiling.

The formal living room opens towards the ocean, while a striking bar room connects it to an oceanfront library

The primary suite includes dual bathrooms and closets, a private sitting room with a fireplace, and a balcony. The estate also houses a chef's kitchen, home office, exercise room, recreation room, elevator, and wine cellar. The property is centered around a courtyard with loggias.

The mansion comes with a private passage beneath South Ocean Boulevard, leading directly from the main residence to the beach

At the ocean end sits the private cabana, providing a self-contained retreat with a living room, wet bar and full bathroom

Market Context

The current asking price of $105 million represents a significant increase from the $15.975 million paid in 2013, reflecting the substantial appreciation in Palm Beach's luxury real estate market. The record Palm Beach home sale was set in 2023 at approximately $170 million. Casa Eleda is now among a select group of Palm Beach properties valued at over $100 million.