Fort Lauderdale Jazz & Brunch Event: All Things Waterfront

This article was written by Sarah Nadler. Photography courtesy of Denison Yachting.

On one Sunday in early February, a group of very important people came together under one roof–and what a roof it was. At the Jazz & Brunch event, a select few were invited to check out several impressive, high-ticket items, including luxury yachts from Denison Yachting, high-end vehicles from Holman Motorcars Fort Lauderdale, and the crème de la crème–the $30+ million estate on Bontona Peninsula represented by Julie Jones and Douglas Elliman Real Estate, where it all took place.

With smooth jazz as the backdrop, played by a talented saxophonist, attendees on an elite guest list were wined and dined with a beautiful brunch spread as they viewed the immense property and its almost 700 feet of waterfront space. With six bedrooms, nine and a half baths, two floors, and 285 square feet of forward space (where two luxurious cars were strategically placed, including a Rolls-Royce Ghost and a Bentley Bentayga Hurricane Edition), the home was bound to impress.

The invitation-only event was held in order to highlight the spectacular property and some remarkable yachts: two classic Feadships and an impressive SŌLACE center console tender. The timeless 105-foot Feadship built in 1969, called NEREUS, was a sight to behold docked by the beautiful home. Beside her, IMPETUOUS, an 85-foot Feadship built in 1977. The event offered clients an intimate atmosphere to engage with these boats.

Ken Denison shared the benefits of such an event, explaining that classic yachts often take more time to sell because these yachts require a sophistication and experience level in buyers who fully appreciate and understand this level of build. It is the same audience that buys the finest classic cars. “It is a smaller audience that directs a more targeted group of folks to the very best of offerings, be it cars, homes, or yachts.”

Tom and Katia Bates, the owners of the 529 Bontona Avenue property located in Fort Lauderdale, were enthused to have Julie Jones–who represents the home–partner with Denison Yachting to showcase the property as well as the classic yachts. “Actually, it’s literally like a small marina,” Ken noted, rendering this specific collaboration a pretty perfect match.

“I think the owners know that Denison will go out of its way to find the right market for the boat space. When you put your boat in a boat show to sell it, sometimes that doesn’t happen. You have to be more selective. At this event, this is the target audience.” As opposed to boat shows, which can sometimes be overwhelming, Ken expanded that events such as the one being held at Bontona Peninsula get the right amount of people—and, simply, the right people—in front of the right products. These hand-selected people can feel comfortable, away from an intense environment, and alternatively at a luxe and relaxed event with a whole different atmosphere.

Julie Jones, Vice President of Ultra Luxury Sales at Douglas Elliman Real Estate, was pleased to have the high-end brands join forces. Working with Denison for about three years, she cited the “energy” and “incredible marketing” as some of the aspects she values most about the brokerage firm.

“I like to advertise in FRANK because it’s very unique and the articles are meaningful,” she shared. “The content is so original and highly readable. I display the magazine at all my multi-million-dollar listings. The Denison team is so approachable, the brokers are out in the community, and they are easy to work with. I love working with them.”

“I sell these waterfront homes and I send my customers to Denison because I know that, whether they’re buying a center console or a multi-million-dollar home, they’ll always have the same center of attention,” she continued. “It helps me sell my listings, getting them excited about becoming part of the yachting community.”

“This particular home is one of very few true peninsulas here in Broward County. It has approaching 700 feet of water surrounding it, so it’s perfect for multiple yacht docking. It’s extremely private, yet close to the shopping and dining on Las Olas and the beach. It is close to the executive and international airports.” It seems to be situated in the ideal location, along the New River, right in the middle of the “Yachting Capital of the World”.

Ken was glad to share his aspirations for the future. “We think more of these events are going to come because it’s about building a relationship. I told Julie that the first time people come to Florida, they buy a house. Guess what the second thing they buy is? A boat.” Luckily for attendees of the Jazz & Brunch event, both were opportunely on display. Talk about a one-stop shop.

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