S
outh Florida’s newest “Billionaires’ Row” is now home to a Hollywood heavyweight. Actor Mark Wahlberg closed a $37 million purchase of a fully furnished Italian‑style mansion in the gated Stone Creek Ranch community of Delray Beach. The deal was brokered by Compass agent Michael Costello, one of the state’s top producers, who says his high‑profile clients choose a property because of the neighborhood, not the house itself.
Costello told Fox News Digital that he digs deeper with buyers, asking about their lifestyle: “How do you want to spend your time here? What’s important to you? Golf, tennis, beach, boating, dining out?” He stresses that while a home can be renovated, the location can’t. “You can change your house as much as you want, but you can’t change the location,” he added.
Stone Creek Ranch, dubbed “Billionaires’ Row” by Realtor.com, is a 2.7‑acre enclave that offers privacy and a resort‑style atmosphere. The 18,206‑sq‑ft property features seven bedrooms, ten full bathrooms, a seven‑car garage, a guesthouse, a pool, a home theater, a gym, a sauna, a wine cellar and a cigar lounge. Originally listed for $45 million in March, the home sold for $37 million, setting a new local record.
The agent highlighted his focus on client privacy, noting that he often uses NDAs for high‑profile buyers. “When you call listing agents to show properties, they vet buyers so you’re not getting unqualified people,” Costello said. He also mentioned that he sometimes arranges helicopter tours for clients, allowing them to view large estates from the air and save travel time.
Stone Creek Ranch’s appeal is underscored by recent sales of the “James Bond House” and the “Ferrari House,” both architectural showpieces that attracted international buyers. Two new listings are expected soon, priced at roughly $75 million and $100 million, poised to set new benchmarks for ultra‑luxury estates in South Florida.
Wahlberg’s new home is described as a “haven where world‑class design meets complete discretion.” The press release notes a sweeping two‑story foyer, natural light, a grand salon, crystal chandeliers in the dining room, and high‑quality finishes such as natural stone, marble, and French oak flooring. Clients often prioritize privacy, water views, large pools, elaborate gyms, or theaters, according to Costello.
After selling his Beverly Hills estate to Paris Hilton for $63.1 million, Wahlberg has joined a growing list of celebrities and high‑net‑worth individuals moving from California to Florida. Costello sees a busy season ahead, with Delray Beach and Jupiter attracting more luxury buyers. “We’ve had a ton of showings in the last six to eight weeks. People are definitely here looking to buy,” he said. “I’ve talked to other agents, and they’re all saying the same thing.”
Costello credits hard work and luck for his success, noting that the business thrives on “you get what you give.” With the market heating up, he expects more high‑profile transactions in the region, cementing Stone Creek Ranch’s status as a premier destination for the affluent.
