Sea Island house sale of $30 million viewed as Georgia record

The selling agents of renowned architect John Portman’s former Sea Island home didn’t talk about square footage. They didn’t lead with Atlantic Ocean frontage or the $30 million sale price, believed to be the most ever paid for a house in Georgia.

Instead, they spoke about the property the way a curator might describe a sculpture: as a piece of art to be cared for, interpreted and passed from one steward to the next.

“Every time we showed it, you discovered something new. It was built to appeal to all of your senses,” said Ann Harrell, an associate broker with DeLoach Sotheby’s International Realty on St. Simons Island.

The 12,586-square-foot home, known as Entelechy II, sits on 2.3 acres on Georgia's Atlantic coast. (Courtesy of Bartolotti Media)

Portman, who died in 2017 at age 93, was an architect-developer who reshaped Atlanta’s skyline with projects including the Peachtree Center and Hyatt Regency with its towering atrium. Former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young once said “there is no one who has done more for Atlanta.”

The home he designed in 1986 and that was owned by his family until now made waves even on Sea Island, the secluded barrier island known for hosting presidents, CEOs and dignitaries. Situated on 2.3 acres stretching from the oceanfront, the modern residence immediately stood apart.

Named Entelechy II — a philosophical term describing the realization of an object’s full potential — the 12,586-square-foot home embodied Portman’s belief that architecture should activate the senses. Glass façades dissolve the boundaries between inside and outside. Dramatic, exploding columns house an elevator, a library and a bar. Water features thread through the interior, punctuated by cascading garlands of jasmine.

“You can hear the sound of water throughout,” said Harrell.

Harrell said she had confirmed the sale price is the highest on record in Georgia, which hasn’t been disputed by others in the industry.

“You can hear the sound of water throughout,” said Ann Harrell, an associate broker with DeLoach Sotheby’s International Realty and one of the co-listing agents. (Courtesy of Bartolotti Media)

The property was listed for $40 million just over a year ago. Harrell and co-listing agent Susan Imhoff, who typically work independently and juggle about a dozen homes apiece, teamed with Atlanta broker Chase Mizell to broaden reach and deepen connections. They interviewed photographers from the West Coast, Nashville and Palm Beach in search of someone who could convey the architecture’s intent.

Sea Island, as a Georgia retreat for the very rich, commands hefty prices. The previous Georgia home-sale record of $27 million was set in 2021 by another property on the exclusive island, according to real estate agents. A neighboring home sold for $12 million earlier this year, according to Realtor.com.