Debut Driven
Top agents Susan Hewitt and C.J. Nakagawa take you inside the debut of 25 Gilmartin Drive, Tiburon for an exclusive Ferrari test drive and VIP experience combining speed, craftsmanship and high design. The two-day event gathered elite clientele to tour the jaw-dropping home and step into the driver’s seat of Ferrari’s latest masterpiece, The Portofino.
By: Kevin Daniel Dwyer
Susan Hewitt & C.J. Nakagawa
In a high-stakes and ever-competitive real estate market, the difference between listing a property and selling a lifestyle sets top agents apart from the rest of the pack. When it comes to multi-million dollar estates, specialists Susan Hewitt and C.J. Nakagawa know that selling a dream requires experiential marketing and activating an arsenal of exclusive relationships. The renowned team at Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty proved once again that they are at the top of their game with the launch of their latest trophy listing in Marin County.
One of Tiburon’s most anticipated residences, 25 Gilmartin Drive is a Contemporary Mediterranean masterpiece overlooking Richardson Bay, Sausalito, the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco’s skyline. Located in one of the most prestigious enclaves of Tiburon, the sprawling home is ideal for a growing family, an entertainer extraordinaire and anyone with a discerning eye for design-driven living.
“We knew we had to debut this home, not just bring it to market.”
“New build construction of this magnitude combined with the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail is rare in this market. Add the sweeping views and the gated privacy factor, and you have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” says Hewitt. “We knew we had to debut this home, not just bring it to market. We pulled out all the stops.”
The property’s debut was more like all systems go. Onlookers witnessed a flurry of activity—flocks of Ferraris to be exact. Cruising in and out of the private driveway was the luxury brand’s latest creation, The Portofino, Ferrari’s V8 GT. Rearing to dominate the market with 600 horsepower, The Portofino can race from 0 to 200 km/h in just under 11 seconds, all while wrapped in an aerodynamic body featuring a rectangular hard top, a spacious boot, and generous cockpit space. Talk about curb appeal.
Over 80 VIPS flocked to 25 Gilmartin over the two-day event, enjoying enveloping views from the view side terrace while enjoying fine wines, delectable catering, ambient live music and of course, all things Ferrari. Upon entering the home’s grand foyer, guests were met with a flutter of bright team members – dressed in Ferrari red – as well as Ferrari memorabilia that adorned the home. In the great room stood Skye Ferrante, a world renowned, New York-based wire sculptor dressed in a long white smock, quietly creating his latest piece, Ferrari’s iconic Cavallino, from a single spool of wire and a pair of pliers.
A trip down the home’s winding staircase brought attendees to the car-lover’s candy shop. Exquisite leather, luxurious carpet, and other fine finish samples were on full display, part of a design-it-yourself Ferrari pop-up. Guests were guided through the design process and able to customize their very own bespoke Portofino. With a few clicks of an iPad, one could order their new ride from the comfort of the sofa.
Time to slide into the driver’s seat. Armed with a trained Ferrari driver as passenger, guests cruised through the winding promenades of Tiburon, learning the art of control and respect needed to handle the machine at their fingertips.
“To see high-net-worth individuals socializing, all while experiencing the home for sale and test driving—and special ordering their newest Ferrari —was an experience in its own right,” said Nakagawa. “Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty and Ferrari go hand in hand; both artfully unite extraordinary people with extraordinary homes and exotic cars. G
25 Gilmartin, Tiburon
25Gilmartin.com | Listed for $8,195,000
Susan Hewitt
415.407.8349 | susan@sothebysrealty.com | Lic.# 00996144
C.J. Nakagawa
415.407.2151 | c.j.nakagawa@ggsir.com | Lic.# 01913564