A billionaire and an A-list actor found refuge in a 37-home Florida neighborhood with armed guards—proof that privacy is now the ultimate luxury

A serene neighborhood consisting of 37 homes, located just an hour away from Miami, is drawing the attention of affluent residents, including actor Mark Wahlberg. Despite the absence of a private golf club or beachfront access, the community's primary appeal lies in its commitment to privacy and the presence of an extensively trained security team comprised of former military and police personnel.

Stone Creek Ranch in Delray Beach, Florida, has swiftly emerged as one of the most sought-after locales for the ultra-wealthy. Originally developed in the early 2000s near the wetlands of the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, the area was not always a hub for high-net-worth individuals.

According to Senada Adžem, the executive director of luxury sales at Douglas Elliman, the average home prices in the community hovered around $6 million prior to her involvement. In a groundbreaking move in 2018, she listed a property in Stone Creek Ranch for $20 million. While it took two years to make the initial sale, the property has since changed hands multiple times—culminating in a sale to Wahlberg for $37 million late last year, following a complete renovation.

The sales figures reflect the neighborhood's distinct emphasis on privacy and security, factors that also played a significant role in the $43 million acquisition of two properties by Rockstar Energy Drink founder, Russell Weiner, who has legally changed his name to Russ Savage.

Properties in Stone Creek Ranch are typically situated on 2.5-acre lots, equivalent to the size of two football fields, and are positioned around an artificial lake, thereby affording each residence a sanctuary of seclusion. The absence of a golf club minimizes traffic from outsiders, as noted by Adžem. Furthermore, not being located on the beach ensures that residents are not susceptible to prying eyes from boat tours common in the Miami area.

In addition to these protective measures, the community features guarded entrances and round-the-clock security staffed by armed former military and police officers. This arrangement provides residents with a cost-effective solution for personal safety.

"The clients who can afford properties priced over $100 million along the ocean will often need to hire their own security personnel, as Florida's beaches are public," Adžem remarked.

With expansive lots and a limited number of homes, the community allows for the construction of impressive estates. Wahlberg's newly acquired residence at 9200 Rockybrook Way, meticulously remodeled by developer Aldo Stark, encompasses an impressive 18,206 square feet. It includes seven bedrooms and ten full bathrooms, alongside a plethora of luxury amenities such as two powder rooms, a home theater, a cigar lounge, a wine cellar, a gym, a sauna, a guesthouse, and a resort-style pool with a capacity of 170,000 gallons.

The home also features custom agate and onyx elements, with the property being fully furnished. Notably, it arrived with a fully stocked refrigerator, as highlighted by Adžem.

"This home represents an exceptional value at $37 million. It offers extensive living space, vast property, and a suite of luxury features," Adžem stated. "A comparable home on the ocean would command around $137 million."