Billionaire pays $55.5M in cash for an undeveloped lot in Florida — bringing his total spending to $94M to build his dream retreat

Billionaire David MacNeil and his wife Melissa just closed on a lake-to-ocean lot in Manalapan, Florida for $55.5 million in cash — bringing their total spending to a staggering $94 million before the couple even begins to build their dream house there.

And the billionaire calls it a deal.

“I actually think I got a bargain,” MacNeil, the founder and CEO of WeatherTech, a car mat manufacturer, told Gimme Shelter in an exclusive interview.

(An aerial of the assemblage where MacNeil will construct his mansion.Farrell Companies)

(David MacNeil, who will be among Manalapan’s newest wealthy residents.Alamy Stock Photo)

(The newly purchased lot on the right has structures on the land, which will be demolished.Farrell Companies)

The land — which has structures on it, all of which will be knocked down — is adjacent to another lot that MacNeil purchased for $38.5 million last year.

The property runs from the Intracoastal to the Atlantic. When both lots are combined, the end result will be a compound on 3.6 acres — and 340 feet on the ocean.

“It’s the second largest lot in Manalapan, and the only lot in Palm Beach with Intracoastal and ocean frontage is Mar-a-Lago, so this is very special,” MacNeil said.

The seller of the $55.5 million lot at 1140 S. Ocean Blvd was celebrity developer Joe Farrell, whose clients over the years have included Madonna and Justin Bieber. The lot was also marketed for $95 million, which included a not-yet-built spec house, as Gimme reported exclusively.

MacNeil tells Gimme that he is building a residence and a guest house on the massive site — and that work has already begun with the construction of a sea wall.

(Celebrity developer Joe Farrell sold the $55.5M lot to MacNeil.Getty Images)

(The $55.5M lot was also marketed as a $95M property with this spec house that was never built.Farrell Companies)

 (Instead of this spec mansion, MacNeil will start from scratch.Farrell Companies)

 (Larry Ellison owns Manalapan’s largest private residence.Getty Images)

 (Tony Robinson also lives in Manalapan.Navid)

Ref: Billionaire pays $55.5M in cash for an undeveloped lot in Florida — bringing his total spending to $94M to build his dream retreat

Photo Credit-Navid, Getty Images,Farreell Companies, Alamy Stock Photo