Real Estate Investor Ben Mallah Reduces Price On Florida Mansion To $31 Million
Real estate mogul and YouTuber Ben Mallah initially listed listed his Belleair Shores beachfront mansion for $35 million. The price has now been reduced to $31 million.
Mallah originally purchased the estate in 2019 for $16.5 million, setting a record at the time for the most expensive home sale in the Tampa Bay area.
The property, known as Sandcastle on the Gulf, was originally built by former Philadelphia Phillies player Ryan Howard and has since become one of Florida’s most recognizable trophy homes.
Property Highlights
Price: $31 million
Size: 19,578 square feet on a 1.18-acre lot
Bedrooms: 10
Bathrooms: 14
Location: Belleair Shores, Florida
Notable Features: 200 feet of private beachfront, resort-style pool with lazy river, bowling alley, home theater, temperature-controlled wine room and bar, two gourmet kitchens, private gym with steam shower and sauna, and a 5,000-square-foot guest home.
For more information about the listing, reach out to Priscilla Pesce at priscillapesce@gmail.com
Driving up to Mallah’s Mansion
As you turn off the road and onto the brick-lined driveway, the scale of Ben Mallah’s Mediterranean-inspired compound immediately takes over.
The wrought-iron gates swing open to a sweeping motor court framed by tall palms, giving you your first look at the three-lot beachfront estate.
Ahead, the home rises in a series of terracotta roofs, stone accents, and arched windows, more reminiscent of a private resort than a home.
Driving farther in, the stone tower with its vertical rows of windows sits in the center of the house, while balconies, columns, and inset terraces create layers of depth and texture.
As you pull beneath the portico, a carved wood ceiling hangs above, and a grand split staircase curves upward in two sweeping arcs, meeting at the front doors like the foyer of a Mediterranean palace.
Inside the Sandcastle on the Gulf
Stepping through the oversized arched double doors, you enter a foyer with soaring ceilings, stone columns lined in perfect symmetry, and sweeping sightlines that pull your eye straight toward the ocean.
The curved staircase wrapped in rich wood sits to the left of the entry, behind the elevator, giving the space a grand feel as it rises toward the second-floor gallery.
Moving forward, the foyer opens directly into the main living room. Towering columns frame the space, supporting dramatic archways that divide each seating area while maintaining an open feel throughout the room.
The ceilings soar two stories high, capped with exposed beams that add warmth to the otherwise formal interior.
Throughout the room, soft, neutral furniture sits atop large stone floors, keeping the focus on the panoramic view past the retractable glass walls, revealing the beachfront terrace.
Main Kitchen
Just off the living room, the home’s kitchen and casual dining area open up with the same over-the-top scale and craftsmanship seen throughout the estate.
The kitchen centers around a massive, rounded island wrapped in rich wood, with enough seating for several people to gather comfortably.
Surrounding it, custom white cabinetry, a stone cooking alcove, and professional-grade appliances create a chef’s workspace.
Casual Dining Area
Across from the kitchen, the casual dining area is framed by a curved wall of windows that overlooks the ocean, flooding the space with natural light.
The round dining table sits beneath a large pendant fixture, while a connected seating nook and fireplace create an inviting spot for relaxed meals or morning coffee.
Formal Dining Room
In the next room, the home’s formal dining space is framed in rich millwork and dressed for grand entertaining.
A vaulted, gold-washed ceiling centers the space beneath a crystal chandelier, while damask-patterned wallcoverings and dark wood wainscoting create a sense of warmth and formality.
A long table centers the room with seating for a large dinner party, complemented by high-backed host chairs, drapery panels, and built-ins that display fine china.
Primary Suite
Upstairs, the primary suite occupies one of the most commanding positions in the home with panoramic ocean views.
A curved wall of windows wraps the room in natural light, while soft drapery, plush carpeting, and a tufted headboard reinforce the sense of scale and comfort.
A seating area with chairs and a curved sofa creates a private lounge within the suite, set around a fireplace and framed by direct access to the terrace.
En-Suite Bathroom
The connected en-suite bathroom continues the suite’s emphasis on luxury with marble floors, custom cabinetry, and crystal lighting that set a peaceful tone, while a soaking tub and an oversized glass-enclosed shower sit at the center of the space.
Dual vanities, a dedicated makeup area, and arched windows above the shower complete the bathroom’s high-end design.
Interior Amenities
Mallah’s estate goes far beyond its square footage, offering a lineup of resort-level amenities designed for entertaining, wellness, and year-round leisure.
Temperature-Controlled Wine Room
Tucked behind an arched doorway, the temperature-controlled wine room feels like stepping into an old-world cellar, complete with stone walls, a brick barrel-vaulted ceiling, and custom racking that lines the perimeter.
At the center, a tasting table creates a spot for intimate pours, while a dedicated bar area, equipped with a kegerator and ice maker, adds a functional touch for serious collectors and frequent hosts.
Home Theater
The home theater brings a cinematic experience to the estate with its tufted wall panels, geometric ceiling design, and tiered recliners wrapped in plush upholstery.
Every detail, from the acoustics to the ambient lighting, supports a true theater environment, while the oversized screen and in-seat cupholders make movie nights feel like a private screening.
Home Gym
Positioned to capture sweeping ocean views, the home gym offers a bright, open setting for daily workouts.
The room is filled with a mix of cardio machines, strength-training equipment, and studio space, all sitting beneath a coffered ceiling that elevates the environment beyond a standard exercise room.
Bowling Alley
Elsewhere in the home, a bowling alley stretches down a full wing, offering two lanes, automated scoring, and wall-mounted screens for game-day play.
Colorful bowling balls, custom lighting, and framed memorabilia give the space a lively, arcade-style atmosphere perfect for family nights or entertaining guests.
Game Room
The home’s expansive game room is designed as a full entertainment hub, blending luxury finishes with a playful, resort-style atmosphere.
A stone-backed bar sits between each space, offering counter seating beneath pendant lights and easy access to drinks between rounds.
Just beyond it, a dedicated slot area adds a Vegas-inspired touch, complete with gaming machines positioned along the wall for casual fun.
The main lounge area opens to ocean views and features tufted leather sofas, a grand piano, and multiple TVs, creating a comfortable space for guests to relax or watch a game.
A separate game table room sits just beyond the bar, with air hockey, foosball, and a custom pool table crafted from a vintage Camaro, a dramatic centerpiece surrounded by illuminated display shelving and curated artwork.
Outdoor Spaces
With just as much prestige as the interiors, Mallah’s estate’s exterior is designed as a private beachfront resort, offering 200 feet of unobstructed Gulf frontage that frames every outdoor gathering with panoramic ocean views.
Pool Area
Behind the pool, expansive terraces stretch across multiple levels, each one carved with columned arches and balconies that mirror the home’s grand Mediterranean-inspired architecture.
Sliding doors open the interior directly to the sea breeze, creating an effortless flow between indoor and outdoor lounges that line the lazy river.
The river leads directly to the main pool, featuring rock-lined edges, multiple seating coves, and a heated spa, all set against the natural backdrop of the shoreline just steps beyond.
Outdoor Kitchen
A full outdoor kitchen and grill area sits on one of the upper terraces, complete with bar seating, prep space, and a built-in grill positioned to overlook the water.
Why is Ben Selling?
As he moves towards retirement, Ben Mallah plans to downsize his home while staying in the same area, hence the sale of Sandcastle on the Gulf.
That decision puts one of Tampa Bay’s most impressive properties on the market. With 200 feet of private beach, a resort-style pool with a lazy river, a bowling alley, a wine room, and a huge guesthouse, the estate is unlike anything else in the region.
Now listed for $35 million, it’s a rare chance for a buyer to take over a true Gulf Coast standout.
