Executive Summary
- Actor Mark Wahlberg purchased a remodeled estate in Stone Creek Ranch for $37 million.
- Rockstar Energy Drink founder Russell Weiner acquired two properties in the neighborhood for $43 million.
- The community employs armed former military and police personnel for 24/7 security.
- The development prioritizes privacy by excluding public amenities like golf courses and beach access.
High-profile figures, including actor Mark Wahlberg and Russell Weiner, founder of Rockstar Energy Drink, have purchased substantial estates in Stone Creek Ranch, a 37-home development in Delray Beach, Florida, driven by a demand for heightened privacy and armed security. According to Senada Adžem, the executive director of luxury sales at Douglas Elliman, the neighborhood has seen a surge in value, with Wahlberg recently acquiring a remodeled property for $37 million and Weiner purchasing two properties for a combined $43 million.
The development, originally established in the early 2000s near the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, is characterized by 2.5-acre lots situated along an artificial lake. Adžem noted that unlike many Florida luxury communities, Stone Creek Ranch does not feature a golf club or coastline access. This lack of public amenities is cited as a primary security feature, preventing non-residents from entering the grounds or observing properties from waterways.
Security measures at the enclave include guarded entrances and 24/7 patrols by armed personnel described as former military and police officers. Adžem stated that this centralized security infrastructure offers significant cost savings for residents compared to oceanfront estates. "The clients who can be on the ocean and can afford to pay 100 million-plus for a property will actually have to hire security personnel just for themselves, because, as you know, Florida beaches are public beaches," Adžem explained.
Wahlberg’s residence at 9200 Rockybrook Way spans 18,206 square feet and was fully remodeled by developer Aldo Stark. The property includes seven bedrooms, ten bathrooms, a gym, a home theater, and a resort-style pool. Adžem highlighted the comparative market value, noting that a similar residence on the ocean would cost approximately $137 million.
Real Estate Security Trends
The acquisition of properties in Stone Creek Ranch by high-net-worth individuals signals a distinct shift in the ultra-luxury real estate market, where privacy and physical security are increasingly prioritizing over traditional location prestige. The reliance on centralized, military-grade security teams in inland gated communities represents a strategic operational choice for public figures seeking to mitigate the exposure risks associated with public beachfront access. This trend suggests that secluded, fortified enclaves are becoming a premier asset class within the Florida housing market.
