Going, Going, Going … But Not Yet Gone: Jose Cruz, Jr. Lists Miami Manse for $4.45M

There’s a book we read once, a long time ago. It’s called Wide Sargasso Sea, a supposed prequel to the Emily Bronte classic Jane Eyre.

It all takes place in the Caribbean: crystalline blue waters and skies, powdery and sugar-white beaches, sultry temperatures, lazily swaying palms, and dark, rich woods that harkened to the characters’ very British—very upper class—backgrounds.

That’s exactly what we thought of when we saw this house: we actually swooned.

Jose Cruz, Jr., the retired MLB outfielder and Golden Glove winner, has offered his 7,500-square-foot, plantation-style mansion in Miami—a home that’s just dripping with charm and character—for $4.45 million.

Our friends, THIS is a house.

Did we mention the swooning? We digress.

Designed by Ramon Pacheco, the four-bedroom, 6.5-bathroom home is a refreshing departure from the typical “celebrity home”. Without an ounce of cliché, the home evokes a sense of style and grace without ever feeling pretentious.

In all directions, the home is classic Floridian white offset by the warmth of warm, dark wooden beams and floors.

Yum.

There are fabulous architectural details, like the tray ceiling in the master bedroom, which has been tastefully kissed by the palest hue of blue; it’s just enough to give a nod to the ocean without being all in-your-face with it.

There’s a cooler-than-cool coffered ceiling in one of the guest rooms that’s been accented with tones of red; it’s not gaudy or garish … it’s just right.

Did we mention how nice this house is? And we’re cynics; we don’t like anything (not really).

This place is delicious.

The lanai, though it doubtless gets plenty of Miami sunshine, looks cool and restful as the perfect place to gather with friends before washing of the cares of life in the sparkling in-ground pool.

Every details of this house is clean lines and understated elegance. The architect, designer, and listing agent—kudos to you, Judy & Nathan Zeder—did an outstanding job here.

We want. All we need is about $4.43 million more dollars.

Jose Cruz, Jr. played for nine teams in a nine-year baseball career, and he now works for the Major League Baseball Players Association. In 2001, Jose Cruz, Jr. joined the 30-30 club by hitting 34 home runs and stealing 32 bases during the regular season with the Toronto Blue Jays.

His father also was a major-league ballplayer.