May 09--The jury is still out on what will be this year's song of summer, but there is the clear front-runner in the pool of summer category.
Former NFL defensive back Asante Samuel is selling his Florida mansion, which has, among other things, a $1-million swimming pool.
Designed for large-scale entertaining, the 140,000-gallon pool is highlighted by a saltwater filtration system, a water slide, a geyser feature, a beach entry and a 25-person grotto complete with flat-screen televisions, a hot tub, a fire pit and party pavilion. Surrounding custom LED lighting, tropical landscaping and pavers complete what is a million-dollar setting, according to listing agent Ben Moss of One Sotheby's International Realty.
The custom feature is just one of the selling points of the 18,000-square-foot home that is for sale in Southwest Ranches, Fla., for $9.5 million. Entered through a grand foyer with a dual staircase, the Mediterranean-style home has a resort-like vibe with grand formal areas, elaborate wall treatments, marble and hardwood finishes throughout.
Among amenities is a home theater, a children's playroom, a game room, a music studio, a gym with a sauna and a hair salon with an in-ground vacuum system. The master suite sports a private sitting room, a marble wall fireplace and a spa-like master bathroom. There are nine bedrooms and 12.5 bathrooms.
Samuel purchased the nearly five-acre property in 2008 for $2.375 million, records show. The home and lavish pool were completed in 2013.
Samuel, four times a Pro Bowler, played 11 seasons in the NFL for the New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons. He won back-to-back Super Bowls with the Patriots (2004, 2005) and twice led the league in interceptions (2006, 2009).
