Don Hankey House is the kind of place that makes people stop and stare. It’s not just another mansion—it’s a beachfront dream in Highland Beach, Florida, and it’s got everything you’d expect from a billionaire’s home. With its jaw-dropping design, sky-high price tag, and a story that’s just as interesting as its owner, this house has become a hot topic in the world of luxury real estate. But what makes the Don Hankey House special? Is it the endless ocean views, the over-the-top features, or the way it’s shot up in value in just a few years? Let’s dig into the details, see what sets this place apart, and find out why everyone’s talking about the Don Hankey House in 2025.
Who is Don Hankey?
He’s not your average homeowner. Don Hankey is an 81-year-old billionaire who’s made his name in the world of subprime car loans. People call him the “king of subprime,” and for good reason. He runs the Hankey Group, a massive company that deals with everything from auto loans (through Westlake Financial Services) to car dealerships, insurance, and even real estate. With a net worth sitting around $7.8 billion, he’s no stranger to big investments or big risks. In 2024, he grabbed headlines by posting a $175 million appeal bond for Donald Trump in a New York court case. So, when he bought a mansion in Highland Beach, people knew it wasn’t just another real estate deal—it was a statement.
Don Hankey House & Location
So, where’s the Don Hankey House? It’s perched right on the sand in Highland Beach, Florida, just south of Boca Raton and a quick drive from Palm Beach. This spot is famous for its quiet, exclusive feel and its stretch of pristine beach. The house itself was built in 2017, and Don Hankey snapped it up in 2021 for $29.5 million. Now, just a few years later, he’s put it back on the market for a whopping $44 million. That’s nearly a 50% jump in value, and it shows just how hot the Highland Beach luxury market has become. With 120 feet of direct ocean frontage, this place isn’t just rare—it’s one of a kind. And in a town where the median home price is $1.2 million, the Don Hankey House stands out as a true ultra-luxury property.
Features of Don Hankey House
- 11,000 square feet of living space
- 7 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms
- 2 kitchens (one for entertaining, one for catering)
- Private movie theater and screening room
- Full spa and exercise room
- 6-car attached garage
- 3,000-square-foot sky deck with panoramic ocean views
- Modern lava stone floors and walls
- A floating stone fireplace and a living green wall
- Double-decker patio for outdoor living
- $250,000 infinity-edge pool and spa
- Primary suite with glass-walled office, private gym, wet bar, marble bathtub, terrace hot tub, and huge closets
- Elevator to all levels
- Outdoor statement staircase leading straight to the beach
- Covered loggia, lush lawn, palm trees, and expert landscape lighting
- Outdoor shower for rinsing off after a swim
House Design and Style
If you step into the Don Hankey House, it feels like walking into a modern resort. The design is all about clean lines, open spaces, and bringing the outside in. There’s a cool mix of contemporary style and laid-back beach vibes, with lots of glass, stone, and natural textures. The lava stone floors and walls give the place a unique, earthy feel, while the floating fireplace adds a touch of drama. And with a living green wall, it’s like the outdoors is part of the décor. Everything about the house is made for comfort and style, from the open kitchen that’s perfect for parties to the sky deck where you can watch the waves roll in. It’s not just a house—it’s a statement about living large and loving the ocean.
Personal House Touches
Don Hankey didn’t just buy a mansion—he made it his own. He added a $250,000 infinity pool and spa, turning the backyard into a private resort. The primary suite is packed with personal touches, like a glass-enclosed office for working with a view, a private gym to stay fit, and a terrace hot tub for relaxing at sunset. The house has:
- Custom lighting throughout
- Built-in sound system for music everywhere
- Smart home controls for lights, climate, and security
- Huge closets and storage for everything
- Outdoor spaces designed for privacy and fun
Every detail shows how much thought went into making the Don Hankey House both comfortable and impressive.
Interior Design & Highlights
Inside, the Don Hankey House is all about luxury and ease. The main living areas are open and bright, with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in tons of light and show off the ocean views. The two kitchens make it easy to host big gatherings or just enjoy a quiet dinner. There’s a private movie theater for family nights or watching the big game, and a spa and exercise room for staying healthy without leaving home. The bedrooms are spacious, each with its bathroom, and the primary suite is like a five-star hotel. With modern finishes, smart tech, and comfortable spaces everywhere, it’s clear this house was built for someone who wants the best of everything.
Outdoor House Spaces
But it’s the outside that makes the Don Hankey House shine. The double-decker patio is perfect for parties or just hanging out, and the sky deck gives you unbeatable views of the ocean. There’s plenty of space for lounging, dining, or just soaking up the sun. The infinity pool and spa feel like your own private oasis, and the outdoor shower and staircase to the beach make it easy to go from swimming to sand in seconds. The yard is lush and green, with palm trees and expert lighting that make it look amazing day or night. It’s the kind of place where every day feels like a vacation.
Market Value and Comparisons
When Don Hankey bought this house in 2021, he paid $29.5 million. Now, in 2025, it’s listed for $44 million. That’s a huge jump—almost 50% in just four years. It’s a sign of how fast the luxury market in Highland Beach is growing, especially for rare, beachfront properties like this one. The median home price in the area is $1.2 million, but the Don Hankey House is in a league of its own. Here’s a quick look at the numbers:
| Year | Owner | Purchase Price | Market Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Original Owner | Unknown | Unknown |
| 2021 | Don Hankey | $29.5 million | $29.5 million |
| 2025 | Don Hankey | $44 million | $44 million |
Compared to other luxury homes in Boca Raton or Palm Beach, the Don Hankey House stands out for its size, features, and location. It’s not just a home—it’s an investment that’s grown fast and shows no signs of slowing down.
Other Houses Owned by Don Hankey
Nobody knows exactly how many homes Don Hankey owns, but this Highland Beach mansion is his most famous. He’s known for investing in real estate through the Hankey Group, but details on other personal houses are private. What’s clear is that he likes properties that make a statement, just like the Don Hankey House.
- Highland Beach mansion (main residence)
- Commercial real estate investments (through Hankey Group)
- Possible other luxury homes (not publicly listed)
Conclusion
The Don Hankey House isn’t just another mansion on the beach—it’s a symbol of what happens when big dreams, smart investments, and a love for luxury come together. With its stunning design, unbeatable location, and a price tag that’s shot up nearly 50% in four years, it’s no wonder this house is making headlines. Whether you’re into modern architecture, oceanfront living, or just want to see how the other half lives, the Don Hankey House is a perfect example of Florida luxury at its best. And as long as people want the best of the best, there’ll always be a buzz around homes like this one.
