Ellen Ruby Blog's: Why Is This Waterfront Florida Mansion Splashed With So Much Color?

Wednesday 30 June 2021

Why Is This Waterfront Florida Mansion Splashed With So Much Color?

Colorful Florida home — Sean Casey/Shooting for Sales

A waterfront home in the Sunshine State began its life as a place to relax—but it has been transformed into an explosion of color.

It’s easy to spot the house on the South Grand Canal in Lighthouse Point, FL. On the market for $3.85 million, It’s the one with the brightly painted driveway, dock, and pool deck.

“It’s owned by a very special lady. She is a doctor of gerontology, and she works with all maladies. She’s a hospice doctor, so she deals with sorrow every day. Not only with her patients, but with their families,” explains the listing agent, Linda White. “So when she comes home, she needs a place not only to relax—but she needs a very vibrant atmosphere to recharge her batteries.”

The five-bedroom, four-bathroom house, built in 1970, is certainly vivid. The current owner has owned the place since 2005, and has put her distinctive mark on it.

“Because of her love for vibrant colors,” White explains, “she decided to use all the colors of the rainbow, inside and outside. It’s all very coordinated and lively.”

Aerial view of home in Lighthouse Point, FL
Sean Casey/ Shooting for Sales

Aerial view
Sean Casey/ Shooting for Sales

Outdoor space
Sean Casey/ Shooting for Sales

Whoever buys the place will get a full dose of color, because the list price includes all the furnishings—even the taxidermy that the owner purchased while traveling around Alaska.

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“Everybody’s different. Some people like a more subdued neutral palette, and for those people, the house might be too stimulating. On the other hand, then you have the people who just love it. It’s a house where you either very definitely love it or…”

Upstairs kitchen
Sean Casey/ Shooting for Sales

Upstairs bedroom
Sean Casey/ Shooting for Sales

Upstairs living space
Sean Casey/ Shooting for Sales

Upstairs deck space
Sean Casey/ Shooting for Sales

White describes the 4,359-square-foot house as an ideal multigenerational living space. Colors tend to spark joy—no matter how old you are.

“The minute you walk in, you’re happy,” she says. “It’s just so whimsical, and you just can’t help but be happy. Kids walk in and are in awe.”

Several generations can easily live together here, because there are two distinctive living spaces under one roof, including a three-bedroom apartment upstairs, with a separate entrance and a more subdued atmosphere.

“There are two kitchens. The downstairs kitchen is unique, because she has platters that she got in the South of France, and an artist painted the cabinets to coordinate with the plates,” White explains. “Then the upstairs kitchen has onyx countertops that light up. It’s beyond cool.”

Back downstairs, the bright master suite also offers a tranquil space nearby.

“There’s a door to the outside, and there’s a half-circular concrete wall, and it’s all painted like a rainforest, and she’s got birds hanging on it,” White says. “It’s just wonderful.”

What’s also wonderful? Water frontage with deepwater dockage. The lot is about a quarter-acre, with 197 feet of canal frontage wrapping around a corner, more than any other property currently for sale in the area.

“And she has a lift and a floating dock. Right now, there’s an 80-foot yacht parked there, so there’s room for Jet Skis and kayaks. Outside, it’s like a little resort,” White says.

Since the entire dock area is painted, it’s a colorful, resortlike space visible to any passing watercraft.

A custom detail within the pool also helps set the outdoor area apart.

“She went to the same people that Disney buys their coral from, and she bought the living-type coral that’s soft. If you’re swimming in the pool and you happen to brush alongside of it, it’s soft and it doesn’t hurt you,” White explains. “It’s beautiful the way it’s done, because it looks totally real.”

In addition to the pool, there is also a hot tub, refreshment bar, outdoor kitchen, and several conversation areas.

White says the house is a passion project for the current owner, but she’s letting it go because it’s just too much for her to take care of.

Even so, she hasn’t stopped enjoying her retreat.

As the agent told us, “Every time I go there, there’s something new to see. She’s always adding things.”

Hopefully, a new buyer will want to truly taste the rainbow.

“I think [the perfect buyer is] someone who appreciates an eclectic, unique home, who wants to feel inspired and happy when they’re there. A place to unwind—yet recharge themselves mentally, physically, and spiritually. This is the home.”