Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Magical mansion
Three-story estate on the Middle River offers castle-like features.
“The owners built the home to house a vast array of art, antiques and furnishings acquired through their international travels.” Derrick Buford, Gayle Borden Group
Perched on the east bank of Fort Lauderdale’s Middle River stands a modern-day castle with winding staircases, a two-story greenhouse and a rooftop terrace.
The front of the three-story estate, located at 1317 Middle River Drive, is modeled after the Muckross House in Ireland, said Derrick Buford of the Gayle Borden Group, the brokerage that holds the $3.6 million listing.
The 19th-century Victorian mansion was built in 1843 for Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife, the watercolorist Mary Balfour Herbert.
Entering the Fort Lauderdale home through large double doors, guests find themselves in a foyer that opens to the grand staircase, glass elevator and a powder room. The staircase winds its way up through the center of the home and through the turret, which provides access to the rooftop terrace.
A double-sided fireplace sits in the formal living room; a wine cellar and storage area are hidden at the foot of the main staircase and numerous skylights and smaller spiraling staircases add to the allure of the home.
“The owners built the home to house a vast array of art, antiques and furnishings acquired through their international travels, which heavily influenced the design and features of the home,” Buford said. “Their love of entertaining also influenced the design. From the front courtyard to the living and dining areas, both indoors and out, there is wonderful flow from room to room.”
A sitting area with piano, library, master suite, as well as three additional bedrooms can be found on the second floor. Three more bedrooms occupy the third floor.
A two-story greenhouse, with balconies and large sliding French doors on three sides, is perfect for those with a green thumb. It has a potting area and sink and is accessible from the covered carport for loading and unloading. Just outside the greenhouse, in an attached pergola area, is an orchid garden.
Buford admits that the functional greenhouse most recently has been used as a seating area since the owners left.
“The owners have since downsized to a smaller residence and use the property for vacation and event rentals, including family reunions and weddings,” Buford said.
Outside, a large patio area houses a pool and hot tub. There is also a 100-foot concrete dock, a floating dock and a boatlift.