Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Home features murals inspired by ‘Dragon Riders’ books
A 4,862-square-foot Spanish home in Fort Lauderdale inspired by a series of children’s books recently hit the market for $1.895 million — and still features magical murals painted by one of the children in the original family that built the home.
Located at 644 Middle River Drive, the two-story home was built in 1996. It has four bedrooms and three and one-half baths. Features include a chef’s kitchen, living room with fireplace, oak-paneled library and a full-house generator. The property is in the Sunrise Intracoastal neighborhood, within walking distance of The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale.
“It’s a really beautiful gated community right behind The Galleria,” said Todd Foster, a real estate agent with ONE Sotheby’s International Realty in Fort Lauderdale, who co-listed the home along with colleague Kim Knausz. “It’s built like you’re in the suburbs, but you’re in the heart of Fort Lauderdale.”
What makes it unique are the seven dragons handpainted by the daughter of the original owner and inspired by a series of children’s books called “The Dragon Riders.”
Exterior features of the home include a heated pool, spa, fountain, bar and summer kitchen.
Multiple French doors lead from the house to the garden and outdoor dining area.
“From the kitchen, you can see the kids playing in the pool, you can see the family room, the great room and out into the garden, which provides beautiful scenery, and the outdoor entertainment space,” Foster said. “This house was made for entertaining and has a beautiful flow.”
The current owners, James A. Rodriguez and Alex F. Schlich, purchased the home in March 2015 for $1.525 million and completely remodeled it. But they retained the unique dragons hand-painted in the oak library, great room, outdoor dining area and back entrance.