Property - The Fortress
The Fortress, a unique 3-story estate with an infamous past, is nestled in a small pocket of Fort Lauderdale. This 7,000 square feet, single-family residence is precisely planted at the edge of a 4.5-acre site on the south side of the New River. It boosts of being the only home in Broward County with its own private 160x60 inlet. The lush property is like a private park with more than 200 palm and shade trees, some dating over two centuries. Hundreds of tropical birds, including rare green parrots, call it home.
Within the privacy of its walls, the spaces of this unconventional home are sculpturally organized to provide a strong sense of being away from the world around it. Renowned architect, Donald Singer, designed the futuristic fortress for Mr. Howard Brody who, during the 1980s, was considered to be one of the biggest drug lords in the United States. The mansion, featured on 60 Minutes and in Fortune magazine, was one of the first homes seized by the US Government during the Rico Act.
Indicative of the paranoia one would expect of a person with such a large illegal operation, Mr. Brody positioned what was once known as the "gun room" at the corner of the house, with a direct view of the estate's gates. Anyone who was not a welcomed guest was made aware of that fact in no time. The structure sits on two horizontal axis which locate the areas most important to Mr. Brody, the living room and main bedroom, in relationship to two discreet views of the busy waterway. The interior stairway, representing a vertical axis, leads to a rooftop deck, which served as a private heliport over the bedroom.
The plush living room, with 30-feet high ceilings, is adorned with a beautiful fireplace. The perfect set-up for entertaining, it has a fully equipped custom-built bar with a surround sound system, and a special plasma television. If there is no one to play the gorgeous baby grand piano, with the touch of a button, it can play itself.
This extraordinary house is appointed with every amenity, including a garage, balcony, porch, wood-burning fireplaces and hot tub. Comfortably sleeping up to eight people, it has four large bedrooms, with1 king and 3 queen-size beds. There are five fantastic bathrooms. The spacious, state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen is a cook's dream! After you whip up a snack or create an elegant meal, you can enjoy it in one of the two lovely dining areas. If you do not feel like going out, the perfect way to see a movie is on the 30-foot screen in the home's theater.
Outside, the views are amazing! Throughout the spectacular park-like property, there are walk-ways for strolling, open and covered sitting areas where you can stop to take in the vistas, including one by the wrap-around dock which can house a yacht up to 200-feet! An incredible rooftop deck overlooks the inlet and surrounding panorama. The hotel-like patio area has an over-sized pool, bar-b-q grill, and, a fully equipped covered cabana area with refrigerator and TV. An outdoor surround sound system is located in the spacious Tiki hut.
Exceptionally private, this incredible vacation rental property is totally apart from the world, yet still close to every convenience imaginable. If you are not already a millionaire, you will feel like one during your get-away at the Fortress. Children are allowed. Please inquire about bringing your pets and smoking on the premises. Complete concierge services are available upon request.
This distinctive estate is perfect for holding fund-raisers, society socials and special events. We can help you plan everything from concept through the finishing touches. Imagine having a wondrous outdoor wedding set on the breathtaking grounds. You and your guests can arrive by limousine and leave by yacht!
Pictures: (click to view large image)
Details:
| Nightly Price Range: |
$9,995 |
| Bedrooms: |
4 |
| Bathrooms: |
5 |
| Max. Occup.: |
Call for info |
| Total Bedding: |
Call for info |
| House Size: |
7,000 sq. ft. |
| Note: |
Price does not include tax.
Please call for holiday rates. |
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Special Features:
- 4.5 Acre Property
- Private Over-sized Pool
- Private Hot Tub
- Private 160X60 Inlet
- Rooftop Deck
- Tiki Hut
Other Amenities:
- Custom-Built Bar
- 30 Foot High Ceilings
- Baby Grand Piano
- Home Theater
- Weddings Acceptable
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