Palatial Estate: Fort Lauderdale’s Grandest Villa La Maison Blanche

Fort Lauderdale’s grandest villa comes up for sale and the real estate market takes notice

By Stephanie Wilson

[highlight_text] The lavish master suite has an eighteen-by-nineteen foot sitting room/gym with a wet bar, gas fireplace and elevator. [/highlight_text]

The ultimate in luxury residences has come on the market in Ft. Lauderdale with a tremendous $35 million asking price. Offered by the exclusive Intercoastal Realty, who make it their mission to exceed client’s expectations, La Maison Blanche (prestigiously translated as The White House) is sure to exceed all expectations of what it means to live in luxury. Originally built in 1938 and rebuilt in 1989, and located at 1818 SE 10th Street, this immeasurable property blends water with land, offering amazing views from almost every room in the expansive villa. Situated on the point of an island, this majestic estate is bordered on three sides by an astounding 817 feet of waterfront heaven, offering unparalleled views of the Ft. Lauderdale skyline and open expanses of the crystal azure Intracoastal.

This 20,000 square foot mansion rests on nearly one-and-a-half acres of pristine property. Upon entering the grounds, prepare to be swept away: Once you pass through the custom wrought-iron gate, you are greeted by a widespread brick motor court with a grand Banyan tree and an intricate shell fountain, complete with shell water spigots and enough lights to illuminate the night. The impressive house sits before you in all her White House-esque glory. The stately main building features seven bedrooms, seven full baths and four half baths, but that is not even the beginning of the treasures La Maison Blanche has in store. The estate boasts the main house, a four-bedroom/four bath guesthouse, garages for eight cars, a pool, spa and cabanas, and a 375-foot dock with an electric boatlift.

The main house is a red brick, and is surrounded by impressive white pillars and more balconies that can be counted, with innumerable floor-to-ceiling windows allowing the amazing sights be viewed from virtually every room. Step inside the front doors of the mansion and be wowed: The main foyer greets you with a sweeping double staircase and elaborate chandelier hanging below a beautiful set of skylights. The formal living room offers prime oak flooring, a wood-burning fireplace, two built-in pier cabinets and an admirable decorated ceiling. The formal dining room boats a similar Medallion ceiling atop spectacular views of the Intracoastal, so while you and your guests dine you can enjoy the all the sights from the water.

The expansive downstairs is the ideal location for entertaining, whether you chose intimate gatherings or large-scale parties. The home theater has seating for six guests in its screening room, while the library/casual family room has a gas fireplace and a built-in entertainment center. The epicenter of your hosting world is the great room, which features a full-service bar, offering unique Inkeboll details on both the cabinetry and bar, and two in-drawer Sub-Zero refrigerators. It also offers a full wine cooler, sink and beer keg dispenser, thus ensuring sure that your many fiestas never run dry. From the great room, an elevator can whisk you up to the master suite, which is a remarkable haven in and of itself.

The lavish master suite has an eighteen-by-nineteen foot sitting room/gym with a wet bar, gas fireplace and elevator. The bedroom itself features a “Romeo and Juliet” balcony, along with a built-in cabinet with a hydraulically raised TV. His and her closets also grace the room with a vanity armoire in “her” closet, and a separate shoe closet for the many pairs of Manolos. The master bath offers quite the retreat, with sophisticated pink marble throughout the room. A spa tub and steam shower help you relax, and his and her lavatories make sure that which should be kept private in fact is.

The house also has six suite bedrooms, including a “Mother-in-law” suite complete with fireplace and balconies galore.

The four-bedroom guesthouse is a trip in luxury as well, with two separate guest suites, each with a kitchen and living/dining areas, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms. Guests will more than appreciate by the amazing water views throughout the cushy digs, including the one the balcony shared between the two suites, encouraging guests to mingle before heading down to the resplendent pool area.

The centerpiece to this outdoor marvel is the large solar-heated pool and spa, surrounded by a brick patio located right along the Intracoastal, offering spectacular views of the constant parade of boats. A large covered gazebo stands next to this retreat, with a full cabana bath and dressing room.

This property offers a world of luxury that is foreign to most. La Maison Blanche is simply an incomparable. For true real estate connoisseurs, this is a must-see that will wow from the moment you step through the gates.