REAL ESTATE

ARCHITECTURAL TREASURE

A designer home of international standards, the Golden Palace is a stunning residence, a truly spectacular piece of architecture, and one of the hottest off-market listings in the Sunshine State.

4200 NE 31st Avenue, Lighthouse, Florida

$11,500,000

GINA SAMAROTTO

South of Deerfield Beach and north of Pompano is the posh city of Lighthouse Point, Florida. Just under two- and one-half square miles, don't let Lighthouse Point's diminutive size fool you; this fabulous enclave on the Intercoastal is as rich with covetable amenities as the largest seaside metropolis. And while it is no surprise that Lighthouse Point has a plethora of notable real estate from which to choose, none gleam so brilliantly as the grandly opulent, utterly unforgettable estate known as the Golden Palace.

The design, inspired by Catherine the Great's Winter Palace – now Russia's Hermitage Museum, indeed pays lauded homage to that fabled manse. The spectacular, sprawling 9,000-square-foot residence offers seven luxe bedrooms, each delivering glorious water views and elegantly appointed with a private, ensuite bath. To that, add the additional bathrooms, formal dining room, gourmet kitchen, salons, music room, et al. all connected by a series of sweeping staircases, artisan-imagined corridors, and naves, and what you have is a livable work of art.

Construction of the estate took approximately five years, of which two were devoted to the hand cutting of the spectacular Jerusalem stone that compromises the manse's façade alone. Indeed, the Golden Palace's lord and mastermind, entrepreneur Marty Asratian, left absolutely nothing to chance when bringing his opulent vision to life. Throughout the home, you'll find the myriad elements Asratian arduously hand-selected for his castle. From the classically designed door hardware fitted with faceted, Swarovski® handles to the honed marble soaking tub in the master bath, and from each of the glittering chandeliers to the breathtaking floors crafted of Rojo Alicante and Emperador Spanish marble; before it gained entry into the estate, each detail had to earn Asratian's approval. "I wanted quality in every piece of this house," Asratian says. "It needed to not only be beautiful but of the very finest quality available."

Among the Golden Palace's more extraordinary elements are a series of illuminated, elaborate stained-glass domes from which gold and crystal chandeliers are suspended and artistically complicated, brilliantly color-drenched and finely composed stained-glass panels handcrafted by Italian glass master, Federico Scipioni. The walls are rich with a veritable kaleidoscope of moody, glowing, subtle color created laboriously by artisan's hand using only traditional Venetian plastering techniques. "Each artisan has his own style, his own signature," explains Asratian. "To make sure all the Venetian Plasterwork throughout the house was consistent, the artist lived here for months working on each room."

Elaborate stone floor inlays that mirror medallions above were crafted by a Romanian artist, and wide swathes of hardwood parquet flooring was fastidiously installed piece by minuscule piece. The gilded, custom furnishings swathed in rich fabric throughout the estate were created by the lauded, half-century-old Italian firm Mobilpiù.

Exceptionally notable are the immaculate grounds that encompass nearly half-an-acre. There is an abundance of perfect spots to relax, soak up the sun and the royal surroundings. The property includes a 100-foot dock with a double jet ski platform, saltwater heated pool, and a fountain for a bit more adventure. Private access to the sparkling Intercoastal Waterway provides the jewel in this majestic crown.

Despite such swank and sumptuous particulars, Asratain describes the house as family-friendly. He built the home with his wife and six children in mind, and indeed, they've made it their own. With the Asratian family preparing a move to Dubai, another lucky family will have the chance to purchase this masterpiece which provides the perfect base to enjoy an enviable lifestyle.

4200 NE 31st Avenue, Lighthouse, Florida, is offered at $11,500,000.

For more information, or to schedule a private showing, please contact:

Engel & Völkers Fort Lauderdale

3301 North Ocean Blvd.

Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33308

Francisco Garcia

T: +1 561 722 89005

T: +1 754 206 3900

E: Francisco.Garcia@evrealestate.com

W: franciscogarcia.evrealestate.com

Cheryl Bosa

T: +1 954-562-5852