Three-Story Fort Lauderdale ‘Fortress’ Designed To Withstand Hurricanes—and Exude Luxury—Hits the Market for $15 Million

A new benchmark for luxury bunkers has just been set in Fort Lauderdale, FL, where an extraordinary three-story megamansion that was built both to weather the area's most aggressive storms and provide a luxury lifestyle unlike any other, has hit the market for just under $15 million.

The lavish three-story waterfront mansion spans two contiguous lots, totaling approximately 0.58 acres with more than 205 feet of frontage, and overlooks the Middle River, providing sweeping views of the water.

Yet the home itself offers a much more spectacular vista, towering above all surrounding abodes with a unique design that makes the stories look as though they are hovering atop one another.

Motorized walls of glass can be opened up to welcome the outdoors in—taking full advantage of those aforementioned views, which are made all the more spectacular by the lack of imposing columns, a design feature that affords the dwelling its "floating" illusion.

"What's really unique about this home is there are no columns from the overhang of the balconies because the owner wanted unobstructed views," said listing agent Jonathan Vega of One Sotheby's International Realty.

"One of the most impressive things about the home is the view from the living spaces, bedrooms, and primary suite found on the third floor."

Built in 2023, the five-bedroom mansion was custom designed for grand-scale entertaining featuring a home office, fitness center, multiple living areas, and a gourmet kitchen with enormous dual islands, prep sinks, and wall ovens.

"It's a very special home with a lot of presence," Vega said. "You are getting one of the biggest properties on the water within 3 miles of Las Olas for under $15 million.

"There is a main kitchen with sparkling water on tap along with a hibachi grill, and pizza oven. It also has a secondary kitchen, so it is a home designed to have a chef."

Other lavish highlights found throughout the 8,315-square-foot open floor plan are custom millwork from Milan, a floating staircase, and an elevator for easy access to all three levels. The smart home also boasts 78 solar panels on the roof.

However, it is the retractable glass walls that are perhaps the most sensational amenity to be found in the home.

"It has motorized Sky-Frame sliding pocket doors from Switzerland that you can control with your phone through an app," Vega noted.

"They are true pocket doors and are a really cool thing to show off when you have people in the house. The doors are massive so you really get to appreciate the views that open up to a super wide canal."

Living and dining areas flow seamlessly into a covered patio with summer kitchen, sun deck, and infinity-style pool with swim lane and spa. An opulent primary suite spanning the entire third floor boasts a private wraparound terrace.

The seaside estate was constructed to weather Florida hurricanes.

"It's built on concrete piles designed to withstand winds exceeding 200 miles per hour," Vega said. "It's like a concrete bunker."

In addition to the main residence, the property also comes with a buildable lot, providing the opportunity for the next buyer to construct a guesthouse, sports court, recreational space, or just enjoy the added privacy.

"The lot is in Bal Harbour, which is a gated community in Fort Lauderdale, right off Federal Highway with close proximity to Las Olas. It's truly a one of a kind property."

"There is nothing obstructing the view as it is, but you could build something there. I had one buyer who wanted to build an indoor pool."

The spacious property located just 2 miles from the beach also features a 3,000-square-foot concrete dock and a 50,000-pound boat lift.

"It also has a drive-through garage with super-high ceilings, so if a storm comes, you could park a boat in there," Vega said. "There is also an elevator from the garage to the primary suite, so you could park in the garage and go straight to bed. They really thought of everything when constructing this home."