Beer barrels inspired design of this curved Florida 'Castle'
By Catherine Sherman, Zillow Blog
Cars seem to disappear when they arrive at “The Castle” in Florida's Melbourne Beach. As if the home were a medieval keep, its metal gate opens to admit visitors to a three-story tower made of fortified concrete.
“Unique is definitely the word,” said Marion Thacker of Engel & Völkers Orlando Winter Park, who holds the $2,950,000 listing.
The home was built to withstand hurricanes, but the curved design was inspired by beer barrels.
“It’s owned by a corporation, and one of the corporation owners used to own a brewery,” Thacker explained. “He put a lot of thought into it.”
A solid copper brewing kettle from Germany accentuates the home bar, serving as a light fixture and storage space.
The home is also lined with high-end European antiques and furnishings, including a German kitchen stove dating back to the 1800s, a German wood-burning fireplace and high-end Italian tile.
“The bar backdrop alone holds tiles valued at $25,000,” Thacker said.
But the home’s main selling point isn’t inside. Overlooking a premier surfing spot just north of Vero Beach, the house features tranquil ocean views from nearly every room.
The original owner "wanted an ocean view from wherever he was in the house,” Thacker explained. “When you lie in the master bed, you can see the pool and the ocean.”
Photos by Harvey Smith and Walt Simpson
Related on Zillow Blog:
• Bavarian-Style Castle for Sale: Medieval Armor Negotiable
• House of the Week: Architectural Art on the Beach
• For Sale: Bavarian-Style Homes Primed for Oktoberfest
Interestingly, it turns out the Florida house isn't the only formal residential homage to beer:
