Many years ago, just after the Second World War in fact, an area of land that was due to become prime real estate in Fort Lauderdale was nothing more than a garbage dump.
Anyone travelling along the prestigious Las Olas Boulevard down to the beach would pass this area on their left-hand side. It was – let’s be honest – something of an eyesore. But then along came Finnish-born Victor Nurmi who converted the space into luxury living thanks to the creation of man-made islands.
Most of the residents on those isles today are remarkably wealthy – as you’ll see from the multi-million dollar yachts that are moored in the canals outside many of the fabulous homes. but bargains still exist, especially if you are looking for a great place to stay for your vacation.
Just after the islands were developed, a well-known architect from Grand Rapids MI, designed an utterly charming apartment complex right on the water’s edge of Hendricks Isle – so named after Eliott Hendricks, the local doctor who officiated at Fort Lauderdale beach’s only hanging (a murderous bootlegger – Fort Lauderdale’s history is more fascinating than you might think!)
Today Fort Lauderdale is extremely popular with vacationers from all over the world. Therefore there are hundreds of hotels and bed & breakfast operations in the area – but these days, travellers prefer to break from these traditional accommodations and find alternative, more exciting places to stay.
So why stay at a faceless hotel when you can experience the charm – and the history – of one of Fort Lauderdale’s hidden secrets? For some time now, apartment number eight (upstairs – see the sidebar) has been available and now the largest apartment in the complex is also available for short-term rentals.
Yes, for less than you’d pay for a run-of-the-mill hotel room, you can have your own fully-equipped apartment in a bijou historic complex – so much better than a boring hotel chain, whether you’re travelling for business or for pleasure. The apartment has been updated with the greatest care and every item within it has been personally selected by the owner to reflect the quality you deserve. See more below.
ARTICLE BY:
Jackie
JJ is originally from the UK and has lived in South Florida since 1994. She is the founder and editor of JAQUO Magazine. You can connect with her using the social media icons below.