“Starry Night” Van Gogh House in Mount Dora is a Must-See (2024)

Last Updated on January 21, 2024

Have you heard about the Van Gogh house inspired by the Starry Night pain in Mount Dora? The home rose to quick fame as a local roadside attraction!

When we first caught wind of this unusual code-enforcement story, it seemed to contradict the heart of this creative hub for artistic souls.

The 49th Annual Mount Dora Art Festival is on February 3 + 4, 2024. It’s one of the best ones in the state.

Mt. Dora is truly one of the most artistic, quaint communities in the Sunshine State that prides itself on supporting the arts.

Where your attending an event or want to stroll around the charming shops and restaurants, make sure to add the Starry Night house on your list of things to do.

Mount Dora’s Own Starry Night

So what’s the story behind the Starry House? n a nutshell, homeowners Nancy Nemhauser and Lubomir Jastrzebski commissioned local artist Richard Barrenechea to paint a plain masonry wall in front of their home on Old U.S. Highway 441 near downtown Mount Dora.

The couple have an adult son with autism who is comforted by Van Gogh-inspired colorful designs. This is what motivated them to paint the wall in the first place.

Well, city officials didn’t agree with the family’s art selection.

To make matters worse, they abandoned their original claim that the interpretation of Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” was a graffiti code violation and determined it was an illegal sign.

They trampled the couple’s First Amendment rights by ordering them to remove the mural and threatening significant fines.

It’s interesting to note that home colors and murals are not addressed in the City of Mount Dora codes.

Additionally, this home is not in a homeowners association (HOA) and is not deed-restricted.

Making the Starry Night House a Mural for Mount Dora

At one point, city officials told them the masonry wall had to match the house. The homeowners directed Barrenechea to carry the “Starry Night” theme over to their house as well.

Mt. Dora residents have also shown their support by writing letters and sending emails to the homeowners, the artist, and the city.

The homeowners reached a milestone when the Mount Dora City Council voted unanimous.

“This is a huge win for Nancy and Lubomir,” Jeremy Talcott, attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation, said. “The agreement is a total victory for their liberties and those of everyone in Mount Dora. The family will get to complete the mural, and the city will revise its unconstitutional sign code.”

The “Starry Night” house is exempt from any current or future ordinances so long as they keep the murals in good condition. If they repaint, the homeowners will also lose their exemption.

Nemhauser and Barrenechea said they are extremely grateful for the positive support from the community and beyond..

The Starry Night House has been featured on national TV programs, such as CBS This Morning.More information about Nancy and Lubomir’s story is also available at pacificlegal.org/starrynight.

While in area, check out these top things to do: 10 Ways to Experience Charming Mount Dora

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