MOUNT DORA, Fla. – One of Florida’s most recognizable homes is shining brighter than ever.
Known as the “Starry Night” house, the Mount Dora home made national headlines in 2017 after the city ordered the homeowners to remove its now-iconic mural inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s famous painting.
But years later, the family behind the artwork is celebrating a major milestone — and a message that goes far beyond paint.
Nancy Nemhauser first commissioned the mural as a way to help her son, Grant, who has autism, identify their house if he ever wandered off.
[Watch the formal unveiling of the paint job at Mount Dora’s ‘Starry Night’ home]
“So that was the inspiration — something he really liked, which was Van Gogh paintings, especially Starry Night,” Nemhauser said.
But the mural was met with resistance. City leaders called it graffiti and issued thousands of dollars in fines, citing safety concerns for drivers. The family took the case to federal court and ultimately won. The city not only apologized but also paid a $15,000 settlement.
Now, the home has been fully repainted, thanks to Florida Paints and its “Paint a Brighter Day” campaign. The relaunch coincides with Autism Awareness Month and includes a newly unveiled infinity symbol sculpture — designed by artists on the spectrum — on display in the front yard.
“It represents to me that if you have a gut feeling about your child, go with it,” Nemhauser said. “Don’t listen to the one person at school who says, ‘That’s not a problem.’ And for authorities — don’t mess with the mom.”
The story is also being documented in a film titled Starry Fight, led by director Lionel “Lee” Montells.
“We want this house to be replicated throughout the world,” Montells said. “It’s one of the first times I’ve ever seen art used for a practical purpose.”
The family hopes the house will continue to inspire others, especially those touched by autism.
“There will be struggles, there will be difficult times, but you’ll get through it,” Nemhauser said. “Just hang in, and tomorrow will be a brighter day.”
The home is open for public viewing, and filming for the documentary is already underway.