This large Mediterranean Revival, in the Santa Barbara style, designed by the nationally renowned UF Architect, Guy Fulton, sits behind a specimen magnolia tree at the top of the hill in Golfview Estates, where it overlooks the lake on the UF Golf Course.
The Historical design has been preserved by keeping the tile roof on areas facing the streets while using architectural shingles on the area facing the private backyard. In addition, the iron framed, multi-paned windows have been preserved on the front street side while the northern and western windows are new, energy efficient Pella Windows.
From the welcoming foyer there are two large archways. One opens to a grand formal dining room with a bay window and crystal chandelier and the other opens to the large formal living room, with a wall of display shelves, a large wood-burning fireplace and French doors leading to the Family Room. These rooms have dramatically high ceilings with deep crown moldings. The original hardwood floors in the public spaces and bedrooms are in beautiful condition.
The Family Room has a wall of built-ins to accommodate a TV and shelves for books. The wall of glass overlooks the large brick patio with a huge Drake Elm tree and hedges of blooming azaleas. A wonderful spot for outdoor entertaining!
From the Family Room, one takes two steps up into the breakfast room; again with built-in display and book shelves. The large kitchen serves as a hub for both the formal dining room and the breakfast room. The buyer gets to choose the perfect spot for the new Cafe' Series luxury line GE gas stove and refrigerator. Both have brass trims to match the new faucet assembly at the double sink under the windows overlooking the backyard. The countertops and island are historic tiles and a small bookcase provides a space for a cookbook collection. There are many cabinets and a pantry. Off the kitchen is the maid's quarters with a bedroom and bath, plus a kitchenette and laundry room. This area has its own entrance to the outside and another one to the two-car garage with an attached storage space.
The "Florida cracked tile" front patio provides for a large covered entrance to the main house and a private entrance to the office/library overlooking the golf course. With two walls of windows and one wall of bookcases, this is an impressive room for a home office.
The Owner's Suite, overlooking the golf course, has two closets and built-ins. The small, original bathroom has a shower and from there, one enters a walk-through closet to another room with its own exterior door. Before the time of air-conditioning, such rooms were used as "summer sleeping rooms." A local architect has designs for a luxury bath in this area, but the buyer may decide to use this room as an exercise room, hobby room or second office with its private exterior entrance.
Entering the hallway of the bedroom wing, one finds a spacious bedroom and full guest bathroom with a tub. There is a staircase to the upstairs where you will find two additional bedrooms and bath. Those two airy bedrooms have many built-ins and there is a door to the fully insulated, huge attic.
Make this home truly yours! Seller will give a $100,000 allowance for remodeling and refurbishing.