1400 Beach Drive NE St Petersburg, FL 33704

Only once in a decade (or two) does an iconic estate-style property such as the ‘Flora Wylie Villa’ (circa 1923) come available in St. Petersburg’s Historic Old Northeast. Fondly referred to by locals as ‘The Gargoyle House’ for its original European stone gargoyles who have stood guard over the home, from its façade, for almost a century. This gorgeous property began as a vision, by Flora Wylie, the first woman to serve on the City’s Planning Board, founder of the Garden Club of St. Petersburg, and namesake of the Flora Wylie Park, on North Shore Drive. Wylie envisioned a Mediterranean Revival-style home inspired by a renowned villa, in Milan, Italy, that she and her husband visited on one of their grand European tours. To create her vision, Wylie turned to Henry L. Taylor, the architect and designer of the Vinoy Hotel, in downtown St. Pete. Thus, a landmark was born. The current owners completely renovated, modernized, and increased the home’s indoor & outdoor living areas, while carefully preserving the Italianate architectural style and character that make this a truly exceptional property that is perfect for the family and entertaining. The home’s interior features five bedrooms and four full and one-half bathrooms. One of the bedrooms is fabulous first floor in-law suite complete with an en-suite bathroom, beverage bar, walk-in closet, and private courtyard. Upon entering the home, you are received in a formal and grand foyer adorned with a stone fireplace and original wood and glass built-in bookshelves. The formal living room also serves a billiards room complete with its own stone fireplace and a multitude of French doors that lead out to loggias spanning the front and back of the home. The spectacular chef’s kitchen is open to the family and formal dining rooms. It features a large center island with a gas range and built-in casual dining table along with stainless steel double ovens, microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher. You will love the kitchen’s built-in china cabinet, stone countertops, custom wood cabinetry, and walk-in pantry. Additional first floor features include a well-appointed office, laundry room with its own pocket office, and air-conditioned tackle / work room. Upstairs you will find the primary owner’s suite and three additional guest bedrooms. The immense owner’s suite is adorned in light and features French doors that open to two balconies and a luxurious bathroom suite complete with a formal threshold, two walk-in closets, fabulous built-in mirrored cabinets, custom wood cabinetry, stone counters, double sinks, and a spa-style walk-in shower. The backyard is an entertainer’s dream come true with its resort-style pool deck, heated pool and spa, an impressive lanai, lush tropical landscaping, and turf covered yard. The home is built of block, stucco, and hollow tile construction. Additionally, it has an oversized two-car garage, private rear and front driveways, a circular drive, Rinnai tankless (gas) hot water heater, and much more. All of this is located one block from North Shore Park, on Tampa Bay, and within a short walking distance to downtown St. Petersburg and everything this vibrant city has to offer: world-class dining, nightlife, museums, the Pier, waterfront parks, and so much more! Buyer to verify all measurements.