"Circa 1850 restored waterfront mansion"
Welcome to what Palatkans fondly call the old “Reid House”. A circa 1850 historic luxury waterfront escape located on the mighty St. Johns River in Florida. This magnificent estate home situated on 2½ private acres measures over 3,000 square feet and includes 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4 fireplaces, parlor, formal dining room, library, drawing room, breakfast nook, gourmet kitchen with media center and wet bar, an original 22 window sunroom overlooking the river adjoining the master suite, 3 porches and two staircases including an exquisite grand staircase located in the main foyer. Also included is a charmingly updated 1 bedroom, 1 bath carriage house complete with efficiency kitchen. Two covered porches and double car garage are attached. The property has two entrances and features gated, secured electronic entry.
Many consider this residence to be the oldest house in this town, as the timbers used to erect it are cypress beams from government buildings dated before the Seminole War. Owned and occupied by 3 generations of noteworthy families and their descendants, the dwelling occupies an important place in history. Originally located in the historic district downtown, it was scheduled for demolition in 1990 to make way for a church playground. This graceful plantation home was saved and moved downriver by barge to its current private waterfront location.
The current owners have scrupulously restored the home to the highest historical integrity. Just a few of the special touches include all original doors, windows and shutters, tin roof, heart of pine floors, and 5” crown moldings. The timeless beauty of the original lathe and plaster walls have been preserved and enhanced using an ancient Italian technique called Venetian plaster. Every room finished in a different color, the walls now breathe and are burnished to a marble like sheen. Ceilings are flawlessly finished with sand wash texture. Impeccably updated baths including meticulously restored claw footed tub outfitted with chrome plated solid brass shower enclosure and porcelain fixtures, original period glass and new sashes and weights in each window, southern style plantation porch overlooking the St. Johns River- our favorite place for iced tea or lemonade or that favorite evening cocktail. A private 260' canal complete with a 120' L-shaped dock is designed with your yacht in mind.
As you enter the circular driveway and approach the front brick walkway, you are greeted by a lush arbor treatment, complete with lovely fountain, succulent plantings and stone benches. As you wander the property you will see these little touches everywhere, custom crafted stone pathways,, outside seating areas, and even an original barrel swing hanging from one of the century old oak trees. The original elegant porch swing still graces the plantation style front porch. The residence is extensively landscaped and surrounded by orange groves and moss-laden trees. A flowerbed lined with brick pavers borders the perimeter of the house, with a rock fountain treatment and brick walkways meandering all around the property, accented all over with waterfalls and ponds.. An oasis of delight for nature lovers.
All in all, a splendid, lovingly restored waterfront mansion that is the perfect spot for your vacation getaway. Many activities are available to you- fishing vessels with or without tour guides, delightful spa visits, tours to nearby St Augustine (the oldest city in the U.S.), hiking, walking, bicycling and alligator watching- to name only a few. Come experience paradise!
