123 Read St., Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Coming to market for the first time in 50 years, this treasured 1890’s home is one of a few stunning examples of Victorian design in North Pinellas County. Built as a summer retreat by the owner of a fine woodworking mill in New York, this home exudes many iconic features of the American Queen Anne style. On the exterior, 900 square feet of wraparound verandas serve as gracious extensions of the interior rooms, providing outdoor seating for those idyllic Florida days. The picturesque front and side gables are ornamented in fish scale shingles, sunburst windows and gingerbread peaks; while the second story eaves are brightly banded in crown molding and contrasting corbels.On the inside, beyond the elegant paneled oak entry door awaits an explosion of ornamental spindle-work, a prominent wooden staircases and lavish heart pine floors throughout. An abundance of, single pane, double-hung windows inset with original wavy glass welcomes light and fresh air into every room. In the late 1800s, the American Queen Anne style was the ubiquitous symbol of prosperity, community, and family. Its legacy carries on today, brightening city street fronts and old suburban neighborhoods with its slightly zany, anything-is-possible confidence. Lot details: Partially shaded by a lush canopy of live oak trees, the home is perched handsomely on the front half of a, ¼ acre, double deep lot with street access from the front and alley access from the back. Facing one of the town’s many brick streets, recently paved reusing the original bricks, it lies within close proximity to many charming historic homes and businesses. Renovation: Meticulously restored with the objective of preserving its original splendor, this home is a sublime union of old Florida meets contemporary comfort. New cedar shingles were installed on portions of the exterior that had modern siding which did not conform to Victorian style. Worn trim was removed and replaced with custom milled weather resistant trim. Every double-hung window was dismantled, repaired and reassembled to full functionality. New window screen frames that match the originals were fabricated and then mounted with the existing hardware. Finally, two coats each, of the most durable primer and paint was applied. On the inside, the original doors and fireplace mantle were stripped of a hundred years of paint, then triple coated in lacquer to reveal the luminous golden honey red swirls and stripes of heart pine timber. The original door knobs, locks and hinges were stripped cleaned and coated. Both bathrooms were fully remodeled using new antique style faucets and fixtures that complement Victorian design. The original claw foot tub in the upper bath was restored. The vanity in the lower bath was made from a dresser that existed in the house when the current owners moved in, in 1970. The vintage Carrara marble top was cut to match the dresser. Wallpaper was removed from every room in the house. Finally the floors were skillfully sanded and coated to radiant satin sheen. This home is conveniently close to everything; half a block from a waterfront walkway that leads to a public park with tennis courts and a boat launch; three blocks away to the Pinellas trail; a 10 minute walk to historic downtown restaurants, bars and shops; a 12 minute walk to a kitschy fishing village with 20+ options for delicious Greek cuisine; a short drive to one of two causeway parks for swimming and sunsets.