South Tampa Realtor, Rae Anna Conforti, and luxury new home builder Bayfair Homes, jointly come together to present: A gorgeous, elegant, corner lot situated in Beach Park, one of South Tampa’s most desirable neighborhoods!
When a family friend of 30 years decided she wanted to sell her South Tampa Beach Park 1950’s home, we came to the conclusion that marketing the property as a new construction home would draw the largest audience for this location where million dollar homes surround the property. But, there was one catch. The owner has a magnificent Grand Live Oak tree in the front yard which could be a challenge when designing a large luxury home.
At first, I began contacting my list of South Tampa custom home builders to see if they were interested in looking at the site. Many wanted to know about the tree and if it could be taken down, but when I spoke with David Seidenberg of Bayfair Properties LLC, a South Tampa custom home builder since 1989, he wanted to explore the options of what this magnificent tree could offer a homeowner. David’s first words were, “What a spectacular tree! This could be the largest tree in all of Beach Park!” He saw the opportunity to save this historical tree, and we all agreed it would provide an added benefit to a new homeowner. The tree provides an umbrella shade where a family can gather to enjoy sipping ice tea on a hot summer’s day, host elegant parties under the moonlight or build a play area for kids in pure nature. To top it off, the landscaping opportunities are infinite!
Not knowing what could be done with the tree, Seidenberg suggested we meet with the City of Tampa Arborist, David Reilly. Reilly determined the oak was a protected tree and that even if the seller received authorization from the City of Tampa to take down the tree, there would be a two-year moratorium put on the construction of a new house. The solution was to trim several of the limbs to preserve the integrity of the tree, while still making it possible to build a large home.
For any property to be considered truly luxurious, man-made architecture and Mother Nature created elements must come together in unison and harmony to create a perfect balance. Well, this one has both. This exceptional residence is surrounded by a protected, magnificent Grand Live Oak Tree creating an outstanding setting from every angle, while providing the ultimate in privacy and luxury.
From the moment you enter the residence through the impressive front door, you are surrounded by the highest quality craftsmanship, materials and amenities, all working together to create an atmosphere of pure elegance and balance.
Downstairs will feature a great open room floor plan; 10’ ceilings with 5 ¼”crown molding; formal foyer and dining area, study, and a 23×12 paved outdoor entertaining space with gas piping for your outdoor grill. The sunroom takes advantage of the property’s majestic oak tree, creating the perfect environment for a yoga lounge, or a personal peaceful retreat. You’ll be able to choose everything from hardwood flooring, to granite counters in all rooms. 
The kitchen features all Stainless Steel GE Profile™ ENERGY STAR® appliance package, including an 18,000 BTU dual-flame stacked burner gas stove with convection oven, a GE Profile Advantium® Convection Microwave, and a GE Profile™ ENERGY STAR® 23.2 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side refrigerator with Integrated Dispenser. There is a choice of stained maple 42” cabinets from several designs which feature soft close drawers and a light valence.
Upstairs you’ll find 4 generous sized bedrooms, a loft, and 3 full baths. Master bath has dual vanity sinks, garden tub and separate shower with Listello tile accents, and his and hers walk in closets. There’s also a large bonus room located above the 2 car garage, perfect for a children’s playroom, craft room, sports room or even a spacious office.
Three 14 Seer AC units, tankless water heater, Low E Impact windows, and R30 insulation will save on all your electric and insurance costs. This large corner lot allows for a side entry garage with paver driveway, and leaves plenty of room for an optional pool for those hot summery days.
A little interesting history on the property and its previous owners:
This property was bought in 1950’s by Mark and Anita Hawes. The house was purchased for an unbelievable $12,000, and the Hawes raised a total of 7 children on this property. In the late 1980’s, the children had to sell the house to settle their mother’s estate. Approximately 9 years later, Linda, one of the Hawes’ children was driving through the old neighborhood, and saw a “FOR SALE” sign in the yard. She bought the house, and moved back home to Beach Park again.
As Linda recalls, “The original #1 Spanish Main house had 3 bedrooms, and one bath with a breezeway to sit and cool off in. There were only 5 houses on Spanish Main at that time. There was a lot that was fairly cleared off on South Sherrill St where the neighborhood kids would meet on weekends, and during the summers to play softball and kickball. Our parents did not have to worry about us because they always knew we were over there playing with our friends. There was a fenced lot at #7 Spanish Main that one of our neighbors owned, and had graciously placed a sign up that the kids living on this street were welcome to use this space. I think it is commendable that he had decided to share this lot with the neighborhood, giving the kids a safe place to meet and play with their friends.
Now, in addition to all of the palm trees in the yard, there was a beautiful grand oak standing in the front corner. It was not intentionally planted in the yard. Birds had to have dropped the seed that it grew from. My youngest brother, Pat used to mow over it when he did the yard and my mom would complain to him that she wanted it to grow to shade the house. After several years, he relented and stopped cutting it down with the mower. I believe the tree to be approximately 40 years old as I graduated from Plant High School in 1968, and the tree was not there at that time. This is the same wonderful grand oak that is situated on the front corner of the property today, and with the setback variances required by the city to protect the tree, there is still room on the lot to build a 3,750 sq ft home.
Beach Park a great neighborhood to raise a family, and I have enjoyed living here in South Tampa. As I enter the next phase of my life, I would like to see the property enter its next phase with a new home for a new family.”
For more information on purchasing the lot, new construction in South Tampa, or building a new home, please contact Rae Anna Conforti. This home and others like it, are NOT listed in MLS.
