Spanish tile roof
Wrought iron balconies
Mayan tile accents
Pecky cypress ceilings
Chef’s kitchen with high-end appliances
Peaceful courtyard with a fountain
Spa-like primary bath
Custom wood cabinetry
Heated pool
Lush private pool retreat
Following my recent features on waterfront modern builds and turnkey beachside condos for Resident.com, I turn now to a very different kind of luxury—one that’s built on legacy, artistry, and story. 843 17th Avenue North in St. Petersburg, FL is a meticulously restored 1925 Spanish/Mediterranean-style estate, nestled in the tree-lined enclave of Crescent Lake, one of the city’s most architecturally rich neighborhoods.
Listed for $2.85 million, this home stands apart in today’s glossy luxury market by embracing timeless materials and handcrafted detail. While new builds dominate the Florida real estate conversation, there’s increasing demand among affluent buyers for historic properties that have been thoughtfully modernized. This home delivers precisely that—a soulful retreat with modern ease, all without compromising its architectural integrity.
Too often, vintage homes are either untouched and outdated or overly renovated into blandness. That’s not the case here. A 2008 renovation restored the estate with a careful eye for preserving original details while introducing essential modern upgrades. From Pecky cypress ceilings and custom wood cabinetry to Mayan tile accents and wrought iron balconies, the aesthetic is a tribute to 1920s Florida glamour—refined, textured, and entirely unique.
At 5,320 square feet, the layout feels spacious without excess. It flows naturally from the elegant main living areas to the shaded courtyard, Mayan-tiled fountain, and a private veranda that calls for morning coffee or twilight cocktails. This is not just a house—it’s an experience of old Florida luxury, reborn for a new generation.
Built on 2½ oversized lots, this property embraces the kind of indoor-outdoor lifestyle that defines high-end Florida living. The lush private pool area, complete with tropical landscaping and stone pavers, sits like a hidden oasis at the heart of the estate. Just steps away, a fully detached guest house offers visitors a private experience—ideal for multigenerational families, long-term guests, or even creative use as a home office or studio.
The pool deck is more than a sunbathing zone—it’s an immersive retreat framed by architectural curves, vibrant tiles, and a quiet, enclosed setting. For those who value peace, privacy, and a space to host without crowding, this home gives you room to breathe without ever feeling removed from the action.
Authentic Spanish tile roofing, arched thresholds, and period ironwork give the home a sculptural feel from the curb to the courtyard. Inside, Pecky cypress woodwork, custom cabinetry, and traditional tilework add warmth and texture, enhancing the sense that this is a rare find in today’s coastal market.
These aren’t design gimmicks—they’re original or carefully replicated elements that tie the home to its 1920s roots. Crescent Lake, much like Coral Gables and Winter Park, is one of the few Florida neighborhoods where historic preservation and architectural integrity are actively protected and valued. This makes the property not just a home, but a part of St. Petersburg’s living history.
While many luxury Florida homes exist in gated isolation, 843 17th Ave N offers something even more valuable: connection. The Crescent Lake neighborhood is walkable, green, and culturally vibrant. You’re just minutes from downtown St. Pete, with its world-class museums, high-end dining, waterfront parks, and weekly markets.
And like I’ve emphasized in past Resident.com features on Puerto Rico, Clearwater, and Naples, Florida’s tax policies sweeten the deal. With no state income tax, no estate tax, and no capital gains tax, this property isn’t just a lifestyle upgrade—it’s a smart wealth preservation strategy. Whether you’re relocating full-time or splitting your year between multiple homes, this estate gives you both heart and balance sheet benefits.
This is not a museum piece. The home includes a spacious three-car garage, ample storage, and all the comforts needed for full-time residence. While it proudly carries the aesthetic of its century-old origins, every system—electrical, HVAC, plumbing—has been brought into modern compliance.
It’s this marriage of romance and function that defines truly elite properties. You don’t have to sacrifice comfort for beauty. This home was designed to be lived in deeply and comfortably, whether you’re hosting elaborate garden parties or enjoying quiet evenings beneath the veranda’s arches.
In a world where so many properties are manufactured to check boxes, 843 17th Avenue North offers something rarer—a living, breathing home full of character, artistry, and presence. It’s ideal for buyers who appreciate detail, authenticity, and a sense of rootedness in their surroundings.
If you’re retiring, relocating, or simply dreaming bigger, this is an opportunity to own a piece of Florida’s golden era—modernized for today, yet untouched in its spirit. As I’ve said before in features across Resident.com: true luxury is not always about newness—it’s about meaning. And this home is rich in it.