{"id":222417,"date":"2014-10-06T18:05:37","date_gmt":"2014-10-06T22:05:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newwebdev.wordpress-developer.us\/hauteresidence\/?p=222417"},"modified":"2014-10-10T09:54:57","modified_gmt":"2014-10-10T13:54:57","slug":"century-oaks-estate-auction-october-2014","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newwebdev.wordpress-developer.us\/hauteresidence\/century-oaks-estate-auction-october-2014\/","title":{"rendered":"Famous Century Oaks Estate To Auction for $8.5 Million Minimum Bid"},"content":{"rendered":"

Century Oaks<\/strong>, the most famous and priciest waterfront estate in the Tampa Bay-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area, will be auctioned on October 11th, offering the highest bidder a chance to own history for a minimum reserve price of $8.5 million.<\/p>\n

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Century Oaks’ main home is a Mediterranean-style white stucco mansion with a green tile roof and a red brick driveway.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On Saturday, at 11 a.m. in Clearwater, DeCaro Luxury Real Estate Auctions will conduct a dual public sale of two luxurious waterfront properties in the Harbor Oaks Historic District\u2014including lots 800 and 802 Druid Road South (two connected estates which comprise Century Oaks) and 820 Druid Road South (a neighboring waterfront home). The lots are ideally located on Clearwater Bay in Pinellas County.<\/p>\n

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The 23,919-square-foot mansion at 802 Druid Road South boasts 10 bedrooms, 15 full-bathrooms and 9 half-bathrooms.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Both properties were developed in 1915 by New York real estate mogul Dean Alvord<\/strong>, who transformed the waterfront from an abandoned United States military outpost (called Fort Harrison) into a \u201cluxury oasis for the rich and famous\u201d according to Daniel DeCaro<\/strong>, the auction house\u2019s founder and auctioneer, who will preside over the sale. The auctions will be held onsite at 802 Druid Road South, blocks from downtown Clearwater.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe first property being auctioned, Century Oaks, was actually Alvord\u2019s personal mansion, which he built with extra lavish finishes on the Bluffs of Clearwater,\u201d says DeCaro. \u201cThe home is by far the most prominent estate in the Tampa Bay Area, which past owners can attest to, including Formula One legend Nigel Mansell<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n

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One of the in-ground pools flanked by a gazebo and an historic bell tower.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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A night view of Century Oak’s cascading gardens, gazebo and the Clearwater Bay.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

According to the Tampa Bay Times, Century Oaks was part of Clearwater’s first planned residential subdivision, built with then-innovative amenities such as paved streets and underground utilities to attract wealthy “Northern industrialists and professionals looking to winter in the Florida sun.” Lots sold for a reported $1,750 then.<\/p>\n

Since, Century Oaks is\u00a0responsible for giving rise to one of Clearwater’s wealthiest neighborhoods.\u00a0Mansell sold the estate in 1996 for a reported $5.5 million to businessman and champion powerboat racer Hugh Fuller<\/strong>, who subsequently listed the property for $17.5 million in 2013.<\/p>\n

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The sprawling estate has in-ground swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, a private dock, a gazebo and a bell tower, all of which overlook Clearwater Bay.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Auction #1: Century Oaks<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The winning bidder may need a honeymoon period to get acquainted with the property. Century Oaks is a 3.45 acre-compound with a main house and a north house surrounded by meticulously lush landscaping, palm trees, 500-year-old oak trees, fountains and cascading gardens. The estate boasts two in-ground swimming pools; regulation-size tennis courts and basketball courts; a private dock with several boat slips, a boat and Jet Ski lifts; and a historic bell tower and gazebo which overlook Clearwater Bay.<\/p>\n

According to DeCaro Luxury Real Estate Auctions, the estate is still beautified with original features and custom finishes, including oversized wood moldings, Brazilian cherry wood floors and an elegant foyer with marble floors and a winding staircase.<\/p>\n

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The estate is still beautified with original features like marble floors in its elegant foyer.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Main Home (802 Druid Road South)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The massive 23,919-square-foot main home is a Mediterranean-style white stucco mansion with a green tile roof and red brick driveway. Located at 802 Druid Road South, this home boasts 10 bedrooms, 15 full-bathrooms, 9 half-bathrooms and\u00a0two private guest wings. It also features: a formal living room with a gas fireplace; a formal dining room; a kitchen with butler and staff areas; a home theater; a library; a music studio; a sun room; a trophy room; and a ballroom with (of course) three crystal chandeliers, 25-foot wood-beamed ceilings and a terrace that opens to an outdoor entertainment space.<\/p>\n