From The Archives

HEATED INGROUND SALTWATER POOL

Appointed with a Mission-style motif, the first floor has a natural flow from the peacock-etched entry door through sitting room, dining room, living room, kitchen and back again. Original heart pine floors, crisp fluted mouldings with rosette corners, smooth finished walls and ceilings - the details are impeccable.

A stucco-finished gas fireplace with Mission tile inserts is flanked by the dining room and entry sitting area. A trio of stained glass windows diffuse light in the living room which opens to the pool pavilion in back and a screened porch overlooking the Row.

Black, white and coral Zebra marble offsets the plum-raisin custom kitchen and the colors evoke culinary inspiration. A serious gas stove, Fisher & Paykel dishwasher drawer, Kohler country sink and all other appliances are up to the task of a demanding chef. A pretty powder room with a vanity designed by the owner and created by the contractor is just off the living room.

Sleeping quarters are on the second floor with the master enjoying its own screened porch. The bathroom is clad in slate with a jetted walk-in shower, sunflower head and built-in bench. A leaded-glass door leads to guest rooms sharing a bathroom where the tub has white bevelled tiles.

A softly carpeted stair in the master leads to the multipurpose third story where the treetop room measures 29'8 x 10'6 with a beamed ceiling and windows on the north and south ends. The stair splits the space in two and currently there is an office and a library in use.

A stucco smoothed masonry wall around the 25' x 50' back patio has brick columns and the heated inground pool is salt-based - easy on the body and on the maintenance. The house occupies the south lot which measures 50' x 64' while the detached garage occupies the north lot across the street and measures 50' x 70'. Approved plans for a second-story on the garage are on hand for future consideration. If you crave an intimately urban lifestyle - welcome home.

St Augustine, the nation’s oldest city, also holds the distinction of being one of the nation’s most charming. Known as the “Ancient City,” Saint Augustine is a quaint coastal town located in northeast Florida. The area boasts a year-round mild climate perfect for enjoying the pristine beaches or strolling in St Augustine’s delightful historic district, with its cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, unique shops and bed-and-breakfast inns.

Saint Augustine has been named as one of the Top 10 Places for History Buffs to Retire by U.S. News and World Report 2010, and is also listed as one of the Top 100 Places to Live in 2010 by RelocateAmerica.