Windermere, set along Central Florida’s picturesque Butler Chain of lakes, enjoys the sort of small-town feel that weary urbanites crave and traditionalists demand. The sleepy town even modeled its own logo after the Town of Windermere, England—another quiet village established near a series of lakes. As far as traditions go, however, Florida’s Windermere is one of exclusivity as opposed to quaint pastoral charm. Over the years, the town has attracted a wealth of high-profile residents who want to lead a decidedly lower profile. Shaquille O’Neil, Ken Griffey, Jr., Tiger Woods, Wesley Snipes, Planet Hollywood CEO Robert Earl and Mark O’Meara have all enjoyed their privacy and lakefront views from the backyards of their sweeping mansions. It’s the kind of luxury lifestyle afforded by a new lakefront property listed for sale this week.
Represented by Christine Gelman of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Florida for $30,000,000, the newly constructed Colonial Revival estate rests behind gates on 18 acres, shrouded in total privacy by trees lining the property and the majestic backdrop of Lake Down. The architecture—perhaps a nod to America’s colonial past and Windermere’s distant connections to England—exudes a sense of historic grandeur.
“The residence combines the warmth of classic architecture with modern comfort,” says Gelman. “It feels like it has existed on this land for generations, and yet it has all of today’s luxuries and technologies. You feel welcomed from the moment you step inside.”
The grand entry invites you inside with a floating mahogany staircase, paneled walls and distinctive Murano chandeliers. The generous art gallery leads you to a grand living room with furniture quality mahogany walls and expansive views of Lake Down. The large kitchen and family room is perfect for large and small family gatherings within its warm cypress walls and honey-onyx floors.
“The kitchen amenities are beyond a chef’s wildest dreams,” gushes Gelman, who also points out features such as a salamander broiler, a double convection oven, an extra stand-alone double convection oven and a 72 cubic-foot refrigerator and 72 cubic-foot freezer. “It’s an ideal space for family, for entertaining guests, for enjoying food, wine and all the pleasures of life.”
Two mahogany staircases, or fully paneled ADA-compliant commercial elevator, lead you to the second floor, where you’ll find four generous bedroom suites, a 85-foot grand parlor with 20-foot ceilings surrounded by bookshelves with a wet-bar, and a large screened outdoor porch with southern views.
Of course, the one-of-a kind property isn’t short on space. The main residence alone spans 28,000 square feet, plus there is a 5,600 square-foot grand lodge, a 3,800 storage building with 20-foot ceilings and a 4,000 square-foot paneled garage with 20-foot ceilings. Notes Gelman: “It’s tailor-made for both large- and small-scale entertaining. Car collectors, boat owners and recreational vehicle owners will especially appreciate the garage.”
Other thoughtful touches were integrated into the main residence for convenience and comfort—an office and apartment, staff quarters and a 50-meter pool that overlooks the lake. Concludes Gelman: “There is no other way to put it: it is the perfect lakefront retreat.”
This grand Colonial Revival gem is being offered for $30,000,000 and is being marketed by the Coldwell Banker Previews International® program. For more information, call (407) 647-1211.
