This is a once in a lifetime chance to own a piece of Polk County History! A portion of the primary home was originally the First Baptist Church in Bartow, constructed in 1883, making this the oldest Single Family Home in Lakeland, per public records. It was moved to its current location across from Crews Lake in 1947, when it was converted into an “English Style” home, according to newspapers at the time. The 4 bedroom, 3699 square foot main home has since been lovingly maintained and updated, while preserving many charming features, inside and out. The main house will simply take your breath away as you approach from the long driveway. Quintessential details such as the mailbox, doorbell, front porch and even a flying pig weathervane atop the roof bring the past to life, while the metal roof and hardi board siding ensure longevity for years to come. As you enter the home, the stained glass adorning the meticulously restored windows serve as a nod to its former life. The expansive and open formal living and dining rooms have high ceilings, gorgeous natural light, wood floors, and a decorative fireplace, plus an inviting and picturesque bay-window seating area. A spacious kitchen with contrasting colors and textures is tasteful and impressive, boasting a brick fireplace as the focal point, a large island for extra seating, luxury appliances, hood, quartzite and butcher block countertops, and ample storage. This home is a dream for anyone who enjoys entertaining, as there is so much space for loved ones to gather! The dining room is ready for hosting dinner parties, with french doors leading to the pool and screened porch, and yet another beautiful fireplace. A flex space connects to the indoor laundry room and 2-car garage, as well to the huge downstairs bedroom and guest bathroom. If you are in need of relaxation, you can escape to the cozy library, with soaring refinished wood bookshelves and an attached seating area. As you head upstairs, the first bedroom is of great size, with nice closets and an adorable reading nook. As you continue, there is another bedroom and a full bathroom. At the top of the stairs is the master bedroom, with plenty of space, and its own balcony (which was rebuilt and is ready for your rocking chair). But wait...there is MORE! This property includes two separate lots, totaling 2.04 acres of land, which can be difficult to find in this area of South Lakeland. The 1.14 acre parcel includes the main home, as well as a FULLY FURNISHED guest house, private pool, and a detached garage/workshop. The beautifully designed and decorated 859 sq. ft. guest house would be a great AirBnb or in-law suite for anyone with multi-generational needs. The HUGE 40x20 pool is perfectly placed between the guest and main homes. The workshop/garage provides extra covered parking, or could be updated to serve an endless array of needs. The .9 acre parcel currently has a tennis court that could be refurbished, with nearby utilities for hooking up an RV. A single family home could also be built in the future, if you have dreams to expand or a desire to invest. There is even space and a stall for farm animals out back! With excellent nearby schools and no HOA or historic districts, here you can experience the best of both worlds - a convenient and sought after location, in a private rural setting. Enriched with historic significance and full of endless opportunity, there is so much that makes this property unique and truly one-of-a-kind!
