Often called the "Gingerbread House" by neighbors and passersby because of it's unique style and charm, this four bedroom family home graces the North Side Historic District. With its quiet brick streets and stately live oaks lining the streets, just three blocks off the St. Johns River, this small semi-rural community is an ideal place to raise children or to retire.
We are a close distance to the major well-known communities of Jacksonville (50 m.), Gainesville (45 m.), and St. Augustine (30 m.), but without all the congestion of traffic and noise. Ocean beaches are less than 30 m. away to the east, and four pristine swimming holes with fresh water springs to the south in the Ocala National Forest. Plenty of nature abounds, and it is not uncommon to see hawks, owls, and myriad of fowl even in the town itself. The lot sits on one/third of an acre with one of the most beautiful (and largest) oak trees in Palatka. Palatka, by the way, is an Indian name meaning "crossing over", which is where Indians and settlers alike used to cross the St. John's river. To the rear of the property, which is gently sloped downward to the beginning of a branch which builds and flows to the river some two to three hundred yards away, is a stand of cypress trees, some as large as 60 feet into the air. The natural vegetation that grows here is simply stunning, and is an area that will be unmatched anywhere in town. A small 8'x8' unfinished playhouse was built a few years ago, which is now used for storage. Oh, yes, the house. As you can see by the photos, this home has been almost completely remodeled by the owner, who is a general contractor and designer. What was once a neglected, aging structure built in 1935, has been almost completely transformed into a somewhat elegant, charming and very, very unique home that would be granted awards in any community. (The owner does have awards for building in other communities.) Take the virtual tour, and note that behind the walls; are all new PVC plumbing and fixtures throughout, and upgraded electrical system with 30% new wiring, ceiling fans in every room, and a totally insulated exterior wall system with cellulose blown in insulation. This has cut down on the heating and cooling about 40-50%. To accomplish the addition of the insulation, all the exterior siding was removed, repairs were made to rotted or damaged wood throughout the entire structure, from the foundation to the eaves. 30 lb. felt paper was installed, and new Hardy Panel siding was installed and finished in the Tudor style to compliment the original structure. Every window in the house has been replaced with wood, double hung windows in the front and bathrooms, to the aluminum single hung windows in the rear and second floor. Five (5) sets of aluminum clad exterior French doors have been installed, one off the dining room with a small deck attached, one off each rear, first floor bedroom, again with its own roomy deck with stairs leading to the grounds, and two sets at the rear openings where, yes, a basement garage was built under the home. The two rooms are being converted to a recreation room and a laundry/utility room. A front door entry canopy roof was installed over the porch, with tiled steps and porch into the front entry way. This porch addition was built too add charm and utility to the entry, which also protects the unique front door with its rounded top, a theme which has been repeated to other windows and the lattice frame at the side. The first floor consists of, in additon to living room, dining, and kitchen, two bathrooms and two bedrooms, and a beautiful remodeled florida room or office, which is tiled with French doors and two sets of French doors with beveled glass. The second floor has been redone to include two huge bedrooms, and an unfinished bathroom. The house is priced "as is", as the owner is relocating for employment reasons. Negotiations can be made to complete details such as; second floor siding, incidental interior trim, porch railings, etc.
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