Description

'A HOME BUILT WITH INTENTION An 'Old Florida, mid-20th century home with a rich history, constructed of aged, repurposed bricks and old Florida cypress awaits you. This beauty has been in the same family since 1950. Here is her story: When this home was built, it was not within the city limits but is now in the heart of the city of Gainesville, FL. It is just 2.2 miles from the University of Florida, 6 minutes by car or easily bikeable. 'Lazonby Acres, comprised of 40 acres, was named after the original property owners. The neighborhood has long attracted professionals in the medical and other professions due to its close proximity to the University and downtown. It presently has seven other homes that sit on their own 5+ acres. With Possum Creek running below it; wildlife; beautiful aged magnolias, camellias, azaleas, oaks, and other native trees, this home is a nature lover's dream. Still in place is a red brick, horse stable-turned-shed where the original owner kept his horses. He raised cattle, too, the evidence of which can still be seen by the presence of a cattle guard in the ground at the end of the driveway. The original owner acquired the home's bricks from a bank building in Jacksonville, FL, that was being demolished. In collaboration with his architect, he used them to design a wythe wall for the house. This type of wall has brick as the exterior layer with another layer of brick as the interior wall. The paneled walls are made of cypress, a treasured wood from a significant old Florida tree. The home is comprised of two stories and a guest house that adjoins the two-car garage. The first floor contains a foyer with handlaid brick and cypress paneling, baseboards, and crown molding, features that are included in the rest of the house. There is also a very large Living Room and Dining Room and one home office/game room/playroom with built-in shelves that line one wall. There are two wood-burning fireplaces, one in the Living Room and one in the home office. Adjoining this home office is one renovated bathroom that leads into the large Primary Suite. The Kitchen and the adjoining Butler's Pantry have recently been painted and re-built with all new appliances and wood cabinetry, new countertops, and upper cabinet lighting. A large Dining Room leads to an exterior side patio, which is perfect for entertaining. The Foyer has handsome stairs with new carpeting on the treads and landing. It leads up to two large bedrooms on the upper floor and a renovated bathroom. Another bedroom and new bathroom is in the guest house with a separate entrance. The windows were replaced circa 2005 and are double-paned. Newer renovations include a new roof '24, new kitchen and appliances 25, newer washer and dryer, and new electrical service '25 throughout the house, and participation in the re-paving of the private asphalt road that runs throughout the community, 25. This home now lives on in the 21st century, with an abundance of nearby shopping, food markets, entertainment, and the convenient location in which it sits. This well-loved home and its warm and cozy architecture have resulted in a significant piece of Gainesville history. It is truly an 'Old Florida country estate and a 'HOME BUILT WITH INTENTION.