Coastal Properties Group International recently set the record for the highest residential sale recorded by the Multiple Listing Service in Pinellas County with its sale of Century Oaks for $11.18 million.
The property at 802 Druid Road South, once owned by businessman and powerboat racer Hugh Fuller, features two homes overlooking Clearwater Harbor – a main house and a guesthouse.
The estate sold in April, and listing agents were Kerryn Ellson and Mary Ann McArthur, CPGI’s top two producers in 2016.
“It was very exciting to be part of this sale,” said McArthur, who was involved in marketing and selling this property twice before. “It’s the most outstanding property on the west coast of Florida, and it has such a rich history that makes everything involved with the property very interesting.”
The property sits on a 50-foot bluff that is unique to this area and is reputed to be the highest waterfront elevation on the Eastern seaboard, McArthur said.
New York City developer Dean Alvord built Century Oaks in 1915. It gets its name from the majestic old trees on the property, and is located in Harbor Oaks, Clearwater’s first planned residential neighborhood. Previous owners include Robert Brown, who invented the black paint used on Model T Fords, British Formula 1 driver Nigel Mansell, and a church.
The carillon tower and a two-story ballroom complete with a large organ were added under Brown’s ownership, McArthur said. People would come from miles around and park their cars near the property to hear the organ and carillon concerts.
This property was listed by other agencies over the past several years and was offered for auction in 2014, yet no deal could be reached. A combination of timing and international exposure helped secure the sale this year.
“I think the timing was right for both the buyer and seller,” Ellson said. “The property is worth every penny, based on its size, amenities, exquisitely manicured acreage and the privacy it affords its new owners.”
McArthur also attributed CPGI’s exclusive affiliation with Christie’s Real Estate International, which provided worldwide exposure. An international buyer purchased the property.
The estate’s main home measures 17,000 square feet, is located on two acres, and includes 10 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, a movie theater that seats 15, an executive home office, a trophy room and a pool.
The north residence is 5,000 square feet and includes four bedrooms, six bathrooms, a gym, game room, home office, pool and workshop on one acre.
The property also includes a dock with covered lift, as well as tennis and basketball courts.
Clearwater and its surrounding communities are starting to gain the attention of luxury home buyers from other parts of the country, as well as from international buyers, Ellson said, adding, “compared to other top tier markets like New York or Miami, buyers are able to get much more for their money here.”
About Coastal Properties Group International
Coastal Properties Group International, one of the area’s most successful and fastest growing real estate brokerages in Pinellas County, is an invitation-only boutique brokerage made up exclusively of multi-million dollar producers. The exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate for the Tampa Bay Region, Coastal Properties Group International specializes in waterfront and luxury properties and estates in Pinellas County and surrounding areas. The company has 11 offices throughout Pinellas County including Belleair, Clearwater Beach, Dunedin, Indian Rocks Beach, Island Estates, N. Redington Beach, Palm Harbor, St. Petersburg (Beach Drive), Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach. The firm is dedicated to providing exceptional service to its clientele while employing intelligent use of technology to market its portfolio of outstanding properties. For more information, please visit www.coastalpgi.com.