Bradenton, Florida is known for keeping its old world Florida feel and holding some of the best hidden gems on the West Coast. While Sarasota gains in popularity and tourism, Bradenton remains quiet with some of the best beaches and architecturally stunning homes kept hidden away. In addition, the homes in Bradenton remain at affordable pricing which makes it a ideal for many home buyers who want the luxury of living in a charming beach town without the hefty price tag. One can find new construction waterfront homes for under $400,000! There are many enjoyable activities to take part in and around Bradenton with Farmer’s Markets to enjoy as well as a thriving arts and culture scene. The River District is one of Bradenton’s most sought after area’s particularly for those who appreciate the arts scene. This area is full of unique homes along the Manatee River and nearby to Downtown and Village of the Arts.
The homes in Bradenton are often not like most of the type you find in Sarasota as Bradenton has a much older history. Our listing 319 26th ST W is brimming with character and charm, a perfect example of the types of old world homes you can find in and around the Bradenton area. This home was built in 1925 and has been kept in excellent condition. Although it has faced some upgrades over time it has kept its romantic charm.
Florida was booming in the 1920’s as credit became available to many in the middle-class, fringe benefits including paid vacations allowed the state of Florida to flourish as it became a hot spot for real estate and tourism. This time was known as the “Florida Bubble.” Many houses were built in this time, mostly in the Mediterranean revival style but not limited to, as Florida architects did not limit themselves to any certain architectural style. This home is a mixture of styles featuring a classical feel with its symmetry, abundant use of arches and crown molding in its design.
Full of charm and romanticism, one could imagine themselves sipping tea by the fireplace with a good book. In total, there are four fireplaces in the house- a rarity in Florida to even find one fireplace! However, this home prides itself on its coziness and warmth of feel featuring gorgeous wood floors and rustic exposed brick to enhance the warm setting.
Another excellent quality of this home is its open and bright floor plan. Although very traditional in style, the large scale rooms keep it from seeming stuffy and cluttered as many traditional homes can often appear. As well, the windows are very large and cover as much of the wall space as possible letting in all the splendid Florida sunlight. One of our favorite features is the checkered flooring, although this is a love or hate quality. However, we adore the use of checkered flooring especially in older homes. It adds to the overall charm and brings a splash of of excitement to a neutral space.
One of the best features of this home is the layout of the master bedroom. It comes with a fireplace next to a cozy sitting area and provides an abundance of space to set up a personal library, cozy seating area, or workplace that would be perfect for an artist or writer. Relax after a long day in the old fashioned clawfoot tub
