11126 Bridge House RoadWindermere, FL 34786Sale Price: $2,850,000

Nestled within The Sanctuary at Lake Butler Sound, a guard-gated enclave of luxurious estates nestled along beautiful Lake Butler, this palatial Italian estate offers exquisite living in the heart of one of Central Florida's finest communities. Built by leading custom home builder Akers Custom Homes, “Palazzo de Cortile” is an exceptional masterpiece spanning more than 7,200 square feet with rich detail and exquisite finishes throughout. The expansive motor court flanked by six beautiful Italian cypress trees boasts a circular paver drive surrounding a towering marble fountain. An iron gate reveals an airy, breezy ramada surrounding the open courtyard accented with a floating staircase, beautiful mosaics, tropical landscaping and a sparkling pool with swim-around spa and pergola. Oversized hammered-wood and arched French doors reveal a rotunda-style foyer, which features stone columns and a lit dome ceiling featuring a beautiful chandelier. Beyond the foyer, the open floor plan boasts a formal living room with stone fireplace and a spacious dining room served by built-in wine storage and butler's bar with sink, wine refrigerator and plenty of cabinets for storage. The gourmet kitchen sits in the heart of the estate and features a brick-lined barrel ceiling, granite countertops, Busby cabinetry and Wolf appliances as well as direct access to the family room, formal and casual dining areas. From the kitchen, expansive glass pocket doors open to the covered lanai with motorized screens, a fireplace and summer kitchen for easy indoor-outdoor living. The estate offers five en-suite bedrooms including three in the main home along with a separate in-law suite and an additional cabana-style bedroom off the courtyard. The owner's retreat is a relaxing haven of comfort with a peaceful sitting area, an enclosed patio area with fireplace and fountain, and a stunning bath with dual vanities, a walk-in shower, water closet with bidet and a stunning circular tub lined with windows and stone columns. The upper-level home theater is outfitted with a formal entry and snack stand and access to two balconies on either side. Additional highlights include four gas fireplaces, two staircases, a built-in media desk and planning space, and twin two-car garages.