3165 Lake Ellen DriveTampa, FL 33618Sale Price: $1,300,000

One or more photos has been virtually staged. Once in a lifetime opportunity to own a storybook piece of Tampa's history. This exquisite estate is the epitome of privacy and serenity, surrounded by nature at its purest. Once home to the beautiful picnic and entertainment grounds of the beloved “Lake Ellen beach”, this is original Florida homesteading at its finest. Among the very first deeded land in the entire Carrollwood area, long before it even had a name, today, this privately gated retreat still offers unparalleled privacy and tranquility. Surrounded by the spring-fed waters of 51-acre Lake Ellen and Springwater creek as well as the towering, graceful cypress trees of the abutting nature preserve, this stately custom-built home showcases a refined elegance and immaculate attention to detail that is rarely seen. Solid mahogany carved double front doors with 24k gold-plated handles open to a grand staircase and foyer, crowned with one of several extraordinary crystal chandeliers, and extends to the formal dining space. Hand-painted ceilings and wall treatments throughout add to the luxury and charm while elegant custom drapery and rich walnut columns add a warmth that continues to a showstopping great room. Beautiful walnut paneling is the perfect backdrop for the matching wet bar standing ready to entertain. Stretching to the 21' ceiling, the brick fireplace and hand-carved wood mantle are centered amongst soaring beveled glass windows and French doors opening up the space to the neoclassical back porch. Across the oak floor is the expansive kitchen and circular dinette, wrapped in natural light pouring in from the bay windows. The deluxe master bedroom suite features its own bay window seating area, and a stained-glass doorway leads to the massive master bathroom. 13' pillars adorn the Roman tub encased in marble to match the counters, and an etched glass door opens to the separate shower, while the final door opens to the custom walk-in closet with a large safe. The first floor is completed by a media room, leading upstairs to the two guest rooms and a full bathroom. This exclusive estate also offers ample attic space, a 15kw full-house generator powered by 2,000-gallon LP tanks, custom electrical panel to control the entire household lighting in one location, and an infrared security system. Your own enchanting nature observatory awaits along the 175' boardwalk meandering through lush vegetation alongside protected grounds. A winding dock leads to an open gazebo lakeside seating area adjacent to the 10,000 lb. power boat lift and a jet ski lift, perfect for enjoying a day on the water. Don't wait to make this glorious estate your very own paradise. Remember to check the links for Drone Video and 3D Matterport. Realtors please share The History of Lake Ellen attachment with your buyers.