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As one of the oldest structures in existence in Manatee County, this historic 3-level, 5-bedroom 4.5-bathroom home has been salvaged from the brink of demolition and painstakingly restored by craftsmen and artisans led by David Windham, a master builder who has been in the industry reviving old structures for 42 years. You’ll see how seamlessly a 153-year-old home artfully shares its grand history with the way today's modern families live. But let’s start from the early beginnings. In 1871, Captain Bartholomew "Tole" Fogarty, a skilled boatbuilder, alongside his wife Mary Ellen, broke ground to construct this home that would not only serve their family’s settlement needs, but also last for generations to come. His brothers also built homes for themselves. In fact, just years earlier, Tole’s brother John discovered the Manatee River by accident after being forced to take shelter while en route from Key West to Tampa on a fishing voyage aboard his schooner named “King”. By avoiding the rage of the storm, on that river he discovered the small town of Manatee, the namesake to today’s Manatee County. Then years later, the Florida land bust, the great depression, world wars and decades of languish and deferred maintenance, the home fell into dilapidation and decline. However, in 2022 a doctor, who had a passionate appreciation for history and architecture, decided to purchase the home and missioned himself to become the steward of restoring the home back to its formal glory. And so, with the pen strokes of an open checkbook, followed by two-years of uncompromised commitment, this fully transformed home now stands as a beacon to the vision of a man, whose unselfish goal was to save the home for the benefit of the community and pass the keys of this iconic property to its next new owners. If you’re interested in this property and make an appointment to see it, here’s what you’ll discover. The residence sits on a half-acre lot, a block from the river and backs to Lewis Park, with its garden club and an expansive children’s playground, which is the best in the area. If you wanted to add an in-ground pool, there’s ample space in the backyard to do so. The location is just minutes away to IMG Academy, downtown Bradenton and the Gulf waters of Anna Maria Island. The three-story residence is fully restored inside and out and sits on a new foundation, has all new standing seam metal roof, windows and doors, a 2-car garage and vibrant landscaping. Inside the home you’ll find restored original oak flooring, interior doors and a solid wood spindled staircase all dating back to 1871. There’s also a rear hardwood staircase that services all 3-levels. If you like to cook and entertain, there’s a stylish kitchen with an island and walk-in pantry, an expansive dining room with bountiful light, a spacious living room with hardwood floors and coffered ceilings and a 1st floor bedroom suite that can also serve as an office/den. On the second level you’ll find the luxury primary suite with an abundance of space, an oversized walk-in closet and a spa-style bath with a separate shower and clawfoot bathtub. On this floor you’ll also discover an ensuite guest bedroom, spacious laundry room and access to an outdoor terrace ideal for comfortable seating groups. The third level of the home is tastefully designed and features 2 bedrooms along with a new full bathroom and play/study area. That concludes the initial introduction to this irreplaceable, 1 of 1 property. |
