A sprawling 87-acre estate in Thonotosassa, Hillsborough County, has been listed for a staggering $115 million, making it the most expensive property ever to hit the Tampa Bay real estate market. Dubbed "The Oaks Estate," this opulent residence offers a lifestyle of extreme luxury and exclusivity, complete with amenities previously unimaginable in a private home.
Key Takeaways
- The Oaks Estate is listed at $115 million, setting a new record for the most expensive home in the Tampa area.
- The 87-acre property features a 36,000+ square foot French Normandy-style mansion built in 2012.
- Amenities include a 24-car automotive museum, a bowling alley, a go-kart track, multiple pools, and equestrian facilities.
- The estate is accessible by helicopter and seaplane and offers extensive privacy with a stone-walled perimeter.
An Estate Beyond Compare
The Oaks Estate, located at 12321 Fort King Highway, was originally built in 2012 by Lazydays RV founder Don Wallace. The current owners, an LLC associated with Illinois-based real estate investor Steven Lempera, purchased the property in 2021 for $16.7 million and later added an adjacent 51-acre parcel for $3.65 million. This expansion ensures privacy and protection from future development.
The French Normandy-style mansion spans over 36,000 square feet and boasts nine bedrooms, 12 full bathrooms, and 14 half-bathrooms. The interior features a grand salon with arched ceilings, a gourmet kitchen with a bespoke La Cornue Château range, a catering kitchen, and a gentleman’s lounge with a climate-controlled wine cellar and a concealed projection theater. The estate also includes three bar and lounge areas, a professional fitness center, and a spa and wellness center with a dry sauna, steam room, and massage suite.
Unrivaled Amenities and Features
Beyond the main residence, The Oaks Estate offers an astonishing array of amenities designed for entertainment and leisure. These include:
- Two saltwater pools, including a 72-foot pool with an adjacent pool house.
- A regulation-sized bowling alley and a retro-style billiards room.
- A state-of-the-art cinema.
- A dedicated 22-car private automobile museum, complete with an executive office complex above it, featuring a glass-enclosed boardroom.
- A lakeside go-kart circuit with six go-karts.
- A two-story boathouse with moorage for boats and jet skis, a rooftop entertainment terrace, and a lakefront rotunda.
- Extensive equestrian facilities, including a six-stall stable, grazing land, and a four-horse walker.
- A mile-long jogging trail, a 1,568-square-foot guest house, and a fully independent service compound with workshops.
The property is secured by a 36-acre stone-walled perimeter and offers access via helicopter and seaplane, highlighting its secluded and exclusive nature. The grounds are meticulously landscaped with mature oak trees, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere.
Market Impact and Future Prospects
Listing agents Eddy Martinez and Roland Ortiz of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty describe the estate as "enchanting" and note its European architectural influences, with roads paved in antique bricks sourced from Ybor City. The property was listed in late April and has already attracted interest from prospective buyers from out of town. The unique combination of size, luxury, and extensive amenities positions The Oaks Estate as a landmark offering in the Florida luxury real estate market.