Vibrant Cottage in Braden Castle Park Sells in Record Time

Nestled in the iconic Braden Castle Park, a distinct pink cottage at 8 DeSoto St. E. has captured attention not just for its eye-catching exterior, but for its impressive market performance. In a time when homes in Manatee County are taking nearly 98 days to sell, this charming 756-square-foot property moved from listing to closing in just 15 days, selling for its asking price of $187,500 in cash.

A Unique and Colorful Retreat

The cottage stands out with its bubblegum pink facade, candy-striped trim, and checkerboard porch tile. Inside, the design continues to impress with:

• Bold greens, stripes, and florals
• A non-functional original fireplace adorned with cheetah print wallpaper
• An eye-catching kitchen featuring emerald-green cabinets

Inside the Cottage

As the owners, Angel and Bill Blaker, aimed to inject personality into the home, they embraced an aesthetic reminiscent of Dorothy Draper’s colorful designs. Here are some key design highlights:

• Living Room: Festooned with bright stripes, Chinoiserie ginger jars, and cheerful florals.
• Bathroom: Accented with green-and-white cheetah-print wallpaper.
• Dining Nook: Anchored by a vibrant hot pink console.

Living area

Chinoiserie and cheetah print details

Community Charm and Historic Roots

Braden Castle Park, established in 1924, has a rich history dating back to its origins as a winter refuge for members of the Tin Can Tourists. This neighborhood transformed from its roots as a sugar plantation into a beloved community featuring quaint cottages now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

• The cottages, many of which are under 800 square feet, boast a distinctive charm.
• The area fosters a tight-knit community filled with activities like boating, shuffleboard, and community potlucks.

The Neighborhood Response

When the Blakers initially painted their cottage pink, community reactions were mixed. Neighbors compared it to an ice cream shop, yet many praised the bold choice. Angel noted, “We met everyone in the neighborhood in the first two days of painting it pink.”

The Instagram Effect

The listing of the house received overwhelming attention on social media, amassing 2,500 likes, 330 shares, and 593 comments on the Zillow Gone Wild Facebook page. One comment humorously cautioned, “Someone is going to buy this house and make it so boring,” indicating that the unique style struck a chord with onlookers.

A Lucky New Beginning

The Blakers, who purchased the home for $142,500 two years prior with hopes to bring it to life, found joy in the resale experience. “We usually go middle of the road [in terms of design] for the average person’s taste… But we thought, let’s have some fun with it,” Angel remarked.

Moving away with memories of their vibrant transformation, they left behind everything but their clothes and a special coffee-table book documenting the cottage’s viral fame.

Bathroom

Conclusion

This unique property in Braden Castle Park serves not just as a home but also as a testament to the enduring charm of distinctive design. With its successful sale, the legacy of this pink cottage will surely continue to contribute to the neighborhood’s character.

“You don’t try to change a property like that. You lean into what it is,” says Maryann Lawler Garcia, the Blakers’ realtor.

For those looking to explore more about historic homes and vibrant communities, consider delving into resources about historic home preservation and local real estate trends as you appreciate the artistry and charm that makes neighborhoods like Braden Castle Park truly special.