Historic Renovation: Iconic Southern Colonial Revival Home Sells for $13 Million in Palm Beach
In the heart of Palm Beach, a beautifully renovated Southern Colonial Revival house at 142 Seaspray Avenue has recently sold for $13 million. This property, designed during Florida’s building boom in the 1920s, is nestled in one of the town’s renowned ocean block “Sea” streets, making it a prime piece of real estate.
Details of the Property
- Location: 142 Seaspray Ave, Palm Beach, FL
- Architectural Style: Southern Colonial Revival
- Bedrooms: 4
- Living Space: 4,380 square feet
- Lot Size: Just over 0.1 acres
- Special Features: Columned front porch, second-floor veranda, potential third-floor room
This striking residence, with its wide front porch and spacious second-floor veranda, emanates charm and elegance. It includes a formal living room, library, and a primary suite complete with a dressing room and en-suite bathroom. The third-floor space offers versatility as a potential bedroom or office—ideal for the modern homeowner.
Historical Significance
Originally built in 1920, the house underwent major renovations following its purchase in 2016 for $4.5 million. The landmark status was attained in 2017, ensuring that its historical integrity is preserved, particularly its exterior architecture.
Historically, it was designed by City Builders Realty Co. and later redesigned in 1954 by architect Kemp Caler. The renovation was conducted by Shapiro Pertnoy, which took great care to maintain its original allure while modernizing the home for contemporary living achievements.
Community Insights
The “Sea” streets of Palm Beach are characterized by a blend of historic and contemporary designs, all regulated to complement the neighborhood’s unique architectural heritage. This particular street is one of the oldest platted residential roads in the area, home to several landmarked houses as well as newer constructions.
Sale Details
The property was sold by Mockingbird Home LLC, managed by attorney Maura Ziska, with the transaction recorded on April 19. The buyer, Morning Dew LLC, a Delaware-registered limited liability company, worked closely with Margit Brandt of Premier Estate Properties on the purchase process. The listing agent, Suzanne Frisbie of the Corcoran Group, originally priced the property just under $15 million before ultimately agreeing to the sale price of $13 million after a strategic price reduction.
Architectural Commendations
The home’s architecture draws praise for embodying the essence of a Southern plantation residence. Historical consultant Emily Stillings once noted that its charming features set a reassuring tone for those experiencing it. As Page Lee Hufty, a past member of the local landmarks board, aptly stated, while it may not be “among Palm Beach’s most architecturally powerful houses,” its cuteness is undeniable.
Conclusion
The sale of this property signifies not only a significant financial transaction within the prestigious Palm Beach market but also reflects the love for restoration and preservation of historic homes. As Palm Beach continues to evolve, residences like the one on Seaspray Avenue stand as monuments to the community’s rich architectural history.
For those interested in learning more about the Palm Beach real estate market and historic homes, check out resources on Palm Beach Daily News and Corcoran Group.