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Nick Churton of Mayfair International Realty discovers what some very forward thinking people discovered in St Petersburg, Florida about a century ago.

St. Petersburg, Florida is many things to many people. Okay, yes, there is a brash beachy bit. But there is also a sophisticated beachy bit and a very smart Downtown area on the waterside where yachts bob gently at their moorings. There is a cultural heart with great museums and galleries and then there is Old St. Pete’s where those who really got this place a century ago fully recognised the potential.

Amongst those who understood the possibilities all those years ago was the developer, C. Perry Snell. He built the Granada Terrace section in the Mediterranean style. It was charming then and it is charming still.

The house I went to see there was 2296 Coffee Pot Blvd. Coffee Pot is the name of the attractive Manatee inhabited bayou that this house faces – shaped, of course, like a coffee pot. The lovely thing about the position of this historic house is the openness. No high hedges or fences here. It lets you see Perry Snell’s concept in its entirety and encourages a close and friendly community.

The area is also protected from further development and inappropriate alterations so its integrity is safeguarded.

But come inside. I loved the bookish feel to the house. I loved the arched doorways and I loved the little surprises like the enchanting balcony off the main bedroom where you can watch the world go by without the world watching you.

This is a wonderful, manageable and attractive home in a very lovely part of St. Petersburg. I’m glad I found it and the buyer will be too.