2318 7th Avenue WBradenton, FL 34205Price: $649,000

Welcome to a one-of-a-kind Key West-inspired 3-bedroom, 3-bath residence in Bradenton's historic Wares Creek District, about 1 mile from downtown Bradenton and about 8 miles by car from the beautiful beaches of Anna Maria Island. Rich in architectural character, this home combines historic neighborhood charm, walkability and an exceptional indoor-outdoor Florida lifestyle, with downtown and the Riverwalk within easy reach. From the moment you enter the front garden, this home begins to unfold. A dramatic pathway lined with river stone and lush tropical plantings leads toward a deep, welcoming covered porch-a memorable introduction to a Florida cottage with character all its own. Behind the recently painted exterior is a home that feels collected. Original hardwood floors, distinctive finishes, architectural details and unexpected touches give it a warm, slightly whimsical personality. Two bedrooms feature en-suite baths, while a spacious bonus room and home office add valuable living space. The updated kitchen features granite countertops and a distinctive hexagon tile floor. Nearby is a built-in wine and cocktail closet with dedicated bottle and stemware storage, an unexpected touch for entertaining. The newly renovated primary bath is a showpiece, with an oversized walk-in shower finished floor to ceiling in large-format Italian tile and framed by a generous garden-facing window. Built in 1926, the home retains its charming original front door and windows, now with professionally installed solar-control film. Updates include a new electrical panel, metal roof, A/C replaced in 2020, whole-house water softening, under-sink drinking-water filtration and a freshly painted exterior. Outside, mature tropical landscaping, flowering plants, orchids and a fruit-bearing mango tree create a private tropical setting surrounding a distinctive L-shaped heated saltwater pool and spa built in 2022 with convenient smartphone controls, a travertine deck and covered outdoor living area. Even in the Sunshine State, this front porch can make you look forward to rain. It's the perfect place to settle into a chair with morning coffee or an evening glass of wine, watch the neighborhood quietly go by, or enjoy a Florida rainstorm rolling through the garden. This is not a house designed to look like every other house on the market. It is warm, slightly whimsical and distinctly Florida-a home with personality, mature tropical beauty and an indoor-outdoor lifestyle that gets harder to find every year. This property is well suited as a full-time residence, vacation getaway or investment opportunity.