$1.3M historic, 123-year-old Pensacola home has charming 'Harry Potter' room | Hot Property
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Boasting nearly 5,000 square feet, this stunning and well-maintained Queen Anne-style Victorian home is a crown jewel in the North Hill Preservation District with worldwide historic interest. The single-family home was constructed in 1900, on a Revolutionary War battlefield site, converted to a multi-family rental for 60 years, and then transformed back into a beautiful family home once again. The residence features five bedrooms, four full baths, a new roof (2022) with 50-year shingles, six fireplaces, a formal dining room, a casual dining area, a charming kitchen, multiple living areas, and a finished attic.
“Fans of The Crown will be intrigued to know that the most famous tenant was Wallis Simpson, (former wife of local military legend “Win” Spencer.) She would later create a scandal, when King Edward VIII abdicated the throne of England to marry her thus changing the line of British succession forever,” notes Realtor Allison Brandt with Connell & Company Realty, Inc.
In addition to its connection to the British royal family, the motion picture Permanent Vacation starring David Carradine was filmed in the house. It has also appeared on paranormal television shows including SyFy’s Haunted Collector show in 2013 due to possible paranormal activity, which has been reported by residents and guests.
The home is oriented on a quarter-acre lot with a lovely wrought iron fence surrounding the property, with a side driveway for guest parking and a 2-car garage for homeowners.
Ascending the rounded main steps, you may be greeted on the wrap-around porch, or enter the home and be welcomed into the foyer. The entry is brimming with charm and elegance. It includes high ceilings, beveled/leaded glass windows, antique gingerbread scrollwork, fantastic wood flooring, crown moldings, wainscoting and a dignified staircase to the second floor.
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Downstairs is home to the living areas including the parlor, kitchen, den, and dining spaces. “The parlor is richly trimmed with stained red oak from floor to ceiling, including stained crown moldings and trim, with a wood-burning fireplace and antique oak mantle with tile surround. Parlor pocket doors are fully operational. The den/living room is decorated with patterned wallpaper on walls and even ceiling. It includes painted crown moldings, TV area, built-in cabinets, gas-operated heater in the former coal-burning fireplace (surrounded by the only example of a curved antique oak mantle in North Hill),” says Brandt.
Whether you’re entertaining a multitude of colleagues or hosting an evening with family and friends, there is a formal dining room just off the parlor, and an everyday dining room adjacent to the kitchen. Culinary enthusiasts will appreciate the large kitchen that includes a breakfast bar for four, an “eye-popping” copper ceiling, stained oak cabinets, a pass-thru window to the casual dining space, two ovens, a gas range and a walk-in butler’s pantry.
“A ‘Harry Potter’ reading nook/bedroom under the staircase is framed with cherry-stained oak beadboard molding with an antique stained-glass window and storage. It could also easily be converted to a closet under the front stairs,” affirms Brandt.
Upstairs you’ll find four bedrooms and access to the finished attic, which has been fully renovated (1,000 square feet added in 2001). The attic space is heated and cooled and is perfect as a playroom, studio or storage space.
The primary suite has cherry-stained ceilings, crown molding and trim, rich Victorian-look wallpaper, and an original fireplace/mantle with an electric heater. It connects to a dressing area that has modern windows and engineered wood floors. There is an exterior door out to a southern-facing sleeping porch. The master bedroom also connects to another wardrobe area and to the updated bath, which consists of a modern walk-in shower, sitting area, vanity with Silestone countertop, and vintage commode. Additionally, it includes its own HVAC (motel style) to keep you cool/cozy throughout the changing seasons.
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The additional bedrooms are spacious and offer privacy and beautiful views of the greenery and elegance of North Hill. The “computer room” or home office offers ample storage and connects to a nearby book closet and the laundry area.
Homebuyers are sure to adore the history and intrigue that accompanies the residence, as well the convenience to Pensacola’s bustling downtown with shops, restaurants, museums, galleries and parks only minutes away.
52 W Gonzalez St, Pensacola, FL
List price: $1,300,000
Approximate square feet: 4,784
Bedrooms: 5
Baths: 4 full
Built: 1900 (with modern updates and renovations)
Listing Agent
Allison Brandt | CONNELL & COMPANY REALTY, INC
Cell: 850-530-1916
Office: 850-478-4141
E-mail: allisonbrandtrealtor@gmail.com
Online
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: 123-year-old Pensacola home has 'Harry Potter' room | Hot Property
