This past week I've been considering what might be the holy grail in real estate. While saying a record price seems an obvious one, I believe one is truly this: A property of such unique qualities, inviting spaces, so impeccably done . . . . it garners interest from those who were looking for something else entirely. What does that mean? Well, basically, that the Alabama condominium I toured this past week is such a show stopper, I think it could end up the home of someone who was certain they wanted a single family home, something directly on the water, something not this because they hadn't known what they'd be missing. Yep, it's THAT amazing.
The Alabama was once the address for visitors to stay in Winter Park. Built in 1921 as a hotel, it was converted to 19 condominiums 60 years later in 1981. Today, it houses what is absolutely the chicest condominium I've seen in Winter Park. Okay, seen anywhere.
Perhaps we should address what I mean about chic. The dictionary defines chic as "attractive & fashionable, stylish." In my book, it's a bit more. It requires unique attributes, elements you end up thinking about long after seeing. It's about capturing the allure of trends and making them classic. It's about doing something truly unexpected and making it seem timeless. Chic is more than fashion or style. Chic is what you wish you'd thought of but didn't.
This penthouse was renovated by Local builder Z Properties. I'm told the goal was "a gay man's New York apartment." Can't speak for the one's in New York, but you got this ones attention in Winter Park.
You enter the residence to what appears an unexpectedly lengthy hallway. The ornate moldings help to exaggerate the length, move your eye forward, wondering what's ahead, as light enters from the far left side. But there are discoveries along the way. To the right, there are two invisible doors, one leading to an ensuite bedroom & bath. Each of the unit's three bedrooms has large windows, allowing for an abundance of natural light. At this height, privacy is a non-issue and the windows are cover-free, allowing the light to cascade inside. This being spring and the light being so well lit, I am that much more a fan of the LUVly butterfly wallpaper on the wall behind the bed.
The next invisible door conceals the master bedroom. It's elegant yet understated, the gold accents the most obvious pops of color. Here, you get a real sense of the amazing art collection in the home, so many pieces large and a clear mood-setter for the spaces where they hang. I LUV that this room is a bit understated, as it allows the real surprise element to be that there are yet two more invisible doors on either side of the bed, leading to the master bathroom. Again, you enter and there is lots of light, exterior windows at the shower / tub and opposite, at the entry to the adorable laundry. The walk-in closet is expansive, the dual vanities and cabinetry adorned with gold & acrylic pulls beautiful. Seriously, I cannot believe how well everything is done in the space, what now seems an obvious use of the space. It is livable, enviable and intelligent design at every elegant turn.
Back outside, the main living space is just ahead. Again, I am blown away by the abundance of natural light. There are large windows all along the far side of the wall, French doors out to the terrace. The kitchen features dark, mahogany-looking cabinetry with a shiny finish reflecting light. A large central island is at the center with bar seating on the far side. The black & white floor tiles are classic, elegant, are surely similar to some you may have seen when The Alabama was built during the original Roaring 20's. Adjacent to the kitchen a dining area with one of the coolest 60s feel light fixtures I've seen in some time. It's large, but also airy, the metal / enamel design merely boxing in small pockets of the air it encapsulates. The art in this space is amazing, alerting you to how perfect the space is for displaying it. This space is primarily a chic conversational area, a fun powder room on the far side. French doors here lead to the terrace, a space for enjoying cocktails, reading a book, gazing out over the tree tops along Lake Maitland.
Back to the kitchen, all that cabinetry isn't for storage. Here, yet another invisible door to one of the most stylish TV rooms I've ever seen! With the walls painted all black, the fun lime green sectional, white accents and amazing art might make it a tad difficult to focus on the movie. While everything is on one level, there is one ensuite guest bedroom up the stairs from here. Another piece of amazing art beckons you up the stairs and as you turn to the bedroom you are again greeted by a flood of natural light. After several gorgeous bathrooms in this home, somehow this one may be my favorite. The graphic tile is literally mesmerizing. Never, ever, ever say black & white has to be boring, because this bathroom will prove you wrong again and again.
This condo is gorgeous, amazing and despite my effusive descriptions, I assure you I have not done it justice. The location is wonderful, because you can literally walk to Park Avenue in 15 minutes or less, you can stroll Kraft Azalea Park nearly at your doorstep, the Winter Park Racquet Club is nearby and it is almost directly at the middle of the two sides of Winter Park which invisibly exist such that we Winter Parkers bemoan that extensive five minute drive to this or that. You know it's true!
Want to see it first hand? I would LUV to show it to you first hand. Truly, as I'm looking for an excuse to go back! Just give me at call at 407.539.3977 and we'll make it happen.
Listed with Debbie Tassell with Corcoran Properties.