249 Gilmore Rd, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

This fully restored Southern-style home is perfect for those who appreciate it's history and heritage. The home sits on more than an acre of lush private gardens featuring giant Southern magnolia trees, mature live oaks, long-leaf pines and other native trees. The lush private backyard with sandstone walkway features a welcome modern addition; a private heated, lighted pool with a copper fountain water feature and antique Chicago brick backsplash. Deep wraparound porches on both levels provide shady outdoor living space overlooking the peaceful natural surroundings. Welcoming you inside, the mahogany door with brass hardware provides an appropriate entrance to the grand foyer lit by antique sconces and a chandelier. Original heart pine ceilings and walls grace the spacious rooms throughout this magnificent four-bedroom mansion. Extraordinary Gucci crane wallpaper adds a delightful feature to the formal dining room, lit by an antique chandelier. The living room is a natural hub for extensive family gatherings and holiday celebrations around the carved mahogany fireplace. Custom cabinetry and drapes add to the timeless traditional setting. Walnut cabinetry sets the tone in the magnificent eat-in kitchen, which boasts unlacquered brass hardware, a fire-clay farm sink, and a Rohl pot filler above the La Cornue dual-fuel range. The vast center island has Alabama Rose marble countertops and provides seating for informal family meals. Shiplap walls and a cushioned window seat add a homey touch. A wet bar, coffee station, icemaker, two wine towers and a fully equipped laundry bring the home into the 21st century. The grand staircase is a natural eyecatcher, leading to four light-filled bedrooms and three bathrooms that feature modern fixtures with an appropriate nod to antiquity. A deep copper tub offers leisurely soaks in the master bathroom, which showcases Carrara marble wainscoting, a double marble vanity and marble checkered flooring. The third-floor attic is ideal for a game room, bonus room or additional storage. Dating back to 1895, this remarkable period mansion was built by Simeon Strickland after he constructed the historic Wesley House for his daughter. The Wesley house is located in the neighboring 163 acre Eden Garden State Park, overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay. The Strickland house was home to multiple generations of Strickland family descendants, including a daughter who served as the postmistress throughout the 20th century. The Point Washington post office, originally a lumber mill office for the Wesley family, dating back to 1936, is located on the property. It still showcases the postal boxes, but allows flexibility for a new owner to create a special space reflective of their interests. Boat lovers will appreciate the proximity to Tucker Bayou, accessed from the nearby Point Washington boat ramp on Highway 395. This beautiful period property deserves to be appreciated and enjoyed as a magnificent legacy family home.