REAL Exclusive Magazine

7551 Tortoise Way – Gator Creek
Equestrian Estate Home

By Tracy Eisnaugle

Everything begins to gently slow as one weaves their way through the prestigious Gator Creek community; an ultra exclusive gated neighborhood with long-established men’s golf club, secluded acreage home sites and equestrian friendly environment. Expansive hammocks of mature oaks draped with shadowy moss create mesmerizing canopied landscapes. 7551 Tortoise Way is a sprawling southern plantation-style residence set deeply on a 6.5 acre estate. Surrounded by alluring equine fencing and picturesque pastoral terrains, this estate comes complete with a horse stable featuring four stalls and two tack rooms.

Greeted by a large front entry portico the attractive brick façade showcases louvered decorative shutters and regal double doors with flanking sidelights and large arched glass transom above. Once inside magnificent moldings and custom trim work balance the towering vaulted ceilings and dramatic open balconies. Wide plank hardwood floors flow through the formal living space and into the front den. The front den creates an executive home office with abundant storage, bountiful natural light and a cleverly designed open ceiling to the library above. The formal living room is a spacious gathering area open to the second floor loft with stunning wood burning fireplace set in between exquisite carpentry display shelves with storage cabinets below, finished with brilliant trim detailing and inset China Black marble.

The second floor contains the master suite with its own loft area including a library, secondary den and brilliantly concealed custom storage closets, hidden behind hinged decorative wall panels. The master suite features a wood burning fireplace with decorative carved mantel and inset Empress Green marble surround. Two sets of French doors give passage to the second floor open sweeping balcony which overlooks the estates awe-inspiring serene views. Completing the space, a dressing area with two large walk-in closets leads to the travertine appointed master bath with soaker tub, walk-in shower and Kohler pedestal sinks.

A sprawling first floor provides multiple gathering spaces with a media room, family room and eat-in kitchen. A central vestibule provides access to the secondary living areas, guest suites, kitchen, laundry room and powder bath. The media room features the residence’s third wood burning fireplace, finished with handsome brick surround and a wet bar area with functional back bar. The substantial kitchen has recently been revived with raised oak panel cabinetry, Uba Tuba granite countertops and backsplash, under mount stainless steel sink, and up-to-date appliances. Suitable for multiple guests or a large family the first floor also contains three guest suites each with its own bath. Sliding glass doors from each space open to the screened covered rear patio area.

Unwind in the refreshing solar heated pool or raised spa and enjoy the spectacular uninterrupted views of both land and sky. The pool equipment and pool accessory storage area is concealed within its own exterior room, while a separate shed houses the whole house reverse osmosis water purification system.  A three-car side load garage completes the functional amenities of the estate.
 
An equestrian manor with fenced paddocks, automatic watering system and plenty of room to roam, the neighboring 7.5 acre parcel is also available for purchase. Enjoy the peaceful serenity of Gator Creek with the convenience of exceptional dining and shopping just minutes away. Take advantage of all the benefits of living just on the edge of town, a secluded sanctuary tucked away from the urban chaos, while still being in close vicinity to the revered Suncoast’s cultural attractions and celebrated beaches.

Contact Laura Tracy-Clekis, for more information or to schedule a personal home demonstration of this enchanting Gator Creek estate.

Laura Tracy-Clekis, PA, GRI
Michael Saunders & Company
941.915.4167 or 877.401.7151
lauratracy@michaelsaunders.com
http://lauratracyclekis.michaelsaunders.com