When singing birds may greet you as you approach this contemporary Florida home in Country Meadows, but that is nothing compared to what awaits you on the other side of the glass French door entry.
The homeowners are Lorraine and Tom Flowers and their surname is perfectly matched to their cul-de-sac home. There are many wonderful features of this house but what will draw in any nature lover most strongly is the amazing garden located beyond the screened, covered porch and sparkling pool. Whether standing at the kitchen window or gazing through the back French doors, the beauty of this garden instantly calms one’s spirit.
Lorraine is the master gardener and her meticulous green thumb has turned standard plants into super-charged perfection. Rarely does one see such lush staghorn ferns and an orchid that is like a large bush. There is also a mango and a papaya tree set alongside a decorative wood bridge and tons of flowering plants dotting the hillside. Tom created a special place for his wife to re-plant and store her garden materials in a shady pergola where she hangs her orchids over a sink and potting area.
“It is so tranquil, kind of my escape,” said Lorraine. “It’s such a great place for me to putter.”
Located in the southwest portion of the county, this $309,000 home listed by Realtor Mark Seeberg of Norris & Company Real Estate is set on an oversized pie shaped lot in a peaceful, private location with a canal in back and a lots of green space which keeps noise and neighbors at bay.
“We are both going to miss this back area because it is like being out in the woods since you cannot see the neighbors because of all the trees,” said Tom.
Lorraine is obviously the master of the garden but Tom is a highly talented craftsman who added many of the sleek built-ins and shelves that grace the house. He doubled the home’s storage which includes a lit walk-in attic and entertainment centers with elegant lighting.
The split plan has a unique twist with the master suite located immediately to the right of the entry and the formal dining room to the left. The Flowers have lived here for 12 years but when they decided to share the house with Lorraine’s elderly parents, Tom added a large sitting room to their bedroom and double doors which close to the hall to give both couples privacy. Tom added multiple shelves, dressers and even a slide-in safe to the walk-in closet and the sitting room is elegantly fitted with crown moldings, recessed lighting and pocket doors.
The bright en suite bath contains double sinks, a soaking tub, separate walk-in glass shower and a door that accesses the pool. A nice security feature is that the sitting room also houses the video system which records everything that happens on the grounds.
“I call it my upscale man cave,” said Tom of the sitting room. The room is beautiful and private with a place for everything, including office space with computer hookup. “You can also close and lock the door to make you feel like you have your own space alone,” he added.
Everything in this three-bedroom home flows smoothly with the second and third bedrooms and bath separated by the open kitchen. Upgraded stainless Electrolux appliances and seating at a cozy breakfast bar island add to the kitchens appeal and utility. There is a handy pass-through from the kitchen to the covered screened porch.
A large enclosed pantry and second linen closet are conveniently nestled between the two bedrooms and the laundry room. The full bath has been outfitted with handicap hand rails for safety. Smooth tile and wood floors that flow throughout the home for easy mobility are another nod to Lorraine’s parents’ safety.
Outside the family room double doors is a cozy covered screened patio that is protected from the elements making it the perfect spot to enjoy al fresco dining before a refreshing dip in the pool or relaxing foray in the whirlpool spa. The garden makes this spot a peaceful oasis away from the outside world as birds flit around the decorative backyard birdhouse Lorraine won at the last Gardenfest. “I only bought one raffle ticket so it is a lucky birdhouse,” she said.
“I describe the house as having affordable elegance,” said Seeberg. “Everything is laid out so beautifully and it is the perfect price for a growing family or homeowners who love to entertain visiting company.”
To view this garden showcase property which won’t stay available for long, call listing agent Mark Seeberg at: 772-696-0651.
