Set along the shores of Lake Hollingsworth, this extraordinary 1955 residence blends timeless architecture, thoughtful restoration and resort-style living. Beyond the private gated drive, the three-story concrete-and-brick home offers 5 bedrooms, 6 full and 2 half baths, and 7,767 square feet of air-conditioned living space. An open, inviting floor plan and primary suites on both the main and upper levels provide exceptional flexibility for family and guests. Positioned 16 feet above Lake Hollingsworth, the home captures spectacular water views—most notably from its striking cantilevered balcony. The current owners completed an extensive restoration in 2014, carefully preserving the home’s original architectural character while creating beautifully updated spaces for modern living. Outdoors, the property feels like a private resort, featuring a pool with tanning ledge, an approximately 730-square-foot cabana, a 360-square-foot trellised sitting area, and an elevated fire pit surrounded by U-shaped seating. Six fire urns positioned along the front and side of the home continue the original design vision of incorporating views of both water and fire throughout the property. The fully enclosed backyard is surrounded by a concrete privacy wall and includes an 800-square-foot, three-car carport in addition to the attached two-car garage. Expansive lake frontage also offers the opportunity to add a private dock, subject to City of Lakeland permitting and approval. Additional highlights include a whole-home natural gas Generac generator, two laundry areas, abundant storage, a game room, media room, home gym and a secure walk-in safe with custom wood-stained cabinetry and storage for up to 61 long guns. Originally commissioned by prominent Lakeland businessman James “Jim” L. Ewell, the home was designed by noted architect A. Wynn Howell, whose architectural training included study under Frank Lloyd Wright. Its distinctive concrete construction reflects Ewell’s connection to the concrete industry, while its specialty tile “Forever Roof” is supported by three layers of plywood. The 2014 restoration was designed by the late architect Ernie Straughn and completed by Thurn Construction, resulting in a rare residence where architectural history, privacy and effortless lakefront living come together.
Property Details
Property Features Property Features
MLS ID: MFRL4964909 Year Built: 1955
Appliances: Built-In Oven, Convection Oven, Cooktop, Dishwasher, Disposal, Gas Water Heater, Ice Maker, Microwave, Range Hood, Refrigerator, Wine Refrigerator Architectural Style: Mid-Century Modern
Basement: Bath/Stubbed, Interior Entry Community Features: Street Lights
Construction Materials: Brick, Concrete Cooling: Central Air, Zoned
Country: US County Or Parish: Polk
Direction Faces: East Exterior Features: Balcony, Fire Pit, Lighting, Outdoor Grill, Outdoor Shower, Private Entrance, Sidewalk
Fencing: Masonry Fireplace Features: Family Room, Gas, Living Room
Flooring: Carpet, Tile, Wood Foundation Details: Slab
Furnished: Partially Heating: Central, Electric, Zoned
Laundry Features: Electric Dryer Hookup, Inside, Laundry Closet, Laundry Room, Upper Level, Washer Hookup Levels: Multi/Split
Listing Agreement: Exclusive Right To Sell Listing Terms: Cash, Conventional, FHA, VA Loan
Lot Features: Corner Lot, Landscaped Occupant Type: Owner
Other Equipment: Fire Pit, Irrigation Equipment, Private Entrance, Generator Other Structures: Cabana
Parking Features: Circular Driveway, Driveway, Garage Door Opener, Garage Faces Side, Oversized, Parking Pad Patio And Porch Features: Covered, Deck, Front Porch, Patio, Rear Porch
Pets Allowed: Yes Pool Features: Gunite, Heated, In Ground, Lighting, Salt Water
Possession: Close Of Escrow Property Condition: Completed
Property Sub Type: Single Family Residence Property Type: Residential
Road Responsibility: Public Maintained Road Road Surface Type: Paved
Roof: Other, Slate Security Features: Security System, Smoke Detector(s)
Sewer: Public Sewer Showing Requirements: Appointment Only, Call Listing Agent, Listing Agent Must Accompany, ShowingTime
Special Listing Conditions: None Standard Status: Active
State Or Province: FL Utilities: BB/HS Internet Available, Cable Available, Electricity Available, Electricity Connected, Natural Gas Available, Natural Gas Connected, Public, Sewer Available, Sewer Connected, Water Available, Water Connected
Vegetation: Mature Landscaping, Trees/Landscaped View: Water
Water Source: Public Waterfront Features: Lake Front
Window Features: Shades, Window Treatments
Rooms Rooms
Primary Bedroom: 16.3x20.3 ft Primary Bathroom: 12.9x11.7 ft
Bedroom 2: 18.7x14.1 ft Bedroom 3: 16.2x15.4 ft
Living Room: 18.7x29.1 ft Dining Room: 17.3x14.9 ft
Family Room: 26.5x22.2 ft Kitchen: 21x24.9 ft
Laundry: 11.1x13.4 ft Bedroom 4: 16.3x19 ft
Bedroom 5: 15.6x14.7 ft Gym: 16.3x14.8 ft
Media Room: 17.2x29 ft Game Room: 13x18.1 ft
Workshop: 21.1x10.9 ft
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