The Most Unique Homes in Northeast Florida

Whether you’re looking for luxury, history, modern amenities or architectural design, Northeast Florida has some of the most unique and beautiful homes in the state. As a locally-owned real estate company with over 30 years of experience — serving Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and St. Johns County — we’ve seen a lot of spectacular homes, and here are some of our favorites.

Sinclair Lewis’ Vilano Beach Retreat

Located at 177 Surfside Avenue on Vilano Beach, this historic beach cottage was built in 1916 on multiple waterfront lots. The home sits along a tidal creek connecting to the Intracoastal Waterway, and is a cozy, wood-shingled bungalow that exudes Old Florida charm. It features a giant front porch, coquina fireplace and quaint guest house. It oozes abundant natural beauty, with towering oaks and palms, ferns and tropical trees, a woodshed, raised garden beds and even a hen house. This beautiful retreat is a famous one too — once home to Pulitzer Prize-winning author Sinclair Lewis. In the 1920s, he rented the shingled bungalow to write his novels Main Street (1920), Babbit (1922), Arrowsmith (1925) and his best-known work, Elmer Gantry (1927). Just steps from the beach, this historic property is an outdoor haven in one of St. Augustine’s most desirable locations.

Pillars Castle in St. Augustine

Located at 16 May Street in St. Augustine, this one-of-a-kind, pink, historic, luxury estate was built circa 1925. A real-life castle right in the heart of historic downtown, Pillars Castle is a breathtaking and iconic architectural masterpiece. Fully-restored to preserve its historic charm, Pillars is known for its ornate engineering, original stained glass windows, coffered ceilings and stone fireplaces — and recent owners incorporated modern luxury throughout. The beautifully pink castle boasts over 4,400 square feet, a grand hall, formal dining, chef’s kitchen, custom bar and the most perfect private exterior with beautifully landscaped grounds and an elegant courtyard and fountain. Designed by American sculptor C. Adrian Pillars, who lived in St. Augustine between 1919 and 1932, Pillars Castle stands as a symbol of the city’s rich heritage.

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