About 7814 Desoto Memorial Highway
Welcome to River Oak Estate. Over an acre of land located at the mouth of the Manatee River with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. This completely updated home offers an inspiring blend of Coastal Modern Elegance and Country Manor Ease, pleasing the most discerning designer’s palate. Salted breezes sweep down the 300’ drive under a canopy of oaks to find this stately home at water’s edge. The traditional Tudor style is complemented with gracefully sloping roof lines over a creamy stucco with board on batten detail. A lofty eyebrow arch floats above the covered porch, welcoming guests to this private paradise! Once inside, you are drawn to the water, tempted to run your hands along cool crafted ironwork in the grand foyer. Beneath coffered ceilings, sunlight streams in through sky high windows, casting playful shadows across driftwood-colored floors. Through a wall of sliding doors, the harlequin patterned travertine teases toward the edge of the infinity pool and spa. Imagine the changing color of the sky while gas fire bowls flicker along the lanai and the Skyway Bridge comes into view. Prepare your signature dish in the chef’s kitchen, complete with a six-burner gas range, pot filler, three wall ovens, French door refrigerator freezer and a walk-in butler’s pantry, all centered around a large quartz island. Custom cabinetry surrounds the space with creative storage for your culinary tools. Also on the main level is the grand salon with a wall of built-in shelving, window seats, media alcove, and massive wood burning fireplace which serves as a centerpiece between the sprawling lawn and sea. The cozy library is a great gameday getaway with custom cabinetry, wet bar, wine and beverage refrigeration and sliding wall to conceal the big screen TV. Atop the sweeping staircase, you will find two guest suites, both opening to the covered balcony, and a luxurious primary suite. This spectacular owners’ retreat has two large rooms opening to the balcony, two full baths, a custom walk-in closet and a modern gas fireplace. The first of the owners’ baths has a glass enclosed shower with elegant black marble and gold accents, a single vanity and water closet. The second bath is finished in creamy travertine with two vanities, water closet, a large walk-in shower with multiple shower heads and a lounge area. Add a dressing room, soaking tub or sauna for the ultimate at-home spa! Over 6,000 square feet of living area includes the Cabana or Captain’s Quarters. This charming brick guest house has a private entrance, brick floors and pecky cypress walls, galley kitchen, and full bath with shower. The Cabana opens to the covered lanai and pool with sliding doors and stairs leading to the waterfront. With around 160’ of seawall, the private dock stretches into the river with fishing pier and covered 14,000 boat lift. Moor your larger vessel in this sailboat water with Gulf and Bay access. Take your paddle board and a picnic over to Desoto National Park. This tiny National Treasure has pristine beaches, shaded boardwalks and shell paths to the Gulf of Mexico. For your land vessels, there are two attached garages for four vehicles, each climate controlled with mini-split AC systems. These oversized garages have plenty of space for workshop and additional storage. This is a magical setting, between Downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. This home has hosted generations of tree climbing, boating, fishing, shell seeking and day dreaming.
