$1,695,000

Along the serene waters of the Tomoka Preserve, stands a Mediterranean palazzo of rare distinction, created to be a piece of art in its own right. A scenic drive through the preserve, lined with majestic palms draped in Spanish moss, leads to this private waterfront estate offering a perfect balance of elegance and tranquility. Resting on 1.24acres of private lagoon front, this award-winning custom estate offers both prestige and seclusion. Blending elegance with nature, occasional deer may pause to watch you fish or canoe from the backyard. At the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, the home greets visitors with a regal canopy entrance, a sweeping-wide circular driveway, Venetian columns, Italian curved terracotta roof, paver-lined paths and tropical landscaping. A life-size Signora dellAcqua fountain (lady of the water) and river rock gardens complete the essence of a Mediterranean retreat. Past the main gate, one will find a 2, 294-sq.ft screened courtyard, complete w/ Venetian-style stone bridge across the travertine pool complex, featuring a waterfall, dipping pool, heated hot tub and a main saltwater heated pool with a swim-up bar, water curtain and controllable LED lighting. Outdoor dining is enhanced with hand-painted frescoed walls, a roofed kitchen and grill, an oversized fireplace anchors the lanai. Multiple covered seating areas, from coffee retreat by the spa to a central dining pavilion. Inside, soaring ceilings, some rising up to 16ft, hand-plastered walls, Italian-style frescos, and grand crystal chandeliers set the tone. The Grand Room offers panoramic views of the river and courtyard; The chamber of custom display cabinetry is complemented by wine and coffee bar, complete with cast-iron French doors and frescos of the Italian countryside. Pocketing glass doors dissolve boundaries between indoors and out, inviting breezes from the lagoon. The kitchen combines elegance with function: Monogram appliances, a 6-burner stove w/ griddle, double ovens, dual Fisher and Paykel dishwashers, floor-to-ceiling custom cabinetry, a granite island, a spacious walk-in pantry, serving stations, and abundant storage. The master suite is a private sanctuary with oversized windows and direct access to the outdoor spa. Hand-painted frescoed hallway leads to dual vanities and expansive stone double shower. Two oversized walk-in closets offer crystal chandeliers and solid wood shelving. Additional bedrooms include a in-law suite w/ a private courtyard entry, a junior suite with French doors and a flexible media lounge/ bedroom w/ veranda access. Beyond the bedrooms, the estate surprises at every turn. A walnut-clad office conceals a secret Hide-Away Room, while the Relaxation Room features a fireplace and river views. Card Room opens to the dining space. Even the foyer impresses with a cast-iron French glass door and chandelier. While steeped in romance, the home is built for peace of mind. Some of the recent updates include a 6-zone irrigation system with new well, pump, Wi-Fi controls, termite protection, upgraded pool/ spa mechanics and heaters. The new water filtration system provides exceptional water quality. This estate also offers a whole-house vacuum system, 32-camera monitoring, invisible dog fence, hurricane shutters, a hidden safety room, a climate-controlled garage and a whole-house generator. Truly a rare offering: being one of two estates with direct lagoon access to the Halifax River. This Venetian Palazzo is more than a home- its a statement.