7816 DESOTO MEMORIAL HWY Bradenton, FL 34209

One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Welcome to this very special estate in a picturesque setting on the Manatee River. A winding, tree-lined driveway leads to a custom, two-story block/brick home which sits on over 1 acre. The property has 160 feet of direct Manatee River frontage along the rear of the estate plus a protected area on the canal which runs along the west side of the lot with space for your boat including a boat lift and davits, surrounding you with water on two sides. As you enter this gracious residence you are greeted by a large foyer with a stunning staircase leading to the second floor bedrooms and bonus room. The first level features a formal living area, separate formal dining area, and a spacious kitchen with adjoining family room featuring a lovely brick, wood-burning fireplace. The kitchen has been updated with custom cabinets with extra deep counter space and pull-out shelving in many of the cabinets, granite counters, and attractive built-ins. A large pass-through window from the kitchen to the lanai is not only convenient but allows for fabulous river views. The first floor master area includes a large, private bath, walk-in closet, storage, and a room next to the master which would make an ideal office/den. The second level has four additional bedrooms, two of which share a Jack n Jill bath, all with river views. There is also a massive bonus room upstairs currently being used as a library which could have a multitude of uses depending on your needs. Within this room is a dumbwaiter, private bath, storage, and a closet. The Manatee River views are extraordinary with the tip of Desoto Memorial Park to the west, Emerson Point directly ahead (both of which will remain wild and undeveloped), and one can even see the Sunshine Skyway in the distance, a beautiful sight when lighted at night. Enjoy plenty of space for your vehicles and the handyperson of the family! There is a three-car garage with a roomy workshop that runs along the back of the garage. A few of the very exceptional features of this home include easy-care hardwood floors on the first floor, crown molding, roof replaced in 2020, windows replaced with Pella windows, refrigerator and dishwasher replaced in 2021, and an artesian well for irrigation (pump recently replaced). The large, covered screened lanai with a brick floor measures 12 x 84 and has fabulous river views while overlooking the pool , spa, and pergola. The pool has been remarcited and has electric heat. The location of this home couldn't be better. Close by is Robinson Preserve, a 600+ acre coastal preserve with hiking paths, kayak launch and waterways, picnic spots, mangrove forest, and a 53-foot tower with wide-open view of Tampa Bay. IMG Academy and the private K-12 school, St Stephens Episcopal School are just minutes from this home. You'll also be close to all other conveniences including shopping, restaurants, medical facilities, Anna Maria Island beaches, Desoto Memorial Park, and downtown Bradenton which offers both indoor and outdoor fun, including a history museum, aquarium and planetarium, performing arts center, and an enchanting park that rambles alongside the Manatee River.