Owner of Bartow’s famed Wonder House pins hopes on zoning change

During its heyday, the Wonder House attracted curiosity seekers willing to pay a small admission to view up close a true one-of-a-kind residence considered an architectural marvel. A Bartow treasure, it featured inventive, modern conveniences such as hollow columns that collected rainwater from the roof. The water was piped through walls, feeding plants that were …

Old Florida, new Florida in $6.2 million Casey Key estate

A Casey Key estate with old cottage feel but modern conveniences and a prized setting pushes asking price to $6.2 millionAn estate at the northern end of Casey Key that sits on over an acre of bayfront land has a history that would classify it as “old money.” Florida vernacular in design and fully integrated …

On the Market: Palm Beach vacation house right for London family

Kelly and Patrick Lynch moved to London from New York City 15 years ago, but because they wanted their two young daughters to experience life in the United States, they decided to buy a vacation home in Palm Beach. “Summer vacation for our girls was only six weeks, but they had longer vacations during the …

HOT PROPERTIES: Rock star Hagar ready to say goodbye to Maui retreat

After an exhausting Van Halen world tour in 1995, musician Sammy Hagar wanted nothing more than to spend a week relaxing in Hawaii. One week turned into two, two turned into a month and soon, the Red Rocker started looking for a home to buy.His wish list was long: 10 acres of land, a pool …

Realtor couple take to heart the advice they give to clients when preparing their home for sale

Realtor/homeowner Patricia Hanly has a collection of 350 teapots, most of them English and nearly all bought from the potters who crafted them in various villages all over Great Britain. She’s reluctantly packed away all but about a dozen in preparation for the sale of her cottage-style home on Bougainvillea Street in Sarasota. She and …

Fla. Jury Awards $44M To Investors In Failed Condo Project

A Florida jury on Thursday awarded $43.9 million to an investment group that includes billionaire Wayne Huizenga and former Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino for a condominium project that failed financially after a Wachovia employee sent out confidential contact information to more than 100 condominium buyers. The jurors in Fort Lauderdale hit Wachovia Mortgage Corp. …