The dramatic history of Florida’s famous “Holdout House,” a luxe beach cottage on Clearwater Beach, could be coming to an end.

The place has resisted development for decades, but if some savvy buyers can come up with $6,999,000, they might be able to save it and continue its independent legacy.

Currently the only single-family home on the southernmost point of Clearwater Beach, the 2,604-square-foot, three-story home sits on a .3-acre grassy lot. It’s surrounded by multifamily developments and condos on three sides and enjoys 120 feet of pristine beach on the other side.

The dramatic setting of a lone, single-family home tucked among rows of beach condos was enough to attract plenty of views to the listing, making it one of last week’s most popular homes on Realtor.com®.

Developers denied

Locals are well aware of the modern Victorian cottage’s notorious history. Originally built in 1963 by Carl Wilkens and his wife Mary Ackert, the waterfront home was well loved by the couple. But developers pressured them to sell, eager to tear down the house to make room for vacation condos. The offers were reportedly very generous for the time.

Ackert politely refused them all, holding out for years, even though workers on the surrounding condos resorted to dirty tricks. Reportedly, they once “‘accidentally cut her power lines and a bulldozer ‘accidentally’ broke the water main that supplied the home’s drinking water,” according to Tampa Bay’s Creative Loafing website.

The battle was long, drawn out, and became a local legend. Finally, in 1979, “The Holdout Lady” agreed to sell but only to well-known, local newscaster Joe Mannion, who promised to raise his family there and not sell out to the commercial developers.

The Mannions kept their promise and held on to the private residence for decades. Although Joe and his wife have passed away, the four-bedroom, three-bath home is still reportedly owned by their estate, which finally put the property on the market for just under $7 million.

The house has been remodeled a number of times over the years and appears to be in exceptional condition. The beachfront, wraparound porch is one of its most outstanding features. Relaxing there or strolling down the steps to the sand would be a beach lover’s dream come true.

Inside, you’ll find light, bright, beach-styled interiors that take full advantage of the ocean views. The large windows are framed with seafoam-hued drapes.

The main-level great room wraps around an open kitchen that is fully outfitted with a dining bar and new, high-quality, stainless steel appliances.

An attractive, natural-wood staircase leads up to three bedrooms on the second level. There’s a primary suite with a private bath and a balcony overlooking the water. The other two bedrooms include features such as bay windows and oceanfront deck access.

The spacious, third-level loft area could easily sleep multiple guests or be used as an additional family room. A drop-down staircase leads to a widow’s walk on the roof.

One of the more practical draws of the property might be the two-car garage and ample room for additional parking, which is rare in this vacation paradise.

The nearby sailing center, marina, and the upscale shops and restaurants on the pier are other attractive amenities—perks that drew throngs of vacationers to the area in the first place.

Will the Holdout House hang on?

Unfortunately for those who admire the Holdout House’s unique history, it looks as though its days as a private residence are possibly numbered.

A line toward the end of the listing states, “Please inquire about the commercial development opportunities with this unique property as well!”

Perhaps a restaurant called the Holdout House could be in its future? It would at least allow the place to maintain some of its original charm.

The post Can Florida’s Famous ‘Holdout House’ Hold Out Any Longer? Only If a Private Buyer Ponies Up $7M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.