of Manatee County 

 

As a longtime resident of the River District and an avid admirer of historic homes, Jeff was drawn to the majestic Oaks and the Anglo-Caribbean roofline of this 1913 Southern Cottage—distinctly different from the more common 1920s Craftsman styles in the neighborhood. Though he has lived in his current home for several decades, this marks the fifth vintage property he has purchased in the Fogartyville area. Over the years, his passion for preserving Florida’s architectural heritage has only deepened, and this home

stands as a testament to that dedication.

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Built on the former site of the Fogarty brothers’ boat-building business, the house now boasts an eclectic blend of collectibles and furniture, many of which the owner repurposed from other renovation projects and estate sales. As you step inside, the original oak floors and a striking collection of hand-blown Blenko glass, a nos- talgic reminder of his childhood summers with his grandparents, catch the eye. The foyer is also home to a mid-century Blaupunkt console stereo with a working tube radio,

alongside a 1920s Art Nouveau chair from one of his previous homes. The very formal symmetry of the living room on the left reflects an effort of the builder to put theirbest foot forward in what combined with the foyer were the rooms for receiving

guests.

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The craftsmanship of the home shines throughout the house. Many of the original windows and doors, and several light fixtures date back to the house’s construction.Where possible, they were carefully restored and retained. In the formal rooms, the plaster and lathe walls still feature picture rails, a signature of early 20th-century homes. During the renovation of the kitchen, Jeff uncovered a pristine oak floor beneath five layers of linoleum. The kitchen, which had last been renovated in the 1960s, was reimagined to better complement the home’s original charm. He restored it with jade green cabinetry yellow walls and gray trim which were the original colors in the kitchen. Handcrafted Moroccan tiles on the fireplace and kitchen range hood add warmth, and also reflect the original color scheme, Vintage library shelves serve as upper cabinets and further enhance the space’s eclectic aesthetic.

 

The home, originally designed for a pre-air-conditioning era, had one large bedroom and a spacious sleeping porch that spanned the entire back of the house. The porch was enclosed in the 1950s, creating two additional bedrooms, a bathroom, and a laundry closet. The bathroom retains a 1920s claw-foot tub and toilet, paired with a 1947 Crane Diana sink and lighted mirror. In the primary bedroom, a landscape of Longboat Key by the late Siesta Key artist Shawn McLoughlin is displayed above the bed, while the modern bathroom features a luxurious walk-in shower.

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The house sits on an oversized lot that stretches between 30th and 29th Streets, shaded by oak trees and enhanced by antique street pavers Jeff has collected over the years. Filled with carefully curated antiques and rich with historical significance, this home is a unique reflection of both the community's history and Jeff's dedication to preserving it. 

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