of Manatee County 

Welcome to the home of Rick and Jeanie Pickwick. Nestled in the historic Palma Sola Park neighborhood, their French Normandy architectural style home was originally built in1925. In 2006, the Pickwicks wanted to become more than snowbirds. During their search, they fell in love with this residence and decided to make it their permanent home. Upon entering, guests are greeted by soaring ceilings and natural light, creating an inviting and airy ambiance. The main residence features a collection of Audubon prints. Due to their love of birds, Jeanie received several prints while wintering on Holmes Beach. She decided to use the main living space with its coffered ceilings to expand her collection, now calling it the “Bird Cage Room.” Elegant in her style, today she shares the original 50-piece collection in the residence, one of which is the Famous Florida Flamingo. The living room also features tile flooring with inlaid borders and small fleur-de-lis accent tiles. These beautiful features were discovered when the flooring was acid washed after many years of being covered by wall-to-wall carpet. The original leaded pane windows and aesthetic brick detailing on the stucco façade are common for the French Normandy architectural style. The Pickwicks have embraced and restored these original features and have also given new life to the elements themselves, painting, repairing, furnishing, and decorating. A mix of vintage and modern are apparent in the formal dining room and kitchen. The main residence includes a beautifully decorated guest suite, but it is not on the tour because of the number of steps. 

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With their collection of antique furniture, art, and accessories, the Pickwicks have struck a nice balance of structure and whimsy! Stepping outside, the backyard oasis offers a tranquil retreat consisting of a sitting area to view an open courtyard of lush landscaping and ornamental features. Whether relaxing or hosting guests, the Pickwicks enjoy the outdoor area, as it gives the feel of a private sanctuary. Brick pavers lead the way from the main residence to a quaint cottage graced with two side porches. The cottage is decorated in an inviting light and airy décor. Using the cottage as guest space, the Pickwicks have thoughtfully furnished each room with unique items that leave visitors wanting to see more of what the cottage entails and the history behind each item. Its prime location and features make the Pickwick residence a true gem and an essential stop on this year’s Hearts and Homes tour.