Referring to the St. Johns River, Welaka, in the language of the native Timucua people, means “river of lakes,” Located in north-central Florida, the river is sometimes called the bass fishing capital of the world.
Right on the river, in the itty-bitty town of Welaka, a pint-sized 1930s fishing cottage, along with an accessory building is for sale, asking $1.4 million via Mazie Regan at One Sotheby’s International Realty.
On about two-thirds of an acre, with 148 feet of water frontage and lots of hundred-plus-year-old live oaks, the compound comprises a humbly charming 1,000-square-foot two-story craftsman fishing cottage, two studios contained within a separate 800-square-foot structure, and six boat slips, all with backup power from a 22kW propane generator. In all, there are two bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms.
With versatile uses and a rare location, the sky is the limit for this property. Commercial zoning with permitted residential use means the property can serve as a private residential compound with additional space for an artist’s studio and/or as a variety of commercial options such as a brewery, a restaurant, shops, a wedding venue, or even a tiny yacht club.
The cute-as-a-button cottage was remodeled in 2017 to add modern amenities while thoughtfully maintaining historic integrity. The open floor plan incorporates finishes such as African wenge and walnut flooring, a pecky cypress live edge vanity, beautiful custom stained glass, and reclaimed beams. One of the more unique features is an old-fashioned vice repurposed as a toilet roll holder! Large windows overlook the gardens, the deck, a fire pit, and the setting sun over the St. Johns River.
The property is surrounded by 387,000 acres of the Ocala National Forest so residents enjoy the sight of bald eagles, manatees, and herons in their backyards. Welaka is a quaint golf cart community with gravel paths canopied with live oaks. And when locals want to get away, there’s easy access nearby to St. Augustine, Jacksonville, and Daytona.
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Image Credit: Jared Blais, Blais Marketing -
Image Credit: Jared Blais, Blais Marketing -
Image Credit: Jared Blais, Blais Marketing -
Image Credit: Jared Blais, Blais Marketing -
Image Credit: Jared Blais, Blais Marketing -
Image Credit: Jared Blais, Blais Marketing -
Image Credit: Jared Blais, Blais Marketing -
Image Credit: Jared Blais, Blais Marketing -
Image Credit: Jared Blais, Blais Marketing -
Image Credit: Jared Blais, Blais Marketing -
Image Credit: Jared Blais, Blais Marketing -
Image Credit: Jared Blais, Blais Marketing -
Image Credit: Jared Blais, Blais Marketing -
Image Credit: Jared Blais, Blais Marketing