Stunning Riverfront Home in Manatee County Hits Market Amid Life Change

Manatee County, Florida, USA - In the lush surroundings of Manatee County, Florida, a remarkable riverfront property is about to hit the market, showcasing a perfect blend of comfort, wildlife, and elegant design. Nestled on a sprawling 30 acres along the tranquil Manatee River, the home boasts a Cape Dutch-inspired architectural flair and expansive spaces that invite both relaxation and exploration. The homeowners, Doug Baker and Lauren Crist, purchased this serene oasis in 2019 for $1.4 million but are now ready to sell due to a recent medical scare, prompting their desire to simplify life and relocate to the Bahamas.

The property features a stunning 4,489-square-foot main home, built in 2021, and an additional 1,265-square-foot guest house. With its elegant yet unpretentious style, large windows seamlessly frame breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding nature, which includes wetlands, a lush greenhouse, a peaceful lagoon, and inviting nature trails. For those who appreciate an outdoor lifestyle, there’s even a koi pond that adds to the property’s charm.

A Sanctuary of Space and Style

Inside, the residence is filled with distinctive design elements, including a spacious dining area adorned with imitation elephant tusks—telling tales of the couple’s extensive travels. The living area is designed with two wings: one dedicated to a gallery, bedroom suite, and cozy study, while the other includes another bedroom suite, a second study, and a dedicated hobby room. Book enthusiasts will delight in the library, which holds over 1,000 books and vintage travelogues, making it a perfect retreat for quiet afternoons.

Among the additional features are a gym for fitness enthusiasts, a covered terrace ideal for warm evenings, and a riverfront screened hut—affectionately referred to as the fish shack—complete with a 60-foot dock. The property is frequently alive with sightings of local wildlife, including bobcats, deer, otters, ducks, ibises, dolphins, and the gentle manatees that give the river its name.

Exploring Architectural Elegance

For those who admire the Cape Dutch style, a notable home in Coral Gables also captivates with its architectural beauty. Designed by Marion Syms Wyeth, this three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom beauty showcases whitewashed stucco and rounded scroll-embellished gables reflective of 19th-century South African plantation architecture. This residential gem, on the market for the first time in over 75 years, is listed at $2.2 million and includes distinct features like wood-paneled walls, a wood-burning fireplace in the kitchen, and beamed ceilings in the living room. Residents can also enjoy a veranda, pool, and terrace, alongside a freestanding two-bedroom guesthouse. A perfect candidate for buyers keen on finding serenity in stylish surroundings.

Florida has an undeniable allure, offering a unique combination of wild natural scenery alongside vibrant urbanism. As noted by LuxuryEstate.com, the state is a magnet for high-class clientele, drawing affluent celebrities and influential personalities to its beautiful coastlines and tiny islands. Miami, with a population of 5 million, leads the charge as the main hotspot, providing a plethora of activities—from sizzling nightlife and breathtaking beaches to thrilling sports events—all while featuring a strong Latino vibe influenced by Cuban, Haitian, and Puerto Rican cultures.

Nature lovers are never far from stunning landscapes like the Everglades, an expansive natural park, or family-fun attractions like Disney World and Universal Studios, thus ensuring that Florida is a true paradise for everyone.

As the rich tapestry of life unfolds in Florida, both the riverfront retreat and the Coral Gables masterpiece stand as testaments to the state’s unique charm and architectural elegance. With Doug and Lauren looking to downsize, their incredible property may soon open doors for new adventures—and all in a landscape that invites effortless living.