Historic Clearwater Properties You May Not Know About

In this week’s article, we highlight some fantastic historic properties in the Clearwater and nearby areas that you may or may not know about. If you are new to the area, these properties are sure to please and if you have been in the area for awhile, you are most likely aware of their many changes. In either case, I’d like to highlight a few of them for you:

First on the list is 802 Druid Road South which sits high on a bluff overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico at Clearwater Harbor facing the number one beach in the USA on Florida’s West Coast, Clearwater Beach.

This property is almost an entire block and on this site sits the original Fort Harrison lookout. The main building was a refuge for settlers fleeing wartime conditions and also was used temporarily as a hospital for wounded soldiers.

This estate is currently known as Century Oaks, for it’s massive 100 year old oak trees and is the only waterfront home in Florida which sits 50 feet above sea level.  This grand estate with all its amenities is currently for sale.  Call me for details.

In the 1800s, a forward-thinking gentleman named Milton Plant (who owned railways, steamships and hotels) constructed a hotel in Belleiar, Florida and thus the Belleview Hotel opened its doors on January 15, 1897.  He built the hotel hoping that it would be a resort destination that would help boost tourist travel on his railroad line which was serving Florida’s west coast.

In its hey-day, numerous high-profile people visited both the hotel and on the golf course. During World War II, the hotel was requisitioned by the US Army Air Corps to house troops training at nearby airfields.    The property went through changes in 1947 and again in 1970 and today the hotel still stands and is now the site of not only a beautiful, boutique hotel, but also several new condo buildings currently being built.  The Belleview Inn is not too far from 802 Druid Road South (mentioned above).

Lastly, we will talk a bit about the Harbor Oaks community which is bounded by Druid Road South, Fort Harrison, Lotus Path and Clearwater Harbor.  This community was Clearwater’s first planned residential development by Dean Alvord, a major developer out of New York state.  He opened Harbor Oaks in 1914 and various plaques can be found around the community that speak of its history.  If you like tree lined streets with charm and you like historic homes, you’ll love Harbor Oaks, which is over 100 years old.  

Completed by 1930, these homes today are close to the water and to the new downtown development projects making this easy living.  We just listed a gorgeous two story, updated beauty at 430 Jasmine Way.  Call if you are looking to purchase a home or know someone looking for a home.

If you are considering selling your home, please give me a call at (727) 298-8888 or email me at terriLMREP@gmail.com.  I always love hearing from you! 

We offer red carpet service and look forward to exceeding your expecations.

(Thank you to the Clearwater Historical Society for the historical information reprinted here.)