A massive midcentury-modern home built by the guy behind just about every Howard Johnson on the eastern side of the U.S. is now on the market in Bradenton.
Nicknamed "Magnolia Manor," the home was built in 1954 as an homage to the hotel chain by the late contractor Roger Bryant Hall, who was responsible for quite a few local landmarks in the Tampa Bay area, like the Bradenton Public Library, the original Pittsburgh Pirates training facility, and of course, those classic Howard Johnson hotels with the orange triangular roofs.
Located at 5101 18th Ave. E., the home originally sat on a 100-acre lot that was leased to Tropicana for its orange groves up until the mid-2000s. Now, the home sits on eight acres, with over 600 feet of waterfront, a tennis court, a horse barn, and a 12-foot deep pool.
According to Hall's granddaughter, Tina Rodriguez, the home was literally built to look like a hotel, and still features original building materials like tile work and light fixtures found in Howard Johnsons from the 30s and 40s. Rodriguez says when the home was first built, her grandfather designed the upstairs bedrooms to be accessed by an outside balcony, similar to a hotel. The home was setup like this until the late 70s, says Rodriguez, when the hallway was then enclosed.
The 7,054-square-foot home comes with 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, and certainly needs some TLC. Though it's stayed in the family for generations, Rodriguez hopes the buyer is someone who is interested in preserving its history and original design.
"Magnolia Manor" is currently asking $1,450,000, and the listing agent is Tracie Hunt of Zachos Realty.
Photos via Zillow.com
