885 S Waukeenah Street, Monticello, FL 32344

Tucked into the charming heart of Monticello, yet only a short scenic drive to Tallahassee, this estate bridges the gap between past and present, country and capital, southern soul and worldly sophistication. Step beyond through the historic front door into a moment suspended in time where Southern grandeur, storied legacy, and modern luxury converge in a peaceful retreat just 30 minutes from the heartbeat of Florida's Capital. Quiet luxury has never spoken louder. Initially constructed in 1882 by agricultural magnate William M. Girardeau, Monticello's legendary "Watermelon King." Architecturally defined as Italianate, this charming country estate is not simply a home; it is a living, breathing piece of American history. The former epicenter of Girardeau's empire, where seeds destined for China were once sorted and scaled, now stands as a tribute to craftsmanship, innovation, and quiet opulence. Behind its stately facade lies over 4,000 square feet of masterfully preserved period architecture: - 5 bedrooms | 3.5 baths | 7 fireplaces - Both upstairs and downstairs en suites (downstairs currently being used as an art studio) - A vast central hall flanked by oversized rooms on each floor - Original architectural details restored with obsessive precision - Bradbury & Bradbury 16-color hand-silk-screened wallpaper (a now-unobtainable collector's piece) - Period-appropriate doorknobs, lovingly sourced and installed in 2023 - Fully updated electrical, HVAC, foundation, and plumbing systems for seamless 21st-century living At the heart of the home, a chef-worthy kitchen blends past and present with a gourmet gas and electric range (2024), expansive countertops, and custom cabinetry that feels as bespoke as the history surrounding it. The owner's suite, already partially reimagined, offers a rare opportunity. The canvas is yours to complete the dream bathroom and dressing room, adding your mark to a legacy that has stood for over 140 years. Outdoors, an inviting pool, reimagined in 2023 with new coping, liner, and tanning shelf sits amid lush, mature landscaping. Adjacent porches have been screened for year-round comfort and entertaining, creating seamless transitions from candlelit dinners to starlit conversations. This is not just a residence. It is a generational heirloom. A sanctuary of stillness in a world that won't slow down. A home worthy of the finest pages in Architectural Digest, The New York Times, or your family's next chapter.