UnReal Estate Feb 2026

unreal estate

Tampa Bay’s most opulent, quirky and surprising homes

What $35 million will get you in Belleair Beach.

n 200 feet of private beach frontage

n Top real estate sales

n 5 trends in kitchen design

n Homes sold in the Tampa Bay area

Homes Sold in the Tampa Bay area

5 kitchen design trends in 2026

The all-white, ultra-minimalist kitchen is officially taking a backseat. As we settle into 2026, designers and homeowners are moving toward spaces that prioritize warmth, personal expression and specialized functionality. According to recent reports, the new kitchen is designed to feel like a curated, comfortable extension of the living space, rather than just a utilitarian zone.

Following are five key trends defining kitchen design in 2026:

1. The rise of warm, natural wood cabinets

After years of painted cabinets, natural wood is making a strong comeback — surpassing white as the top choice for kitchen cabinetry in 2026 renovations. Homeowners are craving the organic texture and authenticity of materials like light-to-medium oak and rich walnut.

Wood cabinets, warm neutrals and hidden functional spaces are some of the rising trends in kitchen design this year.

The look: Visible wood grains and matte stains are favored over glossy finishes, creating a grounded, organic and Japandi (JapaneseScandinavian) aesthetic.

Pairing: These wood tones are often paired with warmer white or neutral cabinets to keep

the space bright but grounded.

2. Sculleries and hidden functionality

The open-concept kitchen is evolving. While homeowners still want to gather in the kitchen, they no longer want to look at the mess of food preparation.

The trend: Hidden kitchens or secondary sculleries (prep kitchens) are becoming a standard, allowing for messy cooking, with small appliances and food storage kept behind closed doors.

Purpose: This separation allows the main kitchen area to remain a pristine, beautiful gathering spot while the hidden area does all the heavy lifting.

3. Saturated color palettes and the new neutrals

While neutrals remain popular, they are shifting from cool grays to warmer, more organic and saturated hues.

Popular hues: Earthy tones like warm mushroom, soft beige, taupe and terra cotta are dominating the 2026 palette.

Bold accents: For those looking for more color, deep, moody shades like plum, burgundy and oxblood, as well as muted green

are being used on islands or lower cabinets to create dramatic, sophisticated contrasts.

4. Statement countertops with bold veining

Sleek, plain countertops are being replaced by materials with character and movement.

Material shift: Natural stone and quartzite with dramatic, rich veining are becoming the focal point of the kitchen.

Edge details: Waterfall edges remain popular, offering a clean, modern look; while curved counter details are bringing a softer, more old-world feel to new kitchens.

5. Smart, integrated technology

Technology in 2026 is less about flashy gadgets and more about invisible integration that enhances efficiency.

Seamless tech: Smart appliances are being hidden behind

cabinetry and voice-activated lighting and faucets are becoming standard.

Specialty stations: Dedicated stations for coffee, beverages, or even pet feeding are in high demand to streamline daily routines.

Summary of trends to watch

Trending: Natural wood cabinets, sculleries, earthy tones, bold stone and hidden tech.

Fading: All-white kitchens, open shelving, cold industrial concrete and matte black hardware.

As these trends show, the 2026 kitchen is less about a cookiecutter show home look and more about crafting a functional, warm, deeply personal space.

This article was built with the assistance of ChatGPT.

Main: Once inside the remote iron-gated entry, the sheer impact of this amazing property becomes crystal clear. Inset: With a view like this from the great room, it’s a wonder the owners can get anything done.

Live like royalty on 200 feet of private beach

This “sandcastle on the Gulf” has to be seen with your own eyes to be believed.

ABY SALLY MOE Times Total Media Correspondent

t first glance, 1700 Gulf Blvd. in Belleair Beach looks like an exclusive boutique hotel with two ornate iron-gated entries. But it’s actually a private residence — and it could be yours. Built to no-expenses-spared detail in 2015 for former Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard and his family, this incredible home is a one-of-a-kind beachfront estate that embodies unparalleled luxury in an ambience of tropical resortstyle living. The Mediterranean-inspired showpiece occupies three private Gulf-front lots for a total of 1.18 acres, and was built to the highest standards of quality, weather resistance and design. Blood-pressure-easing ocean views are the norm in this property, especially from the great room, which opens dramatically to the shaded terrace and the Gulf of Mexico beyond, creating the queen mother of all first impressions.

The home’s 19,578 square feet hold 10 bedrooms, 11 full baths and 3 half baths. A separate 5 bed/5 bath, 5,000 sq.ft. guest house (which includes a 1 bed/1 bath in-law suite) is attached by a shaded walkway, and provides spacious comfort and

privacy, and separate smart home controls, for visiting friends and family.

The stunning home showcases breathtaking Gulf views with 200 feet of private beachfront in the exclusive hamlet of Belleair Shores. Outdoors, enjoy an irresistible resort-style pool with a lazy river that winds

underneath the home and beneath a Venetian-style arched footbridge. An adjacent, fully equipped grill area featuring refrigeration and ice is ideal for grilling, game-watching and entertaining.

If the weather turns, you won’t be bored. Inside, challenge a friend to a game in the custom-designed twolane bowling alley (adjacent to the grilling area) or hit the posh rec room with custom pool table, Pac Man, foosball and air hockey. (The unique pool table-in-a-car was designed by the home’s current owner Ben Mallah, co-founder of CarPoolTables in Safety Harbor.) A temperature-controlled wine storage room and bar area (complete with ice maker, wine fridge, and kegerator) elevates your

hosting experience, while an upholstered home theater offers a bespoke space to unwind and check off your Oscar® contenders list.

The main kitchen and butler’s kitchen are outfitted with professional-grade appliances, and designed for both functionality and style. (Don’t miss the refrigerator, hiding in plain sight behind fully integrated wood cabinetry.) For everyday ease, the home includes four laundry rooms well placed throughout, one of them nestled among the bedrooms. Outside, the two temperature-controlled attached garages provide parking for seven vehicles as well as a number of grownup toys — like a jet ski and a three-wheel motorcycle.

See 1700 Gulf Blvd., page 7

If fitness is your passion, the fully outfitted private gym features a suite of workout machines and a mirrored dance floor, as well as a steam shower and sauna for the ultimate in post-workout stress relief.

This is coastal living elevated to the nth degree — a rare opportunity to own a true Gulf-front masterpiece. Everything conveys in the sale, from the furnishings, drapes and artwork all the way to the 2023 Rolls Royce (there’s more — the sellers are happy to negotiate). Oh, and there are two handsomely detailed elevators, one of them in the guest house.

Finally, the smart home is equipped with a whole house generator, so power loss during storms is not a worry. This amazing property is offered for $35 million, and has to be seen with your own eyes to be believed.

To schedule a tour, contact Priscilla Pesce of Charles Rutenberg Realty at 727-282-6983 or priscillapesce@gmail.com.

Above, Swim in your very own lazy river, which runs beneath the house in a meandering path to and from the pool — the epitome of amusement park-style fun. Upper right, the nicely equipped workout room has epic views because of course it does. Lower right, the bowling alley is adjacent to the lazy river and is accented with disco-style lighting and music. There’s also a bar with barseats and viewing window next door — for any friends who’d rather drink Margaritas and dish snark while you bowl.

More glimpses of the lush life at 1700 Gulf Blvd. in Belleair Beach. Above, the primary bath, glowing in coastal tones of ivory, oyster and palest blue. Upper left, the adjacent, spacious primary bedroom, with elegant sitting area, gas fireplace and incredible views of the beach and Gulf. Lower left, a truly proper office — rich in deep wood tones, recessed lighting and a sense of quiet accomplishment.

Curb appeal garden

Florida’s top 8 invasive plants – UF experts call them out and explain why

By Lourdes Mederos, Public Relations Manager, UF/IFAS

Florida’s lush, subtropical climate supports gardening and outdoor living year-round. It also creates ideal conditions for invasive plants to spread.

Research shows that many property owners are often unaware of a plant’s invasive potential and rarely factor it into their buying decisions unless plants are labeled or restricted. That blind spot is the focus of a current episode of PBS South Florida’s Rooted in Florida series, “Invasive Plants in Florida You Should Know About.”

In the episode, experts from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) offer practical guidance to help residents make more informed plant choices before heading to big-box stores or local nurseries.

Schmidle explains that gardeners are often attracted to plants for their color, beauty or unique form, and many, including herself, feel genuine joy when

and explaining why they should be avoided, experts encourage gardeners to make choices that protect Florida’s native ecosystems.

Here are their top eight:

Asparagus Fern:

pets and humans. In South Florida, it climbs trees, smothers native vegetation and forms dense vines that block light and stress or kill host trees. It is listed as a Category II invasive in Florida.

Water Hyacinth: A patch of Water Hyacinth can be beautiful to see. They do display a lush carpet of foliage boasting lavender flowers. However, they can block out critical

sunlight that feeds biologically important aquatic grasses.

Madagascar Periwinkle or Vinca:

These seemingly delicately colorful plants frequently escape cultivation via seeds, especially in disturbed sites. It can persist and spread in natural areas, roadsides and urban interfaces. Known to compete with native groundcovers, they reduce plant diversity. Alkaloids make it toxic if ingested by pets or humans.

Wandering Dude:

Water Snowflake or Snowflower: This Category I invasive escapes ponds and water gardens into lakes, canals and slow-moving waterways. It spreads rapidly by floating stems, fragments and seeds. Forms dense surface mats blocking sunlight to submerged native plants. Because it reduces oxygen levels in the water, it alters habitats for fish and invertebrates. Often misidentified or sold under benign-sounding names.

Host and UF/IFAS Master Gardener volunteer Jeannie Schmidle, joined by Kimberly Moore, environmental horticulture professor at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, discuss common invasive plants.

“Often by mistake, shoppers see a plant they like at the store and assume it is fine for their garden,” said Moore. “It is not the fault of the stores. They buy and sell what people want. Plus, we often do not know that something new and fun could become invasive.”

surrounded by thriving, vibrant gardens. She notes that this appreciation must be balanced with awareness, as some visually appealing plants can be harmful.

“When we select noninvasive and native or Florida-friendly plants, we can help protect biodiversity, support pollinators and wildlife, and create healthier, more sustainable landscapes.”

Moore and Schmidle recommend exploring the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants website for reliable, science-based information on non-native plant species.

By identifying the following eight invasive plants commonly found in retail garden centers,

This Category I invasive, listed by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC), spreads quickly through seeds and underground tubers forming dense mats that outcompete native plants. They are difficult to eradicate, and once established, they cause severe displacement of native vegetation and long-term ecosystem changes. The berries they fruit are spread by birds, facilitating their invasion of hammocks and pinelands.

Lantana:

Lantanas are invasive and toxic. They can also displace native plants. Lantana leaves and berries are toxic for many animals, and leaves are highly flammable, which can contribute to the spread of wildfire in invaded areas.

Pothos or Devil’s Ivy:

This is widely sold as a houseplant but can escape when dumped or moved outdoors. It contains toxic elements that are toxic to

This easy beginner plant is highly aggressive, and if not properly contained, it spreads rapidly and potentially outcompetes native plants. It is also highly toxic to pets if ingested.

Mimosa tree or Persian silk tree: Mimosa trees are stunning, but don’t let the beauty deceive you. They produce an abundant number of seeds that germinate fast and are ready to spread into natural areas, displacing native trees and shrubs.

Homes Sold in the Tampa Bay area

Indian

Top 10 Real Estate Sales

Pinellas Hillsborough Hernando Pasco

1. $7 million in Tierra Verde 491 Laguna Drive. This 5,251-square-foot house was sold by James F. Wilson and James F. Wilson Living Revocable Trust to Kenneth N. McIntosh and Kristen N. McIntosh on Dec. 15, 2025.

2. $6.06 million in Clearwater 755 Bay Esplanade. This 6,402-square-foot house was purchased by Ben R. Sharp and Michele L. Sharp from Roger O. Roberds and Eleanor Roberds on Dec. 19, 2025.

3. $4.86 million in St. Petersburg 126 4th Ave. NE, Unit 2001. This 3,341-squarefoot condominium was purchased by Jeffrey Urwin and Ailsa Urwin on Jan. 6.

4. $4.43 million in St. Petersburg 1934 Hawaii Ave. NE. This 4,472-square-foot house was purchased by Thomas G. Wattles and Christin Wattles from Tyler E. Murray and Trevor B. Yager on Jan. 9.

5. $4 million in Treasure Island 10048 Gulf Blvd. This 3,426-square-foot house was purchased by Insurance Marketing LLC on Jan. 7.

6. $4 million in Clearwater 800 Druid Road S. This 4,646-square-foot house was sold by Clearwater Beach Company LLC to Century Oaks 41 LLC on Dec. 31, 2025.

7. $3.85 million in St. Pete Beach 1205 Gulf Way. This 2,790-square-foot house was purchased by William L. McFarland II and Nasreen F. Haideri on Dec. 23, 2025.

8. $3.55 million in Tierra Verde 713 1st Ave. S. This 3,310-square-foot house was purchased by 713 1st Ave. S LLC from Juan C. Andrade and Sandra Andrade on Dec. 16, 2025.

9. $3.55 million in St. Petersburg 214 Aranda St. NE. This 4,741-squarefoot house was purchased by Anthony Scavongelli and Susan Scavongelli on Dec. 30, 2025.

10. $3.5 million in St. Petersburg 100 1st Ave. N, Unit 4202. This 3,338-squarefoot condominium was sold by Serenity Bluetique LLC to Joshua Carl Citron on Dec. 31, 2025.

1. $12.8 million in Tampa 72 Adalia Ave. This 7,825-square-foot property was sold by Dennis F. Hardiman and Lisa S. Hardiman to The Daniel I. Burns Revocable Trust and Daniel I. Burns on Dec. 17, 2025.

2. $5.35 million in Tampa 2807 West Parkland Blvd. This 7,906-square-foot house was purchased by James Formanek and Susan Schmidt from Daniel A. Larson and Tia M. Larson on Dec. 16, 2025.

3. $4.4 million in Odessa 8945 Roberts Road. This 7,895-square-foot house was purchased by Virgil Pizer and Rhonda Pizer on Dec. 18, 2025.

4. $3.6 million in Tampa 511 Erie Ave. This 4,718-square-foot house was purchased by Brandon Roberts and Kelly Roberts from Steven E. Miller and Kimberly F. Miller on Dec. 29, 2025.

5. $3.45 million in Tampa 2922 West Hawthorne Road. This 4,428-squarefoot house was sold by Hudson Parr to Eduardo Stigol and Liliana Zviklich Stigol on Jan. 6.

6. $3.17 million in Tampa 923 Guisando de Avila. This 5,243-square-foot house was purchased by The Steven D. Freedman Revocable Trust and Steven D. Freedman from Donald F. Temple and Lynda N. Temple on Dec. 22, 2025.

7. $2.9 million in Tampa 4201 Bayshore Blvd., Unit 1001. This 3,316-square-foot condominium was sold by Geoffrey M. Kwitko and Paula M. Kwitko to Steven Zaritsky and Elizabeth Zaritsky on Dec. 31, 2025.

8. $2.7 million in Tampa 704 Berrocales de Avila. This 6,459-square-foot house was purchased by Raj And Rama Bhole Trust on Dec. 12, 2025.

9. $2.6 million in Tampa 2912 W. Santiago St., Unit 404. This 2,937-squarefoot condominium was purchased by Josue Falcon and Laura Falcon on Dec. 8, 2025.

10. $2.55 million in Tampa 14906 North Rome Ave. This 3,646-square-foot house was purchased by Brandi Quinn from Stacy Karen Obrien and Stacy K. Obrien Revocable Living Trust on Jan. 7.

1. $1.84 million in Wesley Chapel 28536 Tupper Road. This 6,396-squarefoot house was purchased by Benjamin Ross Binder and Emily Binder from Maca Investments Of Tampa Florida L on Jan. 12.

2. $1.75 million in Dade City 18577 Clay Hill Road. This 2,664-square-foot house was sold by Chad Reed and Ellie Reed to Clay Hill LLC on Jan. 6.

3. $1.45 million in Port Richey 8731 Betty St. This 4,608-square-foot house was sold by John T. Maklary and Sherry A. Maklary to Kerien Martija Delguy and Avalos Cancio Yozlayne on Jan. 14.

4. $1.45 million in Odessa 4976 Night Star Trail. This 4,619-square-foot house was purchased by Ana M. Marias and Michael P. Marias from Derrick Andrew Dupre and Ashley L. Dupre on Dec. 16, 2025.

5. $1.2 million in Odessa 12158 Broken Oak Lane. This 3,138-square-foot house was sold by Jeanne Herstich and Anthony Daniel Herstich to Thomas Michael Takemoto and Jenna Nicoe Takemoto on Dec. 23, 2025.

6. $1.18 million in Wesley Chapel 30400 Fairway Drive. This 3,498-squarefoot house was purchased by Great Opportunities Investments LLC from Roderick Cunningham and Valerie Cunningham on Dec. 29, 2025.

7. $1.15 million in Wesley Chapel 7135 Graybrook Drive. This 5,452-square-foot house was purchased by Arnold Guzman and Anahi Alexa Guzman from Doug Brian McKenzie and Sandra McKenzie on Jan. 7.

8. $1.14 million in Trinity 10238 Pontofino Circle. This 3,626-squarefoot house was sold by Carl Mowry and Angela Mowry to Edward Kaloust and Carol Balkcom on Jan. 13.

9. $1.09 million in Trinity 10508 Pontofino Circle. This 3,967-square-foot house was purchased by William Kirk Miller and Lynn Marie Miller on Dec. 18, 2025.

10. $1 million in Land O’Lakes 3900 Tour Trace. This 3,764-square-foot house was purchased by Beeler Living Trust and Terry E. Beeler from Patricia Lynn Terry and Russell James Tieskoetter on Jan. 14.

1. $2.38 million in Brooksville 22331 Powell Road. This 6,207-square-foot property was purchased by James Slayton and Tamara Slayton on Dec. 11, 2025.

2. $1.5 million in Brooksville 19500 Sterling Bluff Way. This 5,533-square-foot house was purchased by Matthew Anthony McDonald on Dec. 31, 2025.

3. $1.1 million in Brooksville 22332 Mizell Road. This 4,188-square-foot house was sold by Susanne L. Stanton to Lee Rolbert Leagus and Shella Anne Leagus on Dec. 22, 2025.

4. $1.08 million in Brooksville 23245 Croom Road. This 3,836-square-foot house was purchased by Carla Curtis Bradley and Amanda Lynne Crcelius from Nicholas W. Nicholson and Sandra K. Nicholson on Dec. 31, 2025.

5. $1 million in Brooksville 24498 Casey Road. This 2,910-square-foot house was purchased by Bobby Marshall and Cynthia Marshall on Jan. 2.

6. $975,000 in Brooksville 1353 Spring Lake Highway. This 3,900-squarefoot house was purchased by Jaideepmni Cherukuka and Samhita Cherukuka from Alton L. Cochran Jr. and Angel Cochran on Jan. 5.

7. $789,000 in Brooksville 4063 Baseball Pond Road. This 5,104-squarefoot house was purchased by Samuel Freda and Olivia Freda on Jan. 2.

8. $758,000 in Brooksville 15041 Woodcrest Road. This 2,602-square-foot house was sold by Dean A. Rodenroth and William H. Eckert Jr. to Philip Metzler and Nicole Metzler on Dec. 29, 2025.

9. $750,000 in Weeki Wachee 5287 Tuscawilla Drive. This 1,632-square-foot house was purchased by Morgan Innes and Andrew Innes on Dec. 26, 2025.

10. $705,000 in Brooksville 5363 Utopia Place. This 1,995-square-foot house was purchased by Keith Anthony Pace and Tree Pace Rain from Lisa Becker Cesare on Dec. 5, 2025.