A century-old Mediterranean estate on Snell Isle in St. Petersburg has quietly landed on the market at $12.5 million after a meticulous four-year rebuild. Tucked behind a gated drive on Brightwaters Boulevard, the property blends its original 1920s architecture with near-new mechanical systems, putting it squarely among the spring’s most attention-grabbing luxury listings.
The home at 416 Brightwaters Blvd NE, marketed as “Brightleaf,” measures roughly 6,065 square feet, with five bedrooms, five and a half baths and a separate guest house on about 27,743 square feet, according to Douglas Elliman. The Mediterranean-style residence was originally designed in the mid-1920s and now sits on one of Snell Isle’s largest lots. Annual property tax and MLS details are available on the listing.
The “renovation” here was more of a rebuild. Over four years, the project overhauled mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, added impact-rated windows, installed a new roof and put in a resort-style infinity pool. Architect Greg Jones and builder Carmine Pici of Tom Pici & Son led the work, and insurers reportedly classify much of it as 2024 new construction, per the MLS posting on Weichert. Interior finishes include large-format Turkish limestone and rift-cut white oak, with appliance suites from Wolf, Sub-Zero and Miele. A 60kW Generac whole-house generator and integrated AV systems round out the modern selling points.
How This Compares Locally
The asking price puts Brightleaf in the top tier of Snell Isle’s market, which has been buoyed by several big-ticket moves in recent seasons. A waterfront Snell Isle home sold for $8.8 million in August 2025, a milestone that underlined demand for trophy properties in the neighborhood, as noted in coverage by St. Pete Catalyst. That mix of historic charm and newer luxury replacements helps explain why sellers are positioning renovated estates like this one at premium figures.
The property is listed by Robyn Gunn of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, with a virtual tour and by-appointment showings available. The listing emphasizes privacy, low-maintenance systems and a guest house for buyers who want an estate experience within city limits, according to the Douglas Elliman entry. With that package, the home will test how far buyers are willing to go for historic fabric reimagined as nearly new construction on Snell Isle, and brokers say the sale will be a bellwether for the top end of St. Pete’s market this year.
