Historic Ruder Estate, essence of a nostalgic era, a timeless beauty in Belleair's history on almost one acre! *Commanding an undeniable presence, this Mediterranean villa has been lovingly restored to capture the essence of a nostalgic era while ensuring a welcoming ambience to all who enter. Noted as one of the first homes built in the area during the 1920s, the timeless estate strategically blends striking architectural elements with a thoughtful selection of high-quality finishes to create a setting ideal for grand entertaining as well as family livability. For 60 years, the property was home to the family of Belleair's flamboyant Depression-era mayor, Lucius Ruder. Ruder owned much of downtown Clearwater and gave the beach south of the pier to the city. He bought the Pavey home shortly after it was built. Being a gentleman gardener, he built greenhouses on the property and raised orchids. He also planted formal gardens and fruit trees. *Inside the 7,193 square foot home, rich hardwood floors lead the way through custom stained glass doors to a majestic foyer that offers a glimpse of the intrinsic beauty that awaits. Hand-painted coved ceilings, arched doorways, terracotta tile floors, and stunning light fixtures enhance primary spaces that are generously sized to accommodate large-scale gatherings. The grand room invites friendly get-togethers with its beamed ceiling and stone fireplace and opens to an extensive Italian-style loggia outside. Host game nights in the stylish recreation room, spacious enough to accommodate billiard and gaming tables, but also warm and inviting with a fireplace and beamed ceiling. Equally impressive is the artistic display of Cuban tile flooring.

Traditional elegance meets modern functionality in the expansive kitchen, reimagined with an abundance of storage and workspace to suit the most demanding culinary artist.

*Complementing the custom cabinetry, marble & quartzite countertops, and marble & quartzite backsplash is an array of up-to-the-minute appliances including a Wolf dual fuel gas range with convection ovens, Wolf ventilation, Wolf convection steam oven and warming drawer, designer series cabinet panel Sub Zero refrigerator, and Sub Zero freezer with ref drawers below, two full-size Sub Zero wine storage one with refrigeration drawers. This incomparable kitchen features dual prep areas equipped with two dishwashers and two full-size sinks and a butler’s pantry for additional storage. The total budget for the kitchen redesign was $250,000.

*Outside, various courtyard terraces combine with a charming gazebo, lush gardens, and a poolside kitchen to create a picture-perfect backdrop for spectacular year-round parties. Owners will find sanctuary in the sprawling master suite where a private lounging area, spa-like bath with extra-large soaking tub and separate shower, and a massive closet with dressing room offer moments of respite after a hectic day. Overnight guests will take comfort in the private guest wing situated above the 3-car garage and outfitted with two ensuite bedrooms and a rooftop terrace. Equipped with hurricane impact windows and doors, gated motor court, and a roof replacement in 2019, this impeccably renovated home commands nearly an acre in an exclusive area punctuated with stately residences, just minutes to the Belleair Country Club, Clearwater Harbor and Morton Plant Hospital.