Property Description

Locals know this beautiful Queen Anne house as the Blanding House. Built in 1899 by Horatio Davis, a judge and twice mayor, Lt. General Albert Blanding lived in this home from 1900 - 1910, retaining its ownership until 1958. Nestled in the charming Duckpond neighborhood, this historic property blends timeless character with spacious living just minutes from downtown. Situated on a double lot encompassing a generous .27-acres, the Blanding House offers approximately 2,854 sq. feet of living space. The front of the home is affixed with a plaque from the Historic Preservation of Gainesville, which protects over 1,500 historic structures across five local districts. Victorian porches are one of a kind, aren't they? Featuring intricate gingerbread trim, this iconic front porch serves as your social hub for entertaining and for comfortable front porch seating, perfect greeting your neighbors and friends. Inside, the residence is currently configured as a duplex, offering two separate living spaces that provide flexibility for a variety of uses. The property features three bedrooms, two kitchens, two bathrooms, and dual staircases. Each floor offers a comfortable living space ideal for tenants, guests, or an owner-occupant seeking additional rental income, featuring its own fully functioning kitchen, living space, bedroom(s), bathroom, and 100-amp service panel. Downstairs is the master bedroom and bath, a laundry room which houses a stacked washer/dryer and the two water heaters that service the home. In addition, there are two large living spaces, and access to the front and south-side porch. In addition, the front living space, with its sliding pocket door, was often used as an additional bedroom. Upstairs are two bed-sitting rooms, each easily accommodating a large bed, desk, couch and several chairs; a bathroom, screened enclosed and open porches, and the attic access. UPDATES include: Dec 2025 water heaters (2), beautifully finished heart pine floors, March 2026 roof, and fire-resistant drywall on the downstairs ceiling. Should you wish to restore the floor plan to a traditional single family home, the owner carefully designed for easy conversion, simply remove one or two downstairs walls, and re-open the rear staircase for upstairs/downstairs access. The double lot provides mature surroundings and outdoor potential-perfect for relaxing, gardening, or enjoying Gainesville's warm climate, and of course, additional space for tenant parking. Located just minutes from downtown Gainesville, parks, restaurants, and the University of Florida, the property offers a rare combination of historic character, income potential, generous space, and prime location. Whether used as a primary residence, income-producing duplex, or future investment opportunity, this unique Duckpond property offers exceptional potential in one of Gainesville's most desirable historic neighborhoods. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Seller has a recent survey and is willing to split the property into two lots. Splitting the lot into two separate lots will require amended tax parcel ID's and legal descriptions. Buyer may purchase the duplex on the south 70 feet for $625,000 - see GC538426, with a first right of refusal for the north 50 feet as a separate lot for $99,000.