realestate

Florida homeowner erects towering structure in neighborhood dispute

A 10-foot-wide house in Jacksonville Beach defies neighborhood norms with its bold presence.

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n Jacksonville Beach, a 10-foot-wide house has become a local sensation, built on a narrow plot of land that neighbors had wanted to purchase. Developer John Atkins refused to sell the lot, determined to prove he could build a home there despite city officials initially rejecting his plans for a 15-foot-wide structure.

    Atkins scaled down his design and constructed a 19-foot-tall house that now looms over surrounding backyards and pools, casting shadows on neighbors who once opposed its construction. The property's owner, Mike Cavanagh, purchased the home for $619,000 and sees it as a "solid investment" and perfect fit for his single lifestyle.

    The 1,547-square-foot home features clever built-in storage and furniture, making the most of its slim frame. Despite initial jokes from neighbors, Cavanagh admires the home's design and believes its value will only increase as the area grows. He notes that Jacksonville Beach is slow to develop compared to other Florida cities, keeping it affordable.

    Cavanagh has no plans to leave his unique home, which he sees as a great place to live and a smart investment. The property's history and clever design have made it a local talking point, with curious passersby slowing down to gawk at the "spite house."

Towering metal fence erected by Florida homeowner sparks neighborhood dispute controversy.