I
n the Tampa Bay area, a new benchmark for luxury has been set with the listing of a 6-bedroom, 10-bathroom estate in Hillsborough County at an eye-watering $38.5 million. The opulent property, situated on almost 5 acres of waterfront land overlooking Island Ford Lake, boasts an impressive 16,114 square feet of living space.
Designed by renowned architect Philip Kean and completed last March, the estate was crafted with one goal in mind: to create a luxurious resort-style home that surpasses all others. According to owner Brandon Kemp, "We spared no expense in making this our ultimate retreat." The main residence features an array of indulgent amenities, including a sauna, massage room, fitness center, movie theater, and a sprawling 4,200-square-foot covered lanai with an automated remote screen.
A separate guest house offers a private 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom sanctuary complete with its own kitchen. Outside, the estate's pièce de résistance is a multi-million-dollar pool that stretches nearly the entire length of the property, accompanied by a water slide and pool bath. Additional outdoor features include a 6-car garage, tennis court, pickleball court, and dock equipped with boat and jetski lifts.
The Kemp family initially purchased a small cabin on Island Ford Lake in 2017 as a weekend getaway, but after buying adjacent lots, they embarked on building their dream home. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, they've decided to list the property for sale. Despite this, they're confident that their creation will stand the test of time, with features like poured concrete walls and impact-grade windows ensuring its durability.
The estate's meticulous design extends to every detail, from underground power lines to a fountain in the front yard built using equipment similar to that used at the Bellagio hotel. As Stacy Kemp notes, "We invested heavily in building this home to last forever." With listing agents Christian Bennett and Sallie Swinford of Re/Max Champions, the property is poised to shatter records as the most expensive home ever sold in Tampa Bay, potentially surpassing Derek Jeter's $22.5 million Davis Islands mansion sale in 2021.
