The Burg

Do you ever feel like you are pulled in a million directions? Well, that is how I have felt recently. So many things pulling me different ways, but I always come back to my love of timeless architecture, stunning landscape, and relevant design. I enjoyed a wonderful week at home in my hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida. The town has tremendously transformed since I last lived there ten years ago. That said, I always find it funny how it takes leaving a place to appreciate its beauty. The houses that I once admired quietly in the backseat of my mom’s car as a child are ironically the same ones I admire today.

Many of the true architecturally significant homes in St. Petersburg have mediterranean revival architecture from Perry Snell. However, there are many that try to mimic that style in new construction, and fail miserably every time (sorry, it just doesn’t work with cheap iron doors and very short windows). There is also the downtown waterfront that was once low lying with charming local shops (RIP Straw Goat), and now has high rises of trendy new restaurants and main stay boutiques. While it is easy to miss the quiet of the old, it is fun to experience the vibrancy of the new. It brings so much to the city.

Think of this is as a city guide of sorts…Beautiful homes. great restaurants. and all things that make living in St. Petersburg so special.

To all my hometown friends…XOXO

All photos by Christina Dandar for The Potted Boxwood, unless otherwise noted.

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It is a pretty wonderful place. Taken in an empty lot that will sadly become a McMansion of sorts….Full of bells and whistles and void of character. Funny how those are the homes that age so quickly.

Houses

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A Beach Drive staple.

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I love a home covered in green. Give it shutters, and I am as happy as can be!   Saint Petersbirg Florida_Photo by The Potted Boxwood 6

I got a lot of slack for this from my friend. Growing up, it used to be a pinkish color with a black front door and shutters. Even then, I loved it. There was something so “old Florida” about it. The charming lace of iron and shuttered blue of a front door. I love it, and sadly friend, you are wrong. (Okay, maybe they can do without the small porthole window).

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This home is one of the only ones that can get away with the dark tuscany style color.

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A wonderful gated entry on what is an incredible St. Petersburg lot.

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A dark gray example of St. Petersburg architecture. Saint Petersbirg Florida_Photo by The Potted Boxwood 11

If I could come back to St. Pete and buy any home, I think this would be it. Perfectly Floridian and as happy as a glass of orange juice.  Saint Petersbirg Florida_Photo by The Potted Boxwood 13

A perfect Floridian entrance.

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A perfect Snell Isle example of Mediterranean revival architecture.       Saint Petersbirg Florida_Photo by The Potted Boxwood 21

I know the family that formerly owned this home. It was charming then, and equally charming now. It is the kind of house you would want to grow up in.

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The poodle house, as I formerly referred to it (if you are a local, you know why). I loved the simplicity, the grandeur, and the way all Florida homes can pull off barrel tile with no questions asked.

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Obsessed. Both of the above photos are the same home. I can’t help but admire the meticulous landscaping and the Florida blue shutters.

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Classic white house with a black door. Always enough to make it on TPB.

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The green roof gets me every time. As with most homes, I can only hope the inside replicates the beauty of the outside  Saint Petersbirg Florida_Photo by The Potted Boxwood 31

I am not sure why. but I have always been weirdly obsessed with this house. Even in high school, I would drive past this house and appreciate the architecture. Some of my friends said it seemed “scary” or “gothic,” but I can’t see how anyone couldn’t have a bit of fun with it!

Saint Petersbirg Florida_Photo by The Potted Boxwood

 

Hot Spots

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Pass-a-grille Beach. There is nothing quite as peaceful and beautiful.

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Mis en Chic. A great design store in the heart of St. Pete. A wonderful mix of good pieces and even better accessories.

Locale Saint Petersburg

Locale Market. A gourmet market that will leave your head spinning of tasty delight. Photo: The Sun Dial

Restos:

Red Mesa

The ginger crusted salmon salad is the only “salad” I ever crave. It pairs nicely with their pitchers of Sangria

I.C. Sharks

The fish tacos and buttery fresh tuna will have you feeling like you are made of Florida in no time.

The Bodega

Cubans and an iced cafe con leche. The best you will have this side of the Gulf.

The Mill

Enjoy a handcrafted cocktail and the phenomenal charcuterie.

Nitallys

A combination of Mexican and Thai food. You haven’t lived until you had the Panang Mole. Yes, you read that right.

Noble Crust

Pizza by night and brunch if you dare. It will be hard to steer clear of their fried chicken and waffles.

Ciccios/Fresh Kitchen

Same owners and same amazing bowls of rice and goodness. Always get the fresh tuna…you can’t go wrong.

Stay:

The Vinoy

It is a historic hotel, full of the fabulous architecture that makes St. Pete so fabulous. Unfortunately, the new interior designer was thinking more South Beach than Snell Isle. Despite the velvet turquoise, it is still the best place to stay!

The Birchwood

A boutique hotel where I recently hosted a bridal shower for a high school friend. A great location! You can’t beat the hotel bar, restaurant, or the rooftop view.

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You can’t beat the St. Pete sunsets either….