$8.55M Sale Of Riverfront Bradenton Estate Sets Manatee County Record

BRADENTON, FL — The sale of a 5.16-acre gated riverfront estate has set a new real estate record in Manatee County.

The $8.55 million transaction is the highest-ever sale of a single-family home on the county’s mainland, according to a news release from Michael Saunders & Company.

Located at 7000 Riverview Blvd. on the Manatee River, it is one of the largest waterfront properties in the county, with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico.

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The property includes a 5,975-square-foot five-bedroom main residence, a 1,702-square-foot two-bedroom guest home and pool — all with spectacular views of the scenic surroundings.

The estate features Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture, stately oak trees and an impeccably manicured property, the real estate firm said. The design reflects the vision of Miami architect Don Roban.

Featured in Florida Architecture magazine, the 1991-built main home features timeless architecture and the finest domestic and imported materials, including rare granites, wood mosaic flooring, hand-rubbed cypress wood walls, highly lacquered cabinetry, beamed 20-foot ceilings, and enormous walls of glass, the news release said.

The landscape design by Jim Talley features a breathtaking panorama of koi ponds, footbridges, waterfalls, walking paths and tropical gardens.

Michael and Laurel James of Michael Saunders & Company’s represented the buyers.

“It is rare to find five acres of waterfront in our area,” Michael James said. “The property is tranquil and private with beautiful views across a wide stretch of the Manatee River. Inside, the level of construction quality and refined craftsmanship is awe-inspiring, with massive windows infusing living spaces with natural light, reminiscent of a Frank Lloyd Wright design.”

The property’s seller, Sandra Robinson, purchased the property in 1991 with her husband, H.L. “Penny” Robinson, who founded Robby’s Sporting Goods in Bradenton in 1960. The business grew into a 45-store chain across the Southeast and was sold and renamed Champs Sports in 1988.

The new homeowners are from the Sarasota area.