821 South Oregon Avenue
The current family, Elizabeth Stockton and Kirk Kirkpatrick and their daughters, have lived in this sublime 1916 Craftsman bungalow for almost a year. They bought it from Blake Casper and his ex-wife, Tate Casper. A.H. Johnson was the original architect and builder, who also designed and built other houses at the time in the neighborhood.
A realtor’s newspaper ad from the 1921 in the Tampa Tribune offers a bit of charming insight into the home’s past: “Located at 821 South Oregon, we have the best bargain in a bungalow in this restricted subdivision; this property faces east, has beautiful lawn and shrubbery, and is strictly modern in all respects; price $9,500, on easy terms. This is the best buy we know of today.” —A.J. Simms & Company
When Blake and Tate purchased this home, its exterior was brown with a red door, and most of the inside of the house had been painted lime green throughout—even the ceilings. The two spent two years updating and modernizing this special home to fit the needs and sensibilities of a family living here today. Blake and Tate also own Stovall House on Bayshore Boulevard—the premiere social club in town. Tate and a friend opened Oxford Design Studio and is famous around Tampa for her taste and style. The cosmetic choices in the flooring, countertops, wallpapers, bathroom tiles and fixtures of this residence, are all distinctively hers.
The family room is open and bright with modern shelving, recessed lighting, and a beautiful marble mantle. The primary bedroom is also comfortably situated on the main floor. Upstairs, guests will find the children’s bedrooms, with playful hidden closets and many nooks and crannies.
Downstairs, the quite stunning use of Carrera marble in the elegant kitchen is a focal point of the entire home. The spacious laundry room, stylish powder room, and very functional butler’s pantry are conveniently tucked into the back portion of the house. The warm checkered tile in these spaces was imported from Monaco.
The huge carriage house in the back was also lovingly built by the Caspers, with a large lounge room on the ground floor and a full bedroom and luxurious bathroom upstairs.