16 Columbia STREET

Breathtaking saltwater views stretch for miles with magnificent sunrises over the water. Relax and prepare to be mesmerized by Mother Nature’s dolphin, manatee, and water birds right outside your windows. This bright, sunlit, waterfront cottage with expansive views can be yours. Come join the fun. Enjoy great fishing from our community Long Pier taking you almost 100 yards out over the confluence of the Braden and Manatee Rivers. You'll be just a short boat ride from your slip in the community marina to salty pubs and waterfront restaurants along the river or to the sugar sand beaches of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico beckon. Simply a boating and fishing dream come true. Coastal Florida at its best! You'll be a 3 mi. bike ride to Main Street's Saturday Market and Festivals, even closer to the River Walk and a short drive to the beaches. Enjoy life in a safe, caring, active 55+ community of 200 historic cottages celebrating it's 100th Year Jubilee in 2024. It's unusual, incredible, a time capsule that needs to be seen. Certainly Old Florida at its best. Enjoy amenities that include: the Marina, the Long Pier, historical Meeting & Dining Halls, Shuffleboard Courts, Pool Hall, Library, Fitness Room, Rental Guest Cottage, the Veteran's & Founders Memorial, and the Plaza where events abound. Join your neighbors at frequent dinners, BINGO, cards, dominoes, shuffleboard, corn hole, horseshoes, hymn sing (choir), a bicycle club and even a drum circle. Don't forget “Ye Olde Liars Bench” at the marina where tall tales are told or the Gazebo on the Lagoon. You'll be living in a Florida Heritage and National Historic District. The original “Braden Castle” ruins on the Plaza date back to 1850 where Dr. Joseph Braden the namesake of Bradenton settled. Here, where the rivers meet, you will discover an extraordinary sense of place long recognized as special. Discover this hidden paradise for yourself and see why it has stood the test of time. Experience the warmth of like-minded neighbors all entranced by the magic of the site. There are only ten river front cottages in the community and this example with its expansive water views is a hidden gem. Beautifully cared for, it has been updated while retaining its integrity and charm. Enter through the sun porch to be greeted by commanding water views and captivated by the original heart pine floors. You’ll find a bright, beachy vibe to this beautifully restored cottage. Many systems have been updated including a new mini split heat pump / air conditioner in 2024. The plumbing and electrical have been updated along with a recent metal roof. The sun porch was completely rebuilt along with structural upgrades and the building is sound. Consider this amazing number: The ANNUAL ASSOCIATION DUES ARE ONLY $400 PER YEAR! Back in the day, the Association developed a 97 space mobile home park on some adjacent land, there is also a rental guest cottage and 13 space seasonal RV Park. The rents from these fund the majority of the operating expenses of the Association and allow for extremely low fees. And, you can rent a boat slip in the Marina or overflow car, boat trailer or RV storage spaces for only $300/yr. all contributing to the Association's kitty. Brilliant! This charming riverfront cottage is impeccably maintained. It's available on short notice. It's move-in ready. Are you?