Update (10/16/2020): The renovations are done and the home just entered the market at $950,000. Check it out here and see what has been done!!

Update (4/17/2020): The estate is officially SOLD! A buyer paid $400,000 for the home. Get all the details over at The Bokey!

For many Sanfordites, the Paulucci Estate (2020 Washington Avenue in the neighborhood of Wynwood in Sanford) is without a doubt one of the most talked about and mysterious homes in town.

Mysterious, you say?

Well, simply for the reason that we all have been wondering for many years how this mid century gem might look on the inside! The lovers of this design movement among us were probably the most curious! Access to the home however was denied, even during the well attended Sanford Mid Century Tour of Homes in 2019. During that event we were only able to “tour” the outside of the mansion.

The wait is over!

But the long wait is over, the time has finally come! During the Estate Sale from Tuesday, March 10th, 2020 until Sunday, March 15th, 2020 you may step inside the ultimate time capsule that will possibly bring you back to the good old days when you were sitting in your grandparents’ kitchen or running through their home. I know this happened to Jessica and myself, even though our grandparents’ homes were obviously located on different ends of the world; hers in the US, in Michigan to be exact, and mine in Germany.

Regardless of the memories evoked by the smells, colors and overall style of the home, this place is a true historic and architectural treasure and worth touring. And of course, if you enjoy estate sales then what are you even waiting for? The sale is happening daily from 8am-4pm.

Speaking of sale, offers are currently being accepted if you are interested in actually buying the home! Leave us a comment below and we’ll connect you to the people you need to talk to!

For your enjoyment here are just a little bit of history and facts about the Paulucci Estate – and of course pictures of our favorite rooms and items found in the home.

Believe it or not, we found the kitchen rather charming! The wall paper was debatable, however, keep in mind that wallpaper is making a comeback, so…

Loved this painting!! The home was filled with many more!

This bathroom though…

Spotted lots of beautiful details as we walked the estate…

View from the master suite…

The amazing living room with cozy green plush carpet, which we actually liked!!

Loving the contrast of all the different materials!

Who exactly was Jeno Paulucci?

Jeno was actually Paulucci’s nick name; his full name was Luigino Francesco Paulucci (July 5, 1918 – November 24, 2011). His parents were Italian immigrants and you could say Paulucci became a classic example of the American Dream. He was a hard working businessman and investor who started over 70 companies during his career. He was probably best known as pioneer of frozen, ready-made foods including pizza rolls.

In the Sanford area itself, Paulucci left another important “mark”: in the 1980s he started developing the popular unincorporated community of Heathrow!

A Sanford Icon – Paulucci’s Mid-Century Modern Estate Home

Paulucci’s Sanford Estate was custom built between 1959 and 1962 during the peak of the Mid Century Modern Design movement. The home has 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms and is 4,240 square feet. In addition to this large living space there are also lots of outdoor spaces: a pool and pool cabana with his and her restrooms, a summer kitchen, a large covered terrace and several porches and a huge unattached carport (560 square feet!). Not to mention all the wonderful majestic oaks located on the property.

And then there’s also that adorable guest house at 2041 Mellonville Avenue right next to the estate and connected with a walkway. This adorable historic home was built in 1928 and purchased by Paulucci later on from a local doctor. It has 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths on 2,793 square feet.

2041 Mellonville Avenue Sanford FL

Tah dah!! Our favorite room in the guest house was without a doubt this one! Everything in this room just goes together! Loved the dark wood and many windows. We could have sat here for hours!

  

And how cool is this room with its cathedral ceilings? Totally unexpected for a 1920s home and the biggest surprise of the day!

  

Things you find in time capsules…

Sanford’s Mid Century Modern Homes

While Paulucci’s mid-century modern mansion might be the most talked about mid-century modern home in Sanford, there were many more midcentury homes built here. So if you are dreaming about owning one of these gems, don’t despair! The good news is that, while increasingly popular, there are still some amazing deals to be had, particularly in Wynwood, Mayfair and other surrounding neighborhoods in Sanford.

This one, for example, was a completely remodeled mid century masterpiece by Architect John Burton (who also designed the Sanford Courthouse by City Hall at 301 N. Park Ave.) that sold in 2019 in the Mayfair neighborhood adjacent to the Sanford Historic District. A truly stunning home and very inspiring for anyone who is looking to bring a mid-century modern home back to its glory…

Mid Century home for sale in Sanford FL

Find your very own Mid-Century Gem

So to make it a bit easier for you we have put together a list of available mid century homes in Sanford and Seminole County so you can dream, browse and possibly even already tour some of your favorites. Keep in mind that there may be a few in here that don’t technically qualify as mid century homes.

As you know, we are always available to answer all of your (real estate) questions and would love to meet you and show you the homes you’re interested in (also partially because we are big mid century fans ourselves!!). Give us a call/text us at 407-340-6458 (Jose Rodriguez, Charles Rutenberg Realty) or send us a message.

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Interested in further reading? Click here to see gorgeous Mid Century Homes for Sale in Orlando.