2020 WASHINGTON AVE Sanford, FL 32771

Winner of the 2010 Sanford Historic Trust Preservation Award, this architectural treasure sits under a stately canopy of live oaks, the iconic mid-century home of frozen food pioneer Jeno Paulucci. This home has undergone a beautiful modern restoration. Built in 1959 as a family home, it also served as hub of the Paulucci empire of 250 brands including well-known household brands such as Chung King and Jeno’s. The Sanford community of Heathrow also owes its development to Mr Paulucci, an advisor to seven U.S. Presidents. Since he often worked at home, he designed the entrance with two front doors: one to the living areas and one to his office work area. The right front door leads to a 40x30 foot living room with soaring wood paneled ceilings. Mr. Paulucci hosted gatherings of business leaders and dignitaries alike, most notably President Lyndon Johnson. The living room directly connects to the family room and dining room. The private family room at the back of the home has original terrazzo flooring, built in shelving, and wrap around windows looking out onto the slate flagstone patio, outdoor kitchen, pool, and gardens. The dining room also has original terrazzo, floor to ceiling windows, and original built-in buffet. 

The entrance on the left which formally opened to the office, now leads to a second family flex room, open to the kitchen. The completely remodeled kitchen includes an eat-in area and is surrounded by serene, park-like views. Upgraded features include white quartz counters, mahogany custom cabinets, 48” counter depth refrigerator, Italian range; built in wine cooler and drawer microwave in the island, breakfast bar, modern hardware, fixtures, and decorative tile backsplash complete the look. The adjacent inside and outside dining rooms are easily accessed by either the indoor or outdoor kitchen, and exterior sun shades are easily adjusted by remote control as the sun sets. 

The bedroom wing is accessed through the kitchen/flex room area, and new English oak hardwood flooring ties all these areas together. Four large bedrooms, three of which connect directly to ensuite bathrooms, have retained original built-in storage and multiple closets. The baths themselves have been upgraded with modern glass tile, fixtures, and updated vanities.

The oversized swimming pool and spacious patio areas can accommodate large parties with its well-appointed pool house including his and her bath and changing rooms, but is also a serene place to enjoy a book and views of the live oak surroundings on over an acre. A large detached porte-cochere behind the home can easily be converted to a garage. A second adjacent parcel is available for purchase with a driveway directly fronting on Mellonville, the oldest road in Florida. This driveway accesses the porte-cochere and back of the home as well as providing additional guest parking.

You are a quick golf cart or bike ride to the Riverwalk along the St. John’s River, the Sanford Marina, and to the many restaurants, pubs and festivals in historic downtown Sanford golf cart zone.

Additional items: Tiled circular driveway. Whole house generator. 5 a/c units to keep house at an exact temperature (overkill!). Tankless water heater for kitchen and very large laundry room. New roof in 2020 with five year transferrable warranty. Original double paned windows throughout.