At $16.5 million, it’s the highest-priced residential sale in Tampa Bay history. The Belleair Shore 19,000 square foot property boasts 8 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms on 2.5 acres overlooking Gulf of Mexico. The mansion is complete with a lazy river pool, grotto, bowling alley, fitness center, home theater, and library. Need more? Bonus rooms include a secure art room, wine room, game room and panic room. The 8 car garage will come in handy for the new owner’s Rolls Royce. The home was purchased by local developer and hotelier Ben Mallah, who says the home is a gift for his wife.
The seller was former Philadelphia Phillies slugger Ryan Howard, who retired last year. He purchased the property for $3.5 million. The home took years to build and was just completed last year. It was a popular sightseeing attraction for Philly fans, who would stop along Gulf Blvd or walk the beach to take photos. Police were called on more than one occasion deal with overzealous trespassers.