03 — Home of Tammy Campbell McNelis and Mike McNelis — Coming Home
A Home Tied to Childhood Memories
When homeowner Tammy Campbell- McNelis’ parents moved to St. Pete Beach from Ohio, she was a year old. Her father worked with large exotic cats at the Aquatarium Zoo in St. Pete, her mother owned a successful dog grooming business for over 50 years and the family lived in the Don Caesar Place. The home on 2209 Sunset Way which Tammy and her husband Mike bought is across the street from where the original Sunshine Elementary School stood, and where Tammy attended elementary school in the 1960’s. She remembers walking to the beach for PE classes. The couple purchased the house and historic cottage on the multi-family lot in 2017.
A 1930s Cottage Reimagined for Coastal Retreat
Old Chicago pavers in a herringbone pattern create a welcoming pathway to the original cottage. The 1930’s cottage has been turned into a comfortable coastal cottage retreat with beachy vibes, that the couple use for guests, seasonal rentals, and have generously donated weekend stays for various charity event silent auctions. Inside, a shiplap wall separates the living area from bedroom with king size bed and ensuite bathroom. The bathroom beaded board walls, rope towel holder, and tile floors add to the nautical theme. The compact kitchen showcases butcher block countertops, white cabinets and small blue and white tiled backsplash. The 400 square foot cottage is designed to include all that one needs for a comfortable stay at the beach just steps away from the Gulf.
Entering the Main House: Artful Details and Thoughtful Updates
As you enter the main house, there is a one-of-a-kind seashell mirror created by a Boca Raton artist. The warm cherry floor steps lead to the second level living area where above is a unique chandelier of jingle shells. Make sure to see the rooster fish caught by the homeowner while in Costa Rica. The footprint of the house built in 2004 remains the same, however, Tammy and Mike have made many changes to provide additional storage, functionality and designer décor touches. One example, the decision to replace a half wall with a full wall which now includes a pantry, wet bar, wine cabinet and additional cabinets for storage. As you enter the expansive great room your eyes are drawn to the kitchen island with massive marble counter top, that Tammy had delivered in one piece as she did not want a seam visible. It took a team of ten to make that happen.
The updated kitchen with plenty of cabinets for storage and a secret lift top door to hide the microwave when not in use is a chef’s dream with state of the art appliances and plenty of room for Tammy and her husband Mike who enjoy cooking together. A round glass topped tree trunk table located in the dining area is surrounded with views from every window. Tammy had furniture customized so the table tops would not be above the windows obstructing views.
Spaces Made for Entertaining and Everyday Living
The covered porch with tiled floors provides additional space for dining al fresco and gathering with friends and family. In the living area, comfortable seating surrounds the fireplace to enjoy on those chilly winter evenings. Above the open hearth in the fireplace is a brick recovered from the Sunshine Elementary School. On the other side of the house is an additional living area and home office leading to a porch where the homeowners like to enjoy a glass of wine and greet neighbors strolling by.
Private Retreats and Views from Sunrise to Sunset
The third floor includes the primary suite and two additional bedrooms recently renovated. From the third floor, the homeowners see the sunrise over Boca Ciega Bay and in the evenings take pleasure in magnificent sunsets over the Gulf. A highly desirable location in a quiet beach neighborhood where new memories can be added to earlier memories of school days in the original Sunshine Elementary School.
The home’s original 1930s Pass-A-Grille cottage
