1221 DORCHESTER ST

About this home

A distinctive piece of Orlando history in Beverly Shores, this gracious 1942 Colonial Revival enjoys wide views of Lake Estelle and offers an extraordinary combination of character, space and flexibility. Featured in The Orlando Sentinel when selected as the Hope and Help Center’s 1999 Designer Show House, the residence underwent an extensive transformation through the work of nine area design firms, with enhancements to the kitchen, primary suite, baths, living spaces, outdoor entertaining areas and classic Colonial façade. Continued renovations and improvements followed over the years by a family who has loved living here for decades. Today, the home offers approximately 3,781 square feet of living space with six bedrooms, five full and one half baths, plus an approximately 237-square-foot third-floor bonus area not included in the living square footage. Set on approximately .28 acres with sweeping lake views, the property pairs traditional architecture and mature landscaping with a uniquely private outdoor setting. French doors and windows connect the interiors to an expansive covered porch and terraced backyard designed for outdoor living, with a large swimming pool surrounded by generous deck space, a garden area, pergola and covered entertaining area with a summer kitchen. Dedicated storage for towels and outdoor supplies, along with a separate storage shed, adds everyday practicality. Inside, generously proportioned living and dining rooms are complemented by a well-positioned kitchen with abundant storage that connects naturally to the formal dining room, casual eat-in area and family room. The floor plan offers an unusual degree of separation and flexibility for both gathering and privacy. A dual-primary arrangement includes a first-floor primary suite with a zero-entry shower and a spacious second-floor primary suite with a private balcony overlooking Lake Estelle. Also on the first floor is an office or music room adjoining the formal living room, with beautiful lake views. Upstairs, four additional bedrooms are served by two Jack-and-Jill-style baths, while the third-floor bonus space provides further flexibility for living, working, recreation or storage. A two-car garage with abundant storage completes the property. The home’s documented design history brought together notable Central Florida design and architectural talent, including architect Randall Slocum, Robb & Stucky, Beasley & Henley, Pam Niemann Interiors, Pasternak Designs and Kitchen Designs of Winter Park—many names that have stood the test of time and remain recognizable in our market today. The result is a home with a layered history reflecting its original 1940s architecture and decades of thoughtful evolution, with scale and versatility that can be difficult to find in an established Orlando neighborhood. Conveniently positioned between Downtown Orlando and Winter Park and zoned for Audubon K-8 and Edgewater High, both A-rated for 2025, the location makes everyday life remarkably convenient. A recent 4-point inspection, floor plan and measured appraiser’s sketch are available for review. Comfortable and ready to enjoy today, the home also offers its next owner the opportunity to thoughtfully make it their own over time, carrying forward more than 80 years of character and history.