803 W ORIENT STREET TAMPA FL 33603 MLS #TB8435175

Welcome to The “Pretty in Pink” Cottage, where 1950s Riverside Heights charm meets 2025 comforts. Too often when someone renovates a historic home, they strip away all the character that made it special when it was first built. Not this one, which seamlessly blends the old and charming with the new and shiny. Built in 1957, this block-constructed Riverside Heights cottage has been thoughtfully updated to meet today’s lifestyle while preserving the timeless charm that makes mid-century homes so beloved. From the moment you arrive, you’ll fall for its mosaic terrazzo-tiled front porch and the brick-lined streets that set the scene for a true Heights classic. Once inside, you’ll find treasures from 1957 still beautifully intact—like the adorable telephone nook (remember when there was just one landline for the whole family to share?), watermelon terrazzo flooring in the bedrooms, and the “Pretty in Pink” guest bathroom with original vintage tile that would be a crime to replace. The living room is bright, cozy, and inviting, anchored by a charming picture window that allows soft natural light to flood the space—one of those simple, beautiful features that make these mid-century homes so special. While many 1950s cottages weren’t built with en suite bathrooms, this one has been thoughtfully reimagined to include a cozy primary suite with its own private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a spacious reach-in closet complemented by original built-in shelving and drawers that are as charming as they are functional. The updates continue throughout, with updated interior and exterior paint, new light fixtures throughout the home, and a renovated kitchen featuring white shaker cabinetry, an oversized island that doubles as a dining table, stone countertops, wood floating shelves, a stainless steel vent hood and dishwasher, undermount sink, brushed nickel hardware, stainless steel French door refrigerator, and a large-format subway tile backsplash. The kitchen tastefully blends timeless trends of yesteryear with tasteful design styles of today. The main living areas flow effortlessly with wood tile flooring, creating a feeling of warmth and cohesion. Set on a spacious 7,800 sqft lot, the backyard offers endless potential—with a screened lanai, garden beds, fire pit, and plenty of room to add a pool or design your dream outdoor retreat. It’s also fully fenced with white vinyl fencing, providing both privacy and curb appeal. A rare one-car garage plus carport adds extra convenience, storage, and laundry.

And the location? It’s the best. Own your own piece of Riverside Heights, one of Tampa’s most desirable historic neighborhoods—where new homes are selling for over $1M—all for just $500K. Travel down the wide, brick-lined streets to the Hillsborough River or one of the several neighborhood parks, or take a five-minute drive straight down North Boulevard to Woven Water Brewing, Armature Works, and the Tampa Riverwalk. Here, you’re right in the heart of everything that makes Tampa living so special.

This one isn’t just pretty in pink—it’s perfectly preserved, thoughtfully updated, and ready for the next homeowner to call this Home Sweet Home. (P.S. Pictures don’t even do this one justice. You HAVE to see her in person!) **Ask about preferred lender incentives**