One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Along the serene waters of the Tomoka Preserve, stands a Mediterranean palazzo of rare distinction, created to be a piece of art in its own right. A scenic drive through the preserve, lined with majestic palms draped in Spanish moss, leads to this private waterfront estate offering a perfect balance of elegance and tranquility. Resting on 1.24acres of private lagoon front, this award winning custom estate offers both prestige and seclusion. Blending elegance with nature, occasional deer may pause to watch you fish or canoe from the backyard. At the end of a quiet cul de sac, the home greets visitors with a regal canopy entrance, a sweeping wide circular driveway, Venetian columns, Italian curved terracotta roof, paver lined paths and tropical landscaping. A life size Signora dellAcqua fountain (lady of the water) and river rock gardens complete the essence of a Mediterranean retreat. Past the main gate, one will find a 2,294 sq.ft screened courtyard, complete w/ Venetian style stone bridge across the travertine pool complex, featuring a waterfall, dipping pool, heated hot tub and a main saltwater heated pool with a swim up bar, water curtain and controllable LED lighting. Outdoor dining is enhanced with hand painted frescoed walls, a roofed kitchen & grill, an oversized fireplace anchors the lanai. Multiple covered seating areas, from coffee retreat by the spa to a central dining pavilion. Inside, soaring ceilings, some rising up to 16ft, hand plastered walls, Italian style frescos, and grand crystal chandeliers set the tone. The Grand Room offers panoramic views of the river and courtyard; The chamber of custom display cabinetry is complemented by wine and coffee bar, complete with cast iron French doors and frescos of the Italian countryside. Pocketing glass doors dissolve boundaries between indoors & out, inviting breezes from the lagoon. The kitchen combines elegance with function: Monogram appliances, a 6 burner stove w/ griddle, double ovens, dual Fisher & Paykel dishwashers, floor to ceiling custom cabinetry, a granite island, a spacious walk in pantry, serving stations, and abundant storage. The master suite is a private sanctuary with oversized windows and direct access to the outdoor spa. Hand painted frescoed hallway leads to dual vanities & expansive stone double shower. Two oversized walk in closets offer crystal chandeliers and solid wood shelving. Additional bedrooms include a in law suite w/ a private courtyard entry, a junior suite with French doors and a flexible media lounge/ bedroom w/ veranda access. Beyond the bedrooms, the estate surprises at every turn. A walnut clad office conceals a secret Hide Away Room, while the Relaxation Room features a fireplace & river views. Card Room opens to the dining space. Even the foyer impresses with a cast iron French glass door and chandelier. While steeped in romance, the home is built for peace of mind. Some of the recent updates include a 6 zone irrigation system with new well, pump, Wi Fi controls, termite protection, upgraded pool/ spa mechanics & heaters. The new water filtration system provides exceptional water quality. This estate also offers a whole house vacuum system, 32 camera monitoring, invisible dog fence, hurricane shutters, a hidden safety room, a climate controlled garage & a whole house generator. Truly a rare offering: being one of two estates with direct lagoon access to the Halifax River. This Venetian Palazzo is more than a home its a statement.