About UsI am the owner of Casa Paradisio. I bought the house on an emotional whim because I absolutely fell in love with it upon entering it. It did something to me that I can only describe as akin to "love at first sight". Before looking at it, I had no intention of buying an expensive beachfront house. I was actually looking for something for my brother-in-law who was selling his manufacturing business and moving down to Florida to enjoy boating and the "good life."
After seeing it, I knew I had to have it but had no idea of how to finance it or find the funds for an extensive re-hab, which it needed. I mortgaged my home, bought the property and initially financed the re-hab out of my trading (I am a stockbroker by profession) funds.
I had also been a real estate developer and had a construction company in Wisconsin (outside of Milwaukee) 20 years ago. I had experience and thought this would be "fun" to renovate. Boy, was I in for a shock!
I couldn't possibly have calculated the difficulty in not only getting materials to the island, but off as well. In addition, getting good help was extremely difficult as well. Without a boat, you do not have access on or off. The bottom line was that I had to give up running a hedge fund and concentrate on finishing the house. It took all of my time and all of my financial resources to do so. It took exactly one year from start to finish.
The end result was even better than I could have anticipated. It truly is an exceptional place, but the cost was great as well (emotional, financial, physical). I found that I needed to rent out the home to help defray costs. Because it is my home, I am particular about who rents it. I would hope that in exchange for a really unique vacation experience that would be hard to duplicate elsewhere that tenants would treat this home with the same respect they treat their home. I am hoping to share this lovely place with people who appreciate the opportunity to experience Florida the way it used to be, its wonderful beaches, fishing and wildlife. Development is encroaching everywhere and how long this little island will remain "untouched" is anyone's guess. In the meantime, hopefully I can share this little piece of Paradise and this will take a place in your fond memories as it does mine.
Sandra
Ippolite
Age: 48
Financial Consultant/Hedge Fund Manager
Sarasota, FL
Marquette University Graduate
Born: Green Bay, WI (grew up during the Lombardi era)Interests: Sailing, scuba, skiing, former equestrian (jumper), photographer, extensive traveler (am planning a circumnavigation by sailboat) and hope to do some writing (Journalism major) in retirement.