3899 ARDEN Street

This fully custom home was designed by award-winning architect William Leuthold totals over 3750 sqft with a clear guiding vision: to feel serene, refined, and elegant while remaining warm, human, and deeply livable. From the street, the home is intentionally understated, carefully scaled to respect both the lot and the historic character of the neighborhood. Its presence reveals itself gradually, most strikingly from the Big Fishweir Creek side, where sweeping water and marsh views frame the home and hand-carved exterior corbels reward a closer look. The sense of arrival unfolds quietly, creating a lasting impression. Inspired by early 20th-century architecture, the house was conceived to feel as though it had been built in the 1920s, then thoughtfully updated for modern life. Interior selections were chosen for longevity rather than trend, resulting in spaces that feel cohesive, calm, and enduring. Every material and finish reflects a commitment to quality and restraint rather than fleeting design statements. The kitchen is the home's one intentional contemporary moment, featuring Henrybuilt custom cabinetry crafted in Seattle and nationally recognized for balancing clean modern lines with warmth and natural materials. It functions beautifully within the home's classic framework, offering a refined contrast without disrupting the overall sense of timelessness. Abundant windows fill the interiors with natural light and ever-changing views of marsh, water, and wildlife. Daily life here is shaped by the rhythms of nature, from birds in flight to reflections on the creek. The layout offers both openness and flexibility, with front and rear living spaces that can be separated by sliding glass-paneled doors, allowing the home to feel equally suited to quiet evenings or entertaining. Built with uncommon care, the home reflects a level of construction that is both thoughtful and substantial. Craftsmanship and long-term performance were clearly prioritized, resulting in a residence that feels as solid as it is beautiful. The home was recognized with Riverside Avondale Preservation's 2009 Preservation Award for Most Historically Compatible New Construction and the Jacksonville Historic Preservation's 2009 Preservation Award for Architecturally Compatible New Construction, rare distinctions that speak to its respect for context as much as its quality of execution. Set within Avondale's Arden enclave, the home feels immersed in nature while remaining easily accessible to Fishweir Elementary, parks, and some of Jacksonville's most beloved locally owned shops and restaurants. During the 2009 RAP Home Tour, a visitor was overheard saying, "I didn't know wild places like this existed in Avondale." That sentiment still resonates today. This is not a replica and not a trend-driven build. It is a home designed with intention, built with integrity, and rooted deeply in its place. One that reveals itself slowly, rewards attention, and stays with you long after you leave.