Clearwater mansion, once home to colorful former mayor, on the market for $3.1M

A Belleair property that was previously home to a prominent Clearwater mayor is on the market for $3.1 million.

The ‘Ruder Estate,’ a restored, 7,193-square-foot home, sits on nearly one acre of manicured gardens and combines “architectural grandeur with one of the region’s most compelling backstories,” Cheri Boudreau of Smith & Associates Real Estate, who is handling the listing, says in a statement. 

“The Ruder mansion is an embodiment of Belleair history,” Boudreau says. “Situated near the Belleair Country Club and Clearwater Harbor, this architectural masterpiece comes with an incredible civic story and a deep commitment to the region.”

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The sprawling Mediterranean Revival estate was built by the Pavey family in 1922 and later became the long-time residence of Lucius Ruder, a Clearwater landowner who was mayor of Belleair. At the height of the Great Depression, Ruder gained acclaim by paying town employees out of his own pocket and donating key portions of Clearwater Beach to the public, the release states. 

He was also known for his love of gardening and cultivated thousands of orchids in his home’s greenhouses, which became one of the neighborhood’s top attractions.  Ruder was 64 when he died in 1965. His family lived in the home for roughly 60 years. 

Some of Ruder’s fruit trees still freckle the property, which is designed with multiple private terraces and courtyards, a gazebo and a poolside kitchen area. 

The home boasts five bedrooms, five full bathrooms and one half bathroom, the release states.  Hardwood floors, custom stained glass windows and a grand foyer lead to its spacious living quarters, which take on an “old world” charm with hand-painted ceilings, arched doorways, terracotta tile floors from Cuba and an Italian-style “loggia” covered patio.  

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The chef’s kitchen has undergone a $25,000 renovation, the release states, and features custom cabinetry, marble and quartzite finishes along with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, which include dual prep areas, dishwashers, sinks and a butler’s pantry. The primary suite includes a private lounge, spa-style bath and expansive walk-in closet. The home also offers a guest wing above the three-car garage with two ensuite bedrooms and a rooftop terrace. 

Pinellas County property records show the home is currently owned by Scott and Julie Anderson. 

The house at 1102 Palm View Avenue is listed for $3.1 million.