On quiet evenings in St. Augustine’s historic heart, it’s not hard to imagine the rustle of silk skirts, the distant laughter of party guests, and the soft clink of champagne glasses echoing from a bygone era — all drifting from the wraparound porch of a grand Victorian mansion now listed for $3.2 million.
Built in 1893 by a Civil War veteran, the home spans 5,800 square feet that reanimate St. Augustine’s singular history. The property embodies the striking Queen Anne Victorian style characteristic of the 19th-century American South.
The home lies in the heart of the historic district, situated on a 0.27-acre lot at 268 St. George Street.
It was originally built as a refuge for Lt. Col. John J. Upham, a veteran of the Civil War and the Plains Indian War, who stayed in the St. Augustine home during the winter months.
Known as the Upham Winter Cottage, the mansion is steeped in the Old City’s Gilded Age majesty, serving as an elegant venue for Flagler-era galas and Mardi Gras festivities.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the home is within walking distance of St. Augustine’s historic landmarks, restaurants, shops, and other icons of the city.
The recently renovated property now features beachy hues of pastel blues and greens, but it hasn’t lost any of its historic charm. Dark wooden beams trim the walls and ceilings, reminiscent of the late Victorian style of the Flagler era.
“From its stunning original millwork and wood floors to its unique octagonal shape, this home will take you back to the splendor of the Gilded Age,” the Sotheby’s listing notes.
The property is listed as a single-family home, with five bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms in the main house. A separate guesthouse also sits on the property, with two bedrooms, one bathroom, a private entrance, living room, kitchen, and dining room.
Upham’s soft turquoise exterior blends with the surrounding historic district, while its decorative arches, wraparound porch, and ornate woodwork capture the artistry of the late 1800s.
The home was listed on Sept. 29 by Elizabeth Jennings and Kate Mitchell with ONE Sotheby’s International Realty.
