It’s located at 720 20^th St. W., just half a block from the creek, and was built by Dr John Mason back in 1925. He was one of the prominent early Bradenton physicians, famous for delivering four babies on the same night – and this was back in the days when babies were born at home. The house is built of local travertine stone and is solid as a rock – literally.

True, it could use a paint job and some cosmetic fixing up, but the original rooms are unaltered and reflect the way people lived back in those days. There is a room-sized entrance hall with a crystal chandelier, a big living room with a fireplace, a large dining room, plus a separate breakfast room with built-in china cupboards, a half bath, and a sun porch. Upstairs are four big bedrooms (one with a fireplace) and another sun porch that is combined with the master to form a suite. And each room has original – and spectacular – wood floors.

They are asking $499,000. Out of your price range? Consider this – there are three rental units (two in the converted carriage house and one in a guest cottage) which bring in close to $2,000 a month. This can go a long way toward the mortgage payment.