Martin Andersen first came to Orlando in 1931 in order to take over the two Orlando Sentinel newspapers, then known as the Morning Sentinel and the Evening Reporter-Star. At the time the papers were considered a very small time outfit, with circulation of about 10,000. Andersen was so successful at running the paper as editor-in-chief that the owner soon gave him a 10% stake to make sure to keep him around. During the Great Depression, he offered him an option to buy a controlling stake in the paper. Andersen, along with wife Jane, exercised this option in 1941. Martin was the majority owner of the Orlando Sentinel and grew the paper to a circulation of 150,000 by the time he sold it to the Tribune Company in 1965 for over $6,500,000.
In 1947, the Andersens moved to Longwood and built what was then considered a mansion between Lake Wildmere and Lake Evergreen in Longwood. The house was set on five partially-wooded acres fronted Lake Wildmere side, with a creek behind it that ran between the two lakes. On the compound, there was also a two bedroom/two bathroom/kitchen guest house, detached large garage, detached workshop, swimming pool, and boathouse/dock. The main house was 3,465 heated square feet (4,400 under roof) with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. It was well maintained over the years. It featured wood floors, two fireplaces, a Florida room, and screened porch.
It is unclear when Andersen sold the property, but he died in 1986 after several years of illness after suffering a stroke.
The house was sold at auction in 2013 and offered again for sale in 2015. It was purchased and the home and outbuildings were demolished soon thereafter. It has been replaced with a gated neighborhood of townhomes known as The Reserve at Lake Wildmere.
Sale in 2013
2015 Real Estate Listing
Price shown is minimum bid, property will be sold to highest qualified bidder. Are you looking for true lake front living in Seminole County? Your search is over, this truly unique 4 bedroom 3 bath home has wood floors, two fireplaces one in the oversized living area and one in the spacious master bedroom, a screen porch with large wood burning grill, Florida room with large windows and cabinets, Pella windows, with 2/2 guest cottage is a rare find. 5 acres of pristine nature setting with boat house and dock is waiting for you! The home offers:gourmet kitchen with sub zero refrigerator, solid wood floors (not veneer) , high ceilings, wood burning brick fireplace in main living area with amazing view of lake, wood burning brick fireplace in oversized master suite. The main house was a grand estate home and is a very rare find. This estate property has over 400 feet of frontage on Lake Wildmere, a spring fed ski and boat friendly lake with no public access and fronts the SW portion of Lake Evergreen. Wake up in the morning to breathtaking lake views with lots of Florida nature’s best. Home has been built in early 50s with architectural niches and high quality workmanship. Total area of the main home is nearly 4,400 Sq Ft with about 3000 MOL Sq Ft of heated area. Property includes a 2 BD 2 BTH guest cottage with full kitchen. The cottage/guest house/in-law suite (as you wish) has been updated with new central AC,new oak flooring, ceramic tile in bathrooms and cute bright kitchen with tons of counter space. On the East end of the property there is a very large pool (needs restoration), includes pump house and equipment room. 2 Car covered parking next to main house plus 2 Car detached garage is AND another 2 detached car garage and workshop (due for update ) Neighborhood commercial mixed use zoning allows for current use and many others providing many long-term investment possibilities. Lot can be spit. Owners are highly motivated for a quick sale. Currently rented on a month to month basis. Showings BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
What the seller loves about this home
It’s a needle in a haystack, you are not going to find anything comparable. The views are mesmerizing, peaceful and full of nature. The lake is very healthy and is spring fed, connecting to two other lakes (frontage on one other lake (Evergreen) via small canals. There is no public access to the lake and is ideal for a nice pontoon boat. House faces south to make the best of winter sun. There are many things that can be updated you can use it as is or one could start from scratch, design and build the home of your dreams and stay in the in-law house during construction. You would save big money on impact fees, utility connections, site work, survey and other costs VS a vacant lot. Only one neighbor adjoining to the south (very friendly) providing privacy all around. Lots of trees.