Tampa cigar-maker's historic home up for sale

TAMPA, Fla. - If you've ever dreamed of living in a historic mansion, you may find your dream home hidden right in the middle of South Tampa.

The house, which sits at the corner of West Bay To Bay Boulevard and Clark Avenue, was built by Tampa cigar-maker Val Maestro Antuono in 1925.

Antuono died in 1942. Three others have owned the home since then, including its current owner, Kay Hubbard-Cruz.

"He was an Italian immigrant who moved here as a young boy, worked in cigar manufacturing as a worker, and then built up to own his own factory," Hubbard-Cruz said.

After owning the home for 13 years, she and her husband have decided to downsize. She put the property on the market with an asking price of $2.995 million.

The home boasts 6,000 living square feet (9,000 total square feet), 15 rooms, a pool, and a four-car garage. 

"You get a workout when you go from one end to another," said Hubbard-Cruz. "We've done a lot of activities here. We've had a big wedding here and lots of parties."

The architecture has Mediterranean and Italian influences, with five family crests displayed around the exterior of the home.

The guest book from Antuono's funeral and some other heirlooms also remain in the home. 

To see photos of the home visit www.4024westbaytobay.info.