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A 1927 bungalow, essentially rebuilt, with a backyard that changes what you expect from Seminole Heights. At 316 W Alva St, classic porch-front charm introduces a remarkably private poolside retreat, pairing extensive structural and systems renovations with outdoor living rarely found at this scale.
Behind an 8-foot privacy fence, lush hedges, cascading vines and mature trees create an intimate garden sanctuary. An 18-by-18-foot solar-heated pool anchors the setting, surrounded by 24-by-24-inch silver-toned tumbled travertine. Submerged ledges, jets and bubbling water invite leisurely afternoons, while a screened enclosure with an approximately 25-foot panoramic rear span keeps the garden in view. After sunset, glow-in-the-dark aggregate in the pebble finish responds to black lighting, color-changing pool lights set the mood, and three natural gas tiki torches bring dancing flames to the perimeter.
The pavilion makes this backyard extraordinary. Built in 2021 with welded 12-inch steel I-beam rafters and 6-inch steel posts, its plans were approved for 150-mph winds. A matching metal roof shelters a seamless ceiling of custom-milled, 20-foot tongue-and-groove pine. Lounge beside the natural gas fireplace, gather for dinner or turn cooking into the evening's entertainment at the 30-inch natural gas Teppanyaki Hibachi Grill. An outdoor refrigerator, sink, generous counters and weather-resistant cabinetry complete the kitchen. Fans and layered lighting carry the experience comfortably into the evening.
A separate covered lanai offers an enclosed sink and toilet area and an unforgettable outdoor shower entered through a curtain of living vines. Charcoal tile, a sculptural white accent and a penny-tile floor create a secluded place to rinse beneath the wood ceiling. Artificial turf, travertine walkways and a matching storage shed make the grounds as practical as they are inviting.
Inside, the front door opens to a direct sightline toward the garden. A large picture window and two lower windows frame greenery and blue water, making the backyard the focal point of the open living, dining and kitchen areas. Wood-look tile flows throughout. Solid cherry Kitchen Craft cabinetry features a rich medium-brown stain, soft-close hardware and crown molding, complemented by slate-finish appliances. Two bedrooms and two interior baths include a primary shower with dual rainfall heads, a corner bench and pebble detailing; the third bath serves the pool area.
The transformation went far beyond finishes. Between 2017 and 2022, three exterior walls were rebuilt, all exterior walls were re-sheathed in 3/4-inch plywood, and the home received a full electrical rewire with a 200-amp panel, water lines to the meter, sewer lines to the connection and new natural gas piping. A 2018 concealed-fastener steel roof, insulated hurricane-rated windows, spray-foam insulation, a 2021 gas tankless water heater and 2022 HVAC with new ductwork bring substantial modern infrastructure to its historic character.
Walk to La Central for fire-grilled tacos, Angry Chair for dinner and craft beer, or Cappy's for neighborhood pizza. Armature Works and the Riverwalk are approximately a 9-minute bike ride away, depending on route and pace. Enjoy riverfront dining and an evening ride, then return to a retreat that gives you every reason to stay home. A rare combination of bungalow character, extensive rebuilding and exceptional outdoor privacy. For those unwilling to settle.
Property Details
Price: $648,700
Sq Ft: 1,012
($641 per
sqft)
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 3
City: Tampa
County: Hillsborough
Type: Single Family
Development: Meadowbrook
Acres: 0.1100
Virtual Tour/Floorplan:
View
Year Built: 1927
Listing Number: TB8563726
Status Code: A-Active
Taxes: $2,414.00
Tax Year: 2025
Garage:
Furnishings: Unfurnished
Interior Features:
Beamed Ceilings
Ceiling Fans(s)
Eat-in Kitchen
Open Floorplan
Solid Wood Cabinets
Stone Counters
Financial Information:
Taxes: $2,414.00
Tax Year: 2025
Exterior Features:
Awning(s)
Garden
Lighting
Outdoor Grill
Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor Shower
Private Yard
Equipment:
Cooktop
Dishwasher
Disposal
Exhaust Fan
Gas Cooktop
Gas Water Heater
Microwave
Range
Refrigerator
View:
Garden
School Information:
Elementary School: Broward-Hb
Middle School: Memorial-Hb
Junior High: Memorial-Hb
High School: Hillsborough-Hb
Additional Information:
Building Description: Bungalow, Historic
MLS Area: 33603 - Tampa / Seminole Heights
Total Square Footage: 1,452
Price per Square Feet: $641.01
Water: Public
Construction: Cement Siding, Stucco, Frame
Date Listed: 2026-11-06 00:00:00
Pool: Y
Pool Description: In Ground, Auto Cleaner, Gunite, Lighting, Other, Screen Enclosure, Solar Heat, Tile
Private Spa: Y
Furnished: Unfurnished
Windows: Double Pane Windows, Insulated Windows, Storm Window(S)
Parking: Driveway
Flooring: Tile
Roof: Metal
Heating: Electric, Exhaust Fan, Heat Pump
Cooling: Central Air, Attic Fan
Fireplace: Y
Laundry: Laundry Closet
Sewer: Public Sewer
Lot Desc.: City Limits
Parcel ID: A-01-29-18-4Gl-
Map of 316 Alva Street W, Tampa, FL 33603
Listing Courtesy Of: Real Broker, Llc
craig@kincheloegroup.com