The Custom Home Buyer Guide to Snell Isle Living

Style and Waterfront Elegance. This is the immediate sensation upon visiting Snell Isle for the first time.

At Snell Isle you will discover hints of Europe mixed with Florida waterfront elegance. One of the first ever waterfront neighborhoods to grace St Petersburg, this small community enjoys tropical surroundings with tranquil waterfront views, boat docks, beautiful parks and stunning luxury custom homes.

Situated between a private golf club and Tampa Bay, Snell Isle dates to the 1920’s when much of the island was established by C. Perry Snell, a Kentucky druggist who moved to St. Petersburg in 1900 and began buying properties he developed into upscale residential neighborhoods, commercial buildings, and public parks. Snell, who traveled throughout Europe and developed a taste for luxury living, envisioned a community with of European style and elegance. His vision has been more than realized. At Snell Isle, luxury living abounds.

Conveniently located just 5 minutes north of downtown St. Petersburg the Isle includes the peninsula east of 34th Ave and Locust St.; to the waters of Coffee Pot Bayou, Snell Isle Harbor, and Tampa Bay. The Isles include the shorelines of Eden Isle and Snell Isle Estate. The area is accessible by the Snell Isle Bridge and the Shore Acres Bridge.

Neighborhood characteristics – Snell Isle Living

Snell Isle is a peaceful and tranquil residential waterfront community. The area exudes luxury featuring classic European architecture in many of its original classic homes nestled among well-kept lawns and tree lined streets.

Snell Isle is the epitome of luxury waterfront living. Residents enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, and motor boating from private docks on a protected, deep, waterway that opens out on Tampa Bay.

The neighborhood is Renowned for its rich history the neighborhood is also known for its affiliation with various nearby clubs:

Historic Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club

Snell Isle is home to the historic Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club, one of the Nation’s premier golf courses.

St. Petersburg Woman’s Club

Formed in 1913, the St. Petersburg Woman’s Club is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization this is a staple in the community. Host to a number of waterfront, family, and community events. The Woman’s Club is considered one of the upper echelon clubs on Snell Isle. 

Snell Isle Bridge – Gateway to Snell Isle

Originally constructed in the late 1920′s, the bridge was built to provide access to the St. Petersburg Women’s Club. Land donated to the St. Petersburg Women’s Club by developer C. Perry Snell was across the water from the mainland, beyond the street car line, and located in what was then a jungle, with only a very rickety wooden bridge for access.

On Christmas Day 1931, the new $100,000 bridge was dedicated and opened to traffic.  In 1995, The City of St. Petersburg essentially rebuilt the bridge, keeping as close as possible to the original look and feel, restoring the original street lamps, but replacing the drawbridge with a fixed span.  This picturesque, often photographed, and often painted landmark in St. Petersburg is a treasure.

Snell Isle Marina

One of the three waterfront locations for the St. Petersburg Yacht Club is Snell Isle Marina which is open to the public with access to live bait, tackle, snacks and refreshments throughout the day. With waterfront activities largely focused around paddle boarding and community events, this club as Snell Isle Marina is a neighborhood favorite.

History of Snell Isle

The history of the Snell Isle traces to C. Perry Snell, who first visited St. Petersburg on his wedding trip in 1898. Upon returning the following year, his first purchase was the waterfront property located at First Street and Fourth Avenue North, now known as North Shore Park.

Other Snell purchases include Crescent Lake, Mirror Lake and 600 acres of land along the northern edge of St. Petersburg, now known as Coffee Pot Bayou.

In 1926, Snell also opened on Snell Isle what is now called the Renaissance Vinoy Golf Club and Resort, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A memorial is dedicated to him in Snell Isle Park.

Snell Isle is also home to St. Petersburg Woman’s Club. C. Perry Snell built the Women’s Club on Coffee Pot Bayou to give a location to what he considered the city’s strongest and most important organization

Since then the area has remained a distinctive community with a European atmosphere and waterfront lifestyle.

Snell Isle Architecture

The architecture of the area contains a wide spectrum of classic European and Spanish design among the older houses dating from the 1920s. The predominate house color is white with a number of coral homes in view. Many houses were built as small two-bedroom retirement homes that were subsequently remodeled and enlarged. In recent years, several waterfront homes were razed and larger homes constructed. The prices of real estate in the area range from $80,000 to $1.5 million.

wide spectrum of classic European and Spanish designed homes among the older houses dating back to the 1920’s.

Things to Do – Snell Isle Living

Snell Isle has two churches, two schools and a convenient shopping center along Snell Isle Boulevard. Downtown shops, parks, restaurants, museums and entertainment are just a five minute drive from the Isle plus grocery and specialty stores are also only a few minutes away.

Snell Isle is near the area’s most popular attractions, including the Salvador Dalí Museum, the Morean Arts Center, Tropicana Field and a variety of pristine Florida beaches. The area also offers easy access to Tampa International Airport (TPA), St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) and a variety of shopping and restaurants.

Vinoy® Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club

501 5th Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701  | Directions | (727) 894-1000

Snell Isle is home to the historic Vinoy® Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club, one of the Nation’s premier golf courses. 

Snell Isle Marina

1305 Snell Isle Marina, St. Petersburg, FL 33704 | Directions | (727) 895-8142
Open to the public with live and frozen bait, tackle, ice, snacks, refreshments

MLB – Tampa Bay Rays

1 Tropicana Dr, St. Petersburg, FL 33705 | Directions | (727) 825-3137

Snell Isle residents are close enough to Tropicana Field to catch a Rays Game and still be back at home cooking dinner and the sun set.

If Snell Isle sounds like the right neighborhood for your custom home building project, use the handy button below to set up a free consultation with us to learn more about the neighborhood and our expertise in building custom homes in this neighborhood. You can also learn more about schools in the area using the school locator button.