Ask most Europeans what “Venetian Isles” means to them and they will conjure up visions of narrow canals, gondolas, cute bridges, Italian ice cream – and possibly hopelessly overcrowded narrow lanes and €20 coffees in St Mark's Square.

However Europeans lucky enough to have visited Venetian Isles in Tampa Bay will have a very different picture spring to mind.

Venetian Isles in Tampa Bay is an upscale waterfront community of just 518 homes located on manmade islands crisscrossed with deep-water canals (much like the ones in Venice). This neighbourhood is popular with all age groups, and especially with boating enthusiasts.

Development of Venetian Isles began in the 1950s as a project of George R. Davis, who directed eight major development projects along the Florida Suncoast. In 1958, Venetian Isles was billed as the area's largest and most costly waterfront projects.

In 1959, Florida Leroy Collins signed the submerged land rights to Venetian Isles Development Corporation for $34,412.50. Unfortunately, the filling of these submerged lands, and the building of seawalls became too costly, no homes were built on Venetian Isles until 1968.

In the 1970s, Sibley Homes took over development of Venetian Isles. The company formed the community's homeowners association, and put it in charge of maintaining and enforcing deed restrictions.

Leap forward to 2019 and one of these 518 homes could be yours.

4687 Alisa Circle North East is a home of Mediterranean coastal excellence. Updated and ready to be enjoyed, on 74 ft of waterfront. This stunning, five bedroom (one bedroom currently used as an office), four bathroom home has been thoughtfully designed to maximize indoor/outdoor living year round. From entertainment rooms that extend onto terraces-to open, tropical air dining-this home showcases the best aspects of FL living. Positioned on a private street with your own dock and 10K lb boat lift you can quickly navigate to a fisherman's paradise or enjoy a sunset cruise. Take a restorative dip in the heated, salt-water pool. Then enter your master suite located on the ground level. Beautiful wood floors lead you past two walk-in closets and into the bath with soaking tub, shower and granite double vanity. Slip past the dining room to the open-concept kitchen and pull a bottle from your wine cooler. Memories from the evening's dinner party linger as you appreciate the double oven, ventilated range hood, oversized walk-in pantry and central vacuum for easy cleanup. After pouring yourself a glass, enjoy the crackling fireplace in the hearth room before drifting to sleep. Family members and guests are comfortable in their own retreats. A second bedroom/office with pool access is located on the main level with adjacent hall bath. Three additional bedrooms, all with their own bathrooms, are located upstairs. In addition, the second level features a massive bonus room with built-in wet bar, seaside terrace and air conditioned storage. Just minutes to downtown, the airport and beaches.

To find out more contact the listing agent, Janelle Chmura on Office: 727.342.3800 or email her at jchmura@smithandassociates.com