645 East Marks Street, Orlando
Historic charm and character meet modern style and function on this 0.39-acre lot in Orlando’s desirable Lake Highland district Built in 1925 by E B Hess a prolific typewriter inventor the property was selected for its elevated city location, earning the name “House on the Hill ” Extensively renovated, including a major 1995 update back to the studs, the residence preserved its cherished original features while expanding to include a rear primary suite, creating a four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom home Now offering 4,107 square feet of living space, the home retains its unique character with seven original and fifty historic replica windows, wroughtiron balconies, a hidden Prohibition-era cabinet, and hand-glazed tiles on the living room floor, risers, and fireplace
The current owners, with a loving and meticulous approach, further enhanced the property with a new roof (2022), heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units (2017 and 2023), tankless water heaters, full re-plumbing (2018), window rehabilitation (2017–2019), a solar system (2022), and an elevated pool and spa (2021) A walkway leads to a covered front stoop (new custom front doors will be installed soon), opening into a light-filled foyer and family room with a fireplace and wide arched openings that create easy flow and flexible use between these spaces and the adjacent kitchen.
Off a soft entry to the right are two fully renovated alternate bedroom suites with en-suite bathrooms. These spaces feature wide plank wood flooring, extensive millwork, walk-in showers with glass enclosures, unique vanities, all-new plumbing fixtures, thoughtful built-in storage, and more. The kitchen, updated in 2018, includes Thermador appliances, custom cabinetry, a gas range with a custom vent hood, concrete and Silestone countertops, a large island with ample storage, seating, and a beautiful copper farmhouse sink.
French doors open to a covered outdoor area that the current owners use for dining al fresco, complete with electric, remote-controlled screens A pergola-covered deck extends over a large fire pit, seating area, and an outdoor kitchen with a copper sink, marble countertops, ice maker, refrigerator, grill, and Alfa pizza oven overlooking the saltwater pool and spa, which are both heated and chilled for year-round enjoyment
The fourth bedroom, currently used as a pantry and prep area, could easily be converted back by adding a door for privacy and includes an en-suite bathroom that doubles as a pool bath This bathroom features a walk-in shower, tongue-and-groove wood ceiling detail, and a cast iron and enamel wall-mounted farm sink The primary suite, split for optimal privacy, features lofty ceilings, French doors to the outside, a spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower with glass enclosure, clawfoot tub, two one-of-a-kind vanities with inset arched mirrors above, a private water closet, and two custom closets
A wide driveway and parking pad extend to the attached two-car garage, connected to the home through a mudroom and laundry room. Additional interior spaces include a dining room with a well-equipped wet bar adjacent to the kitchen, a turret-window-bordered office, a cozy sitting area, and a private powder room for guests. Other amenities include a whole-house water softener, osmosis water system at the wet bar, a termite bond, Arlo doorbell, cameras, security system, and an electric vehicle charger in the garage. All built-in appliances convey, including the outdoor pizza oven (2021), washer and dryer (2022), attached televisions and mounts, A/V system, built-in speakers, and more.
The most recent renovation opened the conditioned basement to the main living area, now a family favorite for activities like ping pong, board games, and reading The extraordinary landscape includes plantings for honeybees and butterflies, a raised garden bed of vegetables and herbs, and fruit trees such as avocado, mango, banana, and fig Environment-friendly features include a well-water irrigation system and solar, saving $150 monthly and offsetting roughly two-thirds of the electric bill
This exceptional home seamlessly blends timeless character with thoughtful modern updates and is ideally located near major roads, downtown Orlando, Winter Park, the airport, and Lake Highland Prep, offering a unique, inviting, and convenient living experience
