Luxurious $9.6 Million Estate Near Tallahassee Features Private Baseball Field and Rich History

Located eight miles from Florida’s Capitol and set against a backdrop of magnolia trees, a stunning 6,000-square-foot cypress home is now on the market, priced at $9.6 million. This remarkable 100-acre estate, known as Old St. Augustine Hills, is being offered for sale for the first time in over two decades, attracting attention from both history enthusiasts and potential homeowners.

The estate's origin can be traced back to 1960 when retired Navy captain Albert Gallatin Neal acquired the sprawling land. During his ownership, he developed ponds and planted more than 4,000 trees, transforming the picturesque land outside Tallahassee into a verdant landscape. Following Neal's passing, his widow Margaret consistently turned down developer offers, hoping to find a family who would cherish and maintain the property.

That family came in 2003 when current owners David and René Hanselman took over. With a historical road, Old St. Augustine Road, running alongside, the estate carries a rich connection to the world of college baseball, a legacy begun by the Neal family. The private baseball field on the property has hosted numerous games, a nod to the strong ties the family has with the sport.

Adding to the estate's lore, Margaret Neal’s son was married to the sister of Dick Howser, a star at Florida State University and later a manager for the New York Yankees as well as the Kansas City Royals, with the estate serving as a backdrop for moments in his life.

David, an FSU and Troy State alumnus, constructed a state-of-the-art baseball field equipped with a scoreboard and a lit batting cage. In 2021, legendary Florida State coach Mike Martin paid a visit, further intertwining the property with baseball history. Listing agent Lori Bembry Weldon highlights, “The baseball thread runs right through this place,” underscoring the cultural significance tied to the field.

However, this property is not limited to baseball enthusiasts. The listed potential for the field includes various uses such as a pickleball court, putting green, tennis courts, or equestrian paddocks, appealing to a wider range of buyers.

Architectural Elegance and Modern Amenities

The residence itself, constructed in 2005, features a custom cypress post-and-beam design that includes six bedrooms and 7.5 baths. Displaying an exceptional level of craftsmanship, every detail—from the molding to the cabinetry—was meticulously designed by René Hanselman in collaboration with architect Ken Pieper. The home underwent extensive customization, transforming the original plans into a genuine work of art.

Unique features abound, including a stained-glass front door designed with artist Karen Pritzel and a stunning nine-foot magnolia chandelier from New Mexico. “Walking in is like entering a lodge—huge cypress beams, wood floors, craftsmanship that's simply incredible,” notes Weldon.

Exceptional Outdoor Spaces and Features

The outdoor amenities are equally impressive, showcasing a stunning waterfall pool, a wood-fired outdoor kitchen, and a “cook shack” that has gathered friends and family for years. The landscape includes spring-fed bass ponds and a cypress duck pond visible from the main living space, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxation.

The grounds boast cultivated gardens and a workshop space that caters to hobbyists, designed for light maintenance tasks while offering the tranquil joy of early morning gardening. The property remains ripe for further development, continuing to thrive under the current owners’ careful stewardship, with improvements made through selective timbering and prescribed burns restoring its natural beauty.

Turnkey Condition and Immediate Availability

For those interested, the estate is presented as a fully updated, turnkey opportunity with no deferred maintenance. “Custom furniture, artwork, and equipment convey with the sale,” reinforces Weldon, making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

The owners have refreshed notable aspects of the home, including refinished wormy chestnut floors and new kitchen flooring. A Lutron lighting system and Sonos audio throughout the house ensure both modern comfort and luxury, extending seamlessly to the outdoor spaces.

“Close the gate and the world falls away,” Weldon expresses, hinting at the property’s secluded nature, while just eighteen miles to the south lies the alluring Gulf Coast. This estate is not only an exclusive opportunity but a piece of Floridian history that balances leisure with legacy.