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Tampa Bay Luxury Home Tour Is Under Way

Andy Jones / Tampa Tribune

The 4,200-square-foot Bellmead 39 Grand model home in Connerton includes a swimming pool and hot tub.

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By GEOFF FOX | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 4, 2007

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TRINITY - You aren't likely to find run-down cars on concrete blocks in front yards along the Greater Tampa Bay Luxury Home Tour route.

In front of these million-dollar homes, you can, however, expect to see bright red Porsches, sleek Cadillacs and humongous Hummers.

If the vehicles out front aren't proof that you would need a mountain of money to purchase one of these massive homes, just take a look inside.

Stepping into the foyer of the San Marino II model in The Champions' Club community in Trinity could make an average-size adult feel small.

Could Shaquille O'Neal touch the top of the foyer's 13-foot-high ceiling without a running start?

Maybe.

Maybe not.

"It's nice and spacious," said John Rubish, of Lakeland. "I really like the high ceilings, and the view is beautiful."

Situated in the Mirasol neighborhood, the roughly 4,600-square-foot Arthur Rutenberg home -– expanded by Catenac Custom Homes, a Rutenberg franchise -– affords a view of a small lake with a golf course on the other side.

Rubish and his wife, Diane, said they were interested in a home closer to their grandchildren, who live in Palm Harbor. They said they were specifically interested in the San Marino II model, which features four bedrooms, a bonus room, 4 1/2 bathrooms, a pool with elevated spa and a three-car garage, among other amenities.

The home is listed at $1.4 million.

Of course, the San Marino II is just one of several models built by various companies that will be on display for the luxury home tour, which started last week. The other dates are Friday to Sunday and Oct. 12 to 14.

The 15-home tour includes palatial structures in Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.

The Tampa Tribune is a media partner for the event.

Reporter Geoff Fox can be reached at (813) 948-4217 or gfox@tampatrib.com.

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