$9.3 Million 10-Acre French Country Estate in Florida Is the Perfect Snowbird Escape
If you’ve ever dreamed of flying south in the winter or even jetting off to escape to tropical Europe, both of those dreams may soon become a reality thanks to a newly listed Florida home that marries French craftsmanship with the warmth and ease of Sunshine State living.
Located in Micanopy, this unusual property recently hit the market for $9.25 million, offering a rare piece of “peace, privacy,” and stunning craftsmanship.
Set on 10 acres, just 15 minutes from Gainesville, this five-bedroom French Country estate combines old-world charm with modern luxury, offering a level of scale and privacy that makes it the perfect snowbird getaway or year-round retreat.
Listed with local real estate agent Joan Pletcherthe place is praised in its list as “unsurpassed” in its beauty.
“Incredible French Country Estate offers peace, privacy, and the joy of owning your own private estate,” crows the listing. “The magnificent, expertly designed, and sculpted 7,918-square-foot stone residence combines elegance, style, and craftsmanship and offers beautiful, expansive views of Granddaddy Oaks and the surrounding grounds.”
Upon arrival, a long, winding walk surrounded by mature oaks quickly sets the tone, as does the timeless appeal of the manicured grounds. Open pastures, shaded open spaces, and an unmistakable sense of tranquility define the landscape here.
The nearly 8,000-square-foot main residence has a layout that’s perfect for great entertaining and everyday comfort. A formal foyer and sweeping staircase measure up to the estate’s generosity, while custom millwork, wrought iron details, and travertine flooring reinforce the French country charm.
“The foyer opens to a grand staircase, a formal dining room, and a large living room with a carved stone fireplace,” the description continues.
The spacious kitchen includes a large center island with seating for five, a hidden pantry, and a butler’s pantry. Multiple fireplaces throughout the home add charm and coziness, creating the perfect setting for those cool winter evenings.
Indoor and outdoor living spaces blend beautifully, French doors open to expansive verandas with a summer kitchen, multiple dining areas, and a double-sided fireplace, all overlooking the heated pool.
“Stunning features that make this French home beautiful and warm include travertine floors, soaring architectural ceilings, impressive woodwork, five fireplaces, and intricate moldings,” the description continues.
The primary suite serves as its own private suite, complete with sitting area, double walk-in closets, and direct access to the pool terrace. Additional estate highlights include a private office, dedicated gym, wine cellar, and game room with built-in beverage bar.
In addition, if the potential buyer wishes even More Space is already available on the 10-acre property, with an option to take additional acreage adjacent, according to the listing.
The second list notes the actual value of that additional land, revealing that the property could be purchased for another 640 acres—worth $18.5 million.
That larger listing has been on and off the market several times since 2021, which may have led to the decision to downsize to a bite-sized version.
However, the services offered remain largely the same—and the portion of the world available on the cheap list is also impressive.
While the accommodation itself is impressive, it’s the landscape that really elevates the area. The 10-acre setting offers peace, privacy, and a sense of untouched beauty rarely found in the Sunshine State, all while remaining remarkably close to Gainesville’s dining, cultural attractions and essential snowbirds: airport access.
The property’s listing comes at an interesting time for the snowbird phenomenon—which has seen dozens of Canadians trying to get out of their Florida investments amid their country’s ongoing tax dispute with the US.
By 2025, Canada’s oldest real estate company, Royal LePage, found that 54% of Canadians who participated in the survey were considering selling their home in their region within the next year, the main reason being the current political administration.
“The divisive political climate in the United States is causing many Canadians to rethink how and where they spend their time and money,”Phil Soperpresident and CEO of Royal LePage, in a statement.
However, that hasn’t stopped many Americans from migrating south during the winter, and Florida remains one of the winter hot spots for those looking for a break from the harsh weather in their hometowns.
