8866 Darlene Dr

Welcome inside

About the property

Introducing Palazzo Vecchio a remarkable legacy estate situated on The Butler Chain of Lakes. Crafted by renowned luxury builder Akers Custom Homes, this Italian-inspired gated compound spans 4.37 acres of land, offering an unrivaled 275+ feet of direct lake frontage and a level of privacy and grandeur rarely seen in Central Florida. Beyond a private gated entrance, a long, sweeping drive winds down to an expansive porte-cochere, setting the tone for what awaits. The estate unfolds like a European retreat, complete with a four-car garage, manicured grounds, and a private tennis court. Inside, soaring 22-foot ceilings and dramatic walls of glass immediately frame panoramic lake views, flooding the interiors with natural light. The grand great room is anchored by a statement marble fireplace adorned with intricate detailing, an architectural focal point designed for both intimate evenings and elevated entertaining. The chef's kitchen is a masterpiece of scale and functionality, centered around an enormous island ideal for gathering, complemented by stainless steel appliances and generous prep space. Nearby, the formal dining room offers a grand and sophisticated setting with sweeping lake vistas and a custom mosaic tile floor. The primary suite occupies its own private wing, an elevated sanctuary designed for true retreat. Complete with a sitting lounge, dual private balconies, a private bar station, and a spa-inspired bath featuring a grand soaking tub, expansive walk-in shower, and separate bespoke his and hers walk-in closets, it is a residence within the residence. Four additional bedrooms which are all ensuite in the main home provide luxurious accommodation for family and guests alike. Elevated lifestyle amenities include a dedicated home office with custom built-in cabinetry, a private movie theater, and an expansive game room perfect for entertaining on a grand scale. Outdoors, the estate transforms into a private resort. A massive dual level covered lanai flows effortlessly to a resort-style pool and spa, while a 400-square-foot cabana, complete with a summer kitchen, bar, bathroom, and outdoor shower, offers the ultimate setting for lakeside entertaining. The wide, open backyard featuring scores of organic fruit trees such as mango, banana, fig, passionfruit, and guava as well as 300 feet of active vegetable garden rows leads to a private dock with dual boat slips, offering immediate access to the coveted Butler Chain and views of Disney fireworks at night. A thoughtfully designed mudroom also features extended custom built-ins, offering both elegant storage and everyday functionality for a beautifully organized entry space. Complementing the main residence, a fully appointed guest house offers four additional bedrooms, one currently used as a private gym, a full kitchen, living room, a full English bar/entertaining space with dual balconies, children's play are and its own private entrance ideal for extended stays, multigenerational living, or executive guests. Originally conceived as an extraordinary waterfront residence, the estate was further elevated in 2019 with the addition of an expansive 3,500-square-foot addition, thoughtfully designed to enhance both the scale and lifestyle experience. Opportunities of this magnitude are extraordinarily rare, Palazzo Vecchio is not simply a home; it is a once-in-a-generation offering destined for the most discerning buyer.

At a glance

Property style

Single Family Residence

Listing status

Active

Year built

1991

Neighborhood

N\A

County

Orange

Total area

14,725 sq ft

Living area source

Builder

Total area source

Builder

Levels

Two

Garage spaces

4

Attached garage

Yes

Furnishings

Unfurnished

Inside the home

Interior features

Attic Fan, Cathedral Ceiling(s), Ceiling Fan(s), Central Vacuum, Crown Molding, Eating Space In Kitchen, High Ceilings, Solid Surface Counters, Stone Counters, Tray Ceiling(s), Vaulted Ceiling(s), Walk-In Closet(s), Wet Bar

Appliances

Bar Fridge, Built-In Oven, Dishwasher, Disposal, Dryer, Microwave, Range, Range Hood, Tankless Water Heater, Washer, Wine Refrigerator

Flooring

Brick/Stone, Carpet, Luxury Vinyl, Marble, Hardwood

Cooling

Central Air

Heating

Central

Laundry

Laundry Room

Fireplace

Yes

Fireplace features

Gas, Living Room, Master Bedroom

Outdoor living & construction

Exterior features

Balcony, Garden, Irrigation System, Outdoor Grill, Outdoor Kitchen, Private Yard, Rain Gutters, Sliding Doors, Tennis Court(s)

Private pool

Yes

Pool features

In Ground, Salt Water

Spa

Yes

Spa features

Heated, In Ground

Construction

Block, Stucco

Roof

Shingle

Foundation

Slab, Stem Wall

New construction

No

Road surface

Asphalt

Land, utilities & taxes

Parcel / tax ID

092428000000016

Lot area

190,490 sq ft

Zoning

R-CE

Front exposure

North

Ownership

Fee Simple

Annual property taxes

$56,721

Tax year

2025

CDD

No

Flood zone

X

Flood map date

September 25, 2009

Flood map panel

12095C0395F

Waterfront

Yes

Waterfront features

Lake - Chain of Lakes

Water access

Lake, Lake - Chain of Lakes

Water view

Lake, Lake - Chain of Lakes

Utilities

BB/HS Internet Available, Cable Connected, Electricity Connected, Sprinkler Well

Water supply

Canal/Lake For Irrigation, Well

Sewer

Septic Tank

Tax amounts reflect the stated tax year and may change after a purchase. Verify measurements, flood information, and permitted uses independently.

Community & association

HOA / association

No

Total annual association fees

$0

Average monthly association fees

$0

Age-restricted community

No

Pets & leasing

Leasing permitted

Yes

Minimum lease period

8-12 Months

Lease restrictions

No

Schools

Elementary school

Bay Meadows Elem

Middle school

Southwest Middle

High school

Lake Buena Vista High School

Schools are listed as reported in the MLS. Confirm current attendance zones and enrollment eligibility with the school district.

Room to imagine

Room by room

Approximate dimensions as reported in the MLS.