I’m not sure if it’s the Old Florida vibe or the vintage tourist colony atmosphere—most likely a combination of the two—but Braden Castle is the most charming place in the entire area. It’s a collection of old bungalows, many dating back to the twenties, all jammed together with no yards to speak of, and remodeled in interesting ways. If there was “folk art” school of architecture, Braden Castle would be at the top of the list.

Take a look at this house which just came up for sale. It was built in 1925 but has been remodeled over the years and the results are surprisingly modern looking. You’ll find two bedrooms and one bath in 850 square feet. (The lot itself is barely 1750 square feet, just to give you an idea of the scale.)

The exterior is about as cute as you can get, with some chairs under an awning where you can watch the river just down the street. You’ll also get a good look at Braden Castle itself, or its crumbling remains. The Castle was one of the first homes in the area, built by slaves back in the 1840s as a sugar plantation.

Braden Castle has an incredible location—right where the Manatee River meets the Braden River. It’s a 55-plus community, mostly snowbirds, with a long fishing pier and docks you can rent cheap. If this home is too much, there is also a trailer park attached, and it’s just as cute.

P.S. This place went under contract the day after it was listed, an indication of today's market and the appeal of Braden Castle.

5 Plaza St. E, Bradenton was priced at $200,000. It was listed by Linda Johnston of Century 21.