A true family estate, the project will include homes for Kiran Patel, his three children and their families. No homes will be available to the public. Included in the plans are a common swimming pool and a privacy gate surrounding the compound.

The 17-acre property is located on White Trout Lake in Carrollwood. The famous local cardiologist, who is also a renowned philanthropist, has been involved in the entire design process from structure to interior and landscaping.

Adding to the exotic ambiance, each structure will be designed according to a traditional Indian architectural style and average 8,500 square feet under each roof. And the original plans were even more epic. Initially, the plans called for twelve homes. Nearby residents voiced concerns about density so the plan was reduced to seven, plenty for three generations of Patels to have a place to call home-with family nearby.

Patel has been reported to say that living in such close proximity will support and sustain his family's Eastern values.

 

The two story main house will be a true Indian palace, housing two 8,400 square foot wings. Patel and his wife, pediatrician Pallavi Patel, will live in one side. The couple's son, Shilen, and his family will dwell in the other wing.

These two residences will be connected by a 15,376-square-foot great hall, divided into dining and living quarters, a home theater and a Hindu temple.

Kiran and Pallavi's daughters, also physicians, will each live in separate 7,500-square-foot homes. These residences will be connected to the main residence by covered walkways. In addition to the Patel family residences, there will be three guest homes and a staff house. Other buildings on the estate will include a 12-car garage and a 3,600-square-foot maintenance building.

In an interview with the Tampa Bay Times Patel agreed that the estate might be large but, individually it was not, really. His goal, he said, was to give each person "independence” while keeping the family close in "times of celebration and need.” He also stated that he was happy that his grandchildren would be able to grow up together.

Plans call for the project to be completed in two years. But for the Patels, this is a labor of love that will continue to provide a place to come home to for generations to come.

Will this Eastern idea inspire other Central Florida families to imagine their own custom estate projects? Perhaps, either way it will sure be interesting to follow the progress of the unique way the Patels plan to call Tampa home.