

Casa Chocolata Some houses are carefully planned. Others reveal themselves slowly, piece by piece, to someone willing to listen. For pastry chef Michael Baugh, this 1922 Craftsman bungalow spoke loudly enough to stop a demolition. When Michael purchased the home from the City of St. Petersburg in 2002 for $15,000, it was scheduled to be torn down the following week. What stood before him was less a house than a challenge. The roof was gone. There were trees growing through the interior. Windows were missing, the front door had vanished, and the walls bore bullet holes from less glamorous days. Most buyers might have walked away. Michael saw potential. "'d come home from work and ask myself, What does this house need?'" he recalls. Without formal training as a carpenter and with no architectural plans, he began rebuilding Casa Chocolata almost entirely by hand. Over the course of nine months, the structure slowly transformed. Aluminum siding was removed to reveal the original wooden clapboard beneath, restoring the home's distinctive Craftsman character with its double-gabled roofline and stepped rafters. Inside, Michael stripped the house down to the studs, removing lath and plaster and rebuilding each room with patience, creativity, and a keen eye for detail. The result is a home filled with handcrafted artistry. Look down and you'll notice intricate floor inlays,
including a compass rose and nautical star designs made from bloodwood, oak, and maple. In the den, a striking double herringbone pattern anchors the space, a reminder that craftsmanship often lies underfoot. One of the home's most charming moments occurs at the top of the circular staircase, where architectural details evoke the feeling of standing on the deck of a ship. Throughout the house, Michael's love of repurposed and "found" objects becomes clear. Unexpected materials and whimsical touches appear everywhere, from salvaged trim to a copper cappuccino maker reimagined as a light fixture. HAPPINESS Outside, the backyard has been transformed into a lush tropical retreat. Where once there was little more than bare ground, Michael created a garden oasis complete with a swimming pool, jacuzzi, raised patio, and arbor. The extensive paver courtyard tells its own story. After receiving a $26,000 installation quote, Michael decided to do the work himself. What began as five pallets of pavers ultimately became nineteen, all carefully placed by his own hands. More recently, the home has taken on yet another life. When the pandemic forced the closure of Michael's beloved Tampa bakery, Let Them Eat Cake, he converted the former carport into a working bakery studio. Today, the space allows him to continue baking award-winning cakes and pastries while mentoring aspiring chefs and supporting charitable efforts including Make-A-Wish. Casa Chocolata is more than a restored bungalow. It is a testament to vision, perseverance, and the belief that a house, much like a recipe, becomes something extraordinary when crafted with care. As Michael likes to say, every screw and every nail in this home was placed with love.
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Tropicana Field, Dali museum, Saint Pt. Pier, Downtown Shopping District,
Noise levels after 11pm must be low out of respect for our neighbors and city ordinance. Smoking outside only. Call ahead for pet policy.
$35 per night after 2 guest(s)
1 night
$25 USD
$100 USD
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Reviews come from verified guests, are sorted chronologically and not subjected to prior monitoring.
thank you so much Michael for the incredible stay at Casa Chocolata. thank you for sharing a safe and relaxing space for my birthday celebrations. and relaxing by the pool on Saturday was just what I needed while communing with the most impressive Staghorn I've encountered. also my birthday cake was *insane*! I cannot wait to come back for the Jazz Brunch soon and hope to stay at Casa Chocolata again.
A true hidden GEM in St Petersburg! Uniquely decorated home with beautiful grounds, pool, and jacuzzi. Host Chef Michael insured we were pampered during our stay and provided an awesome breakfast each morning of our stay. Highly recommend and truly 5 stars! Thank you Michael, we'll be back!
This is a great find! Michael strives to provide a memorable experience. The house is very cozy and within a quick bike ride of downtown Saint Pete. I would highly recommend this to anyone considering!
Remarkable place with a remarkable host "creating memories!" Michael was extremely accommodating, adjusting for our schedule and providing a special meal for a birthday. He engaged us in fun discussion and activity and allowed us to enjoy his little corner of the world. Don't miss the outdoor shower!
Our experience was similar to the many listings below about Chef Michael & casa Chocolata. He was welcoming, hospitable, kind, & generous to us. We were able to relax while staying there. We would stay there again when needed and if available.
Chef Michael is an amazing host with a lot of charm and special care for his guests. For example, we were served three different breakfasts, one for each day of our 3-day long stay because he wanted to act according to our wishes. The place is conveniently located within a walking distance (at least for us) from downtown St. Pete. It is extremely quiet and allows for and excellent sleep. The pool and the Jacuzzi provide wonderful opportunities as well. Thanks a million!
Our stay at Chef Michael's place was absolutely fantastic and truly unforgettable! From the moment we met, we felt incredibly welcome and pampered. Chef Michael is not only a wonderful host but also a remarkably talented chef. Waking up to the delicious, freshly cooked breakfast each morning was a highlight of our trip – it was like having our own private gourmet experience! The added bonus of the generous use of E-bikes and the relaxed atmosphere regarding extra special treat made our stay even more enjoyable and comfortable. And to top it all off, Chef Michael went above and beyond by baking me a beautiful and delicious birthday cake. It was such a thoughtful and personal touch that made my birthday truly special. We highly recommend staying here for a unique and exceptional ******** experience.
We cannot say enough about our host Michael and Casa Chocolata. The purpose for a trip was to take care of aging parents. We wanted an escape from that and capture some time for ourselves in the weekend. Casa Chocolata provided that escape with a beautiful home, beautiful land landscaping, and a fantastic host. The moment we entered the house, our energy changed and we were able to relax and had two wonderful nights of sleep. Michael's gift for hospitality made us feel comfortable and looked after without being pushy or hovering. If you are new to B&B's, and want a break from chain hotels, stay at Casa Chocolata.
Michael's house is in a really cute historic neighborhood, great for a walk or ride. His home was very nicely appointed, and very welcoming, maintaining that historic charm with great eclectic and tasteful decoration. The backyard and porch were very comfortable and made for great relaxing. Very generous with the baked treats from his kitchen, they were delightful surprises. Along those lines the breakfast was thoughtful and provided with care; I especially appreciated the coffee. Lastly - a very comfortable bed!
An amazing place located in walking distance to the local gay bars, and Tropicana Field. Michael made sure to make us feel like royalty every morning with fresh coffee, and amazing food. I felt like I was at a resort with the pool, jacuzzi, and nude friendly atmosphere. Thank you for getting the almond milk when I told you I was lactose. You went above and beyond, and I will def be back.