Plan B Forum

A tree grows in the kitchen at a Gulfport listing on Zillow

The recently listed four-bedroom house in Gulfport has lovely pictures of marble countertops and a nice backyard. Then ... what’s this? A giant tree trunk is growing in the kitchen with its top sprouting through the roof.

That’s a real oak tree, says real estate agent Stacey Purcell. There’s a two-level roof and the tree peeks out from the lower roof. Purcell is worried that insurance companies will insist the tree come down to make the sale.

“It is an issue,” Purcell said. “Without that tree I’d have that house sold already.”

Purcell has suggested if the grumps at the insurance company make a stink, “have one of those carvers come in and make it an octopus. Or make it a wine rack.”

It’s not unusual for Gulfport to have a strange listing. Bumper stickers all across town demand, “Keep Gulfport weird.”

Purcell says despite the tree challenge, she already has some offers, but you can call 727-289-5500 to inquire about the house at 5122 31st Ave. S. The 2,874 square-foot waterfront house is listed for $899,000.

The only thing she worries about is whether dogs will look at the tree as “a place to lift their leg.” She hasn’t brought her dog along for home tours for just that reason.