See Where F. Scott Fitzgerald Wrote This Side of Paradise

Once in a while, a home comes on the market that seems taken straight from the pages of a book. In this case, however, the location inspired the book—or at least served as the perfect location to conceive and write it. F. Scott Fitzgerald owned this Victorian brownstone in St. Paul, Minnesota, and wrote This Side of Paradise in July and August of 1919 in the upper bedroom with the balcony. Situated in the Historic Hill District, the residence is within walking distance to a lively stretch of shops and restaurants. Built in 1889 by Clarence Johnston, the property was purchased by Fitzgerald in 1918; it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971. Within the three-story Romanesque Revival–style rowhouse, interiors feature original hardwood floors and a fireplace in the living room, a formal dining room with its original built-in buffet, and a modern kitchen with an adjoining breakfast room and butler’s pantry. The house has four bedrooms and a grand three-story staircase with an original skylight at the top. There is also a rooftop deck that’s ideal for entertaining, as well as a stone grotto. Of This Side of Paradise, Fitzgerald said, “To write it, it took three months; to conceive it, three minutes; to collect the data in it, all my life.” It’s easy to see how one could be so inspired here. Listed for $650,000, this 3,500-square-foot home has 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and 2 half baths. Contact: Edina Realty, 952-928-5563; edinarealty.com.