This storied waterfront estate occupies a 1.24-acre lot within the largest contiguous parcel on the Gulf Coast, a magnificent private park with a majestic landscape and vistas on par with Selby Gardens and the grounds of the nearby Ringling Museum. Renowned for its historical significance and stately Southern Colonial architecture, the Earle House presents a rare restoration opportunity to customize modern luxury with the provenance and style of old-world elegance. Encompassing both a two-story primary home and separate garage and guest house, the estate offers spacious accommodations for enjoyment as a seasonal retreat or year-round residence. Priced with consideration for renovations, this property is both comfortably livable and poised for thorough personalization.
Distinguished by a double-height colonnade and beautiful brick exterior, the 4-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom home boasts original classical features throughout, including wood paneling and crown moulding, hardwood floors, fluted balusters, gas fireplaces, large chandeliers, stained glass transom, double-hung windows, and French doors. Built in 1927 and renovated to modern standards in the 90s with additional projects in following years, the home's upgrades include a waterfront saltwater pool, elevator, walk-in showers, and top-line appliances.
Flanked by leaded glass window panels, the south-facing main entry opens to a grand foyer that leads on one side to the dining room and on the other to the waterfront great room and adjoining solarium. Awash in natural light from both south- and north-facing windows, the great room is anchored by a large central fireplace with granite hearth and an ornately carved mantle, with access at one end to a private wood-clad den with powder bath. Subtly partitioned from the great room by a coffered beam, the adjacent solarium seamlessly extends the main living space and spectacular vistas with a surround of oversized windows and double doors that open to the pool terrace and waterfront lawn. On the east side of the main floor, the foyer opens to the spacious dining room with two original arched door corner cupboards and a well-appointed wet bar that adds ample storage as well as additional under-counter refrigeration and dedicated beverage cooler. Beyond the dining room, a breakfast nook opens to the roomy kitchen.
Upstairs, a spacious landing leads to three large bedrooms, each with incredible views. To the right, a private alcove with elevator access leads to the western-facing primary suite with a massive brightly lit bedroom, walk-in closet with custom built-in wardrobe system, and a marble-clad bathroom with oversized vanity and walk-in shower. On the other side of the landing, two additional bedrooms offer generous layouts.
The history of the Earle House is integral to Sarasota's early 20th-century development, dating to the formation of the Indian Beach community with the sale of magnificent waterfront homes to affluent families from across the United States. This remarkable estate, enviably near the Ringling Museum and Asolo Theatre, stands on an indescribable piece of land with more than 130 feet of private waterfront, winding paths, and a palm grove complementing the lush tropical landscape. With adjacent parcels available by separate offer, this is an opportunity to acquire the largest acreage on the Gulf Coast, rich in architectural history and unmatched in natural beauty.