3 Things: Better Than Ever

Sarasota may be experiencing a building boom, but its heart and soul remains its older homes in well-established neighborhoods. Over the years, many of them have been renovated and brought up to speed for modern living. Sometimes, the makeover is a spectacular redo that makes the home seem new. Other times, the emphasis is on restoring the home’s vintage charm. Whatever the approach, you’ll end up with a well-priced home in a premium location. Here are three examples currently on the market that illustrate various options.

Craftsman Cottage
2318 Hickory Ave.
This 1926 bungalow in the Indian Beach neighborhood is a picturesque slice of Americana restored to its original beauty. The interior features period details — windows, hardwood floors, built-ins, 9-foot ceilings — but the kitchen and two baths, although they reflect the look of the past, are up to date. The home has two bedrooms on the ground floor and a third in a treehouse-like space on the second. Old-fashioned screened porches, a covered portico in the rear garden and giant oaks trees add to the home’s charm.
Priced at $419,000. Call Janine Poppa, of Michael Saunders & Co., at 929-5643.

Longboat Charmer
552 Juan Anasco Drive
Longboat Key is famous for its million-dollar mansions, but look around and you’ll find charming Old Florida neighborhoods such as Sleepy Lagoon, the location of this 1960 tropical colonial. The sunken living room features terrazzo floors and a wood-burning fireplace. There are three bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths, plus a two-car garage. Best of all is the sunny pool area and 40-foot dock on a deep-water canal near the bay.

Priced at $650,000. Call Carolyn Collins, of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, at 320-0722.

Up on the Roof
389 Island Circle
Whoever renovated this 1950 home in the Palm Island neighborhood of Siesta Key made a brilliant decision to put the pool on the roof. A flexible layout with four bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths makes it suitable for either family living or a vacation. Inside, you’ll find wood and marble floors, high ceilings and a wood-burning fireplace. Best of all is the location — a short walk to Siesta Key’s famous beach and its bustling Village.

Priced at $989,500. Call Dan Miller, of RE/MAX Tropical Sands, at 376-7442.