Real Estate Deal of the Week: Indian Beach

He says, "I’m sure you know how much I love Indian Beach and the Museum Area. Well, there's a home there that has just come on the market which is in a terrific location---just a block from Sunset Beach. Let's take a look."

For this week's Real Estate Deal, we chose a home in the "Museum Area" at 821 Indiana Lane. Loosely defined, the Museum Area is a neighborhood that extends east from the Sarasota Bay to U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail), and north from Sarasota's most famous historic residence, John Ringling's Ca'd Zan, to Indian Beach Drive at its southern end. The neighborhood is an eclectic blend of older homes and newer construction, from multi-million dollar mansions to charming bungalow retreats. There really is something to please everyone. A long meandering sidewalk runs the length of Bay Shore Road, which encourages walkers, runners and their dogs to take a cool nightly stroll.She says, "Do you know how Indian Beach got its name? Somewhere around 5,000 years ago, Native Americans arrived here seasonally. Come to think of it, they were probably Sarasota's original 'snow birds.' Like everyone else, they came for the weather, the fresh water springs, great fishing on the bay and hunting on land. Not much has changed, I guess!"

He says, "Thanks for the history lesson. Now let’s talk about the house. It's located on the west end of Indiana Lane---a great street, in my opinion, that runs only one block. It starts at Bay Shore Circle and goes east to Bay Haven Elementary School. If I remember correctly, this house is located right at the end in a canopy of old oak trees---the perfect Florida setting."

She says: "Speaking of perfect settings, did you know this neighborhood offers a fabulous vantage point for the nightly sunsets? At the southern end of Bay Shore Road, where it takes a big turn toward the east, there is a wide open space with its own small patch of beach that is ideal for small neighborhood gatherings. Each night, the neighbors gather on the beach to toast the end of another day in paradise."

Why do we love the property? Let us count the ways.

Starting with curb appeal, this home really has it! It’s tucked away behind lush tropical plantings, and we can't get enough of that oak canopy. The setting will never let you forget that you’ve opted to live in paradise. Walking up the pavered brick entry we were greeted by "Emma," the present owner's adorable King Charles Spaniel. Happy to meet us, Emma led us on a tour.The home, built circa 1957, has been painstakingly remodeled and updated with tremendous style and excellent taste. The floor plan makes very good use of its 2000+ square feet., which includes three bedrooms and three full baths. The guest rooms have French doors that open to a screened lanai, which creates a lovely outdoor "room." The master suite is spacious with lots of natural light, and French doors lead from the master bath onto to the pool deck surrounded by beautiful green foliage. The kitchen was remodeled top to bottom with all the 'latest and greatest' features, and a big window over the sink filters in the sun for most of the day. A family room/office and separate living and dining rooms complete the picture.

He says, "What more could you ask for?"

She says, "Nothing but the price. 821 Indiana Lane is listed at $425,000."

- The Real Estate Deal of the Week is brought to you by Donald Geikie and Dana C. Westmark, realtors with the fabulous Main Street associates of Michael Saunders & Company. Spark your own conversation with them by calling (941) 951-6660.