Back to the ’50s.   By Robert Plunket   The Sarasota School wasn’t the only architectural movement flourishing in town back in the 1950s and early ’60s. There was another style that was just as popular and—in retrospect—a little more fun. Today it goes by many names (retro, atomic ranch, mid-century modern) and there’s very [...]

Taking a peek inside two top gated communities.   By Robert Plunket   I spent the weekend exploring gated communities out east of I-75, and guess what? Most of them don’t even keep their gates shut. So what are they there for? Show? Emergencies? In case mobs of ransackers start roaming the countryside?   That’s [...]

Only in Sarasota—a midget house straight out of a storybook and a castle modeled on mad King Ludwig.   By Robert Plunket   The midget house is on the market! Yes, that tiny little French castle up by Jungle Gardens that has fascinated the town since the 1920s is currently listed by Carolyn and Gary [...]

Getting hot: The Meadows and Palm-Aire.   By Robert Plunket   I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been tempted to buy a house on a golf course. There is something about looking out over that vast expanse of perfectly manicured lawn that seems very grand, like living in a great house in the [...]

If you want something sophisticated and special, check out these two cool listings.   By Robert Plunket   Two of the most architecturally significant houses in Sarasota are currently on the market. They are completely different from each other and completely different from anything in town. Check for open houses on these two; I’d pay [...]