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A Winning Trio

By Robert Plunket October 8, 2008

Let’s look at three good picks on the Sarasota real estate market right now.

By Robert Plunket

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This week I have no particular theme in mind – just three houses I’ve seen in the past month or so that I really like. And sometimes that’s the best theme of all.

The exterior and bathroom of 2248 Waldemere St.

First is 2248 Waldemere St., near the hospital. This has got to be one of the cutest houses in town, a 1,463-square-foot concrete block ranch from 1958. For some reason the words “poodle skirt” come to mind when you look at this house. It’s got three bedrooms and two terrific, original baths, terrazzo floors (under carpet) and a great big backyard. Rarely do you see a house from this era in such good condition. It’s light and bright and extremely pleasant. The current owner has it decorated in a sort of cottage-y, Ballard Design catalog kind of way that works quite well, but a 1950’s retro style would also be good. Check out the decorative wrought iron “shutters”--my favorite touch in a house that has tons of personality. Only drawback--it’s a little pricey at $245,000. Call Judy Nimz at 941-374-0196.

The exterior and living room of 1807 Magnolia St.

Not pricey at all is the next house, at 1807 Magnolia, near Siesta Drive. This house is now listed at $374,900, down from $700,000. Now that’s a deal for west of the Trail. It a big Sarasota School of Architecture house from 1952 (2,300 square feet). Whereas the first house is 1950s cute, this one is 1950s sophisticated. It’s got big rooms with high ceilings and has been updated. Still, it has plenty of potential to become much grander and more elaborate, and its architectural heritage makes it a real piece of Sarasota history. It’s set on a particularly nice lot, with an enormous banyan tree. Call Scott George at 941-929-1315.

A pretty view and the glass room of 3670 Emily Lane.

And finally, sometimes you come across a house that is so unique and so pleasant that you feel a twinge of jealousy that you’re not living there. Such a place is 3670 Emily Lane, off Clark Road near Beneva. On one hand this is a rather ordinary home from 1983, with a vaulted ceiling, great updated kitchen, and quality finishes. But what makes it extraordinary is its setting and atmosphere. It faces a good-sized lake with a lot of wildlife, and the current owner added a glass room that makes all the difference. The add-on makes the house; rarely have I seen an addition add so much livability and value. I never even knew this corner of Sarasota existed. Now it’s a neighborhood I’m keeping an eye on. The price: $419,000. Call Emelie Zack at 941-302-2102.

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