Photo Credit: Premier Sotheby’s International Realty
There are very few options to own a piece of Sarasota History. Particularly a piece of history that has been meticulously curated by its current owner to preserve history and at the same create a transition from yesterday to today.
Before we talk about how the property at 2530 Prospect was both preserved and transformed, let us talk about its history. During the 1930s and 1940s, the Repensky-Loyal family of circus performers lived in the home. At the time, homes were few and far between making the area perfect for practicing routines for upcoming Ringling Circus shows. Rumors are that elephants used to be commonplace in the neighborhood together with horses, knife throwing and flaming arrows. Mr. Ringling was said to visit often!
The residence includes architectural influences of the California Mediterranean movement and Spanish Colonial Revival beautifully intertwined with a rich circus performer's history and contained within the walls of a beautifully landscaped estate parcel in Arlington Park Sarasota. Is it 1925 or 2020? The 2,000 square foot 1925 custom built residence with artisan molded and tooled stucco over Oneco fire brick exterior walls are uniquely preserved showcasing original Saltillo flooring with handmade inserts, original Georgian pine floors with inlays and uniquely crafted fireplace. The 2005 addition is a seamless extension of the original home creating the perfect environment for combining today's modern comforts with historical flair. Included in the expansion is a 700 square foot great room with 17-foot ceilings, an oversized master suite, game room, and a workshop. New and old are brought together by a 15x30 pool together with an oversized pool deck featuring 18x18 porcelain tiles.
Photo Credit: Premier Sotheby’s International Realty
What is my favorite part of the house? The true interlinking of old and new. The pinnacle being the original side entry to the house being preserved as the entrance to the addition and great room. You literally walk out to a covered portico that serves and the transition to the newer part of the home complete with original detailing and original exterior walls of the home.
Another extraordinary aspect of the property is the sheer size of the lot. It makes up three original platted lots and is surrounded on three sides by a privacy stucco finished wall. The original corner monuments of the estate have been preserved and serve as markets for the enormity of the property.
Ultimately, to make a property desirable beyond its history, size and finishes what else do we need? How about location, location, location? This estate property has all three. First and foremost, you are literally a couple of minutes from downtown Sarasota’s shopping dining and cultural district. Second, you are in a quaint community of both new and old homes. Finally, you are in the Arlington Park Neighborhood that has come alive in recent years. One of the great features is the Park itself which features an aquatic center, dog park, playground, exercise area, nature trails, and butterfly garden. This is the type of environment the master-planned communities are trying to recreate all around Florida. Here the city and community have worked together to create this inclusive environment.
So, if you want to see old and new both in your home and in your neighborhood, 2530 Prospect Street in Arlington Park Sarasota should be on your list.
