Residential Property - Single Family Residence in Sarasota
Listing Price: $2,495,000 (Mortgage Calculator →)
Description of Property
Step into history and timeless elegance at the House of Ringling, a landmark estate in Sarasota's coveted Whitfield Estates, built in 1918 for Alfred Ringling of the legendary Ringling Brothers. Spanning 4,782+/- sq. ft., this 5BR, 4.5BA masterpiece seamlessly marries Gilded Age opulence with modern luxury. A red brick walkway and expansive front lawn welcome you to this architectural treasure, where an elevator-sized Grand Ballroom with a 21 ceiling, Venetian columns and a Renaissance-style coffered ceiling create an awe-inspiring focal point. Original pine floors, 12-inch baseboards and hand-poured antique glass in French windows and doors preserve the estate’s rich craftsmanship, as the reimagined chef’s kitchen is a showpiece, featuring Big Chill appliances, an 8-burner gas stove, Quartzite surfaces, a mother-of-pearl backsplash and backlit cabinets. The primary suite on the lower level offers floor-to-ceiling French doors opening to a private porch and the expansive pool deck. Upstairs, 2 ensuite bedrooms feature partial bay views. Hidden details, including a prohibition-era speakeasy/3rd bedroom at the top of the stairs and a secret room, add intrigue and charm. The home’s walls, crafted from Ringling railway car paneling, echo its storied past. Recent updates, including new plumbing, electrical, HVAC (5 units), and a new roof with extra tie-down straps, ensure modern comfort while preserving historic character. A detached 2-car garage and 2 driveways provide ample space, while the expansive Palm Beach-style courtyard invites relaxation. As one of the first Ringling Brothers homes in Sarasota, this estate offers a rare opportunity to own a living piece of history in a prime location near Sarasota Bay and downtown.
Property Details At A Glance
Property Type: Residential
Property Use or Sub Type: Single Family Residence
City: Sarasota
County: Manatee
Subdivision: Whitfield Estates Unit 1
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 4
Half Baths: 1
Sq. Ft. Gross: 4,782
Sq. Ft. Living Area: 4,782
Cost per (heated) sqare foot: $522
Year built: 1918
Annual Tax: $12,663
Taxes and fees can change periodically, and other fees may apply. Please check with your Suncoasteam agent for more details.
Interior Features:
- Accessibility Features
- Cathedral Ceiling(s)
- Ceiling Fan(s)
- Crown Molding
- Eating Space In Kitchen
- High Ceilings
- Other
- Primary Bedroom Main Floor
- Stone Counters
- Walk-In Closet(s)
- Window Treatments
Appliances:
- Built-In Oven
- Dishwasher
- Disposal
- Dryer
- Electric Water Heater
- Microwave
- Range
- Range Hood
- Refrigerator
- Washer
Accessibility Features: Accessible Bedroom, Customized Wheelchair Accessible
Fireplace: Yes
Fireplace Features: Living Room, Wood Burning
Window Features:
Additional Rooms:
- Bonus Room
- Breakfast Room Separate
- Den/Library/Office
- Florida Room
- Formal Dining Room Separate
- Formal Living Room Separate
Ceiling Type:
Flooring:
- Porcelain Tile
- Tile
- Hardwood
Schools
Elementary School: Florine J. Abel Elementary
Middle/Junior High School: Electa Arcotte Lee Magnet
High School: Bayshore High
Pool & Waterfront Info
Private Pool: Yes
Pool Features:
- Child Safety Fence
- Deck
- Heated
- In Ground
- Lighting
- Other
Spa Features: Heated, In Ground
Water Frontage:
Water Access: Not specified
Water Access Type:
Water View: Bay/Harbor - Partial
Water Name: SARASOTA BAY
Exterior & Construction
Architectural Style:
- Custom
- Historical
- Other
Construction: Wood Frame
Foundation: Crawlspace
Roof: Shingle
- Hurricane Shutters
- Irrigation System
- Lighting
- Private Mailbox
- Sidewalk
- Storage
Garage: Yes
Garage Spaces: 2
- Driveway
- Garage Door Opener
- Garage Faces Side
- Ground Level
- Open
- Parking Pad
Floors Total: 2
Floors in Unit: Two
- Central Air
- Humidity Control
- Mini-Split Unit(s)
- Zoned
- Central
- Electric
- Natural Gas
- Heat Pump
- Propane
- Zoned
Electric:
Patio & Porch Features:
- Patio
- Porch
- Rear Porch
Security Features: Smoke Detector(s)
Other Structures:
View:
Fencing: Wood
Utilities:
- BB/HS Internet Available
- Cable Available
- Electricity Available
- Electricity Connected
- Propane
- Public
- Sewer Available
- Sewer Connected
- Sprinkler Well
- Water Available
- Water Connected
Sewer: Public Sewer
Water Source: Public
Community Features:
Association Amenities:
Lot Information
Lot Features: Flood Zone, Historic District
Lot Size (acres): 0.45
Lot Size (sq. ft.): 19,776 square feet
Road Frontage: Street Paved
Front Exposure: Southwest
Adjoining Property:
Current Adjacent Use:
Legal Description & Other Information
Financing Available: Cash, Conventional
Parcel Number: 6673600000
Zoning: RSF3/WR/
Pets Allowed/Pet Policies: Cats OK, Dogs OK, Yes
Tax Legal Desc.: LOTS 4,5 & 6 BLK 4 WHITFIELD ESTATES, UNIT NO 1 AS PER PLAT THEREOF REC IN PB 2 PGS 127-A & 128-A PRMCF; LESS THAT POR OF LOT 4 IN SD BLK 4, DESC AS FOL BEG AT A PT ON THE N LN OF WESTMORELAND ST AT THE SW COR OF LOT 4, TH SELY ON & ALG WESTMORELAND ST 21.5 FT; TH NELY 84.5 FT TO A PT, WHICH PT IS 30.15 FT FM THE NW COR OF SD LOT 4; TH NLY 30.15 FT AT AN
Section: 35
Range: 17
Listing courtesy of COLDWELL BANKER REALTY. The information relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the My Florida Regional MLS DBA Stellar MLS. This information is provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use. It may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS.