If you are a home buyer who’s new to historic real estate, you may not want to start with an old property that is in need of refurbishing; instead, you should look for neighborhoods where keeping up antique homes is a tradition among homeowners. Such is the case of Towles Court, which is part of the Laurel Park subdivision in Sarasota.

Towles Court is a very elegant neighborhood located in the heart of Downtown Sarasota. The properties in this part of town are historic cottages, bungalows and two-story structures designed in the Old Florida style of residential architecture; all homes in this neighborhood have been carefully remodeled and immaculately maintained to preserve their character.

The history of Towles Court dates back to the early 19th century; it thrived as a community for half a century until the focus of residential development in Southwest Florida turned to gated communities, condominium towers on the beach and ranch-style houses. As a result of this migration towards the suburbs, Towles Court fell into disrepair until a developer saw an opportunity to revitalize the neighborhood based on its historic value.

Since the 1990s, Towles Court has been going through a beautification process thanks in part to new zoning that welcomes art studios and galleries along with trendy restaurants and shops. The remodeled properties in this neighborhood are the center of attention; some of the Old Florida cottages and two-story duplexes date back to the 1930s, and they are surrounded by mature trees and lush landscaping.

As of 2015, pricing at Towles Court ranged between $300K and $500K. Not all the properties are period homes; some were actually built in the late 1990s, but they feature a vintage style of architecture for the purpose of keeping up the character of the neighborhood.

Towles Court is not a high density neighborhood; it is a quiet enclave within Downtown Sarasota. Aside from the art galleries and studios, residents have a handful of restaurants, cafes and shops to enjoy right outside of their doorsteps. Payne Park, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and Island Park are within short walking distance, and the beach at Siesta Key is a ten-minute drive away.