Historical Homes for Sale in Sarasota & Manatee County Florida

Success in real estate is not limited to the adage of “location, location, location.”  There is also character to consider, which is something that many historic residential properties in Southwest Florida have plenty of.  In many housing markets around the world, house hunters spend a great amount of effort and money looking to bid on a historic property.  In Sarasota and Manatee Counties, scoring a historic home with plenty of character is simply a matter of getting to know the elegant neighborhoods that are part of the region’s rich architectural heritage.

The Spectacular Homes of John Ringling and Bertha Palmer

To get an idea of the importance of historic homes in Southwest Florida, one simply needs to look at the legacy of circus magnates John Ringling and socialite real estate developer Bertha Palmer.  John Ringling’s legacy to his beloved Sarasota includes the Mediterranean-revival home design across the county and the impressive Ca’ d’Zan mansion.  Bertha Palmer’s legacy includes the Palmer Ranch master-planned development and her home at historic Spanish Point.  These two marvels of real estate are not for sale, but they are a good starting point for house hunters to draw inspiration from before they move on to the various historic neighborhoods in Southwest Florida.

Sarasota’s Residential Heritage

Neighborhood development in Sarasota began in earnest during the first quarter of the 20th century.  Neighborhoods such as Granada and Sapphire Shores feature Craftsman and Spanish-style homes that range from coastal bungalows to impressive mansions.  At the McLellan Park neighborhood, even Tudor Revival homes can be found.  The early Mediterranean-style that captured the attention of John Ringling can be appreciated in Laurel Park.  A visit to Gillespie Park offers a glimpse at the lives of middle-class Floridians before World War II.

Many of these neighborhoods are in the National Historic Register, but this does not mean that their homes are not in the market. In fact, their price points can be quite affordable and their historical status adds to their character and helps solidify their values.

The Historic Homes of Manatee County

Sarasota’s neighboring county shows a slightly different historical perspective.  In Bradenton and some of its surrounding communities, the historic real estate opportunities consist of Old Florida mixed with Caribbean and Southern Plantation home style.  In neighborhoods such as West Palmetto and Marineland, some immaculately-kept homes even feature old construction materials such Florida cypress and limestone from local quarries.

Some historic homes in Manatee County can be purchased for bargain prices, depending on the level of restoration they require. With careful maintenance, however, these homes can quickly add value.

Historical Homes for Sale in Manatee County

See all Historical Homes for Sale in Manatee County.
(all data current as of 12/20/2024)

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Historical Homes for Sale in Sarasota County

See all Historical Homes for Sale in Sarasota County.
(all data current as of 12/20/2024)

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.