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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.
DAYS ON MARKET | 40 | LAST UPDATED | 3/13/2025 |
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TRACT | WHITFIELD ESTATES UNIT 1 | YEAR BUILT | 1918 |
COMMUNITY | 34243 - Sarasota | GARAGE SPACES | 2.0 |
COUNTY | Manatee | STATUS | Active |
PROPERTY TYPE(S) | Single Family |
Elementary School | Florine J. Abel Elementary |
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Jr. High School | Electa Arcotte Lee Magnet |
High School | Bayshore High |
ADDITIONAL DETAILS | |
AIR | Central Air, Humidity Control, Zoned |
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AIR CONDITIONING | Yes |
APPLIANCES | Dishwasher, Disposal, Dryer, Electric Water Heater, Microwave, Range, Range Hood, Refrigerator, Washer |
AREA | 34243 - Sarasota |
BASEMENT | Crawl Space |
EXTERIOR | Lighting, Storage |
FIREPLACE | Yes |
GARAGE | Yes |
HEAT | Central, Electric, Heat Pump, Propane, Zoned |
INTERIOR | Cathedral Ceiling(s), Crown Molding, Eat-in Kitchen, High Ceilings, Other, Stone Counters, Walk-In Closet(s) |
LOT | 0.45 acre(s) |
LOT DESCRIPTION | Paved |
PARKING | Driveway, Garage Door Opener, Garage Faces Side, Open, Parking Pad |
POOL | Yes |
POOL DESCRIPTION | Heated, In Ground, Other, Private |
SEWER | Public Sewer |
STORIES | 2 |
STYLE | Custom, Historic, Other |
SUBDIVISION | WHITFIELD ESTATES UNIT 1 |
TAXES | 12662.8 |
UTILITIES | Cable Available, Electricity Available, Electricity Connected, Propane, Sewer Available, Sewer Connected, Water Available, Water Connected |
VIEW | Yes |
VIEW DESCRIPTION | Water |
WATER | Public |
WATER ACCESS | SARASOTA BAY |
MORTGAGE CALCULATOR
TOTAL MONTHLY PAYMENT
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Listing provided by Ryan Ackerman, PA, COLDWELL BANKER REALTY, 941-383-6411
The information contained herein has been provided by My Florida Regional MLS DBA Stellar MLS. IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use, that it may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing, and that the data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS. Listings last updated 4/22/25 2:43 AM PDT.
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