117 S POLK DRIVE SARASOTA FL 34236 MLS #A4591376 | Gary Kusher | Florida Real Estate

Tucked away in a tranquil waterfront sanctuary a short stroll from Lido Beach and upscale dining and shopping in St. Armand’s Circle, this one-of-a-kind Sarasota School of Architecture design home presents a rare opportunity. Situated on a .39-acre canal-front lot, the home boasts expansive glass walls, flourishing tropical gardens and unparalleled privacy. Built in 1952, the Lido Key residence underwent a series of thoughtful renovations, transforming it from a midcentury-modern ranch-style house into a Sarasota School of Architecture masterpiece, honored with a Florida AIA Design Award in 2022. The stylish nearly 2,600-square-foot home flawlessly blends cherished historic elements with modern luxuries. The design evolution began after the home’s purchase in 1989, with the current owner orchestrating three major renovations over the next 30-plus years. The remodels accentuated the home’s original Sarasota School elements, including a flat roof, large sliding glass and screen doors, wide overhangs, beamed ceilings and terrazzo flooring. Among other vintage features are built-in storage cubicles and a roll-up pass-through window from the kitchen to lanai. Mahogany cabinetry and built-ins throughout add an air of sophistication. The first renovation included the addition of a floating entrance canopy roof, kitchen and bath updates, and conversion of the carport into a two-car garage with plentiful storage and Japanese-style white glass windows. A second remodel added meticulously designed front and rear courtyard gardens and additional living/dining room windows for enjoying the scenery, aligning with the Sarasota School’s philosophy of integrating interior and exterior spaces. A wall of glass sliders opens to the lanai, featuring a built-in Artisan grill and sliding screen doors to the backyard’s pool, verdant gardens, spa, fire pit and sculptures. Towering sea grapes conceal the property from the street and bamboo ensures privacy from neighbors on both sides. Beyond dense waterside mangroves and coconut palms is a deep water boat dock with a lift for cruising to nearby Sarasota Bay and the Gulf. The most recent renovation, finished in 2021, converted the home into a versatile split plan with the addition of an alternative primary suite, which includes a room divider, book cases, well-appointed wet bar, full bath, remote control operated museum shades and indoor/outdoor shower. Terrazzo floors, a beamed ceiling grid and glass walls on two sides overlook lush greenery, mirroring the overall aesthetic of the home. The opposite end of the house encompasses the primary suite: a bedroom with stunning backyard views, full bath and closet; a luxurious adjacent office with a built-in mahogany desk and plentiful display shelving; a guest bedroom with, full en suite bath; and a den with grooved plywood paneling, custom bookshelves and a walk-in closet. The den could easily become a fourth bedroom, and separate full bath with original tiles, exposed brick and clerestory windows is just across the hall. Important updates include Miami-Dade rated hurricane windows and doors along with a newer whole house generator. Experience an unsurpassed living experience in this distinctive architectural home next to pristine beaches and St. Armand’s Circle.