But the Portanovas were intent on preserving the home’s original treasures, among them the living room’s wood-framed French doors, a carved limestone fireplace and four limestone columns with unusual carvings of grapes and vines. “Artisans of the 1930s brought a modernistic approach to historic periods,” Little says about the columns. “Though the motif harkens back to early Rome, the Sarasota artists embellished them, not wanting to simply emulate history.”

The house is rich in history nonetheless. Originally known as the Bacheller-Brewer Model Home, it was built with no holds barred to promote sales of waterfront lots in what was then called Avondale, a development Irving Bacheller and Edward Brewer created just prior to the Florida land bust. The economic climate at the time was such that, despite glowing reviews in the Sarasota Herald, the model remained unsold for three years after its completion in 1926.

The house was designed by Martin and Hosmer Studios, one of the most influential architectural firms in Sarasota during the first half of the 20th century. The original specifications, books and detailed drawings, signed by locally renowned architect Thomas Reed Martin, are intact.

“The house is an absolute gemstone,” Little explains. “It has a huge harmony of elements of composition that wonderfully embraces the Mediterranean Revival style.” Little’s opinion was obviously shared by the Sarasota Herald in an article dated Dec. 3, 1926:

“Picture, if you can, this beautiful Spanish-type residence, situated on an ideal plot of ground, facing on Hudson Bayou, in Avondale, one of the city’s most exclusive sections.

“Driving up a winding driveway to the most unusually beautiful porte-cochere, typically Spanish, one enters a remarkable stair hall with tile floor, stone walls and many arches, leading off to a great living room.”

Because of one young couple’s vision, the restored, expanded, and almost completely renovated house impresses today’s visitors just the same way.

Hip and Historic
Tips from Kurt Lucas to keep an old house young

Historic palette: Every paint company has a historic palette that will provide the backdrop for youthful fabrics and furniture.
Add shimmer: Lucas says every room needs a bit of crystal; he likes the jewel quality of the living room’s modern vintage crystal lamps
Family pieces: Integrate family pieces to provide a sense of history, and intersperse them throughout the home.
Don’t do trendy: Stick to classics. Trendy and poor-quality furnishings don’t belong in historic properties.
Research and study: Learn about the period of architecture used in your home. There are great resource books that depict how homes looked in the 1920s.
Opposites attract: In interior design, old estate pieces and new furniture with classic lines balance each other.
Soft draperies: Go for cotton sateen and billowy sheers that are soft and flowing.

 

Home Team
Architect/designer: Wm. Thorning Little, Wm. Thorning Little Architect, PA, Sarasota (941) 365-9284
Interior designer: Kurt Lucas, ASID, JKL Design Group, Sarasota (941) 362-4994
Builder/contractor: Murray Homes, Sarasota (941) 906-7000
Custom cabinetry: J & M Builders, Sarasota (941) 365-1923
Tile installation: Manny Turcotte, Ravenna Distinctive Home Finishes, Sarasota (941) 342-0108
Master closet: Contemporary Cabinetry & Closet Concepts, Sarasota (941) 951-6400
Sarasota Architectural Salvage, 1093 Central Ave., Sarasota (941) 362-0803