That '70s House

A blast from the past is the week’s top find.

By Robert Plunket

(Click here to test your "Decorating Can Be Murder" trivia for the chance to win two tickets to the DCBM party July 10 at Home Resource.)

Click here to see our Real Estate Junkie discuss this 70s gem on ABC7.

Considering how much of Sarasota real estate was built back in the 1970s, it’s surprising how quickly it is disappearing. Most of it has been remodeled years ago, and the ‘70s look – acres of carpeting, long flowered couches, those plastic domes in the kitchens – is nowadays something you find in thrift shops.

7256 Antigua Place

Oddly enough, if you check out the hipper decorating magazines, you’ll see that it’s coming back in style. And I’ve just discovered a wonderful example in Gulf Gate Woods that will thrill any ‘70s fan. It’s remained virtually untouched since it was built back in 1976. It even has the original lighting fixtures – heck, it even has the original TV, and what a showstopper that TV is.

Family room

This house has a great floor plan (major rooms open out onto the pool) and is ripe for a cosmetic redo that would bring it into the new century, and I’m pretty sure that’s what the new buyer will do to it. But I did want to document it before that happens because it is the last of a great and dying breed.

Kitchen

Check out the kitchen, for example. This one has the requisite touches – the domed, lighted ceiling, the bone-colored cabinets, the vinyl floor. Notice the way it blends perfectly into the family room and has a pass-through out to the pool. The layout of the appliances and work area is perfect; this would be a simple update – or even better, keep it just the way it is. The amazing thing to me was how sharp and clean and pleasant and well-maintained this 33 year old room is.

Living Room

Here’s the living room, looking out onto the pool, with the golf course beyond. A perfect “only in Sarasota” view.

Master bedroom

The master bedroom is archetypal s’70s– check out the icy blue, green, and cream color scheme. There’s an attached bath in light blue with mosaic tiles plus double vanities and separate stall shower.

Chandelier

The chandelier from the dinning area – a real find.

This house just came on the market at $237,500. It’s three bedrooms, two baths, two car garage, and comes in at just over 2,000 square feet. That’s a great price for the size and the fact that it has a premium location. And it’s in sensational condition. Like I say, the new owner will undoubtedly update it, which is kind of a shame. To find a home in this price range that could easily become a showplace in the style of “midcentury modern Palm Springs” is quite unusual. Any takers? Call Janice Perry at 941-228-0848.

FLASH! Just found out there’s an open house this Sunday, June 28, from 1 to 4 p.m.

(Most of these pictures were taken by Jennie Smolow at 941-234-4833.)

Posted: 6/24/2009 10:30:10 AM | 0 comments