Crib Check

Get Ready to Gawk at the Amazing Spaces on the Annual Junior League of Sarasota Tour of Homes

The 47th annual tour invites home lovers to check out decor trends and more in some of Sarasota’s sweetest neighborhoods.

By Kim Doleatto February 20, 2024

This Dutch colonial historic home in Laurel Park is among this year's Tour of Homes lineup.

From historic grandeur on cobblestone streets to a Mediterranean waterfront oasis, the Junior League of Sarasota’s 47th annual Tour of Homes invites home lovers to stroll through five dreamy addresses brimming with custom design, creativity and craftsmanship this weekend.

This year, homes are in historic Laurel Park, on Siesta Key, in San Remo Estates, Arlington Park and West of the Trail. They're not only homes we want to live in, but neighborhoods to match. 

All of the homes—which hail from different corners of the design world—will show off trends in architecture, textiles, furniture, color and finishes. Elements we love include a pantry-turned-speakeasy bar, a wine room, intricate wallpaper treatments, exotic woods, unique light fixtures, and come-hither pools and spas. Nurture your dream home vision board or consider lining up a real estate agent—one home on the tour is actually on the market.

The tour will also include live music, art demonstrations, pop-up shops, light bites, a silent auction, wine tastings and more. 

Here’s a sneak peek at this year’s lineup.

A Maximalist Mediterranean Home at 899 Freeling Drive

This 6,000-square-foot waterfront oasis stands out for its lively interior decor. Located on the north end of Siesta Key, its five-bedroom, five-and-a-half bathroom layout shows off interior design rife with patterns, textiles and color.

International travel influenced the homeowners’ style, in particular a love of antiques, which are dotted throughout the home.

The homeowners built the home from the ground up in 2022 and with interior designer Quentin MacDonald of Clive Daniel, worked to create a space that's colorful, comfortable and fun.

899 Freeling Drive on Siesta Key.

899 Freeling Drive

899 Freeling Drive

Patterns sing at 899 Freeling Drive.

Brand-New Construction West of the Trail at 1783 Bayview Drive

This recently built four-bedroom, four-and-a-half bathroom home has a two-story great room with 24-foot ceilings and custom millwork.

Spanning 3,613 square feet, the contemporary kitchen appliances and fixtures are trendy brushed gold. There’s also an island with quartz waterfall edges and a butler’s pantry.

The primary suite on the second floor includes a California Closets-designed wardrobe and a bathroom with a soaking tub and oversized walk-in shower.

Built by M&J Pham Development, it has 10-foot glass sliding doors that offer views of the pool and lanai. Outdoors, the ceiling is made with Brazilian walnut wood and includes a summer kitchen and a cabana bathroom. It's on the market and could be yours for $4 million.

1783 Bayview Drive

1783 Bayview Drive

1783 Bayview Drive

1783 Bayview Drive

1783 Bayview Drive

A Restored Historic Dutch Colonial in Laurel Park

Nestled in historic Laurel Park, this two-story, 1926 Dutch colonial charmer is steeped in history—and got a new life thanks to a thoughtful recent restoration. It was relocated from Bradenton in 1933 by Judge John Early, attorney to circus titan John Ringling. In fact, the fireplace hearth and front porch tiles were gifted to Early by Ringling and remain in the home to this day.

Set on an oversized corner lot with lush gardens, the 1,900 square foot home has its original pine flooring, front door and windows. The fully updated kitchen gleams with Carrara marble countertops and a subway tile accent wall. Off the kitchen is a wet bar behind a Dutch door. The main floor also includes a large covered screened porch with Terrazzo floors. Upstairs are three bedrooms and two full modern bathrooms that were part of the restoration.

The outdoors was designed with different nooks in mind, including an in-ground “spool”–a combination spa and pool—a sitting area with a fire pit, and a kitchen and dining area.

The living room at 1841 Oak St. has its original fireplace that's laid with the same tile found in the Ca' d' Zan.

This walk-in pantry off the kitchen was transformed into a full-service speakeasy-style bar. 

The home at 1841 Oak St. is hugged by Chicago brick garden paths.

1841 Oak St.

1841 Oak St. is minutes from downtown Sarasota but feels like a private getaway.

The new kitchen remodel is in keeping with the rest of the historic home.

A 2024 Home That Pays Homage to Midcentury Modern Style

Although the most recent build of this year’s lineup, this Arlington Park home showcases an affinity for the midcentury modern aesthetic with its clean lines and shady overhangs.

It was built with masonry block and pre-cast hollow core concrete panels, making it ultra-efficient. The 2,930-square-foot home has polished concrete and engineered hardwood floors spanning four bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms. Sitting on a 7,150-square-foot lot, there’s also ample outdoor living space with a pool. Unique touches indoors include an agate onyx wall and a 3D tree mural on the wall of the dining room.

The home was initially designed and developed as a spec house by RJ Diaz and built by Modus Builders.

The exterior of 2149 Hyde Park St.

2149 Hyde Park St. 

Ultra-unique details and finishes make 2149 Hyde Park St. a standout.

2149 Hyde Park St.

2149 Hyde Park St.

A Super-Chic Resort-Style Home in San Remo Estates

We wrote about this tropical modern home in 2022 when it sold for $7 million, making it San Remo Estates’ priciest sale ever. Located on the San Remo boat basin, it’s furnished with sustainable, organic woods, cotton and stone. Amenities include a 2,000-bottle wine room, a hot tub, sauna, fitness room, fire pit, lap pool and 20,000 lbs boat lift.

Completed in 2021 and designed by award-winning architect Stephen Chung, the man behind the Sarasota Modern hotel in the Rosemary District, the four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home has waterfront views from every room, along with a loft and a second-story balcony. Sitting on almost half an acre, the outdoors spans 3,000 square feet.

Inside the roughly 4,000-square-foot home, Wicked Smart Homes elements allow remote shade control, indoor-outdoor sound systems, remote-programmed lighting, and home theater sound.

3631 San Remo Terrace

One of four bedrooms at 3631 San Remo Terrace.

The sprawling outdoor space includes a pool.

3631 San Remo Terrace

Proceeds from the Tour of Homes will benefit the Junior League of Sarasota’s charitable signature focus: assisting those who are aging out of the foster care system. 

The Tour of Homes takes place Friday, Feb. 23, and Saturday, Feb. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

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