I’m selling the little duplex I’ve owned for the past ten years, the one near Southgate. Naturally, I’ve debated the ethics of writing about it in a column like this—for about one second. There is something about selling property that turns you into a publicity hound. People who keep refusing to let me write about their homes suddenly sing a different tune when they put them on the market. Then they want every write-up they can get.

Fortunately, I have a nice place to sell. It’s kind of unique in Sarasota—a little duplex, circa 1960, that still has a great deal of retro charm and character. It’s got a flagstone wall in each of the living rooms and the original pink bathrooms. Each unit is a 1/1, with the possibility of adding a den to one unit (it’s currently used as a storeroom, where I keep all the furniture I inherited from my grandmother.)

One unit is empty. It’s the west-facing one and it has a nice wooden deck surrounded by hibiscus. The last tenant was Rochelle Nigri, whom many of you know—she worked at Saks (now she’s with Morgan Stanley) and is one of the most stylish girls in town. She had the place all done up with Phillipe Starke furniture and installed custom shelving in the master bedroom closet to hold her extensive collection of Louis Vuitton handbags. (BTW, the shelving does convey.)

The other tenant is Matt, and he’d love to stay. He restores muscle cars as a business/hobby (though not at the duplex) and usually has one or two splendid examples parked in his carport. He keeps the place neat and clean and, best of all, always pays his rent a couple of days early.

The location is perfect for a rental. You can walk to Publix, Trader Joe’s, Barnes and Noble, Southgate Mall, and it’s ten minutes to the beach. It’s one of the few places in town where it’s feasible to live without a car. I lived there myself for several years, and can attest to the fact that it’s perfect for an owner to live in one side and rent the other. It would also be great for an Airbnb setup. And there’s room for a pool in the spacious backyard. I could go on and on, but I suggest you call Judy Nimz of Michael Saunders for more information. Her number is (941) 374-0196. The address is 2125/2127 Roselawn St.

Oh, and the price? $219,000. I may even throw in my grandmother’s furniture.

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