The villas in Glen Oaks Manor are locally famous for the fact that they turn inward from the world and create a little world of their own. All the windows—except for one in the guest bedroom—face the enclosed courtyard, giving you complete privacy.

New on the market is this particularly nice example—originally owned by former County Commissioner Jerry Hente--that has been beautifully redone by decorator Jonathan Slentz. He was very smart not to add a lot of gimmicks that a new owner might not want. Instead he concentrated on the basics—beautiful Mexican tile floors throughout, a great all white kitchen, crown molding, built-in bookcases, etc. The result is a space that’s simple and classic, adaptable to any style of décor.

Among the pluses: an enormous master bedroom (26 by 12), an atrium that bring in plenty of sunlight to the living room, a 2 car garage, lots of attic storage, no pet restrictions. Oh, and did I mention the pool? The nicer of these villas have pools in the courtyard, and this has one of the best.

Glen Oaks Villas are home to an astonishing number of the town’s decorators. (The complex is located just off Beneva near 17^th St.) I will grant you the decorators did not move there for the exterior beauty of their units. They are non-descript mid-1980s architecture. But their flexibility and unique interior design, combined with their affordability, make them great choices in the Sarasota housing market.

3902 Glen Oaks Manor Drive, Unit 45, is priced at $274,000. For more information call Scotty Ledford of Sarasota Bay Real Estate at (941) 400-7360.