Some of the town’s quirkiest and most free-spirited homes can be found in the Bayou Oaks neighborhood. It’s located just north of Ringling College off of Old Bradenton Road and runs up to the dog track. There’s nothing chic or fashionable about it. But if you want something affordable and unique, loaded with atmosphere and surrounded by artists and teachers, it may be just the place.

This week’s house is one of the showplaces of the neighborhood. Set in a grove of lush tropical vegetation under towering oak trees—the signature look of Bayou Oaks—it has a beautiful third of an acre landscaped in the Japanese style: waterfall and water features, a tea house, groves of bamboo, koi ponds, even a little bridge that crosses a pond.

The home itself definitely suggests Japanese architecture as well, with shoji screen-type details, wood trim and stone work. And check out the hand-carved gates.

The home has three bedrooms and two baths, in just over 2,000 square feet. There’s a whirlpool tub in the master bath, screened porches front and rear. There’s also a large room upstairs that could be converted in a new master suite, plus a separate structure that could become an art studio.

The home has “Ringling professor” written all over it—but it would also be perfect for someone who wants something completely different in the artiest neighborhood in town.

4460 Cocoanut Ave. is priced at $284,900. For more info call John Smith of Coldwell Banker at (941) 587-0348.