When Rod McGeorge’s romance with Sarasota began, he thought it would be a brief, seasonal fling. But after being seduced by the sunsets over Sarasota Bay, he returned to his native Richmond, Virginia, sold his car dealerships and committed to life on Golden Gate Point.

Once sparsely populated, with just a handful of residents, Golden Gate Point has evolved into a hub of luxury high-rises. Today, it’s home to more than 400 seasonal and permanent residents, with developments rising along its waterfront and reshaping Sarasota’s skyline from its entry point near the Ringling Causeway. 

McGeorge, 59, purchased his fourth-floor unit at 188 Golden Gate Point in 2023 for just under $6 million. “I wasn’t looking in this price range initially, since it was supposed to just be a part-time spot,” he says, “but I wanted water views.”

He got way more than just views. “I love being able to walk downtown,” he says. “That’s what I like—if my car broke down, I wouldn’t be stuck.”

McGeorge’s two-story, three-bedroom condo, customized by interior designer Joe Human, steers clear of the coastal look many transplants go for. “I don’t do seashells and palm trees,” McGeorge says. Instead, Human took some tasteful risks and pushed McGeorge to explore a layered, low-key maximalism. “I like my limits pushed, so [Joe] would present a few choices and I’d whittle them down,” McGeorge says. The resulting design pairs textures, patterns and finishes in a way that isn’t matchy, but it works.

“The idea was to create contrast,” Human says. “We played with scales and shapes. If the wallpaper was bold, we balanced it with soft furnishings.” In his unit, you’ll see hand-painted and textured wallpapers, plus unique touches like handcrafted tables in purple and black ombré lacquer along the wide entryway and colorful, modern wall art throughout.

One bedroom has broad-stroked, hand-painted wallpaper that doubles as artwork. Another is cream, with mother of pearl peeking through from a bottom layer. “My favorite color is orange, but you can’t go overboard with it,” McGeorge says. “We worked it in here and there, like in the art, to add a little punch.”

The wallpaper in the common space is a textured, handmade, cream-colored silk with a treatment to prevent fingerprints. “I wanted something other than plain white paint—something that would catch the water and light, bringing out the texture. It feels luxurious and rich compared to plain walls,” Human says.

According to the interior designer, the home’s overall feel is masculine yet softened by rounded shapes in many furniture pieces like side tables and accent chairs. “The mix of hard and soft edges creates a smoother flow,” Human says. “Mixing these elements guides the eye around the room without getting stuck.” The combination of layered lighting—some hanging high, with other fixtures dripping downward—allowed Human to incorporate bold choices that double as what he calls “jewelry.”

Though McGeorge brought along a few favorite pieces of art from Virginia, he has some local work, too. Two pieces are by Sam Wuerfel, whose art McGeorge saw in the initial staging of his condo. McGeorge has a miniature Jorge Blanco metal sculpture, as well. At times, he says, he wishes there was less glass and more wall space for art—but not if it means restricted views. “The balcony is my favorite spot,” he says. “That view with the bridge and the lights at night—it’s incredible.” The rooftop terrace, accessible via a spiral outdoor staircase, will be another highlight once it's completed.

When he’s not enjoying the view or exploring Sarasota by bike, McGeorge heads out on his boat. “I just love being on the water—finding a spot to soak up the sun and people-watch,” he says. “I’d like to get more into fishing here. Back in Virginia, we’d catch 6- or 7-pound fish that are considered bait here.”

Overall, McGeorge has found a retreat that feels fresh but permanent. “I came down here with close to nothing,” he says. Now that it’s all come together, down to the book collection Human curated for him, “this place just feels like home,” he says.