Residential Property - Single Family Residence in Sarasota
Listing Price: $675,000
Description of Property
Price Improvement | Own a Sarasota Landmark in Gillespie Park Now offered at a compelling new price, this one-of-a-kind property—The Boathouse & The Lighthouse—is a rare opportunity to own a nationally recognized architectural gem in Sarasota’s walkable Gillespie Park neighborhood. Featured on HGTV’s Zillow Gone Wild, this iconic compound blends history, artistry, and income potential in a way few properties across the country can match. Built in 1933 by master boatbuilder Oliver Blackburn for Captain Arthur Rowe—who served both John Ringling and William Selby—this property is a tribute to Sarasota’s maritime legacy. The Boathouse and Lighthouse were designed as a land-based accomodation between a houseboat and a traditional home, and today they stand as a testament to creative living and historic preservation. The Boathouse offers 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sunlit living spaces, a modern kitchen, and a spiral staircase leading to a private suite with balcony access. The Lighthouse is a vertical 1-bedroom, 1-bath retreat with three levels, including a panoramic observation room ideal for a studio, office, or creative escape. Set on a lushly landscaped lot, this property is the only available parcel in Gillespie Park, a neighborhood experiencing rapid transformation with new luxury homes—including a $2M+ build next door—raising values and expanding downtown Sarasota’s footprint northward. Whether you're: An investor seeking high-performing short-term rentals A visionary looking for a live/work compound A history lover drawn to Sarasota’s storied past This property offers unmatched flexibility and character. Live in one, rent the other, or reimagine both as a boutique retreat or artistic haven. With its central location just blocks from downtown Sarasota’s dining, arts, and waterfront, and only 4.2 miles to Lido Beach, this is more than a home—it’s a legacy. Bring all offers. The seller is motivated, and this iconic residence is ready for its next chapter
Property Details At A Glance
Property Type: Residential
Property Use or Sub Type: Single Family Residence
City: Sarasota
County: Sarasota
Subdivision: Central Park Sub
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 3
Sq. Ft. Gross: 2,242
Sq. Ft. Living Area: 1,949
Cost per (heated) sqare foot: $346
Year built: 1935
Annual Tax: $4,949
Taxes and fees can change periodically, and other fees may apply. Please check with your Realtor for more details.
Appliances: Refrigerator
Flooring: Hardwood
Schools
Elementary School: Alta Vista Elementary
Middle/Junior High School: Booker Middle
High School: Booker High
Pool & Waterfront Info
Private Pool: Not specified
Exterior & Construction
Construction: Wood Siding
Foundation: Slab
Roof: Membrane
Exterior Features: French Doors
Floors Total: 3
Floors in Unit: Three Or More
Cooling: Central Air
Heating & Fuel: Electric
Electric:
Patio & Porch Features:
Security Features:
Other Structures:
View:
Fencing:
Sewer: Public Sewer
Water Source: Public
Lot Information
Lot Size (acres): 0.15
Lot Size (sq. ft.): 6,565 square feet
Front Exposure: East
Legal Description & Other Information
Financing Available: Cash
Parcel Number: 2026100020
Zoning: DTN
Pets Allowed/Pet Policies: Yes
Tax Legal Desc.: LOTS 9 & 10 LESS N 50 FT, BLK 3 CENTRAL PARK UNIT 1
Section: 19
Range: 18E
Listing courtesy of COLDWELL BANKER REALTY. The information relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the My Florida Regional MLS DBA Stellar MLS. This information is provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use. It may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS.