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Rare, authentic, restored 1950’s, Ocala, block island home in the Sarasota School of Architecture tradition. Three bedroom, two bath home with fireplace, beamed high ceilings, and clerestory windows in a wonderful location three blocks from beach. The home is located on the island of Venice, a few minutes south of Sarasota, walking distance to downtown Venice and all its amenities.
Based on the 1950’s Ralph Twitchell design, the home has original terrrazzo floors, rich cypress walls, built-in cypress cabinetry and is furnished in authentic retro-style with original Heywood Wakefield furniture. From the fiesta ware dishes, 1950’s cutlery, and the canary yellow stove to the whimsically decorated, brightly colored bedrooms, this house is a fun journey through the 1950’s. 1950’s records, 1950’s movies, records, as well as retro-games and books stock the entertainment cabinet. The chrome, curves, vivid colors, and accessories all evoke the era of Elvis, Eisenhower, and the space age. The gentle sea breezes waft through the clerestory windows to create a naturally cool space. The home is a shrine to the time when America cut loose after the depression and World War II.
The home also contains all the modern conveniences - large flat screen LCD cable TV, VCR, DVD player, turntable, CD player, wireless internet, central air, Washer and Dryer, new stainless steel appliances including Bosch Dishwasher, microwave. Retro-rattan patio furniture, backyard grill, hammock, and bicycles complete the fun. Fruit trees, dramatic flowering royal poinciana trees, and lush tropical landscaping surround and shelter the house. You have not seen a house like this in 50 years.
The beach is a mere 15 houses away, while charming downtown Venice is within walking and biking distance. Venice was recently voted as "America’s Top Place to Live" by Relocate- America, and "Where to Retire" Magazine listed Venice as one of the top eight most walkable cities.
Downtown Venice and its environs are connected by a vast park system, Venetian Waterway Park, which enables walkers to circle the entire island on foot. Venice alone contains 27 parks. The most popular downtown park, Centennial Park gazebo hosts free concerts weekly. Every Saturday Centennial Park is the site of a farmers market selling local produce, flowers, along with arts and crafts. On Venice Avenue is a free public recreation center with basketball, tennis, shuffleboard courts, and children’s playground.
Historic downtown Venice is built entirely in the Renaissance-style of the famous Italian city for which it was named. In 1920 city planner John Nolan designed the downtown area to be walkable and accessible. It contains only independently owned unique boutiques, restaurants and hotels. Live music emanates from the gazebo and street performers entertain the strollers. Horse and buggy tours of the city are available. The Venice Cultural Center offers concerts, plays, and lectures at discount prices. The Venice Art Center, recently restored and enlarged, displays rotating exhibits of local and out-of-state artists as well as art classes for children and adults.
Venice has an assortment of unusual and charming restaurants and bars, as well as a lively night life. Phat Cats jazz bar, Venice Avenue Wine and Coffee Shop, old fashioned traditional Soda Fountain Shop, TJ Carney's, etc.
Originally a tiny fishing village, Venice has experienced immense growth in the past 50 years. As more developers look to Venice, the Venice Area Historical Society has become active in preserving the city’s unique look and controlling growth. The society is integral in preventing overbuilding and restricting condo construction. It’s most recent accomplishment is the restoration of the old Venice train depot, the gateway to Venice through which the Ringling Circus trains used to travel. Now the depot hosts tours and contains small shops.
In a state of famous beaches, Venice Beach stands out for its vast sugar white sand beach and vibrant shells. Venice Beach also has one of the last full-length piers on Florida’s west coast, and adjacent Sharkey's Restaurant. Water-sport abound - swimming, boogie-boarding, skim-boarding, surfing, fishing... Jet skis, and all variety of boats are readily available for rent. The Bay Lady is a local boat that offers guided tours of Venice’s waterways. Excellent golf courses are everywhere.
Sarasota and its multiplicity of attractions and entertainment possibilities is just a short ride away. In spring 2004 Sarasota was designated by Fortune Magazine as one of five most appealing USA cities. Fortune cited the active arts and cultural community, year round average 75 degree weather, fabulous beaches, abundance of good golf courses, and excellent health care.
Some of the many cultural attractions in nearby Sarasota include The Ringling Museum of Art, Ca d’Zan restored Venetian estate of John Ringling, Mote Marine Laboratory Aquarium and Research Center, Selby Botanical Gardens with its renown collection of orchids and epiphytes, Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, Florida West Coast Symphony, Sarasota Opera, FSU Dance, Sarasota Ballet, as well as multiple theaters and art galleries. Of special interest for the kids in Sarasota are G Wiz Children’s Museum, Jungle Gardens, Spanish Point Historical Site and Indian Burial Grounds, Pelican Man’s Bird Sanctuary, Ringling Circus Museum, Planet Fun, Sarasota Car Museum, Pirate’s Cove, Water Park, Mote Marine Wildlife and Nature boating expeditions, deep sea charter cruises, Dolphin Watch cruise, Canoeing, and nature tours at Myaka State Park or Oscar Scherer Park....
This happy house and its surrounding community are a living tribute to the 1950’s. Come relive or experience for the first time the pleasures of the fifties in classic beachfront, small town America! |
