When I first saw this unique property, I was instantly whisked back to my childhood in Sarasota. Although I grew up on Siesta Key, I spent the formative years of my life enjoying every different neighborhood Sarasota had to offer. The Museum Area always captivated me, I think because it felt the most historic. When John & Mable Ringling chose to build their museum and estate here, it was because the area was already a place where people were living.
Even today, many, many years since my childhood, you can still see Florida vernacular cottages with shiny metal roofs, tiny Spanish Colonial gems close to 100 years old, and gorgeous waterfront mansions, all within a stone’s throw of each other. Adding to the magic, public parks along the Bay add to the quaint charm of the historic area. Those who live here are as eclectic as the architecture! They range from retirees to artists, writers, young professionals, students, and even some people who are the descendants of Sarasota's earliest settlers!

An article written by Robert Plunkett and published in Sarasota Magazine summed up the Museum Area like this: “That feeling of nostalgia, of playing outdoors, of dogs running around and constant summer under giant trees—that has always been what the museum area is all about. Add to that the pretty houses everywhere you look and the friendly, slightly arty, socially concerned residents (granted, some of whom are kind of crazy). Then throw in a humbling flaw (the North Trail). For many people…it’s just the perfect combination.”

Although US 41 along this area still needs a facelift, the Museum Area is home to some of Sarasota’s most luxurious mansions! Its warren of streets are perfect for exploring by foot or by bike. If you’re a patron of the visual and performing arts, you’ll really appreciate this property’s proximity to the Ringling Museum of Art, the Asolo Repertory Theatre, Sarasota Ballet, New College, the Ringling College of Art and Design, and the University of South Florida. Jungle Gardens, a wonderful old attraction that’s been hosting visitors for decades, is just at the south edge of the Museum Area, while the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center and all of Sarasota’s other cultural riches and dining opportunities are mere minutes further in the same direction. You really couldn’t ask for a better, more convenient home base.

We wanted to add Russ & Herb to our family of vacation rental properties because these two apartments have just the right kind of quirkiness to appeal to people who love that kind of thing! When you turn onto the unusually named Rus-en-Urbe Court, you’ve turned back in time! Things just feel less complicated here. The tree-draped cul-de-sac with its handful of historic homes promises something different.

The two-story navy blue building in front of you is your destination. Upstairs is “Russ,” a big loft apartment measuring about 750 square feet. With a king bed, a twin day bed and a twin trundle, you can comfortably sleep 4. There’s also a fully equipped kitchen, plenty of living area seating, a large smart TV, an enormous bathroom with both a claw-foot tub and an over-the-top walk-in shower, stacking washer and dryer, and even a smaller TV in the bathroom. All of this is topped by a volume ceiling done in copper tiles!

Downstairs is “Herb,” a big garage that’s been turned into an apartment. Another studio, this one is a tad more unusual, but it has all the bells and whistles just the same, including a free-standing steam shower that a recent guest called “the disco shower,” named for the fancy lighting and piped-in music! You’ll find all the kitchen items you need off to one side, although the setup is a bit unusual, including a sink that serves as both a kitchen and a bathroom sink. But you won’t be lacking anything
Amenities Include:
- Square Footage, Est. 750 Sq. Ft.
- Bed Size 1st Master Queen
- Ceiling Fans
- Internet Access WiFI
- TVs
- Washer/Dryer
- Blow Dryer
- Walk-in Shower Spa Shower
- Patio Shared Patio
- Air Conditioning
- Heating
- Parking
- # of Parking Spaces 1
- # Vehicles Allowed 1
- BBQ Grill
- Security Fee $60 Non-Refundable
- Dep Clean and Linens $155
- Bike Rentals
- Exercise Facility
- Golf
- Tennis
- Microwave