If you're looking for a spot to help you relax and forget about everything around you, Lido Key real estate is a must see. This find will truly amaze you and help you melt away all your sorrows as you enjoy the most stunning views that you could ever imagine.
Imagine a day filled with lying on the beach and listening to the sounds of waves as it lulls you into a state of utter relaxation. In your very own Lido Key condo or home, you can find this and much more. Not only can you enjoy the serenity of this beautiful island oasis, you will also discover that Lido Key real estate offers hidden treasures for the avid shoppers, sports enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
The amenities offered here are nothing short of remarkable. With the famous St. Armands Circle within easy reach, how could you expect anything less? Come see first hand why this little island is second to none when it comes to fine living. Once you're here, you will soon find yourself looking for Lido Key real estate to make your stay permanent.
| All Listings | $200,000 - $300,000 | $300,000 - $400,000 |
| $500,000 - $600,000 | $600,000 - $700,000 | $700,000 - $800,000 |
| $800,000 - $900,000 | Over $1,000,000 |
Charm And History Abound At This Well-maintained, Updated Three-bedroom Plus Office Mid-century Modern In The Private Community Of Lido Shores. Lush Tropical Foliage Surrounds This Home, Which Was Designed By Famed Architect Erwin Gremli Ii And Was Once The...
View The Twinkling City Lights At Night And The Sparkling Bay Views By Day, From Your 480 Sq Ft Balcony In The Desirable L'elegance On Lido Beach. Floor To Ceiling Sliding Glass Doors Allow For Natural Light, Stunning Sarasota Skyline And Water Views To Co...
Turnkey Furnished Perfect Home For You To Live In Or To Rent For Income !this Sweet Cottage Is A Feel Good Home That Is A Must See ! A Block From Lido Beach With Public Pool And Amenities. This Villa Has A Private Setting And Is One Of The Seven Propertie...
L Elegance Is A High Demand Building. This Is The Only Lido Key Condo Building That Has Tennis, A Private Beach, Underground Parking, And 24 Hour Guard Gated Access. This Light And Bright Condo Is The Right Size For Full Time Living Or Part Time. With Three...
With Stunning 7th Floor Views Of The Bay And Downtown Sarasota, This 2 Bed, Den/3rd Bedroom, Spacious Condo Is More Than Just A Pied-a-terre! This Corner Unit Allows For 2 Terraces; One Overlooking The Bay And Downtown Sarasota, And The Side Terrace With A ...
This Is The One. In The Location You've Been Dreaming About.this Fabulous, Meticulously Maintained Property Epitomizes The Real Estate Axiom "location, Location, Location". It Is A One-of-a-kind "last Of The Mohicans" Property In Coveted Surroundings. The C...
This Is The Best Priced Beachfront Condominium With Gulf And Sunset Views On Lido Key. Located Directly On Lido Beach, Nestled Between The Gulf Of Mexico And Sarasota Bay, Key Tower South Is The Perfect Place To Enjoy Every Minute Of Every Day You Spend In ...
Great Opportunity! Price Reduced! So Close To The Beach And To St. Armand's Circle! Within Two Blocks Of Lido Beach & Pavilion And A Quarter Mile To St. Armand's Circle, This Mediterranean Split Level Home Was Built In 1949, Sits On 9225 Square Feet Of Land...
Now Under Construction. St. Armands Place Is A Two Building Project,with A Private Keyed Elevator, 2 Residences In Each Building With Over 3000 Sq. Ft. Of A/c Plus Balconies With A Flow Through Design In An Exceptional Location, The South Facing Position O...
Open, Light And Airy With Incredible Gulf Views From This 2nd-floor Residence At The Lido Beach Club. Exquisitely Updated And Renovated With Meticulous Attention To Detail, This Two-bedroom, Two-bath Home Showcases The Spectacular Sunsets Of Beachfront Livi...
Pamper Yourself Resort-style With The Legendary Ritz-carlton Services On Lido Beach. West Facing Spacious Villa With Glowing Sunsets And Swaying Palm Trees. This Residence Has Walls Of Glass Plus A Generous Wrap-around Terrace To Enjoy Extraordinary Island ...
Appropriately Named L'elegance For Elegant Living On Lido Beach! This 2 Bedroom Plus Den With 2.5 Baths Is Turnkey Furnished And Ready For New Owners To Enjoy. You Can Capture A Glimpse Of The Sarasota Downtown Skyline In The Distance From The 39 Ft. Terrac...
Awake To The Sounds Of The Gulf Of Mexico From Your Third-floor Residence At The Lido Beach Club Where Beachfront Living Awaits You. This North-facing Two-bedroom, Two-bath Residence Offers Stunning Gulf Views From Every Room. Friends And Family Can Easily ...
Perfect Lido Beach Getaway!. Tastefully Decorated And Updated, This Spacious Condo Is Full Of Sunlight, Overlooks The Pool, And Is Steps To The Beach Where You Will Enjoy Relaxing Beach Days And Spectacular Sunsets. This Mid Rise Complex Has Forty Units, Ex...
Coveted 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Floor Plan!! Southern Facing Windows And Glass Sliders Beckon The Sunlight Into Every Room In This Naturally Bright Unit. Large Lanai Adds Additional 200 Sq Ft Living Space And Affords Florida’s Inviting Indoor/outdoor Living E...
Can't find what you're looking for? Let me do the work for you. Fill out the form below and a detailed description of the type of property you're interested in and I'll send you everything currently available.
June 20, 2017 - New DWELL Listings
June 14, 2017 - Was it the Price?
May 31, 2017 - Just Sold by DWELL
May 5, 2017 - "Are You Working With a Realtor?"
April 21, 2017 - Navigating the World of Home-Buying
April 13, 2017 - We Joined Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate
March 10, 2017 - Pending Sales Up!
February 8, 2017 - Inventories Up Again! Buyers Market?
January 25, 2017 - 6 Gulf Front Communities to Generate Rental Income
December 31, 2016 - Sold by DWELL - 2016
Located just off the glistening coast of Sarasota, Lido Key real estate offers beachfront properties and a vast array of attractions and activities to enjoy throughout the year. Known for its stunning white-sand beaches, perfect weather year round and laid back lifestyle, Properties on Lido Key is ideal for all sorts of home buyers looking to relocate to the Sarasota area, including retirees, vacationers and families alike. In addition to its close proximity to Downtown Sarasota, world-class beaches and charming homes for sale, Lido Key real estate offers several unique neighborhoods for home buyers to discover. Each community offers its own distinct identity and things to see and do throughout the year.
Lido Shores is one of those communities, offering quaint mid century homes built in the stylish Sarasota School of Architecture. Homes in Lido Shores offer upscale designs and prime beachfront access, not to mention one of Florida’s most acclaimed beaches just steps away. A posh yet friendly community, Lido Shores offers activities throughout the year such as swimming, boating, fishing, diving and much more.
Situated at the southern tip of the island is South Lido Key, an upscale community that seamlessly blends quality real estate options within an idyllic natural setting. Offering lush scenery and direct access to world-famous beaches, South Lido Key hosts a coveted mix of leisure, luxury and location. Lido Key homes for sale offer something for everyone, including beachfront homes with scenic views, luxury condos, quaint bungalows and even more to choose from. South Lido Key also boasts a wealth of activities throughout the year, including fishing, surfing and swimming. Its quality homes and laid back appeal are highly coveted among Sarasota home buyers.
St. Armands Circle is yet another great community near Lido Key. This exquisite, stately community offers beautiful homes for sale as well as a trove of upscale shops, restaurants, boutiques and galleries to discover. Just steps from Lido Key’s acclaimed beaches and a short drive from Downtown Sarasota, St. Armands Circle offers plenty of attractions and activities to enjoy, from fine dining and shopping to enjoying a leisurely afternoon on some of Florida’s most breathtaking beaches.
With its prime waterfront location, quality home and condominium options and charming neighborhoods, Lido Key is perfect for home buyers in the Sarasota area. When it comes to beautiful homes in a striking location, Lido Key real estate is the place to beat.
Lido Key has a variety of condo options available. Most of Lido Key's condos are either situated on the beach, or are just a short walk to it. Many condominiums on the north side of Lido Key are also within walking distance to St. Armands Circle. This allows owners to visit the beach, eat a meal, shop for clothes, or grab a tasty ice cream cone or coffee without having to jump in a car.
Condo Community
Address
Year Built
Number of Units
Minimum Lease
Lease per year
Waterfront?
The Beach Residences
1300 Ben Franklin Drive
2005
88
1 month
3
Beach
Key Tower South
1750 Ben Franklin Drive
1970
87
1 month
3
Beach
Kingston Arms
500 S. Washington Drive
1963
49
1 month
12
Not on the water
L' Elegance
1800 Ben Franklin Drive
1996
105
3 months
2
Beach
Lido Beach Club
1212 Ben Franklin Drive
1974
106
3 months
4
Beach
Lido Ambassador
800 Ben Franklin Drive
1978
74
6 months
2
Beach
Lido Harbor
1900 Ben Franklin Drive
1967
56
3 months
2
Beach
Lido Harbor South
2100 & 2110 Ben Franklin Drive
1968
69
2 months
2
Beach
Lido Shores condos
350 South Polk Drive
1977
32
1 month
12
Not on the water
Lido Surf & Sand
1100 Ben Franklin Drive
1976
105
2 months
2
Beach
Lido Harbour Towers
1770 Ben Franklin Drive
1970
42
1 month
2
Beach
Lido Regency
1700 Ben Franklin Drive
1968
84
2 months
2
Beach
Lido Presidential
845 Ben Franklin Drive
1974
40
1 month
3
Not on the water
Lido Towers
1001 Ben Franklin Drive
1980
84
1 month
12
Not on the water
Mark Twain
1336 Ben Franklin Drive
1966
14
1 month
4
Beach
Orchid Beach Club
2050 & 2052 Ben Franklin Drive
2005
54
3 months
2
Beach
Park Residences
129 Taft Drive
2015
18
1 month
12
Not on the water
Sand Dollar
555 Ben Franklin Drive
1984
9
1 month
3
Not on the water
St. Armands Towers
1 and 101 Ben Franklin Drive
1968
121
3 months
1
Not on the water
Sarasota Harbor East & West
765 John Ringling Blvd.
1963
180
1 year
1
Bay
There are a variety of new homes on Lido Key. Many of the older and tired structures have been torn down to make way for newer homes with more modern designs and features. Lido Shores neighborhood offers some of the highest concentration of contemporary style homes in Sarasota, Florida. The kind you might see on the cover of a "dwell" magazine. Many of these are waterfront homes making them some of the most expensive Lido Key homes for sale.
A beachfront getaway with spectacular views and cool, gentle breezes from the Gulf of Mexico, this small island is located near Longboat Key and Siesta Key. While a smaller island than Longboat Key or Siesta Key, it nevertheless offers residents plenty of room to relax. Long strolls along the beach, fishing in the crystal blue waters of the Gulf and doing some shopping at many of the area's most unique and interesting stores all add up to fun in the sun on Lido Key. For those who decide to call this area home, it's all about the condos. More specifically, new condos on Lido Key. Considered some of the most inviting in the state, they offer the perfect blend of convenience, modern living and recreation to make them the first choice of any buyer.
New Lido Key condos offer owners many features and amenities that older condo buildings do not. Some of them include higher ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, fitness centers equipped with the latest in exercise equipment, large swimming pool with spa and spacious terraces. Many of the condos in Sarasota were built during the real estate booms of the 1960's and 1970's. Many prefer a new condo over an old one but they can be quite a bit more expensive. Below are the only four new condos on Lido Key built after 1995.
| The Beach Residences | L' Elegance | Orchid Beach Club | Park Residences |
Living on Lido Key waterfront home is like being on vacation every day of the year. Waking up to lovely water views is not the worst thing that could happen, and it happens on a daily basis.
Swimming, fishing, boating and lazing on the beach or in the swimming pool are just a few of the activities that residents of Lido Key waterfront homes enjoy whenever they want sun, sand and sea time. Visitors travel from afar to do these things for even a week's time. Parasailing and deep-water fishing are usually available year round.
Your dog may love Lido Key waterfront home living as much as his or her family. Romp in the waves with Fido; both dog and human have fun while exercising. See Lido Key and find a home for your dog.
Imagine waking every morning to the wonderful views of the clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico in your own Lido Key waterfront condo. These properties are in high demand because of the wonderful lifestyle they provide.
Lido Key condos on the beach include Beach Residences, Key Tower South, L’Elegance, Lido Ambassador, Lido Beach Club, Lido Harbor, Lido Harbor South, Lido Surf and Sand, Lido Harbour Towers, Lido Regency, Mark Twain, and Orchid Beach Club. Just click on the preceding links to see what is currently for sale in these Lido Key waterfront condo communities.
Lido Key real estate offers a broad range of properties and prices. You can find studios around $200,000 and gulf front estates above $10 million. 
Lido Key is smaller than Siesta and Longboat Keys so there are fewer properties to choose from. 
Lido Shores offers some of the most lavish and expensive beach homes in Sarasota.
Residents are close to restaurants, shops and fun of St. Armands Circle and downtown.
St. Armands Circle is actually located on St. Armands Key, not Lido Key.
This beautiful barrier island is located north of Siesta Key and south of Longboat Key. The Gulf of Mexico lies west of Lido Key and Sarasota Bay lies to its east. Bridges connect Lido Key with surrounding islands of St. Armands Key and Longboat Key. Lido Key home and condo owners are only minutes away from many of the amenities that Sarasota has to offer. The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, dining and entertainment options downtown, beaches of other barriers islands and the myriad of shopping destinations. The main roads in Lido Key are Ben Franklin Drive, Boulevard of the Presidents and John Ringling Boulevard.
One of a chain of barrier islands located on Florida's Gulf Coast and connected to Sarasota via causeway, Lido Key's many vibrant offerings attract young and old alike to its shores. Wide, tree-lined sidewalks welcome cyclists, roller-bladers, and joggers as well as those who simply like to take in the sights on a leisurely walk. The casual, laid-back ambiance of Lido Key combined with the nearby amenities of cultural and educational centers have been cause for many of the current residents who came for a weekend to decide to stay for life. With Sarasota's circus history, how serious can life really be; entertainment and enjoyment are the orders of the day, everyday.
Both residents and visitors alike can enjoy one of the three main beaches at Lido Key, each with a personality all its own. For some quiet solitude, North Lido Beach is the ideal spot for an easy stroll or just soaking up some sun with a favorite novel. The pristine white sands and sparkling Gulf waters at Lido Beach plays host to plenty of water and beach activity and offers ample parking, picnic tables, public restrooms, and lifeguards. With a 100-acre park and nature preserve, lots of shade trees, grills, and picnic areas, South Lido Beach is a favorite with families. Canoeing and kayaking among the mangroves is a popular pastime.
For shopping, St. Armand's Circle is world-renowned for its upscale shops, restaurants, and casual cafes. With over 130 unique shops and eateries from which to choose, there is something for everyone at this location. This family-friendly area has much to offer besides shopping. Or just a short hours' drive north is the bustling Tampa Bay area with its many attractions.
Warm Gulf waters, flirty breezes, and amazing sunsets blended with luxury single-family homes, spacious modern condos, and gorgeous waterfront estates make Lido Key real estate a must-see for anyone seeking a permanent leisurely lifestyle.
After that much needed rest that you enjoyed on the beach, you may need to replenish your energy with some fine dining. Lido Key homes and condos are within minutes to some of the best cuisine from around the globe. Downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle offers delectable treats at many restaurant. A few choice awards go to Lido Beach Grille at the Lido Beach Resort for its outstanding "Panko-Dusted Crab Roll" and "Paella Valencia". After your energy is revived, you can enjoy a day of shopping at some of the best boutiques found worldwide at St. Armands Circle. 
If you're looking for a little more adventure, you can enjoy one of the many museums or wander along the trails that let you sight see along the way. Lido Key is close to museums, galleries and fun places to visit for the entire family. Spending a few hours at the John Ringling Museum can be an experience that you won't want to miss. If these are not enough to keep you busy, try your hand at all the other things offered here. Favorite pastimes include: sailing, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, kayaking, jet skiing, water-sports, golfing, shopping, dining, and many more. With an average temperature of 73 degrees, you are sure to have a pleasant experience with any outdoor activity that comes along. Whatever you decide to do, you will find the fabulous lifestyle that you've always dreamed of in Lido Key.
Lido Key has numerous attractions for residents and visitors to enjoy. From beaches to entertainment events, residents and visitors will not be without something to keep them occupied. A few of the most desirable Lido Key attractions will be described to help readers understand what this area has to offer.
Sarasota Ski-A-Rees have been entertaining the residents and visitors of Sarasota since 1957. This team not only entertains the public but is instrumental in teaching residents and youth about water safety and water skiing. The adults of Sarasota Ski-A-Rees educate and coaches youth about water sports.
Sarasota County Pageant was one of the landmark shows that gave the Sarasota Ski-A-Rees recognition in 1958. After this show, many people began to request the Ski-A-Rees for different events around the area. The Ski-A-Rees performers became known for their talent and skill in water sports. The team brought in significant revenue for Lido Key.
Ski-A-Rees present weekly water shows for visitors and residents. The shows are full of stunting and acrobatics on skis. Many human pyramids consist of three levels or more of people. Female acrobats perform arabesques while their partners glide on the water on skis. The show is phenomenal. This forty-year old tradition is a “do-not-miss” event in Sarasota. The primary performance location is located behind Mote Marine Laboratory.
Mote Marine Aquarium is a marine research center and laboratory. At the Mote Marine, visitors get an up-close and personal look at sea life. Mote Marine was originally founded by Eugenie Clark in 1955 in Placida, Florida. This laboratory was later renamed after William R. Mote and Betty Mote Rose to focus on shark research. The founder was recognized in 2010 by the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame. 
Over 200 staff members are researching sharks and other environmental toxins that may affect marine life. Sharks are not the only marine life studied. These scientists also study turtles, coral reef and fisheries. The marine center is expansive and covers 10.5 acres.
Mote Aquarium displays more than 100 marine species. The aquarium has been receiving visitors since 1980. Visitors can view sharks, dolphins, manatees, seahorses, sea turtles, rays, skates, seahorses and invertebrates. Group tours are available to show visitors how staff tends to the animals and exhibits. Many residents of Sarasota select Mote Aquarium to host their birthdays, weddings and other corporate events.
In 2009, Mote Aquarium features the Seahorse Conservation Laboratory. Sea turtle conservation and research is also growing in popularity. Visitors also get to witness how large sharks are trained to find food sources in natural environments. This is an event that many people enjoy at the Mote Aquarium. Many people flock to Lido Key for this popular aquarium.
St. Armands Circle offers visitors and residents of Lido Key world class shopping. The area is full of shops and boutiques with unique clothing, accessories and other items. Art galleries are also popular in this area. Local artists are often featured in the art galleries. The area is beautiful. As residents and visitors walk in area, they will notice walkways lined with palm trees and tropical plants. Flowering plants are also indigenous to the area.
South Lido Key Park is surrounded by The Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota Bay, Brushy Bayou and Big Pass. The beach portion of the park allows visitors to enjoy the Sarasota skyline. Views of the Gulf of Mexico are also present from this location. Wildlife and birds are popular in the area. Visitors can view manatee, fish, dolphins and pelicans in a replicated habitat.
Picnics are often enjoyed in the covered areas of the park. Families can play in the area at the playgrounds and in the green spaces while waiting for the food to finish on the grill. These areas are shaded by Australian Pines. Even though the sun may be shining brightly, there is still refuge from the sun under the Australian Pines.
Guests of the park also enjoy walking along the nature trails. Many trails feature scenic overlooks and boardwalks. Restrooms, grills, picnic tables, volleyball courts, playgrounds and nature trails are available for the guests. Visitors are often seen in the park playing volleyball and playing with kids on the playground. The park is full of recreational activity. 
Canoeing and kayaking are also popular in the South Lido Key Beach Park. On these trips, residents enjoy paddling through mangrove tunnels. This is exciting for many visitors. Many of the canoeing or kayaking routes are along protected routes. Tour rental companies are available to assist visitors with kayak rentals and other equipment. Some visitors simply launch their own kayaks for free.
Guests of the park are also often seen at the tip of Lido Key. This is the location where residents will gaze out at the “Big Pass.” This channel is located between south Lido Key and north Siesta Key. Swimming is not recommended in this area because the undercurrents are extremely strong. Many romantic people find the Lido Key area as a place to walk hand-in-hand and enjoy the sunset.
The park is known for raccoons. Visitors should not feed or play with the raccoons. The animals have been known to bite unsuspecting visitors who try to feed the animals. Since the animals have hurt people, it is against the law to feed raccoons to protect guests. Lido Key considers feeding raccoons a serious violation.
This encourages animals’ behavior and attracts the animals to the area. The park rangers want the park experience to be safe for all people. Since the nature trail is expansive with plenty of vegetation along the way, raccoons typically feed on the natural food along the trail. Please respect the laws of the park and refrain from feeding human food to raccoons.
More Information on Ted Sperling Lido Key Park
Lido Key beaches are some of the most gorgeous beaches in Florida and the world. The atmosphere is beautiful and peaceful. The best beaches of Lido Key will be described to help people determine what to do and where to go while in Lido Key.
Lido Key’s main beach is located centrally on the island. The main beach is approximately a half mile from St. Armands Circle. In this area, visitors will have access to concessions, watercraft, lifeguards, showers and restrooms. Many visitors are often found walking along the white sand beaches at sunset hand-in-hand. The beach is expansive and wide. Visitors of main beach are impressed by its offerings. 
North Lido Beach is more secluded and private for guests who value the solitude and relaxation. Many people enjoy this beach because it is the least populated and is located in a residential community. North Lido Beach is perfect for couples and easy to find. The currents are swift, and there are no lifeguards on duty. Guests must be cognizant and careful while on this beach to keep from being swept under by the undertow. Australian pines are common on this half-mile stretch of beach.
Picnic tables, grills, playgrounds and volleyball courts are accessible to the public in South Lido Park. This beach area is located along the shoreline of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors enjoy gazing at the osprey and other wildlife as they walk along the wooden walkways. There are nearly 100 acres of Australian pines and beach area encompassed in this park area.
The earliest settlers of Lido Key were natives of Calusa and Paleo. For 4,000 years, the settlers lived in Lido Key. The early settlers were known for sun worshipping. In the 1500s, notable explorers were found searching the area for precious metals such as gold and silver, but no precious metals were found. Spanish explorers vacated the island quickly when they learned no gold or silver existed in the area. Despite its natural beauty, it was not until centuries later that Lido Key, Florida got its first permanent residents.
Most of the early inhabitants of Lido Key fished and hunted for food sources. They lived in small groups and hunted and gathered to survive. The first settlers were allowed to own land in 1824 after the United States acquired the territory of Florida. These settlers made their home here after fighting pests, wild animals and Indians.
Later, the area grew in population when businesses were established. The Florida Mortgage and Investment Company helped to generate revenue in the area. John and Mabel Ringling and Bertha Potter Palmer were also large developers in the area. Each investment group bought land on Lido Key because they recognized the area’s potential.
John Ringling was the mastermind behind the Ringling Brothers and Barnum Bailey Circus. They saw an opportunity on Lido Key and developed a world-renowned shopping mall known as St. Armands Circle. Many real estate developments have formed around this area and is a beautiful place to shop for exclusive items or walk around. 
John Ringling also had a vision to build a mansion for President Warren G. Harding. Mr. Ringling hoped his Bird Key investment would increase revenue and sales for Ringling Isles, a new development and partnership. Mr. Ringling also built bridges in the Longboat Key area. In honor of the presidents, streets were named after them.
John Ringling worked together with Owen Burns to form the partnership, Ringling Isles Estates. Through this corporation, Burns managed to buy nearly every property in Lido Key. With his partner, he built bridges to all of his major islands. Bridges were also donated to the government to be maintained. The donated bridge was named John Ringling Boulevard for his contribution to Lido Key.
Later, he built a Ritz Carlton on Longboat Key. In the winter, he vacationed in Sarasota where he built his winter home for the Ringling Brothers and Barnum Bailey Circus. Many “snowbirds” or affluent northerners flock to the area in the winter to avoid the harsh cold weather. He also built a pool near the Radisson Hotel.
Charles Ringling also contributed to Sarasota area. He developed property and founded a bank. His bank loaned money to other people in the area to start businesses. He built government offices and a courthouse as a gift to the community. Ringling Boulevard begins on Tamiami Trail, which is the location of the winter circus headquarters. The Charles Ringling Boulevard crosses Washington Boulevard where guests will find Sarasota Terrace Hotel. This hotel was built by Charles Ringling and is reminiscent of Chicago-style architecture. Charles Ringling’s wife, Edith Ringling, developed the Edith Ringling Estate in the center of campus at New College of Florida.
A Scottish group was responsible for the Florida Mortgage and Investment Company. They purchased 50,000 acres of land in the Sarasota area. When settlers arrived from Scotland and England in 1885, they were disappointed. The settlers did not have access to any quality homes, fruit gardens or vegetable gardens. Since they did not have access to these items, they chose not to stay.
John Hamilton Gillespie was a Scottish lawyer and aristocrat who helped Florida Mortgage and Investment Company develop and shape the Lido Key area into a viable and inhabitable area. He began by building the DeSoto Hotel on Main Street.
Florida Mortgage and Investment Company developed the first golf course in Sarasota. The golf course was beautiful and patronized by numerous people in the area. In addition to the first golf course, they also built some of the first homes and city buildings in the area. Because of his contributions, Gillespie Park was named after him. The Scottish influences are still in the area. Scottish band members play bagpipes and dance to Scottish music to commemorate the Scottish heritage and influences in the area.
Bertha Potter Palmer purchased 30,000 acres after arriving in Sarasota in 1910. She employed 200 workers on the farm and ranch and resided in a beautiful home on the beach.
All listing information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified through personal inspection by appropriate professionals. Listings displayed on this website may be subject to prior sale or removal from sale; availability of any listing should always be independently verified.
Listing information is provided for consumer personal, non-commercial use, solely to identify potential properties for potential purchase; all other use is strictly prohibited and may violate relevant federal and state law.
Listing data comes from My Florida Regional MLS.
Listing information last updated on June 22nd, 2017 at 1:51pm EDT.
