2920 Bay Shore Cir., Sarasota, FL 34234

Neighborhood rumor suggests this home on Bay Shore Circle was built by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. The myth may be dispelled but it’s easy to see why someone might think that. The house is referred to as Organic Modern, a mid-century movement which rejected mainstream designs in favor of using natural shapes, natural materials and designing to a specific, natural environment. Frank Lloyd Wright was America’s most well known “organic” architect. Others say this house was designed by a boat builder and it is certainly reminiscent of a glorious Dutch houseboat with teakwood, cypress and black walnut throughout. You’ll also find brass pulls on the kitchen cabinets and finishing touches like Dutch Doors, some with stained glass inserts. Whatever the inspiration may have been, it is clearly a very cool, Bohemian paradise shaded by a dozen ancient oak trees just steps to Sarasota Bay. The main house, with a “butterfly roof” design, functions as a one bed, two bath home with a living room and cozy family room. The ceilings are beamed, tongue and groove and vaulted in areas. Clerestory windows allow in maximum light. The kitchen has a vintage farm sink, and an antique Maytag range appropriately branded a Dutch Oven. When cooking up a feast, just swing open the top half of the door to let in afternoon sea breezes if you need some cooling. There is also a guest house with a bedroom and a large, functional studio. There’s a full bath and small kitchenette area creating an independent living opportunity for some. Other features of this property harken to Sarasota’s history like a large outdoor fireplace predating the house. Who built it and what for? Just another mystery of the first house built on Bay Shore Circle in Indian Beach, so named for being a populated piece of Real Estate for over a thousand years. If you have a chance to visit this property, you may understand why.