In Sarasota, an Old Florida oasis is on the market
By Breanne Williams
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Mar 6, 2024

A Sarasota home surrounded by an oasis designed as a nod to the lush fauna of Old Florida has hit the market at $2.18 million.

The 3,308-square-foot home, known as the Allen Treehouse, is in Arlington Park and was designed by Sarasota architect Richard G. Allen of Architura.

The home at 2613 Temple St. sits on a roughly 0.32-acre lot and includes a large wading pond with a waterfall feature and multiple observation decks. Dianne Anderson with Compass Florida-Sarasota is the listing agent for the site.

“This historical treehouse exudes a timeless charm that seamlessly blends Sarasota's old Florida appeal with modern luxury, making it a truly unique gem in the heart of the city," Anderson said. "From its picturesque surroundings to its warm and inviting interiors, the home is a testament to the artistry and attention to detail that defines Sarasota's historical landscape."

It was built in 1997 and is known for its innovative design. The home has three bedrooms and four bathrooms and sits at the end of a private canopied road. The home is largely comprised of materials local to the Sarasota region.

The home features a hand-carved door, maple wood floors, exposed beams and expansive windows. Four of the support beams are pine telephone poles that the architect handpicked. The open-concept home has a kitchen, living room and dining room as well as a primary suite, guest suite and library.

A spiral staircase leads up to a loft with floor-to-ceiling shelves. The ground level has a private bedroom ensuite with a separate entrance, storage and a laundry room. The home also includes an oversized two-car garage and an electric charging station. The property has a hand-carved Tibetan teak wood gate, a wraparound screened porch and a screened-in swimming pool.

The home lies just over 2 miles from downtown Sarasota and is across the street from Arlington Park Sarasota.

Allen’s portfolio includes multifamily and commercial projects. He notably has designed hundreds of schools throughout several states including Florida, North Carolina and Texas. He is best known for his work on Booker Middle School in Sarasota, State College of Florida in Venice and Sarasota Middle School.