One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Incredible opportunity West of the trail to own one of the most historic homes in the Sarasota Bay area. The original Ringling House, built between 1918-1920 for Alfred Ringling, just finished undergoing an extensive 2-year renovation to update this amazing piece of history with all of today's modern conveniences. Recent improvements include all new electrical, all new water lines, all new sewer lines, a new roof, new hurricane shutters and fabrics, new chandeliers and light fixtures, a new composite deck, 5 new air conditioners, a new pool pump, new landscaping and irrigation system, new paint both inside and out and all new kitchen appliances. ~

As you approach the front door, spin the vintage doorbell, close your eyes and try to imagine what life was like over 100 years ago. Not for the average person, but for one who's name is synonymous with Greatest Show on Earth, Ringling! At the time this house was built, Alfred Ringling owned over a mile of frontage on Sarasota Bay so no expense was spared in the design of this extravagant palatial home. As you walk through the front door and into the 42' wide parlor, your eye is immediately drawn to the main attraction, a breathtaking 26' x 36' ballroom with eight sets of French doors, Venetian columns, a mezzanine balustrade and Renaissance-style coffered ceiling. The original Dade County Pine hardwood floors have been fully restored and the original porcelain door knobs remain intact. With 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, almost 4,700 square feet of living space and stories of a hidden room, this house is unlike no other on the market. ~

A little bit of history… As the story goes, construction of the home was started in 1918 along Sarasota Bay. However, when the house was only 2 months into construction, Alfred Ringling died unexpectedly. His wife Elizabeth continued construction according to the original plans, which was completed in June of 1920. The house was designed as Alfred and Elizabeth's entertaining house and was at one time connected to the house next door, the house currently located at 7711 Westmoreland, through a 2nd story passage. Physical evidence of this passage was discovered by one of the previous owners through what used to be the upstairs bar/smoking room which now serves as a bedroom. In 1922 Elizabeth transferred the home to Alfred's son Richard who later sold the entire 218-acre estate to the Whitfield developers in 1924 for $250,000. Since the original placement of the 2 houses did not coincide with the proposed street and lot layout for Whitfield Estates, the house was relocated to its current location on Westmoreland drive. Even though both lots were almost a half-acre in size, the houses were placed very close to one another so they could later be connected again, something that never happened. ~

Until recently, a 2-bedroom guest house existed on the Northeast corner of the property. However, it was removed as part of the renovation effort after concerns about its structural integrity. The property appraiser still lists the land use as 2 or more houses and according to the building department it can be rebuilt, adding even more value to this amazing opportunity. ~

While the sources of this information are deemed to be reliable, the buyer is responsible for verifying any and all information, so do your homework then schedule a showing today. You won't be disappointed.