Once a Humble 1960s Ranch, This Modern Floridian Oasis Is Now Available For $3.9M

Borrowing the Norwegian word for “beach house,” Sweet Sparkman Architects's Strandhus fits right in with its Sarasota Modern neighbors in Lido Shores.
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Located on the edge of Sarasota, Florida, this bright and airy modern residence was completely rebuilt from the bones of a modest 1960s house. While the original home's footprint was mostly preserved, little else in the new design resembles what once stood.

Lido Shores includes many homes in the 'Sarasota Modern' style, also know as 'The Sarasota School of Architecture' method. This post-war approach emerged as a regional form adapted to Florida's unique, year-round climate. 

Lido Shores includes many homes in the 'Sarasota Modern' style, also know as 'The Sarasota School of Architecture' method. This post-war approach emerged as a regional form adapted to Florida's unique, year-round climate. 

Spread across two wings, the property's architecture and landscape flow as a cohesive whole, with water as a central element blending indoor and outdoor spaces. A 40-foot lap pool flanks one side of the home, while a pergola-topped wading pool surrounds the other.

Bottom center-left: The home at 1212 Westway Drive occupies a double lot in Lido Shores, an enclave of Sarasota well known for its iconic modern architecture and grand waterfront estates.

Bottom center-left: The home at 1212 Westway Drive occupies a double lot in Lido Shores, an enclave of Sarasota well known for its iconic modern architecture and grand waterfront estates.

The renovation was led by architect Jerry Sparkman of Sarasota-based Sweet Sparkman Architects, whose design won the 2014 Florida Association of AIA: Merit Award of Excellence for Renovations and Additions. The new home, named 'Strandhus,' translates to 'beach house' in Norwegian. In 2018, a spacious master wing, called Strandhus II, was built on an adjacent lot purchased by the homeowners.

From the driveway, stepping stones lead across a wading pool to the home's main entrance. An island patio rests as a centerpiece beneath the pergola.

From the driveway, stepping stones lead across a wading pool to the home's main entrance. An island patio rests as a centerpiece beneath the pergola.

The home features just over 4,600-square-feet of space, mostly set within a single story. A spacious open floor plan in the main living area easily connects to the landscape for seamless indoor-outdoor living.

The home's airy living room features floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors, which open onto the water-wrapped outdoor area.

The home's airy living room features floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors, which open onto the water-wrapped outdoor area.

A blue glass mosaic backsplash declares the home's coastal location. The modern kitchen offers professional-grade appliances, custom white cabinetry, and a large peninsula.

A blue glass mosaic backsplash declares the home's coastal location. The modern kitchen offers professional-grade appliances, custom white cabinetry, and a large peninsula.

A wall clad in cypress wood accentuates the dining area, which has room for a large table.

A wall clad in cypress wood accentuates the dining area, which has room for a large table.

A 40-foot lap pool wraps around the large patio and veranda, connected to the living room and a bedroom via sliding glass doors.

A 40-foot lap pool wraps around the large patio and veranda, connected to the living room and a bedroom via sliding glass doors.

The home offers a total of five en-suite bedrooms, including an in-law apartment with a private entrance and kitchenette. The large master bedroom is part of the separate wing added in 2018 and is connected to the main home via a glass walkway.

The private walkway has sliding glass doors on all sides, providing access to small garden areas and warm Florida breezes.

The private walkway has sliding glass doors on all sides, providing access to small garden areas and warm Florida breezes.

The master bedroom is located at one end of the wing and features the same cypress wood walls as the main living area. Large French doors lead to a private corner of the yard.

The master bedroom is located at one end of the wing and features the same cypress wood walls as the main living area. Large French doors lead to a private corner of the yard.

The master bathroom is brightened by custom lighting and natural light shining through the tempered glass shower wall.

The master bathroom is brightened by custom lighting and natural light shining through the tempered glass shower wall.

At the opposite end of the wing is a sunlit home office, featuring distinct vertical windows and bi-fold doors which open onto the lush landscape.

At the opposite end of the wing is a sunlit home office, featuring distinct vertical windows and bi-fold doors which open onto the lush landscape.

Custom landscape lighting illuminates the home's architectural features at night.

Custom landscape lighting illuminates the home's architectural features at night.

A rooftop deck completes this Floridian beach paradise. It provides ample views of jaw-dropping sunsets on Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

A rooftop deck completes this Floridian beach paradise. It provides ample views of jaw-dropping sunsets on Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

1212 Westway Drive is currently listed for $3,900,000 by Joel Schemmel of Premier Sotheby's International Realty.

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Project Credits:

Architect: Sweet Sparkman Architects / @sweetsparkman

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