Wade M. Berlin

An incredible Sarasota Gem, this East of the trail Treehouse, designed by Richard G. Allen, a local Sarasota architect known for his innovative and sustainable design ethos, provides a rare opportunity to own an architectural treasure in Arlington Park. This enchanting 3 bedroom, 4 bathroom home with a library/den, offers a truly unique living experience in an exclusive oasis of native Florida ecosystem. Sitting at the end of a private canopied road, surrounded by the lush landscape of protected wetlands, Allen Treehouse and Pond is a masterpiece designed to respect the land and climate using construction techniques and materials local to the Sarasota region. The influence of Frank Lloyd Wright and The Sarasota School of Architecture is felt throughout the home in the way it brings harmony of the surrounding landscape to the indoors and effortlessly combines features of art and nature. 5 minutes from downtown, the home is nestled in a world all your own. As you enter, hand carved Tibetan teak wood gates open to a walkway overlooking a pond view and waterfall feature. The pond has been converted to automatically fill using a well for a seamless integration with the natural water sources and environment. From the ground level, stairs lead to a spacious screened deck and private swimming pool cocooned in the treetops. The home was built and designed to be completely compatible with the Florida climate, blending the organic design, materials and aesthetics with the lush natural environment. The home features broad overhangs, windows and doors situated for airflow, high ceilings, and a remarkable wrap around screened porch. A hand carved door opens into the main living area where you are greeted with maple wood floors, soaring ceilings, exposed beams and expansive windows inviting natural light to dance through the open spaces. Four of the support beams are pine telephone poles hand picked by the architect to encapsulate exposed wood elements. The open concept plan boasts the kitchen, living room, and dining room, with a primary suite and additional guest suite and library all on the main living floor. The kitchen, a central space that ties in the main living areas to the staircase, loft, and two spacious suites, includes upgraded appliances, functional shelving, and enhanced lighting for overall ambiance of the space. On the main level is a visionary library crafted with custom sliding maple doors, beautiful built ins and shelving placement to blend into the aesthetic of the architectural style. An integral part of the interior design elements, the spiral staircase leads upstairs to an elevated loft with oak wood floors, while the ceiling stretches to an arrangement of clerestory windows that can be opened to the natural light and air. By staircase you can access the ground level from the main floor, which features a private bedroom ensuite with a separate entrance, additional storage and a spacious laundry room. Experience the ultimate convenience with ample parking space, an oversized two car garage, and an electric charging station. This home is an oasis for those seeking a peaceful retreat, while offering a design that is functional and thoughtfully planned to bring the outdoors in, connecting to the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The Allen Treehouse is a sanctuary and piece of Sarasota history for those who appreciate the serenity of nature and the artistry of organic architecture and sustainably minded design.