Real Estate Deal of the Week: Glen Oaks Manor

He says, "Take a look at this. A maintenance-free villa only 10 minutes from downtown Sarasota! It has two bedrooms, two baths, a two-car garage, an enclosed atrium, a private pool---all for under $185,000. What do you think?"

She says, "Sounds like we have our Real Estate Deal of the Week. Where is it?"

He says, "Glen Oaks Manor."

She says, "Wonderful, I love Glen Oaks Manor! It was developed in the late '70s with floor plans that are considered absolutely timeless. I read in one of the community’s original sales brochures that Glen Oaks' basic floor plan is so unique it was copyrighted. In fact, the concept of courtyard villas is often credited to Paver Development, the company that developed Glen Oaks Manor. Whether that’s true or not, their debut certainly introduced the idea of indoor/outdoor living to Sarasota. Most have been so expertly renovated and updated, you'd never believe they were built nearly 35 years ago.

He says, "That's the place. At the moment there are only two of these villas available for sale in the entire subdivision, which has 197 in all. That not only speaks volumes about the Glen Oaks neighborhood, but also bodes well for the recovery of our entire real estate market.""Okay," she says, "well, here's a little history lesson. Way back in the day, the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus used the land where Glen Oaks now sits for its winter quarters. The performers used to rehearse there and it was a favorite attraction for winter tourists. Plus, just a few blocks east is Bobby Jones Golf Club, often considered to be the "cradle of golf" and Sarasota's first golf course, with 45 beautifully manicured holes. It was named for the legendary Robert Tyre Jones, Jr., who personally dedicated the facility on Sunday, Feb. 13, 1927. Must have made for a very quiet Valentine's Day back then."He says, "I wouldn't know, I'm not that old! Now getting back to Glen Oaks. As I said, only two villas are available at the moment and both are great choices, but for different reasons. 3971 Glen Oaks Manor is a two-bedroom, two-bath, two-car garage with atrium, private pool and some 1,700-plus air-conditioned square feet. This one is perfectly clean, fresh and neutral. Fairly plain---vanilla really---it offers a clean slate for the next buyer, but is actually quite livable and move-in ready as is. I also like that it is an end unit, which means an extra set of windows in the living room to take full advantage of the natural light. Volume ceilings are another great feature of this particular unit, which really gives the place an open, spacious feeling. The master suite has been bumped-out with a nice set of sliding glass doors to drink in serene views of the solar-heated pool. This villa is also tiled throughout---so very easy to maintain. You mentioned the floor plans---you are right; they are timeless, and the space is exceptionally functional. These homes have a terrific "flow," ideally suited for entertaining. I've been to a number of great house parties in this community. Again, this home is very well-maintained and a very good buy at $183,900."She says, "That’s a winner. The second available villa, on the other hand, shows what's possible with some updating. 3707 Glen Oaks Manorhas the identical floor plan with the same space, also has a pool yet lacks the volume ceilings; but, as I said, has been extensively renovated. A large foyer, minimally decorated, sets the stage. Very tastefully done with a distinctly modern vibe, the color palette includes cool shades of the palest blue-grays. The living/dining areas flow together seamlessly, with the atrium as the focal point.A large family room off of the eat-in kitchen provides a casual backdrop. Walk outside to the pool courtyard. A read-through of the specs shows that this villa has lots of new or new-ish updates, such as the roof, a hot water heater, air conditioning, heat pump, ceramic tile, a dishwasher, a front-load washer and dryer, wood floors, fresh paint, pool, pavers and ceiling fans. By the way, Glen Oaks Manor is dog-friendly too! Another very good buy at $229,900.

He says, "Two great choices in a very friendly, centrally-located community, with lakes and gazebos and walking paths---all beautifully landscaped. What more could you want?"

She says, "Again---nice work. Now let's find these villas some buyers!"

- The Real Estate Deal of the Week is brought to you by Donald Geikie and Dana Westmark, REALTORS® with the fabulous Main Street office of Michael Saunders & Company. They can help you buy or sell, so spark your own conversation with Donald and Dana by calling (941) 951-6660.