Old Florida

Old Florida is getting harder to find. Slowly but surely it’s being torn down and paved over. A way of life has vanished — days and nights without air conditioning, simple pleasures and peace and quiet. 

Homes were different then. They were designed for practicality and comfort rather than display. Shade was more important than direct sunlight. Wood paneling was everywhere. 

Such homes are almost impossible to find now, but every once in a while one turns up. Here are three properties on the market, updated for the way we live today but still dripping with nostalgia and authenticity.

Picture Perfect

6551 Bayou Hammock Road

At the still-rustic northern end of Longboat Key, this four-bedroom, three-bath home sits on an acre of beautifully manicured tropical landscaping. Paneling, built-ins, and Southern pine floors characterize the interior and charmingly reflect the home’s 67 years of family living. There’s a caged saltwater pool and — even better — an expansive deck right on Bishop Bayou, with direct access to the bay. The peaceful rocking chair view lets you check out the mullet and the manatees. You’ll also find a three-car air-conditioned garage. The beach is an easy bike ride away.

Priced at $1.55 million. For more information, call Cathy Meldahl of Michael Saunders & Co. at 724-7228.

All in the Family

7617 Sanderling Road

Located on an acre in Siesta Key’s prestigious gated community of Sanderling, this home was built in 1952 when the Key was a haven for writers and artists. It’s been updated over the years, but its original character still is very much in evidence. Many rooms still boast the original pecky cypress paneling and the feeling is that of a large beach house that’s been in the family for generations. A guest house on the property brings the number of bedrooms to six. There’s a dock on Heron Lagoon — the beach is a short walk away — and even a tree house with a gulf view.

Priced at $2 million. For more information, call Albert Joerger of Keller Williams at 685-6145.

Country Comforts

9800 Cameo Farm Lane

Built in the 1960s, this rambling five-bedroom, five-bath home is the centerpiece of a 30-acre horse farm. It’s a living reminder of Sarasota’s early heritage of cattlemen and ranchers. With lots of wood, brick and stone, the feeling inside is more than a little bit country. There’s a large front lanai overlooking the picturesque view of old oaks, Spanish moss and split rail fences. You’ll also find a 13-stall stable, storage barn and caretaker’s quarters. Secluded, yes, but just a couple of miles east of Interstate 75.

Priced at $2.5 million. For more information, call Kenneth Hoskinson of Hembree and Associates at 951-1776.