Property Description

A rare architectural and cultural landmark, this Mediterranean Revival residence—known as the Everett “Chick” Austin House (Villa Cirque)—is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Famous for its association with Chick Austin, the founder of the Ringling Museum, the home played a pivotal role in establishing Sarasota as a major international arts destination. During the 1940s and 1950s, the estate served as a vibrant cultural salon, welcoming an extraordinary roster of distinguished guests from the worlds of art, theater, and society. Set on an oversized lot in the heart of Sarasota, the residence showcases two of the city’s most admired interior spaces: a grand 40-foot ballroom with classical detailing and an adjoining enclosed porch adorned with rare green Chinese Chippendale motifs. The grounds are equally evocative, featuring a guest house, a koi pond, and striking artistic lady statues that enhance the estate’s timeless elegance and artistic legacy. A magnificent, mature banyan tree graces the garden beside the home, serving as both a natural landmark and an architectural marvel. A thoughtfully designed stairway ascends into the heart of the tree, leading to a wide, flat deck that seamlessly connects to the second-story primary suite balcony—creating a truly one-of-a-kind indoor-outdoor retreat that is as enchanting as it is unforgettable. Recognized as one of Sarasota’s most significant historic residences, this exceptional property embodies a timeless cultural landscape, echoing the city’s celebrated mid-20th-century artistic renaissance.

Property Details