• Search the MLS
  • Search by Map Area
  • Search by Features
  • Search by MLS number
  • Homes for Sale
  • Land for Sale
  • Condos for Sale
• Property Management
  • Annual Rentals
  • Seasonal Rentals
  • Property Management Services
• Area Info
  • Deed Restrictions
  • Articles
  • Weather
  • Area Links
  • Relocation
• Free Reports & Newsletters
  • Reports
  • Newsletters
• Sellers
  • Free Market Analysis
  • Why list with Your Suncoasteam?
  • Featured Homes Marketing System
  • Pricing Your Home
  • Get the Home Ready
  • Home Inspections
• Mortgage Calculator
• About us

Beach Cottage on Manasota Key to be Preserved

By RYAN BOYD STAFF WRITER
Charlotte Sun-Herald Newspaper. Reprinted with permission. September 8, 2006

Beach Cottage on Manasota Key to be Preserved

By RYAN BOYD STAFF WRITER, Charlotte Sun-Herald

ENGLEWOOD — Diana Harris knows all the history behind Manasota Key’s Hermitage building and its Beach Cottage.

At one point in the early 1900s, the oceanfront property served as a farm; during another period, it was a quaint restaurant.

The wood-sided Beach Cottage played the role of artist retreat for several artists during the early 20th century.

Now, the Beach Cottage is a brittle shack with a beautiful oceanic view.

“So much of Florida’s history has been destroyed, because most of the buildings were built with wood,” said Harris, an Englewood historian, “and if the termites and the bugs haven’t destroyed them, the storms have.”

The nonprofit Hermitage Artist Retreat at 6650 Manasota Key Road has raised $240,000 to refurbish the cottage, according to Bruce Rodgers, executive director of the organization.

Rodgers said the organization’s plan is to restore the building to its original state, so it can better serve artists that visit the retreat.

“We will serve the artists that we bring here with a better facility,” Rodgers said. “The better we serve the artists, the better the artists can serve the community.”

Rodgers said the project has been approved by Florida’s Historic Preservation Board. Sarasota County is currently reviewing the project before permits can be approved.

“Our hope is construction will begin by the end of November or beginning of December,” Rodgers said.

After the restoration, the Beach Cottage will have three rooms. The southernmost room will be a room for painters. The middle room will be used as an administration office, and the northern room will be a digital studio for artists working in digital media, Rodgers said.

The refurbishment of the Beach Cottage will bring an added historical presence to the already preserved beach.

“This is preserving a piece of old Florida,” Rodgers said of the building that was once used as a motel, a guest cottage and even a nudist colony. “That alone brings historic value to the community, and our children will have a bit of historic history preserved.”

You can e-mail Ryan Boyd at rboyd@sun-herald.com.

SUN PHOTO BY MOLLY DEMPSEY, e-mail mdempsey@sun-herald.com The Hermitage Artist Retreat on Manasota Key.

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR SUNCOASTEAM AND THIS WEBSITE.

To search The Southwest Florida MLS click on the tool bar button above.

Your Suncoasteam is an association of Realtors in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Englewood and Rotonda (Rotunda) Florida. Our Realtor associates also serve Lee County in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Lehigh and Bonita Springs. Other Suncoasteam Realtors serve Sarasota county in North Port, Venice, Nokomis and Sarasota.

When buying or selling homes in southwest Florida, you should always consider the experienced real estate brokers at your Suncoasteam.

Jim (941) 456-3034

Andy (941) 662-0033

Questions questions@suncoasteam.com

featured Properties:

Real Estate For Sale In Southwest Florida, Florida

Sellers – Know what your Southwest Florida home is worth in today’s market. Click here for a FREE, NO OBLIGATION MARKET ANALYSIS of your Southwest Florida Home.