3012 DESOTO ROAD, Sarasota, FL 34234

• 5 beds |
• 3 baths |
• 3,470 sqft

Property Description

Discover the extraordinary charm of 3012 Desoto Road, an exceptional property nestled in the heart of Desoto Acres. Spanning an impressive 2.4 acres—nearly a hectare of prime land—this unique estate features a serene pond and five on-site buildings. * * * Step inside the main house, a historic gem built in 1957, offering 3,470 square feet of character and warmth. Adorned with terrazzo floors, smooth ceilings, two inviting stone fireplaces, and warm wood paneling, this home exudes the timeless charm characteristic of properties of its era. With five spacious bedrooms and a den equipped with a Murphy bed—often utilized as a sixth bedroom—there’s ample space for family and guests. The large pool, enclosed in an elevated cage installed in 2012, invites you to relax and enjoy the view of the expansive surrounding property and spectacular canopy trees. The large on-property pond offers peaceful spaces for quiet reflection and the enjoyment of its natural beauty. * * * The delightful 1,000-square-foot guest house, built in 1994 and fully renovated just three years ago, features one bedroom and a full bath, making it perfect for visitors or as a private retreat. * * * Among the 3 additional on-site buildings, you’ll find a self-contained, air-conditioned atomic bomb shelter with a ½ bath that dates back to the 1950s (remember the Cold War or the Bay of Pigs?) - - - it is still fully functional today; a handy storage shed; and, even though the home is connected to public water, the water utility building houses a water pump, ensuring you have reliable access to water in any emergency. * * * This property has a rich history, having served as an auxiliary rectory for Catholic priests for decades. The expansive property provides a serene sense of seclusion - - - and with 14 strategically placed security cameras, an unparalleled sense of safety. * * * All the windows are hurricane-strength, the pool was just resurfaced in 2023, and the inclusion of an electric car charger in the two-car garage adds to the property’s modern conveniences. Offered with most furnishings included, this home is not just a place to live but a unique lifestyle opportunity. Its distinctive character has even attracted the attention of television, with an episode of "Cops" filmed inside, making it a part of pop culture lore. Don't miss your chance to own this remarkable estate!

Listing Status:

Active

Date Added:

January 18, 2026

Data Last Updated:

February 10, 2026 at 7:22AM

Listing Office:

COLDWELL BANKER REALTY : 941-366-8070

Listing Agent:

Marilyn Kneafsey : 941-373-0999

MLS ID:

A4678237

Interior

• General: Ceiling Fans(s)Eat-in KitchenPrimary Bedroom Main FloorStone CountersWindow Treatments
• Rooms: Breakfast Room SeparateDen/Library/OfficeFamily RoomFormal Dining Room Separate
• Appliances: Bar FridgeBuilt-In OvenDishwasherDisposalDryerElectric Water HeaterRangeRange HoodRefrigeratorWasher
• Laundry: Electric Dryer HookupIn KitchenWasher Hookup
• Flooring: SlateTerrazzo
• A/C: Central Air
• Heating: CentralElectric
• Fireplace: Living RoomStoneWood BurningFireplace

Exterior

• General: LightingPrivate Mailbox
• Other Structures: Guest HouseOtherShed(s)EnclosedRear PorchScreened
• Pool: In GroundPool SweepScreen Enclosure
• Parking: DrivewayElectric Vehicle Charging Station(s)Garage Door OpenerGarage Faces SideGuest

Construction

• Roofing: Shingle
• General: BlockStuccoOneSlab

Location

• Road/Access: Paved
• Originating MLS: Stellar MLS
• County: Sarasota

Lot

• Zoning: RE1LOT 5 LESS R/W DESC IN RPB 2 PG 10 ALSO LESS CHANCERY ORDER BOOK 3 PAGE 206 & W 25 FT OF LOT 6 BLK H DESOTO ACRES ORI 20010413020021030008

Utilities

• Utilities: BB/HS Internet AvailableCable Connected
• Water: Public
• Sewer: Public SewerSeptic Tank

Financial

• Source: Stellar MLS
• Ownership: Fee Simple