Historic Sarasota Inn for Sale
Sarasota, FL
Offered for sale at $3,300,000
Villa Serena Inn is a 12-suite historic Inn currently permitted for non-transient rentals on nearly 1.5 acres across three parcels in Sarasota, Florida. It was built in 1926 for Clarke Douglas Williams, a New York stockbroker, and designed by local architect Clare Hosmer. The Mediterranean Revival building was known at the time as “the Italian Palace” for its period furnishings. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on September 29, 2000. Villa Serena is the longest surviving Inn in the Sarasota area and the only remaining original property from the 1920s.
The Property
The current owner bought the Inn in 2014 and completed a $1.5 million restoration and renovation by 2019. Each of the 12 suites in the main building has a full galley kitchen, breakfast nook, private bedroom, sitting room, and original oak floors. The penthouse hosted Babe Ruth, Dizzy Dean, and Bobby Jones. The grounds are shaded by banyan and live oak trees and include a swimming pool, seven pergolas, tropical gardens, and a FarmBot robotic organic garden. Murals and works by local artists are placed throughout. A purpose-built 1,000 square foot Carriage House seats up to 100 guests for weddings, private events, concerts, and art workshops. These significant and thoughtful updates reflect the quality of past nd ongoing improvements to the asset that position the property for profitable future operations.
Operations
All 12 units are currently approved for non-transient apartment rental, and four were previously approved for transient use. The Inn has historically operated with eight non-transient apartments and four transient suites. A full or partial return to short-term rental would change the income profile significantly. The Carriage House, pergolas, and grounds are used below their physical capacity, which leaves room for a regular events and arts calendar.
Location & Market
Sarasota County received about 2.9 million visitors in fiscal year 2024 and generated $48.1 million in tourism development tax. Average hotel ADR in the county passed $200 in July 2025, up from $172 a year earlier, and summer occupancy exceeded 59%. The area’s draws include Siesta Key, The Ringling, and the Sarasota Opera, and it has a large winter seasonal market. Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is minutes from the property, with nonstop service to Boston, New York, Chicago, and Washington, DC. Tampa International is an hour away.
Financial information is available to qualified buyers upon execution of a confidentiality agreement.
For more information, contact Eben Viens at 802-380-7312 or eben@bbteam.com.
Florida Broker of Record: Florida Real Estate Wizards, Inc.
Property Details- Former Inn
- 12 Guest Rooms
- 12 Guest Room Baths
- Has Owner's Quarters
- Built in 1926
- Last Renovated in 2019
- Opened in 1926
- Building is 9,628 SQFT
- Lot is 1.5 Acres
- Photo Gallery
- Property Website
Financial Details- Offered for sale at $3,300,000
This property also appears on these pages: