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!
For sale
$1,200,000
3012 Desoto Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234
5beds
3,470sqft
Est.:
Single Family Residence
Built in 1957
2.39 Acres Lot
$1,137,500 Zestimate®
$346/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
Serene pondLarge on-property pondFive spacious bedroomsHandy storage shedSmooth ceilingsSpectacular canopy treesTwo inviting stone fireplaces
- 70 days |
- 1,930 |
- 66 |
Zillow last checked: 7 hours ago
Listing updated: February 03, 2026 at 01:02pm
Listing Provided by:
Marilyn Kneafsey 941-373-0999,
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY 941-366-8070
Source: Stellar MLS,MLS#: A4678237
Originating MLS: Sarasota - Manatee
Originating MLS: Sarasota - Manatee
Tour with a local agent
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 3
- Full bathrooms: 3
Rooms
- Room types: Breakfast Room Separate, Den/Library/Office, Family Room, Dining Room
Primary bedroom
- Features: Ceiling Fan(s), En Suite Bathroom, Built-in Closet
- Level: First
- Area: 252 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 12x21
Bedroom 2
- Features: Built-in Closet
- Level: First
- Area: 180 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 12x15
Bedroom 3
- Features: Ceiling Fan(s), Built-in Closet
- Level: First
- Area: 168 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 12x14
Bedroom 4
- Features: Ceiling Fan(s), Built-in Closet
- Level: First
- Area: 130 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 10x13
Primary bathroom
- Features: Shower No Tub, Single Vanity
- Level: First
- Area: 45 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 5x9
Bathroom 2
- Features: Single Vanity, Tub With Shower
- Level: First
- Area: 45 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 5x9
Bathroom 3
- Features: Shower No Tub, Sink - Pedestal
- Level: First
- Area: 25 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 5x5
Den
- Features: Ceiling Fan(s)
- Level: First
- Area: 108 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 9x12
Dinette
- Features: Ceiling Fan(s)
- Level: First
- Area: 81 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 9x9
Dining room
- Level: First
- Area: 208 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 13x16
Family room
- Features: Ceiling Fan(s)
- Level: First
- Area: 275 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 11x25
Game room
- Features: Ceiling Fan(s)
- Level: First
- Area: 156 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 12x13
Kitchen
- Features: Breakfast Bar, Ceiling Fan(s), Granite Counters
- Level: First
- Area: 171 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 9x19
Living room
- Features: Ceiling Fan(s)
- Level: First
- Area: 432 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 16x27
Office
- Level: First
- Area: 80 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 8x10
Heating
- Central, Electric
Cooling
- Central Air
Appliances
- Included: Bar Fridge, Oven, Dishwasher, Disposal, Dryer, Electric Water Heater, Range, Range Hood, Refrigerator, Washer
- Laundry: Electric Dryer Hookup, In Kitchen, Washer Hookup
Features
- Ceiling Fan(s), Eating Space In Kitchen, Primary Bedroom Main Floor, Stone Counters
- Flooring: Slate, Terrazzo
- Windows: Window Treatments
- Has fireplace: Yes
- Fireplace features: Living Room, Stone, Wood Burning
- Furnished: Yes
Interior area
- Total structure area: 4,141
- Total interior livable area: 3,470 sqft
Video & virtual tour
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 2
- Parking features: Driveway, Electric Vehicle Charging Station(s), Garage Door Opener, Garage Faces Side, Guest
- Attached garage spaces: 2
- Has uncovered spaces: Yes
- Details: Garage Dimensions: 21x22
Features
- Levels: One
- Stories: 1
- Patio & porch: Enclosed, Rear Porch, Screened
- Exterior features: Lighting, Private Mailbox
- Has private pool: Yes
- Pool features: In Ground, Pool Sweep, Screen Enclosure
- Has view: Yes
- View description: Pond
- Has water view: Yes
- Water view: Pond
- Waterfront features: Pond, Pond Access
- Body of water: POND LOCATED ON THE PROPERTY
Lot
- Size: 2.39 Acres
- Features: Corner Lot, In County
- Residential vegetation: Trees/Landscaped
Details
- Additional structures: Guest House, Other, Shed(s)
- Parcel number: 0021030008
- Zoning: RE1
- Special conditions: None
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Block, Stucco
- Foundation: Slab
- Roof: Shingle
Condition
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1957
Utilities & green energy
- Sewer: Public Sewer, Septic Tank
- Water: Public
- Utilities for property: BB/HS Internet Available, Cable Connected
Community & HOA
Community
- Security: Closed Circuit Camera(s), Security System, Safe Room
- Pet fee: $0 monthly
- Subdivision: DESOTO ACRES
HOA
- Has HOA: Yes
Location
- Region: Sarasota
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $346/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $763,700
- Annual tax amount: $1,143
- Date on market: 1/18/2026
- Cumulative days on market: 22 days
- Ownership: Fee Simple
- Total actual rent: 0
- Road surface type: Paved
Estimated market value
$1,137,500
$1.08M - $1.19M
$6,072/mo
Price history
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1/18/2026 | Listed for sale | $1,200,000+242.9%$346/sqft |
Source:  Stellar MLS #A4678237 Report a problem | ||
| 5/15/2014 | Sold | $350,000+20.7%$101/sqft |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
| 3/29/2001 | Sold | $290,000+13.7%$84/sqft |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
| 5/16/2000 | Sold | $255,000$73/sqft |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $1,143 +8.4% | $662,242 +10% |
| 2024 | $1,054 +12.5% | $602,038 +10% |
| 2023 | $937 +6.6% | $547,307 +10% |
| 2022 | $879 +15% | $497,552 +10% |
| 2021 | $764 +3.3% | $452,320 +10% |
| 2020 | $739 +5.6% | $411,200 +4.4% |
| 2019 | $701 | $393,800 +3.9% |
| 2018 | $701 +4.7% | $378,900 +6.2% |
| 2017 | $669 -86.9% | $356,800 -1.3% |
| 2016 | $5,126 | $361,500 +11.7% |
| 2015 | $5,126 | $323,700 +33.4% |
| 2014 | $5,126 +29.5% | $242,700 |
| 2013 | $3,959 +6.6% | $242,700 +6.9% |
| 2012 | $3,714 -6% | $227,000 -8.9% |
| 2011 | $3,952 -17% | $249,100 -16.3% |
| 2010 | $4,761 -31.9% | $297,700 -11.2% |
| 2009 | $6,992 | $335,200 -32.1% |
| 2008 | $6,992 -15.4% | $493,900 -16.5% |
| 2007 | $8,264 +53.1% | $591,400 +87.2% |
| 2004 | $5,399 +10.7% | $316,000 +16.5% |
| 2003 | $4,875 +3.2% | $271,200 +6.1% |
| 2002 | $4,723 +11.1% | $255,500 +6.7% |
| 2001 | $4,253 -0.6% | $239,500 -0.9% |
| 2000 | $4,277 | $241,600 |
Find assessor info on the county website
BuyAbility℠ payment
Est. payment
$7,387/mo
Principal & interest
$6117
Property taxes
$1270
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Climate risks
Neighborhood: North Sarasota
Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
- 4/10Emma E. Booker Elementary SchoolGrades: PK-5Distance: 1.7 mi
- 5/10Booker Middle SchoolGrades: 6-8Distance: 1.3 mi
- 3/10Booker High SchoolGrades: 9-12Distance: 2.2 mi
Schools provided by the listing agent
- Elementary: Emma E. Booker Elementary
- Middle: Booker Middle
- High: Booker High
Source: Stellar MLS. This data may not be complete. We recommend contacting the local school district to confirm school assignments for this home.
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- 3012 Desoto Rd
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