$999,000
3012 Desoto Road
Sarasota, FL 34234
Listing updated: June 17, 2026 at 11:08 AM ET
Property type
Year built
Lot size
Price / sq ft
HOA dues
Days on market
Garage spaces
Flood zone
About this home
Under contract-accepting backup offers. 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!
Estimated monthly payment
Estimate only. Taxes use the listing's reported amount where available; insurance is a Florida-average estimate. Your actual payment will vary — run a full calculation or talk to a lender.
Price & listing history102 days on market
- Status: PendingApr 30, 2026
- Listed$1,200,000Jan 18, 2026
- Price reduced$999,000
Facts & features
- Property type
- Residential
- Sub type
- Single Family Residence
- Status
- Pending
- Days on market
- 102
- Subdivision
- Desoto Acres
- County
- Sarasota
- Year built
- 1957
- Living area
- 3,470 sq ft
- Price/sq ft
- $288
- Building area
- 4,141 sq ft (Public Records)
- Lot size
- 104,124 sq ft
- Lot category
- 2 to less than 5
- Flood zone
- X (12115C0044G)
- Garage
- 2 spaces
- Pool
- Private pool
- Annual taxes
- $1,143 (2025)
- Parcel #
- 0021030008
- Zoning
- RE1
- MLS #
- A4678237
Ask about this home
Have a question? Ask the broker directly.
Ryan Solberg answers personally — no call center, no spam. Your question goes straight to him.
Interior Details
- Bedrooms
- 5
- Full bathrooms
- 3
- Flooring
- Slate, Terrazzo
- Appliances
- Bar Fridge, Built-In Oven, Dishwasher, Disposal, Dryer, Electric Water Heater, Range, Range Hood, Refrigerator, Washer
- Interior features
- Ceiling Fans(s), Eat-in Kitchen, Primary Bedroom Main Floor, Stone Counters, Window Treatments
- Laundry
- Electric Dryer Hookup, In Kitchen, Washer Hookup
- Stories / Levels
- One
- Direction faces
- North
- Fireplace
- Yes
- In-law suite
- Yes
Heating & Cooling
- Heating
- Central, Electric
- Cooling
- Central Air
Parking
- Garage spaces
- 2
- Attached garage
- Yes
- Parking features
- Driveway, Electric Vehicle Charging Station(s), Garage Door Opener, Garage Faces Side, Guest
HOA & Financial
- Total monthly fees
- $0/mo
- Total annual fees
- $0
- CDD
- No
- Min lease term
- 1 Month
- Ownership
- Fee Simple
- Available for lease
- Yes
- Lease restrictions
- Yes
- Additional lease restrictions
- Minimum rental period in unincorporated Sarasota County is 30 days.
Exterior & Construction
- Exterior features
- Lighting, Private Mailbox
- Construction materials
- Block, Stucco
- Roof
- Shingle
- Foundation
- Slab
- Pool
- Private pool
- Waterfront
- Yes
- Water access
- Yes
- Water view
- Yes
- Road surface
- Paved
Utilities
- Sewer
- Public Sewer, Septic Tank
- Water source
- Public
- Utilities
- BB/HS Internet Available, Cable Connected
Community
- Pets allowed
- Yes
Schools
Letter grades: Florida DOE 2024–25 school grades (Orange, Seminole, Lake, Osceola, Brevard). Assigned schools from the listing agent — verify enrollment with the district.
Room Details
| Room | Level | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Living Room | First | 16x27 |
| Dining Room | First | 13x16 |
| Kitchen | First | 9x19 |
| Dinette | First | 9x9 |
| Family Room | First | 11x25 |
| Game Room | First | 12x13 |
| Office | First | 8x10 |
| Primary Bedroom | First | 12x21 |
| Den | First | 9x12 |
| Primary Bathroom | First | 5x9 |
| Bedroom 2 | First | 12x15 |
| Bathroom 2 | First | 5x9 |
| Bedroom 3 | First | 12x14 |
| Bathroom 3 | First | 5x5 |
| Bedroom 4 | First | 10x13 |
Listing Details
- Listing date
- 2026-01-18
- On market date
- 2026-01-18
- Original list price
- $1,200,000
- Occupant type
- Vacant
- MLS area
- 34234 - Sarasota
- Listing AOR
- Sarasota - Manatee
- Status changed
- 2026-04-30
- Tax legal description
- LOT 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 2001041302
Flood risk
Minimal-risk area outside the mapped floodplain. Flood insurance is optional and typically low-cost.
Source: FEMA flood zone reported on the listing. Confirm current designation at FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
Location
Directions
From University Parkway, turn south onto Tuttle Avenue. Then turn left on Desoto Road. This home will be on the far right hand corner at the intersection of Desoto Road and Traylor Avenue. Turn right onto Traylor Avenue. The driveway will be immediately on your left off of Traylor Avenue.
More homes like this


$45,000
Se Highway 31
Arcadia, FL 34266
0.4 acres
Desoto Acres
MLS ID #C7515970, EXP REALTY LLC.
Listing provided by Stellar MLS


$373,900
5610 Middle Ave
Sarasota, FL 34243
3 bd · 3 ba · 2,430 sqft
Desoto Acres
MLS ID #A4694925, FLATFEE.COM.
Listing provided by Stellar MLS


$425,000
2798 Se Lovejoy St
Arcadia, FL 34266
3 bd · 2 ba · 1,484 sqft
Desoto Acres
MLS ID #C7527105, EXP REALTY LLC.
Listing provided by Stellar MLS


$659,000
2070 59th St
Sarasota, FL 34243
3 bd · 3 ba · 1,745 sqft
Desoto Acres
MLS ID #A4691713, COLDWELL BANKER REALTY.
Listing provided by Stellar MLS
Listings courtesy of Stellar MLS as distributed by MLS GRID
IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.
Based on information submitted to the MLS GRID as of June 17, 2026 at 11:08 AM ET. All data is obtained from various sources and may not have been verified by broker or MLS GRID. Supplied Open House Information is subject to change without notice. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information.
Ryan Solberg, Broker · MaxLife Realty LLC · FL License #BK3354351 · Equal Housing Opportunity · Full disclaimer · DMCA