Architecture is part of what makes the Sarasota and Manatee County housing market so varied. Buyers can find everything from classic Florida ranch homes and historic bungalows to Mediterranean residences, Key West-inspired homes, contemporary designs and modern coastal properties.
If a particular architectural style is important to you, our property search allows you to filter available listings by the architectural style reported in the MLS. You can also combine the style filter with location, price, property type and other features to narrow your search.
Because many Florida homes combine elements from more than one architectural tradition, style classifications should be considered a useful search tool rather than a strict architectural definition.
How to Search Homes by Architectural Style
- Visit our Properties Search page.
- Enter a city, ZIP code, county or neighborhood.
- Select Advanced Search.
- Select General.
- Select Style.
- Choose one or more architectural styles that interest you.
The architectural styles currently available through the search include Bungalow, Cabin, Cape Cod, Coastal, Colonial, Contemporary, Cottage, Courtyard, Craftsman, Custom, Dutch Colonial, Elevated, Florida, French Provincial, Historic, Key West, Mediterranean, Mid-Century Modern, Patio Home, Ranch, Traditional, Tudor, Victorian and Other.
Architectural Styles You Can Search in Sarasota & Manatee County
Florida architecture is particularly interesting because climate, coastal living, historic influences and decades of residential development have produced a wide variety of home designs. Some styles are common throughout the region, while others appear only occasionally.
Bungalow
Bungalows are generally compact homes known for inviting front porches, practical floor plans and architectural character. Many were built during the early decades of the 20th century, although newer homes may also incorporate bungalow-inspired design elements.
Buyers interested in older neighborhoods and period architecture may also want to explore our Historic Homes in Sarasota & Manatee County page.
Cabin
Cabin-style homes are uncommon in coastal Southwest Florida but may occasionally appear on rural or heavily wooded properties. The term can describe smaller rustic residences using natural materials or designs intended to create a rural retreat atmosphere.
Cape Cod
Cape Cod architecture originated in New England and is generally associated with symmetrical facades, pitched roofs, dormers and relatively simple exterior forms. Florida examples may adapt the traditional style to the local climate and materials.
Coastal
Coastal architecture is particularly relevant to Southwest Florida. These homes are often designed around outdoor living, natural light and the surrounding environment and may incorporate large windows, covered porches, balconies and lighter exterior finishes.
Some coastal homes are elevated or designed to address flood and coastal construction considerations.
Buyers interested specifically in homes near the Gulf, bays, canals, rivers or other waterways can also explore our Waterfront Homes in Sarasota & Manatee County page.
Colonial
Colonial-style homes are generally known for balanced proportions and relatively symmetrical facades. Depending on the interpretation, buyers may see traditional shutters, centered entrances, multi-pane windows and formal interior layouts.
Contemporary
Contemporary homes typically emphasize clean lines, open living spaces, large expanses of glass and a strong relationship between indoor and outdoor areas.
In Sarasota and Manatee County, contemporary design can range from renovated older residences to newly built custom homes featuring open kitchens, dramatic ceilings, expansive sliding doors and modern finishes.
Cottage
Cottage-style homes are often smaller in scale and designed with an informal, welcoming character. Features can include porches, simple rooflines, decorative exterior details and efficient floor plans.
Cottage architecture can appear in older neighborhoods as well as newer developments that incorporate traditional neighborhood design.
Courtyard
Courtyard homes are designed around an interior or partially enclosed outdoor space. Depending on the floor plan, bedrooms, guest suites or main living areas may open directly toward the courtyard.
This design can be particularly attractive in Florida, where outdoor living areas, pools and lanais are used throughout much of the year.
Craftsman
Craftsman architecture is generally associated with prominent porches, substantial columns, visible roof detailing and an emphasis on workmanship and natural materials.
Original Craftsman homes may be found in established neighborhoods, while newer communities sometimes incorporate Craftsman-inspired exterior elevations.
Custom
A custom home is designed specifically for a particular homesite or owner rather than being built from a standard production-builder floor plan.
Custom homes can incorporate virtually any architectural style, from contemporary and coastal to Mediterranean or traditional.
Buyers interested in recently built or future custom residences can also explore our New Construction Homes in Sarasota & Manatee County page.
Dutch Colonial
Dutch Colonial homes are traditionally recognized by distinctive gambrel-style rooflines. The architecture is much less common in Southwest Florida than ranch, Mediterranean or coastal designs, making examples more unusual when they appear on the market.
Elevated
Elevated homes position the main living space above ground level. This design is particularly relevant in certain coastal and flood-prone locations, where elevation requirements can influence how homes are constructed.
The lower level may contain parking, storage or other permitted areas depending on the property’s design and applicable building requirements.
Elevation can be especially important when evaluating waterfront and barrier-island properties, so buyers should understand the specific construction and flood characteristics of each home.
Florida
“Florida” is a broad architectural designation that can describe homes designed around the state’s climate and lifestyle rather than one rigid architectural tradition.
Florida-style homes may feature open living spaces, tile flooring, lanais, covered patios, large windows or sliding doors and easy access between indoor and outdoor areas.
French Provincial
French Provincial architecture generally draws inspiration from traditional homes of the French countryside. Features may include balanced facades, steeply pitched roofs, decorative shutters, arched elements and detailed masonry or stucco work.
Historic
Historic homes can represent many architectural styles rather than one single design. Sarasota and Manatee County include residences from different periods of Florida’s development, including bungalows, Mediterranean Revival homes, cottages, ranch homes and mid-century architecture.
If historic character is important to your search, visit our Historic Homes for Sale in Sarasota & Manatee County page for more information about historic neighborhoods and buying an older home.
Key West
Key West-inspired architecture reflects Florida’s tropical and coastal heritage. Common design elements can include raised foundations, porches, balconies, metal roofs, shutters and exterior details intended to create a relaxed island appearance.
This style can be particularly appealing to buyers looking for a distinctly Florida or coastal aesthetic.
Mediterranean
Mediterranean architecture has had a major influence on Florida residential design. Homes may feature stucco exteriors, tile roofs, arches, courtyards, columns, balconies and decorative detailing influenced by Spanish, Italian or Mediterranean traditions.
The style can be found in everything from older Sarasota residences to golf communities, gated neighborhoods and substantial luxury homes.
Mid-Century Modern
Mid-century modern architecture emphasizes simplicity, clean lines, functional floor plans and strong connections between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Sarasota has an especially interesting relationship with modern architecture, and buyers may encounter both original mid-century residences and newer homes inspired by the period.
When purchasing an older mid-century home, buyers should consider both the architectural character and the condition of major systems such as roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, windows and doors.
Patio Home
Patio homes generally emphasize a compact homesite and private outdoor living area. The term can describe different ownership and housing arrangements depending on the community.
Some patio-home communities also provide lawn or exterior maintenance through the homeowners association.
Buyers who prefer reduced exterior responsibilities can explore our Maintenance-Free Homes in Sarasota & Manatee County page.
Ranch
Ranch homes are one of the most recognizable residential styles in Florida. They are generally characterized by a low-profile design, relatively simple rooflines and single-story living.
Many established Sarasota and Manatee County neighborhoods contain ranch-style homes built during the middle and later decades of the 20th century. Some retain their original layouts, while others have been extensively renovated and opened up for more contemporary living.
Because ranch homes are usually built on one level, buyers specifically looking to eliminate interior stairs can also explore our Single-Story Homes, Condos & Townhomes in Sarasota & Manatee County page.
Traditional
Traditional is a broad MLS classification that can include homes drawing elements from several established architectural styles. These residences often favor familiar proportions, conventional rooflines and floor plans that are less distinctly modern or stylistically specialized.
Tudor
Tudor-style homes are relatively uncommon in Southwest Florida. Traditional elements can include steep rooflines, prominent gables, decorative half-timbering, masonry and distinctive window designs.
The rarity of the style locally can make a true Tudor or strongly Tudor-influenced home especially distinctive.
Victorian
Victorian architecture is known for decorative exterior detailing, porches, varied rooflines and distinctive architectural ornamentation. Original examples are much less common locally than in older parts of the United States, although Victorian-inspired homes occasionally appear on the market.
Other
The MLS also includes an Other architectural-style category. This can be useful for homes that do not fit neatly into one of the listed classifications or that combine several architectural influences.
Many Homes Combine More Than One Architectural Style
Architectural classifications are not always clear-cut. A home might combine a Mediterranean exterior with a contemporary interior, use Key West-inspired elements without following a traditional Key West design, or blend coastal and modern architecture.
Renovations can also substantially change a home’s appearance over time.
For that reason, buyers should use architectural-style filters to discover possibilities rather than automatically assuming every listing within a category will share exactly the same features.
Architecture and Florida’s Indoor-Outdoor Lifestyle
Regardless of architectural style, many homes in Sarasota and Manatee County are designed around Florida’s climate and outdoor lifestyle.
Common features may include:
- Covered lanais.
- Screened pools.
- Large sliding-glass doors.
- Courtyards.
- Outdoor kitchens.
- Covered porches.
- Balconies.
- Large windows.
- Views of pools, lakes, preserves or waterways.
The way a home connects its interior spaces with its outdoor areas can be just as important to buyers as the architectural label itself.
Architectural Style and New Construction
New construction gives buyers another way to choose the look of their home. Builders frequently offer several exterior elevations for the same basic floor plan, allowing buyers to select from different architectural treatments while maintaining a similar interior layout.
Production and semi-custom builders may offer coastal, Craftsman, Mediterranean, contemporary, traditional or Florida-inspired elevations depending on the community.
Custom construction provides even more flexibility in combining architectural design with the characteristics of a particular homesite.
Learn more about builders, homesites and the construction process on our New Construction Homes in Sarasota & Manatee County page.
Architectural Style and Luxury Homes
Luxury properties throughout Sarasota and Manatee County represent an especially broad range of architecture. Buyers may encounter contemporary waterfront estates, Mediterranean residences, modern coastal homes, custom golf-community properties and extensively renovated historic homes.
At the luxury level, architectural design often works together with the homesite, views, outdoor living areas and custom finishes to create a distinctive property.
Explore higher-end properties on our Luxury Homes in Sarasota & Manatee County page.
Does Architectural Style Affect Maintenance?
It can. Certain architectural elements may create different maintenance considerations.
Examples include:
- Tile roofs commonly associated with Mediterranean homes.
- Metal roofs found on some Key West and coastal designs.
- Large expanses of glass on contemporary homes.
- Wood siding or decorative trim on older homes.
- Elevated construction in coastal locations.
- Historic architectural materials that may require specialized repair.
Buyers should evaluate the actual age, condition and construction of the individual property rather than assuming that every home of a particular style has the same maintenance requirements.
Architectural Style vs. Floor Plan
It is important to separate the exterior appearance of a home from the way the interior functions.
Two homes with similar Mediterranean exteriors, for example, can have completely different floor plans. Likewise, ranch, contemporary and coastal homes may all provide one-story living.
If the number of levels is more important than the exterior architecture, buyers can use our Single-Story Homes in Sarasota & Manatee County search in addition to the architectural-style filters.
Questions to Consider When Searching by Architectural Style
- Is the architectural style itself important, or are there certain features you really want?
- Do you prefer a single-story or multi-story floor plan?
- Are you interested in an older home or newer construction?
- Do you prefer an open floor plan or more traditional room separation?
- Is outdoor living important?
- Do you want a pool or courtyard?
- Are there specific roofing or exterior materials you prefer?
- Would you consider a renovated historic or mid-century home?
- Would you consider a home that blends more than one architectural style?
Frequently Asked Questions About Architectural Styles
Can I search Sarasota and Manatee County homes by architectural style?
Yes. Our property search allows buyers to filter listings using the architectural style reported in the MLS. Available choices include ranch, Mediterranean, contemporary, coastal, Key West, bungalow, historic, Craftsman, mid-century modern and several additional styles.
What architectural styles are common in Sarasota and Manatee County?
Buyers may encounter Florida, ranch, Mediterranean, contemporary, coastal, Key West, Craftsman and traditional designs along with historic and mid-century homes. Architectural styles vary considerably depending on the age and location of the neighborhood.
Are ranch homes usually single story?
Ranch architecture is generally associated with one-story living, although buyers should verify the actual layout of each property. Buyers specifically looking for homes without interior stairs can also search by number of stories.
What is a Key West-style home?
Key West-inspired homes generally draw from Florida’s tropical and island architecture and may include porches, balconies, metal roofs, raised construction, shutters and other coastal design elements.
What is a Florida-style home?
Florida-style is a broad category rather than one rigid architectural definition. It often describes homes designed around Florida’s climate and lifestyle, including indoor-outdoor living, lanais, large windows and open living spaces.
Can a home have more than one architectural style?
Yes. Many homes combine architectural influences, and renovations can further blur traditional style categories. MLS classifications are useful for searching but should not be considered formal architectural certifications.
Can I search for historic homes separately?
Yes. Historic is one of the architectural-style selections available in the property search, and buyers can also use our dedicated historic homes resource to learn more about older homes and historic neighborhoods throughout Sarasota and Manatee County.
Can I choose an architectural style when building a new home?
Often yes. Many builders offer several exterior elevations for a floor plan, while custom builders may provide significantly more flexibility in architectural design.
Looking for a Particular Home Style?
Whether you prefer a classic Florida ranch, Mediterranean residence, coastal home, Key West design, bungalow, contemporary property or something completely different, architectural style can be a helpful way to narrow your home search.
The Wendy Lynn Group can help you search homes throughout Sarasota and Manatee County by architectural style, location, property type and the features that matter most to you.
