This custom Todd Johnston home sits on a tranquil riverfront homesite in University Park, combining thoughtful upgrades with effortless coastal living. A stately entrance framed by columns and manicured landscaping leads to solid double doors and a soaring foyer, where crown molding, elegant trim and a chrome-and-crystal chandelier set the tone. Elevated by 11-foot ceilings, seven-inch baseboards, plantation shutters and LED lighting in select areas, the home feels bright and refined. The living room boasts a coffered ceiling and sliding doors that pocket for seamless indoor-outdoor flow. A large dining room sits nearby, lined with tall windows and fresh paint, offering effortless flow for entertaining. At the heart of the home, the updated chef’s kitchen features a six-burner Wolf gas cooktop with pot filler, double ovens, GE microwave, Bosch dishwasher and a Fulgor Milano refrigerator. Brookhaven cabinetry with custom storage, granite counters, a spacious island with bar seating, a dry bar with wine cooler, coffee station, under-cabinet lighting and a breakfast nook with a chandelier complete the space. Open to the kitchen, the family room features a double tray ceiling, a gas fireplace, a media wall with built-ins and zero-corner sliders that disappear to the lanai. This home includes two dedicated workspaces, a front office with French doors and built-in shelving, and a rear bonus room, used as an office, with lanai access and additional built-ins. The primary suite is privately in its wing, featuring a generous sitting area with pool and river views, direct lanai access and two walk-in closets with custom organization. The marble-clad primary bath includes a soaking Jacuzzi tub, glass block walk-in shower, dual vanities and a Toto Washlet toilet. Two guest bedrooms on the main level have newer carpeting and fresh paint, each with large windows and generous closets. One full bath doubles as a pool bath with a tub/shower and vanity, while the second serves the other guest suite and features an arched window over the tub, a custom-trimmed medicine cabinet, and solid-surface counters. A powder bath with pedestal sink is nearby, along with a well-appointed laundry room offering Samsung appliances, built-in cabinetry, a hanging area and a storage pantry. A second-floor bonus room spans the length of the garage and offers new carpeting, eight recessed lights on dual dimmer switches, a new ceiling fan and fresh paint, making it a space for guests, a media room or a home gym. Outdoors, the screened lanai offers a Florida lifestyle with a saltwater pool and spa, new gas heater, upgraded salt system and remote automation. A built-in Blaze grill, granite counters, and ample covered and uncovered seating and dining areas make entertaining easy, all set against a private, tree-lined backdrop along Braden River. A stone path leads to the spacious backyard. This home has been meticulously upgraded with a full tile roof replacement in 2022 with high-end underlayment and new flashing, three new Lennox HVAC systems, a Navien tankless water heater and more. The freshly painted three-car garage is light-filled with a separate golf cart entrance and ample space for storage. In a resident-owned country club community offering golf, tennis, pickleball, fitness and more, this home delivers the best of Sarasota living, just minutes from shopping, dining and award-winning beaches.
