The lushly landscaped property includes plants that can only be found at Selby Gardens.
The private residence of the late Calaway Dodson, Ph.D., founding director of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, has entered the market for $985,000. Dr. Dodson and his wife, Piedad, custom-built the Spanish Mediterranean-style home in 2008, personally designing the landscaping with an exquisite array of cycads and other low-maintenance foliage — some of which can only be found in Selby Gardens. Located in historic Granada at 1730 Fortuna Street, the residence is marketed exclusively by Moriah Taliaferro and Lisa Rooks Morris of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s Sarasota – Downtown office; additional listing details can be viewed here.
Arched doorways welcome guests to the three-bedroom, three-bath main home, which is appointed with two gas fireplaces and warm tones throughout over 3,000 square feet of air conditioned living space. A gourmet kitchen with butler’s pantry opens to a family room and screened porch that provides scenic access to the rear garden. The master suite is crafted with two walk-in closets, a luxurious bath with soaking tub and separate walk-in shower, and a private balcony. Additional appointments include a lower-level den, elevator and private guest quarters above the detached two-car garage.
A renowned botanist, orchidologist and taxonomist, Dr. Dodson was a professor at the University of Miami when he was asked to help develop the expanse of land that Marie Selby bequeathed to Sarasota. He and the committee agreed that it should be a botanical garden that specialized in epiphytic plants such as orchids and bromeliads; he subsequently transformed acres of tropical plants and weeds into an internationally recognized research center and cultural destination. He served as the first executive director for 10 years, overseeing the transformation of the Payne Mansion into the Museum of Botany & the Arts as well as construction of a greenhouse complex during his tenure. A prolific writer and researcher in both the United States and Ecuador, Dr. Dodson was recognized as one of the world's leading students of orchid pollination.
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“This home presents a unique opportunity to own a private sanctuary with a storied botanical history. The fine interiors and lush grounds are perfectly complemented by its idyllic West of Trail location and close proximity to Siesta Key Beach, Southside Village and downtown Sarasota.”
– Moriah Taliaferro, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty
About Premier Sotheby’s International Realty
Headquartered in Naples, Florida, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty has over 1,100 associates and employees in 40 locations throughout Florida and North Carolina. Premier Sotheby's International Realty also benefits from an association with the storied Sotheby's auction house, established in 1744. The brokerage is a division of The Lutgert Companies, a prominent member of Southwest Florida’s business community since 1964. For more information, visit premiersothebysrealty.com.
