Step Back in Time to the Record-Setting 'Serenissima'

Editor's Note: This was originally published on RISMedia's blog, Housecall. See what else is cookin' now at blog.rismedia.com:

Between the shimmering waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay is this crown jewel estate, recently listed for $26.5 million—a record for all three counties on the central west coast of Florida. Reminiscent of Renaissance-era Italy on the sought-after south end of Longboat Key, the property's 30,000 square feet of living space offer an array of aristocratic amenities, including a birdcage elevator and painted ceilings and murals.

Confined within the gates of Longboat Key Club, the estate, called "Serenissima"—a long-held appellation for Venice—evokes The Floating City from top to bottom, with custom windows and outdoor terraces on every level, as well as a mahogany library, three-story atrium with domed skylight, and 10-car garage.

Listed for: $26.5 million

Suzanne De Vita is RISMedia's online news editor. Email her your real estate news ideas at sdevita@rismedia.com.