Our Lily Patch bungalow was featured by Sarasota Magazine
Sarasota’s 10 Most Beautiful Homes
Sarasota Magazine, October 2009 edition
By Robert Plunket Photography by Matt McCourtney 10/1/2009 at 1:00am
https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/news-and-profiles/2009/10/sarasotas-10-most-beautiful-homes
"When we began our search for Sarasota’s prettiest houses, we had no idea it would lead to such variety. We asked savvy realtors and design professionals—and you, the readers, through our Web site and Facebook page—to nominate their favorites without taking into account cost or age or architectural style—or the way it looked inside. This was strictly about exterior beauty. The result, after weeks of winnowing down the final selection, is a surprising collection of big and small, old and new, humble and grandiose.
What do they all have in common? Very little, except for that indefinable element that makes each one—well, beautiful. And—something we had not expected—almost every one turned out to be a Sarasota archetype.
We estimate they range in value from $300,000 or so all the way up to $20 million. The oldest one dates back almost a hundred years. The newest are products of our recent, dearly departed building boom. Our only rule was that you have to be able to get a good look from the street. Or, this being Sarasota, the water.
These are private homes, don’t forget, and the owners—who in no way helped out with this article—deserve their privacy. But we can look, can’t we?
159 Island Circle, Siesta Key
Maybe you have to be an old-timer to appreciate this cottage. Most of Sarasota used to look like this. Today it’s a nostalgic piece of folk art, a reminder of a simpler time and place. Notice the old-fashioned, farmhouse style landscaping and the playful color choices around the front door."
The Lily Patch Reviews
April S. said...
A relaxing and enjoyable time, June-December 2022
Rented lovely Lily Patch for 7 months, and it was hard to leave! The owners are the nicest couple. We had the best experience, place has everything you need and the location can’t be beat, close to beach and Villages of Siesta Key-bike or walk! Heaven on earth! Bring your bag and be prepared to have relaxing and enjoyable time! Really special place!
Betsy and Bernum said...
We Keep Coming Back, Mar 02, 2020
It's all about The Lily Patch on Palm Island in the village of Siesta Key!!! We've loved it so much that we've signed up again for 2021 (Winter #3) and sent in a donation to the neighborhood HOA this time. Bring your dog and join the best pet-friendly neighborhood in the area. Search for hours, if you want, but you won't find anything like it for miles around. Walk the community, look up, and cherish the osprey nests busting with young. Next winter, we will take in the Arts that Sarasota is famous for, but this time, we'll focus on the student talent. There's just no letting go.
Kathy F. said...
Doesn’t get much better than this! December 2020
Rich and Ali are great people and hosts to say the least. Unbelievable hospitality/service along with a fantastic location. Just a few minutes walk away from beach access 10 and very close to the restaurants and shops in the village. Cottage is great. We loved the outdoor shower and the beautiful tropical landscaping while sitting on the lanai. We genuinely love and miss this place and would absolutely love to stay in one of Rich & Ali’s cottages again if we’re lucky enough. Highly recommend!
Joe and Marla said...
Perfect Place in the Perfect location, Aug 21, 2018
We have stayed here for 2 months every year for the past 10 years and wouldn’t stay anywhere else. This is the ideal location on Siesta Key. A very short 2 block walk to the beach and easy bike ride or walk to the Village. The cottage is beautifully nestled in palms on a lovely corner lot in a quiet residential neighborhood. This is “old Florida charm." The owners, Rich and Ali, couldn’t be more accommodating and accessible. The cottage itself has a large secluded lanai and pecky cypress walls reflecting its vintage. Everything you need is here including bikes, beach chairs, outdoor grill, and laundry.
Dottie said...
Lovely
I have been lucky enough to stay here for the past five years for two months each year. Perfect place to relax. Two blocks from the beach. Owners are lovely and nearby if needed. Lovely porch to relax on. Clean and very happy place. Lots of great restaurants nearby. My daughters also love this place. Nice quiet area but if you want activity the village is within walking distant. Lots of friendly happy people. Ali and Rich are the best. Dottie
Will said...
Charming vintage Florida bungalow
This is a review of "Lily Patch," a charming bungalow where my family and I spent the month of October 2013. The vintage cypress-wood Florida bungalow has been beautifully maintained inside and out. It is located on a large corner lot in a quiet residential neighborhood just a short walk from the white sands of Siesta Beach, or from the shops and dining of Siesta Key village. The outstanding feature of "Lily Patch" is the large screened lanai which runs along one side of the house and is accessed by double French doors from the interior. We spent much of our time here, enjoying the lovely lawn plantings and the song of mockingbirds and doves. The rooms in the bungalow are spacious and the furniture is comfortable. The central air conditioning works really well, and each room has a ceiling fan. An outside shower is useful for washing off beach sand after a swim. The large kitchen is well equipped with all necessary appliances. All in all, we consider "Lily Patch" a gem of a property in a special place, and we definitely will return.
Lynn said...
Choose this home for its fantastic location, hosts and amenities - easy walk to the beach or downtown Siesta Key, but feels miles away from the crowds in its tropical setting. The home was perfect for the two of us and occasional guests; we appreciated the fenced yard for our dog, and the lanai lent itself to morning coffee in the hot tub and relaxed evening meals. We traveled into Sarasota often and the short commute was seamless; we had the best of both here...downtown amenities and easy beach access. Wonderful hosts and setting - thoroughly enjoyed our stay!
Betsy M. said...
The Lily Pad...a piece of paradise to cherish, Feb 26, 2019
The location offers you incredible privacy and easy access to the Siesta Key Village and Sarasota proper. This is a great family-friendly bungalow that allows you to bring the family dog with added room for guests Groups of fun neighbors are always out walking their pets and will chat easily. You will always remember Rich and Ali who will go out of their way to make your time spent comfortable and full of pleasure. The landscaping is absolutely one to reflect the state of Florida and the coast just the way it was. When you find out the original owner worked with Selby Gardens, the impact of his beautiful touch will impress everyone.
Dorothea O. said...
Relaxing vacation
I had a very relaxing enjoyable vacation at the Lilly Patch with the greatest people in the greatest village by the greatest beach in the greatest neighborhood. Ali and Rich and the Lilly Patch were a real joy. Comfortable, clean house and they were there for anything I needed including borrowing paper for my computer. They are a great host. So open and sharing and they make you feel very comfortable. I felt like I was living in a garden as I sat on the lovely brick porch. Love the outdoor shower. I am looking forward to coming back next year.
Sandy Girl said...
Location, location, location
On the beautiful Siesta Key, Palm Island bungalows are a premium. I could hear the surf from this property, as well as the bells from St. Boniface church. Just 2 short blocks from the gorgeous beach, and a perfect stroll to the village for dining at any one of many restaurants, the location means much in season when parking is a premium on the island. This bungalow is in a lush setting with exotic tropical landscaping. Cozy outfitting for the interior. The neighborhood is a safe one and is visitor and dog-friendly. The owner is most helpful with recommendations and accommodations.