Hello, my lovely readers! Thank you for reading and appreciating my stories. Lately, I’ve received so much wonderful feedback from you, which inspires me to write more about the vibrant city of Sarasota.
Today, I’m sharing my experience from last Sunday’s brunch at The Reserve Retreat(https://thereserveretreat.com/), a place I appreciate for its charming vibe and rich sense of history. Sundays are my favorite days to slow down, and I always try to make them unique. Wanting to write about this spot for a long time and enjoy time with a friend, we headed there for lunch, dressed in flowing summer dresses and wide-brimmed hats, imagining how women from the past strolled the streets in elegant skirts, gathering for tea or lunch in places like this.
Just a bit of the history: The Reserve Retreat, located at 1322 N. Tamiami Trail, is a historic property with deep ties to the city's Ringling legacy and cultural evolution. Initially, two of the three buildings were owned by John Ringling and used as homes until the mid-1920s when he built his grand estate, Ca' d’Zan (https://www.ringling.org/). These buildings were later moved to their current location on Tamiami Trail, a dirt road at the time. Over the years, the houses served various purposes, including as a boarding house, circus performer housing, and even a bordello.
The third building was added later, and the site was used to house circus performers and serve as a practice space.
The buildings reflect Sarasota’s early 20th-century boom in Mediterranean Revival architecture, a style favored by the Ringlings and their contemporaries during Florida's 1920s real estate boom. Characterized by stucco walls, terracotta roof tiles, and lush courtyards, this style was inspired by European seaside villas. Today, The Reserve Retreat maintains this aesthetic, with restored features highlighting the Mediterranean Revival style.
In the 1940s, the property became known as Parker's Court Camp, a boarding house and inn run by Beulah Parker, widow of James Parker. From 1995 to 2008, the buildings were owned by James and Darcy Van Lienden, who used them as a photography studio.
In 2016, Sarasota resident Jessica Simmons purchased the property, which had been vacant and deteriorating for several years. She renovated the buildings and officially opened The Reserve Retreat in 2017. The name "The Reserve Retreat" was chosen by Jessica Simmons and her wife Sarah. The inspiration behind the name reflects the multi-functional nature of the space as a retreat for locals and visitors alike. It serves as a combination of a boutique hotel, café, wine bar, bookshop, and performance venue. The couple envisioned it as a "Swiss army knife of hangouts," providing a space for everything from dining and relaxation to art and cultural events while preserving the historic charm of the Ringling legacy buildings.
The hotel retains its historical charm with three main buildings and offers six unique guest rooms named after members of the Ringling family. The rooms are thoughtfully designed, mixing vintage and modern elements to create a cozy, eclectic atmosphere. Some rooms include kitchens and king-size beds, while all feature a mix of antiques and contemporary touches. The rooms are pet-friendly, offering comfort for those traveling with pets.
The experience at The Reserve goes beyond accommodation. It focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients, emphasizing local and organic products. The café serves Java Dawg, a locally sourced organic coffee, and offers casual meals with daily menus highlighting the freshest ingredients. The restaurant, led by Chef Antonio Terzuoli, blends Southern European and American culinary traditions, often using locally sourced vegetables and ingredients, creating a unique farm-to-table experience. (Check the official website for the menu and hours).
From my frequent visits for lunch and this Sunday’s brunch, I’ve always noticed the freshness of the salad leaves, which tells me how carefully they select their ingredients. I also appreciate the home-style service, and sitting outside under the umbrellas always gives me a chance to enjoy the pleasant vibe of the place.
As a meeting space and cultural hub, The Reserve continues to honor its historic roots, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in Sarasota’s rich history, architecture, and culinary scene.
Photos: iruphotos.com
Sources used in the article:
- Visit Sarasota County - https://www.visitsarasota.com
- The Reserve Retreat Official Website - https://thereserveretreat.com
- Must See Sarasota - https://mustseesarasota.com
- Then and Now: Architecture in Sarasota - https://www.visitsarasota.com
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