The Tracy House & Studio was originally part of the Hillview Art Colony, next door to the Amagansett Art Studio and Hilton Leech Home, located within a block of Southside Village shops and restaurants.   The Tracy House was the victim of benign neglect, inhabited by tenants, hidden by overgrown plants, and desperately in need of TLC.   A Sarasota couple well-known for transforming older homes into beauties had initially looked at 1656 Hillview Street to buy and restore but realized that the type of investment it needed would require a long-term commitment and they were not ready for that.  They contacted their friends, Tami Concetta and Barry Spivey, and suggested they look at it and added many caveats along with that suggestion.

Upon entering the main room with the beautiful bones and abundant light from the North facing double windows, Tami had a VISION and was smitten. Her father was a retired general contractor and assured her that she and Barry were crazy to take on this “teardown.” But with the help of their architect, Rick Garfinkle, and their amazing contractor, Ramsey Frangi of Ramate Construction and his crew, they were able to restore and enhance the one bedroom/one bath into their dream home. They took the original home down to the studs, replacing all electrical and plumbing, added a two-story addition, converted the garage to a library, and renovated the casita into a homey guest house.  It now boasts 2915 square feet and 3 bedrooms, 3-1/2 bathrooms.  

And stunning it is.   The quality and detail that went into the renovation is immediately noticeable when you walk through the front door. This beautifully restored,  historically designated home is meticulously renovated while preserving its rich architecture history.  Family is calling the current owners to live closer to them, so it has been recently put on the market for sale.  They will miss their favorite time in the winter months sitting on the back patio by the fire pit enjoying a lovely wine from Barry’s collection, listening to their favorite music and enjoying nature

We thank Tami and Barry for preserving the original home and adding to the charm of what makes Hudson Bayou one of Sarasota’s favorite neighborhoods, with a beautiful blend of older and newer homes on tree shaded streets.