Bridge View Apartment, Sarasota, Florida

Bridge View Apartment in Sarasota, Florida

post updated June 18, 2026

Design: Ellen Hanson Designs

Location: Sarasota, Florida, United States of America

Photos by Joshua McHugh

October 3, 2024

Interior designer Ellen Hanson, a long-time New York City resident, embraced an exciting new chapter when her husband’s job relocated them to Florida. Drawn to Sarasota for its laid-back Gulf Coast charm, world-class museums, and vibrant historic downtown, the couple first refreshed a mid-century modern home on Lido Key. However, they soon set their sights on a more ambitious project: purchasing and combining two floors in a downtown building designed by renowned architect Guy Petersen.

The midrise’s clean, elegant lines and close-knit atmosphere, along with stunning views and walkability, were irresistible. Merging the two apartments became a highly customized endeavor, as Ellen’s extensive art collection required more wall space than typically found in condo units. The centerpiece of the redesign is a dramatic steel staircase that connects the 4th and 5th floors, giving the combined space the feel of a single-family home. Interestingly, the staircase, built by a metalworker in Brooklyn, had to be cut into three pieces for transport to Florida, then reassembled and soldered on-site—resulting in a stunning and practical architectural feature.

In another bold move, the planned 5th-floor kitchen was transformed into a luxurious primary bath with sweeping views of the Ringling Bridge, Bird Key, and Big Pass. What would have been a guest bath was repurposed as a glass-and-steel wine cellar, housing 1,500 bottles—a fitting addition for a family that enjoys entertaining.

The home’s 360-degree wrap-around terrace is dotted with custom concrete planters filled with native trees and shrubs, creating a haven for birds and offering breathtaking views of dolphins and kayakers below. With four bedrooms, ensuite baths, two powder rooms, a private gym, chef’s kitchen, library, wine cellar, and expansive living spaces, the residence is a perfect blend of art, nature, and luxury.

Despite its completion as their “forever home,” the couple’s adventurous spirit now beckons them elsewhere, offering this unique Sarasota gem to a fortunate new owner.