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Sherry Flathman of Wagner Realty recently represented the buyer in the sale of the famous 1950 Bennett Residence, located at 3901 Riverview Boulevard in Northwest Bradenton. This mid-century modern home was designed by Paul Rudolph. Rudolph, a pioneer of the Sarasota Modern style, is known for cubist architectural designs that blend the beauty of the natural environment with open, airy interior floor plans.
Rudolph was a Harvard graduate who studied with Walter Gropius - known as a pioneering modernist architect and the founder of the Bauhaus School of Architecture. In the late 1940's Rudolph gained a reputation for designing modern, innovative vacation homes using unique materials. He moved to Sarasota and partnered with Ralph Twitchell for four years before starting his own firm in 1951. The Bennett Residence reflects the principles of this mid-century modern style, allowing for both privacy and a feeling of the natural surroundings being brought inside. One of Rudolph's most notable design elements was to create well ventilated living spaces in harmony with Florida's climate. In the Bennett Residence, he uses glass walls to open the interior space to a private garden courtyard. The home was previously restored by architect and author Joseph King who wrote extensively about Rudolph and his Florida Houses. King painstakingly restored the property in the 1990's after it had deteriorated with the passage of time. King released a book on Rudolph's work in late 2009 called Paul Rudolph: The Florida Houses. Paul Rudolph died in 1997.
"Paul Rudolph was certainly ahead of the times when he designed this home" notes Flathman adding, "the floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors are still in vogue today." The home was sold completely furnished with original 1950's era décor, bringing yet another element of historical nuance. The new owner, Gary Goldberg, an architectural aficionado, will continue the tradition of preserving the authenticity of this beautiful home. If you are interested in buying or selling a home, whether traditional, historic, or modern, Wagner Realty agents have a history of providing exceptional service for more than 80 years. For more information, go to www.wagnerrealty.com.

The Parrish, FL area has seen significant growth in recent years, and that's no surprise. With plenty to do close to home and an easy commute to nearby communities like Tampa, Bradenton, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota, the community has something to offer for everyone. Whether you enjoy spending time outdoors in the sun, catching up on culture, watching live sports, or shopping until you drop, it's easy to find fun around Parrish. Our real estate agents are here to help you get to know the community, with our guide to living in the Parrish area.
The Sarasota and Manatee County real estate market continued to show strong demand in August 2020. While the August listing and sales statistics will not be released until September 21st, July listing and sales numbers continue an upward trend. Reported closed sales in July were up by 24.1 percent from the same month last year (according to a report compiled by Florida Realtors - provided by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee). Record low interest rates, combined with a release of pent up demand, made the market especially robust. Closed sales in the two-county market totaled 2,426 for July.
As we look toward the Fall, new listings are in demand as inventory continues to lag demand. If you are thinking of selling your home, now is the time to contact a Wagner Realty agent. Congratulations to our Top Producers!


Anna Maria Island, FL – When you think of Fig Newtons you probably don't associate them with the development of properties on Anna Maria Island – but they hold a chapter in the history of this quaint vacation island. Long before it became a mecca for vacationers from around the world, Anna Maria Island was home to the Caloosan and Timucan Native American tribes. Later, Spanish explorers visited the island, and Tampa mayor, Madison Post, settled there as well. B...
If you love the surf, sand, and incredible sunsets you'll love a vacation at Runaway Bay! Set along the serene shores of Bradenton Beach, Runaway Bay is nestled near Bradenton Beach homes for sale. If you've been dreaming of a "staycation" these cozy condos offer an opportunity for you to get away from the stresses of everyday life while remaining close to home. Our real estate agents encourage you to consider a long-weekend stay at one of these tranquil units.
Runaway Bay
Located on Anna Maria Island, just footsteps from Bradenton Beach, Runaway Bay is a short drive away from Sarasota, Bradenton, St. Petersburg, and Tampa. For those who are craving some excitement, popular Florida vacation destinations like Busch Gardens, Disney World, Sea World, and Universal Studios are within one to two hours from the property.
The amenities of Runaway Bay are so welcoming that visitors find everything they need for a relaxing and fun vacation. A large heated swimming pool and sauna are all on the property for those who want to pamper themselves. Or, if you prefer, there's also pickleball, a recreation room, gym, fishing pier, shuffleboard court, tennis court, and bocce ball. Whether you come from near or far, you'll savor every moment lounging in Runaway Bay.
