The breathtaking views of the Ringling Causeway and water are the focal point of the apartment.
When Rod McGeorge's romance with Sarasota began, he thought it would be a short, seasonal affair. But after being seduced by the sunsets over Sarasota Bay, he returned to his home in Richmond, Virginia, sold his car dealerships and dedicated himself to life on Golden Gate Point.
Once sparsely populated with just a handful of residents, Golden Gate Point has become a hub of luxury high-rises. Today it is home to more than 400 seasonal and permanent residents. Developments are increasing along the waterfront, reshaping Sarasota's skyline from its entry point near the Ringling Causeway.
McGeorge, 59, bought his fourth-floor apartment at 188 Golden Gate Point in 2023 for just under $6 million. “Initially I wasn’t looking in this price range because it was only going to be a part-time spot,” he says, “but I wanted a water view.”
He got way more than just views. “I love being able to walk through the city center,” he says. “That’s what I like – if my car broke down, I wouldn’t get stuck.”
Colorful wall art adds a playful touch to the kitchen and dining area.
McGeorge's two-story, three-bedroom condo, custom designed by interior designer Joe Human, avoids the coastal look that many transplants prefer. “I don’t do shells and palm trees,” McGeorge says. Instead, Human took some tasteful risks, pushing McGeorge to explore a layered, understated maximalism. “I like it when I push my limits [Joe] I would offer a few choices and I would reduce them,” says McGeorge. The resulting design combines textures, patterns and surfaces in a way that doesn't match but works.
“The idea was to create a contrast,” says Human. “We played with scales and shapes. If the wallpaper was eye-catching, we balanced it with upholstered furniture.” Throughout his unit, you'll see hand-painted and textured wallpaper, as well as unique details like handcrafted tables in purple and black ombré lacquer in the wide entryway and colorful, modern wall art throughout.
Joe Human's design combines textures, patterns and surfaces in a way that doesn't match but works.
In one bedroom there is a large, hand-painted wallpaper that also serves as a work of art. Another is cream colored with mother of pearl showing through the bottom layer. “My favorite color is orange, but you can’t overdo it,” says McGeorge. “We incorporated it here and there, like in art, to add a little punch.”
The wallpaper in the common room is made of textured, handmade cream silk with an anti-fingerprint treatment. “I wanted something other than plain white paint – something that would capture the water and light and highlight the texture. Compared to plain walls, it feels luxurious and classy,” says Human.
Wood grain adds an organic touch to an atmospheric bathroom.
According to the interior designer, the overall feel of the home is masculine, but is tempered by rounded shapes in many of the furniture pieces, such as side tables and accent chairs. “The mix of hard and soft edges creates a smoother flow,” says Human. “The mix of these elements guides the eye around the room without getting stuck.” The combination of layered lighting – some hanging high while others drip down – allowed Human to make bold choices that are also what he is referred to as “jewelry”.
Although McGeorge brought a few favorite pieces of art with him from Virginia, he also has some local work. Two pieces are by Sam Wuerfel, whose art McGeorge saw in the first staging of his condo. McGeorge also has a miniature metal sculpture by Jorge Blanco. Sometimes, he says, he wishes there was less glass and more wall space for art — but not if it would limit the view. “The balcony is my favorite place,” he says. “That view with the bridge and the lights at night – it’s incredible.” Once completed, another highlight will be the roof terrace, which can be reached via an outdoor spiral staircase.
Hand-painted wallpaper doubles as wall art, and rounded furniture softens the space.
When he's not enjoying the views or exploring Sarasota by bike, McGeorge heads to his boat. “I just love being on the water – finding a place where I can enjoy the sun and people watch,” he says. “I would like to do more fishing here. Back in Virginia we caught 6- or 7-pound fish, which are considered bait here.”
Overall, McGeorge has found a retreat that feels fresh but permanent. “I came here with next to nothing,” he says. Now that everything is falling into place, right down to the collection of books Human curated for him, “this place just feels like home,” he says.