Under contract-accepting backup offers. Tucked away on a corner lot in Sarasota’s Sapphire Heights neighborhood, this Tuscan-inspired 2-bedroom, 2-bath ranch home offers timeless charm and an exceptional outdoor lifestyle. Designed to evoke the feeling of the Italian countryside, the spacious European-style kitchen flows effortlessly into a pergola-covered alfresco dining area, complete with a wood-burning brick pizza oven and built-in grill — perfect for entertaining. Surrounded by a private, xeriscaped garden with mature mango and lychee trees, this home invites you to enjoy Sarasota’s indoor-outdoor living year-round. Inside, the kitchen is both simple and functional, featuring ample counter space, granite countertops, maple cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and a freestanding butcher-block prep table. The adjacent utility room doubles as a walk-in pantry, equipped with commercial-grade shelving. Slate flooring runs throughout the home, including the covered front porch, now transformed into a walled courtyard offering a peaceful retreat. The interior dining area opens to a spacious living room via a gallery-style passage, creating an ideal layout for everyday living or entertaining. The primary suite features French doors leading to the garden, generous closet space, and a walk-in shower with pebble flooring. The second bedroom functions as an en suite or guest room, with a full bath accessible from both the room and hallway. Additional features include recessed art lighting, original plaster coved molding, and multiple work-from-home nooks. A circular driveway offers plenty of parking, and best of all — the home is located outside of a flood zone. This home has been used as a short term rental and was on Airbnb "Guest Favorite" list. This is a rare opportunity to own a character-rich, thoughtfully updated home just minutes from downtown Sarasota, the Ringling Museum, Jungle Gardens, and the bayfront.