A sale is pending on a 10,883-square-foot mansion at 374 S. Shore Drive in Sarasota, according to Realtor.com. The mansion is the former home of Charles Githler and Kim Githler, prominent business people and political donors. The Githlers divorced in March 2013.
The Kim and Charles Githler mansion in Sarasota. (March 20, 2013) (Herald-Tribune staff photo by Dan Wagner)
The property has been listed for sale for two years. Joel Schemmel and Cheryl Loeffler of Premier Sotheby's International Realty have the listing at $12.5 million. It came on the market in spring 2013 at $14.9 million.
Realtors do not discuss the details (selling price 0r buyer's identity) on pending contracts.
When the property came on the market, I wrote:
"Villa Solstice," as it is known, measures 25,000 square feet under roof, with five bedrooms and seven baths, including its ground floor and terraces. It took five years to plan and build.
"Charles Githler, mindful of potential buyers, notes that the engineering and finishes in the house -- including South American ipe hardwood on an expansive, south-facing terrace and a long-lasting slate-tile roof, are low-maintenance.
" 'A lot of the house takes care of itself,' he said.
The Githler mansion in Sarasota. (March 20, 2013) (Herald-Tribune staff photo by Dan Wagner)
"It also can take care of visitors -- a lot of them. The house's total square footage ranks it among the largest in Sarasota, though its 17 rooms are surprisingly intimate.
"Three separate sections, or wings, are connected by enclosed bridges.
"On one, son Charlie's first-floor suite has two bedrooms and a study. It feels like a New York City apartment.
"A kitchen-breakfast room is smaller than many found in Lakewood Ranch, although the decor -- high-end appliances, bamboo and grasscloth -- is unique. Almost every space in the house has views of the bay.
The Githler mansion in Sarasota. (March 20, 2013) (Herald-Tribune staff photo by Dan Wagner)
"A library, replete with lots of dark wood, is being featured in a British publication of "inspiring libraries."
"In the dining room, walls are upholstered in silk.
"For fundraisers, caterer Michael's on East uses a garage attached to the house with a door that was specifically designed to accommodate its trucks.
"The house also boasts a 1,400-bottle wine room and a built-in bar that features a large aquarium."
The Githler mansion in Sarasota. (March 20, 2013) (Herald-Tribune staff photo by Dan Wagner)
