About
Our History
The Reserve Retreat is a unique property: a boutique hotel with cozy guest rooms. We are independently owned and believe in a culture of diversity, inclusion, equality, and pride.
Two of the three buildings which make up The Reserve Retreat were owned by John Ringling (of circus fame). The homes were used until the mid-1920s when Ringling built his grand estate Ca' d’Zan on Sarasota Bay.
The buildings were moved to their location on Tamiami Trail, then a dirt road. The third building was erected and the compound was used as housing for circus performers and as a practice venue.
In the 1940s, the three buildings and the land they are situated on was known as Parker's Court Camp (a boarding house and inn), operated by Beulah Parker, widow of James Parker. From 1995-2008, these homes belonged to James and Darcy Van Lienden who used the buildings as a photo studio.
Over the years, the three historic buildings have continued to spark curiosity, standing as a quiet reminder of Sarasota’s rich and eclectic past.
Their distinctive character and layered history made them a natural candidate for careful restoration and reuse.
After a thoughtful renovation, the property was reintroduced as The Reserve Retreat, a small historic boutique hotel offering cozy guest rooms within a truly unique setting. Today, The Reserve Retreat welcomes guests from near and far as a distinctive destination that blends history, lodging, and hospitality.
Alongside intimate accommodations, the property features food and drink offerings, entertainment, and serves as a charming venue for private events and gatherings.
Rooted in Sarasota’s past and thoughtfully adapted for modern travelers, The Reserve Retreat continues to evolve while honoring the character and story that make it one of a kind.
