Ca' d'Zan

Take a walk through opulent history. Ca' d'Zan (house of John) has been restored to its former glory. One can picture the A-list crowd dancing the tango to live music or dining at the magnificent table laden with imported bone china, crystal, and sterling which could be stored in the hallway vault. Around the corner is the bar room with leaded glass windows where guests probably found a fully stocked bar of top shelf liquor even during prohibition.

Although the second floor is not open to the public there are pictures in a room at the exit to the immense patio overlooking Sarasota Bay.

I am originally from WI and grew up in the 60's with Ringling Circus in the area. Fascinating to learn how this family became such great entrepreneurs and on to aristocrats. The house was beautiful but elegant.

If I could give more stars, I would have. This place was worth every penny! I don't have the words to describe the beauty and detail in this house. Absolutely stunning!! I highly recommend.

We had higher expectations of the inside house--probably because visitors were not allowed on second floor and I don't recall why. However, everything about the property surrounding the house was fabulous (the Venice-like area at the back of house; the secret garden where John Ringling, his sister, and wife are buried). Enjoyable experience. No tour guide to inside of house but we downloaded a self-guided tour on our phones that provided information on each room on the main floor.

The Ringling experience is Amazing! Well worth the admission and your time. What a colorful history. The scale model of the circus was my favorite and so beautifully detailed. Would definitely recommend.