In 1915, Chicago socialite Mabel Linn sold 60 acres of undeveloped acres to Edson Keith, Jr. for  $7000. This land was located along the south bank of Phillipi Creek just south of downtown Sarasota.  This land was to become  the Edson Keith estate.  In 1916 he built a clap board farmhouse to live in while his main home was being built.

     His residence was completed in December, 1916.  The architects Otis and Clark were from.Chicago. It was an L shaped 2 story Italian.Renaissance style. The builder was Edson Keith

Exterior Architecture

     Structure built with hollow clay tile and brick. It features white washed exterior walls    

Roofing 

     The home is topped with a low pitched hip roof covered in red ceramic terracotta tiles

Outdoor Living

     Large expansive veranda and Northern corner porches designed to capture coastal breezes, acting as a form of natural air conditioning

Terrace

     A large rear terrace overlooks a lush lawn that sweeps down toward shores of Philippines Creek

Interior Features

     Grand entry the mansion opens into a stately foyer characterized by exquisite craftsmanship

   Living spaces

        The main floor includes an expansive living room and twin sun rooms featuring elegant Palladian window    Historical Finishes

       interior details include hand painted ceilings, intricate woodwork and a wood paneled library

         

Modern for its time

     Featured indoor plumbing,.closets,and electric lighting

Upper level

     Second floor contains 4 main.bedrooms and suites
 

Ownership Timeline

     Edson Keith,Jr.  (1916–1939)  Edson was a wealthy Chicago       businessman who built the mansion as a year -round                 residence.  He lived there until his death in 1939.

      Mae Hansen Produce  (1939–1986) After Keith’s death,              his  widow, Nettie, sold the property to Mae Hansen              

      Prodie, a Chicago -based designer of doll clothing (famous        for creating wardrobes for Barbie dolls)

       During this era , Mae’s husband, Charles Prodie                             operated the mansion as a luxury inn and restaurant                   known as Philippi Plantation.Inn in the 1950’s.

Sarasota County (1986 to present)

Following Mae Prodies death, Sarasota County purchased the 60 acre estate for 5.2 million dollars through a public referendum. It was transformed into Philippines Estate Park, A public space managed by Sarasota County Parks Department