Real Estate Double Deal of the Week: Siesta Key's Sandy Cove

He says, "Springtime, spring break---makes me think of our fabulous beach and of course fabulous beach houses."

She says, "This is my favorite time of year in Sarasota---so, what's really great on Siesta?"

He says, "I just love Sandy Cove."

More popular than ever thanks to winning the #1 spot on Dr. Beach’s "10 Best Beaches in America," Siesta Key is getting reams of attention. For this Deal of the Week we picked two in Sandy Cove on Siesta Key.

Sandy Cove is hidden behind a wall of pine trees on Ocean Boulevard just before the Village. It has a splendid 'old Florida' ambience, the kind of place John D. McDonald often wrote about.She says, "Why do we love it? Most of the condos in Sandy Cove were built in the late '60s, and they won Frank Folsom Smith a coveted FAAIA Honor Award in 1970." Folsom's designs feature flexible floor plans with high ceilings, skylights, courtyards and copious windows that fill the spaces with natural light. Situated directly on Big Pass on the northern end of the key, Sandy Cove has the right mix of relaxed beach attitude with amenities such as its own fishing pier, nightly sunset celebrations, a private beach, pools and walking paths, and the much-loved "Buster Brown" house.

The story, as we were told by some of the friendly residents on their way to see the sunset, cocktails in hand, is this: Buster Brown sold his property to developers and they decided to turn his original Pecky Cypress home into a guest cottage and gathering spot. So for a nominal fee, owners may rent rooms for their overflow guests for a few nights. The House is frequent host to all sorts of get-togethers and parties. It's also where one may do some laundry! All of this within easy walking distance to the charming shops, restaurants and nightclubs of Siesta Key Village.He says, "The first Sandy Cove residence to see is 33 Sandy Cove Road, number 2-E to be exact. This is a townhouse-style home that's truly unique in character and quality. With a well-conceived floor plan of four bedrooms and three baths, the house no doubt entertains gracefully with Gulf views from many of the rooms. Warm and inviting, it also has a brick-faced, wood-burning fireplace, custom teak built-ins, a separate dining area, courtyard, front patio, balconies and a roof terrace that just shouts outdoor living. The master suite is separate from the three other family or guest rooms, so it accommodates family and friends in privacy and comfort."

She says, "Well, that sums it up! I have nothing to add, except the price: this one is $1,275,000."He says, "Nothing to add? Well, that may be a first! Okay, here is my second pick: just next door in Sandy Cove II is 103 Pass Key Road, number 103 to be exact. This one is a first floor, walk-out end unit with fabulous Gulf views. It's very nicely updated top-to-bottom, including the kitchen, bath. Even the closet got an upgrade! This one is smaller than the other at roughly 625 square feet. It is a one bedroom, one bath and offers a perfect weekend hideaway for a couple. Or they could spend the season here. Again, every room comes with a water view. The beach life does not get better than this."

She says, "Well---you nailed it again. I have nothing to add but the price; this one is $295,000."

So what are you waiting for? Grab your sunscreen and flip-flops---we'll see you on the beach!

- The Real Estate Deal of the Week is brought to you by Donald Geikie and Dana C. Westmark, realtors with the fabulous Main Street associates of Michael Saunders & Company. Spark your own conversation with them by calling (941) 951-6660.