Real Estate Deal of the Week: Bayport Beach and Tennis Club

He says, "I have an ideal candidate for this week’s Real Estate Deal. Here’s a clue: Where can buyers find condominiums on Longboat Key that include gulf and bay access, great tennis and loads of other amenities that were also designed by an architect from the world-famous Sarasota School of Architecture?"

She says, "You’ve made it way too easy for me. It must certainly be Bayport Beach and Tennis Club on Longboat Key, right? It just so happens I read an article about Bayport recently. Did you know that Bayport Beach and Tennis Club is situated on 27 acres with 152 one- and two-story units? It was developed in 1983 by a Canadian firm, Bennett-Hunt Corporation, in conjunction with award-winning Sarasota School architect Tim Seibert. The complex, in Seibert’s own words, has tremendous appeal “because of the deep shadows on plain white walls, brown wood railings and fences, the natural growth of pines and native vegetation and the extreme privacy of unit plans.” Seibert, in fact, lived at Bayport for a year and found his home to be virtually soundproof because the floors and ceilings are made of pre-cast concrete and the walls are insulated concrete block. Okay, enough talk---let’s go see for ourselves why Bayport is often called one of Longboat Key's hidden jewels."

"That’s a great history lesson," he says, "but for me the real jewel is the community’s 27 acres of tropical beauty. The complex has deeded access to 1,200 feet of beachfront just across Gulf of Mexico Drive, and there’s a fabulous community clubhouse with a well-equipped exercise room. For tennis buffs, there are four Har-Tru courts; and for swimmers, a junior-sized, heated Olympic swimming pool. Lastly, for those of us not into such strenuous exercise, Bayport has a quiet fishing pier and kayak launch.

"Seriously?" she says."The closest you’ve ever been to fishing is stopping at Walt's Fish Market for the catch of the day! Don't forget to mention the incredible bay and sunrise views from the east side of the property, and the sunsets to die for up front. The best of both views, really."

He says, "Why else do we love it?"

She says, "As one travels along Gulf of Mexico Drive, near the 3800 block you arrive at a section where the road meets the beach at a sea grape hedge, and the wide-open views of the gulf are simply spectacular. That view indicates you’re nearing the Bayport Beach and Tennis Club. Bayport's white-washed two-story buildings look across Gulf of Mexico Drive at the azure waters of the Gulf. No buildings block your line of sight---so it feels like this stretch of the beach is all yours. Another feature that makes this complex exceptional are the one- and two-story building heights, so the trees look down on the buildings and not the other way around. It is truly a unique mix of contemporary architecture in an old Florida setting."He says, "Well, I checked before we left and there are five condos currently listed, ranging in price from $329,000 to $549,900. We are going to see two of them. The first one is Unit 827, a ground floor condominium with no one above, so it lives like a stand-alone home. There are two bedrooms and two baths with 1,378 air conditioned square feet. But it feels much larger since the owners have enclosed the screened-in lanai area to add extra living space. Beyond that is a wonderful private courtyard that looks perfect for outdoor entertaining. The setting and decor lives like a real beach retreat, super casual and where you feel perfectly at home in your flip flops. I love this one and don't mind that it feels a wee bit dated. For me, it is all about the beach and the price: Listed at $339,500, this one is a winner in my book."She says, "Good choice. But I'm going with Unit 814. The seller has it all right here. This is a truly spectacular condominium I could live in year-round. I love the use of bold colors to accent each room. The remodel was top to bottom with absolutely no expense spared. The sellers have impeccable taste and style. Just look at the kitchen, a state-of-the-art cook's delight. We don't see very many LUBE kitchens in this price range, do we? As one might expect, they choose top-of-the-line appliances as well, including a Wolf gas range to die for, a Sub Zero refrigerator and a separate cooler for beer and wine. Nice detail. I know you’d love that! Makes Happy Hour very easy. They chose beautiful real wood floors throughout the unit. A master bedroom and bath has everything you need, even a designated study and office area with serene bay views. I could sit on the balcony for hours just looking over the mangroves and out to the bay. That's my pick, listed at $549,900---in my opinion worth the money."

He says, "Well, there you have it. On Bayport, we agree: It really is a jewel on Longboat Key. Oh, by the way, the complex is pet-friendly for small dogs just as long as they are not more than 15 inches tall at the shoulder. Is that small? Anyone have a tape measure?"

- The Real Estate Deal of the Week is brought to you by Donald Geikie and Dana Westmark,  realtors with the fabulous Main Street office of Michael Saunders & Company. They can help you buy or sell,  so spark your own conversation with Donald and Dana by calling (941) 951-6660.