3 Things: Family-friendly homes

With so much of our housing stock built with retirees and snowbirds in mind, big family homes can be hard to find in Sarasota, particularly at a price that won’t break the bank. But here are three examples that fit the bill nicely. They’re big, they’re well-priced and each one offers a different version of the Sarasota lifestyle. The criteria in choosing them was simple enough: If we were a kid, would we want to live here?

1. Beach Family
1214 Sea Plume Way
Trying to find a large home on Siesta Key for under $1 million can be a real challenge. Just about every one we looked at had a major problem. But this three bedroom, three-bath house on a private street has an awful lot going for it. It’s a little dated, and the lot is small, but all that is forgiven by the location—it’s two blocks from Point of Rocks beach, with its gorgeous white sand to the north and it’s tidal ponds full of sea life to the south. What kid wouldn’t want to grow up there?

The look is classic Siesta Key, circa 1980, with vaulted ceilings, wooden decks, and wood siding set on the diagonal. A big bonus — it’s located on a canal, with its own dock and a 10,000-pound boatlift. At 3,680 square feet, it’s roomier than it looks and if you need a fourth bedroom, there’s a loft that could probably be converted. Other special touches: a wood-burning fireplace, an elevator and a master suite with sitting area and three walk-in closets. It’s priced at $675,000. With a little remodeling, you’ll have a terrific family home that’s a seven-minute walk — I timed it — from the best beach in the country.

For more information contact Jay Mitchell of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate; 586-1754.

2. City Family
2350 Fiesta Drive
For the city kid with a lot going on — sports and after-school activities — here’s a stylish, contemporary home just a short walk from Riverview High. It’s unusual to find a house this big and this private in such a central location. Set on more than an acre of land, it’s got four (or possibly five) bedrooms in 3,838 square feet. Built in 1973, it’s got a classic-modern look, with dramatic rooms on various levels, a floating staircase, and a beautifully renovated kitchen. Several years ago this home might have seemed dated; now, with the mid-century look coming back, it’s right in style. Children will love the room with the skylight, the enormous pool, the fact that they have their own wing, and all the great spaces, both indoors and out, for sports, games and hanging out. Parents will love the price tag: sophisticated style and a family-friendly layout for $549,000.

For more information, contact Melba Jimenez of Michael Saunders & Co.; 356-3970.

3. Country Family
7423 Spinosa Court
If you really want a lot of room, head east. Just past the interstate you’ll find communities — some gated, some not — where there’s plenty of room for children and pets. This 4,453-square-foot home in Serenoa Lakes (built in 2000) has four bedrooms, four full baths, plus a den, family room and an upstairs bonus room (31 feet by 21 feet) with a wet bar and balcony. There’s also a caged pool and spa, a three-car garage and almost an acre of land. Serenoa Lakes is a little too well-kept to be considered rustic, but you definitely feel you are out in the country. Still, downtown is just 20 minutes away, the beach even closer. And there’s a golf course next door. The home is priced at $679,000 — recently reduced by $90,000.

For more information contact, Greg Hudson of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty; 302-1485.