3 Things: Dream Homes

F. Scott Fitzgerald famously wrote, ‘The rich are different from you and me.’ In Sarasota, that means they own all the best houses. For a city its size, Sarasota has an unusual number of homes priced at $4 million-plus — there are 70 currently on the market (compare that with Tampa, with a paltry four, or Orlando, with seven). Common denominators in this uncommon category — a view of the water, lots of space and a hefty dose of glamour. Let’s take a look at three of the showplaces that will delight the world’s rich when they come to town in search of their dream home …

1. Siesta Key Showplace
859 Siesta Key Circle
Just this side of paradise — it’s a 7,800-square-foot mansion set on a peninsula with water on both sides. It has five bedrooms, an elevator and a garage that accommodates eight cars. Designed with a Martha’s Vineyard-meets-St. Barts aesthetic, the expansive interior features walnut floors, pecky cypress ceilings and an impressive coral-stone fireplace. The rooms are large and there are a lot of them, plus there are numerous verandas and terraces overlooking the tropical foliage and expansive water views. Of course, there’s also a pool and spa, plus a deepwater boat basin. And the neighborhood — Roberts Bay on north Siesta Key — is one of the most desirable in town.

This house is priced at $8.5 million. For more information call Karen Greco, of Michael Saunders & Co., at 504-6927.

2. Longboat Luxury
560 Harbor Point Road
You have to go through two different gates to get to this Longboat Key dream home in prestigious Bay Isles. It’s almost new (built in 2011) and was recently featured in the Wall Street Journal. The architectural style is classic Palladian, with symmetrical lines, high ceilings and beautifully composed living spaces. Set on 200 feet of waterfront, with beautiful views of downtown Sarasota and a deepwater boat slip, the home has four bedrooms and five baths in just more than 5,000 square feet. The interior has a breezy, tropical feeling with just the right touch of traditional formality. You also get deeded access to a private beach club and there’s golf (45 holes) and all the amenities of the nearby Longboat Key Club (membership optional).

This house is listed at $5.2 million. For more information, call Cheryl Loeffler, of Premier Sotheby’s, at 302-9674.

3. Mainland Mansion
1384 Harbor Drive
Recently renovated from top to bottom, this home (originally built in 1996) has a prize location in Harbor Acres — arguably Sarasota’s finest mainland neighborhood. Particularly notable are the ultra-glamorous pool and gardens, suitable for some Gatsby-esque entertaining. There’s also a 2,500-square-foot garage for the car collector, and the 165-foot seawall can accommodate a large yacht. Inside, you’ll find five bedrooms and six-and-a-half baths, in a Tuscan-inspired atmosphere. The lower level contains a game room, bar and fitness room, all with water views. Your neighbors will include the Illinois couple who won the largest Powerball in history. They just bought their own dream home right down the street — for $7.5 million.

This house is listed at $4.59 million. For more information call Kelly Gettel at 315-2525.