3 Things: On the Beach

The beach hideaway — it’s everybody’s favorite real-estate fantasy. Long, lazy days, the sound of the waves, good times with family and friends — it’s the American Dream, Sarasota-style. And we have all kinds to offer, from party houses in the middle of the action to secluded retreats hard to find, even with a map. Here are three of the more special ones, all located on Siesta Key.

1. Sanderling Sophistication
8445 Sanderling Road
This stylish hideaway in the Sanderling Club is on the market for the first time. It was built in 1955 and and has been owned by the same family ever since. Ralph Erikson, of the Sarasota School of Architecture, designed it. With the beach on one side and Heron Lagoon on the other, it is a perfect location for both recreation and peace and quiet. It’s not large — less than 1,200 square feet — but the interior has a yacht-like quality that simplifies upkeep and looks quite glamorous now that the mid-century look is back. Particularly notable is the wood paneling that covers most of the walls — the owners were in the lumber business and lavished attention on getting the ash, walnut and heart of pine just right. It’s possible to build a larger house on the property and use this little gem as the guest house. Priced at $1.85 million.

For more information, call Ellen Wells of Michael Saunders at 941-544-4849.

2. Fun at Point of Rocks
6969 Point of Rocks Road
Family fun is the keynote of this classic Siesta Key beach house located just a few steps from public access No. 13 at the southern end of Crescent Beach. There’s a large 15-foot-by-36-foot pool surrounded by a fence and tropical vegetation (plus an outdoor shower) that’s perfect for long afternoons of hanging out with the gang. Upstairs are two bedrooms, two baths, a living room with a fireplace and, at the very top, a widow’s walk for watching the sunsets. There’s also a bonus room on the lower level and covered parking for four cars. The location is great for walking. Kids can walk to the beach and the shops near the south bridge; their parents can walk to the restaurants and the famous Crescent Club, the great Old Florida bar immortalized by mystery writer John D. MacDonald. Priced at $695,000.

For more information, call Betsy de Manio of Coldwell Banker at 941-914-5540.

3. Stylish Sandy Cove
43 Sandy Cove Road No. 3-D
Size isn’t necessarily a plus in a beach hideaway. Sometimes, when it’s just for the two of you, intimacy is what matters most. This unit in Sandy Cove is just 561 square feet, but it has everything you need for some luxurious downtime. Designed in a crisp, sophisticated style, the apartment has a vaulted ceiling, lots of light, and a separate bedroom with a loft for extra sleeping space or storage. Best of all is the 25-foot-long balcony overlooking the Gulf. Famed architect Frank Folsom Smith designed the complex, Sandy Cove, which has long been a favorite with Sarasota’s artier beach-lovers. There is a beautiful little private beach, and you are just a short walk from Siesta Village. It’s also pet-friendly. Priced at $319,000.

For more information, call Alix Wexler of Michael Saunders at 941-350-2742.