Three Things: Winter Getaways

Sarasota is the envy of the rest of the country every time January rolls around. With our sunny weather, white sand beaches and endless recreational activities, we offer freezing visitors from up north the perfect winter retreat. They might choose a villa on a golf course or a funky old house in a historic neighborhood. But our specialty is a maintenance-free condo on one of the keys. Hop on a plane, and in a couple of hours you’re in paradise. Here’s a selection of what’s currently on the market as the 2015 season gets off to a sunny start.

Longboat Luxury
2141 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Unit 3

If price is no object, you may want to consider a glamorous apartment on Longboat Key, where you can find the spaciousness of a private home but none of the upkeep hassles. This unit in prestigious En Provence offers 3,800 square feet of living space, with three bedrooms, a formal dining area, a living room plus a family room, an office and a huge wraparound terrace complete with a gas grill. There is also a private garage for two cars. En Provence is known for its lavish gardens and pool area and, with only 21 units, an intimate atmosphere. And bring along Fido; the complex is pet-friendly.

Priced at $3,749,000. For more information, call Cheryl Loeffler of Premier Sotheby’s at 308-6554.

Siesta Pizzazz
6140 Midnight Pass Road, Unit 801

Chances are this Siesta Key condo is no place like home. It has a razzle-dazzle atmosphere perfect for a beach home, and the view of world-famous Siesta Beach is spectacular. At 2,228 square feet it’s larger than most Siesta apartments, and it contains two master suites and an office with a half-bath that could serve as a third bedroom. There’s a gourmet kitchen with custom Italian cabinetry in a striking cobalt blue. The complex, Horizons West, is located directly on Siesta Beach and has two swimming pools and bay access to the Intracoastal Waterway.

Priced at $1.35 million. For more information, call Julia McClung of Michael Saunders & Co. at 356-6499.

All About the View
1145 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Unit 204

True, Longboat Key is expensive, but you can still find full Gulf views for well less than $1 million. Here’s a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment in Beachplace with incredible views that belie its price of $699,000. There’s even a balcony from which to enjoy them. The apartment has an informal atmosphere perfect for a part-time home, and the complex is packed with amenities — tennis courts, an enormous heated pool, fitness rooms; even beach chairs and umbrellas are available. There is also the possibility of entering the rental program when you’re not using your unit.

Priced at $699,000. For more information, call Lynne Koy of Coldwell Banker at 387-1803.