The Saunders Blog

Punta Gorda Real Estate – Pirate Harbor

Find a unique range of home styles and opportunities in Pirate Harbor. Pictured: 24217 Treasure Island Blvd.

Situated on the banks of Charlotte Harbor is Punta Gorda’s best-kept secret, Pirate Harbor. Pirate Harbor is a quiet eclectic waterfront community with charms not seen or experienced anywhere else in Charlotte County. Amenities such as fine dining, excellent golf courses and shopping are all nearby. But the real charm of Pirate Harbor is nature. Whether it just relaxing on your lanai watching the tropical wildlife or sitting on your dock enjoying sunsets, you will become immersed in the peaceful natural beauty found in this unique enclave. (more…)

The Neighborhood Report – Golden Gate Point

Enjoy waterfront living just moments from the excitement of downtown Sarasota.

Just minutes from downtown Sarasota, Golden Gate Point is a 22-acre peninsula with envious water views and some of the most luxurious condominiums in Sarasota. Originally owned by circus magnate John Ringling, the property—known then as Cedar Point—has gone through several evolutions to reach its current state as a luxury residential community.

Market Activity – Golden Gate Point

To date, there are 23 active listings. These range from interior units beginning at $139K to a lavish, 6,000-square-foot bayfront front home with unprecedented views of the Marina Jack harbor and downtown available for $6 million. In between are two- and three-bedroom units with great views of Ringling Bridge starting at $500K. (more…)

The Neighborhood Report – Mote Ranch

Pictured: 6165 Palomino Circle

Mote Ranch is a wonderful, deed-restricted community conveniently located just north of University Parkway off Honore—with easy access to I-75, the amenities of Lakewood Ranch to the east, and just minutes to downtown Sarasota. The community was named for William Mote, the namesake of Mote Marine Laboratory. There is a plethora of restaurants, shops and services to enjoy along the University Parkway corridor, which is connected to Palm-Aire Country Club via Old Farm Road. The Braden River borders the eastern edge of the neighborhood, and the association has provided a dock for residents to fish or just enjoy the beauty of “old Florida.” Fishermen partake in weekly bass tournaments, and there is a kayak/canoe ramp next to the dock for access to the river. This is the freshwater river that flows from the north in Lakewood Ranch down to Lake Evers, which is the reservoir for the City of Bradenton. (more…)

The Neighborhood Report – Riverdale

Pictured: 4519 Shark Drive.

A great community located off SR-64, Riverdale offers a great mix of homes, which were mostly built in the 1980s through 2006 and ranging in size from 1,100 square feet to over 6,000 square feet. Many of these residences are located on canals leading to the Manatee River through a boat lock. For boaters, this is an easy access point to the river and on to the Gulf of Mexico. (more…)

The Neighborhood Report – Point Crisp

This incredible custom residence is set at the tip of Point Crisp. Pictured: 1456 Point Crisp Rd.

Named after a robber-baron and an exquisite and historic part of Siesta Key’s past, the peninsula of Point Crisp extends into the Intracoastal Waterway and Little Sarasota Bay on the east side of Siesta Key—just south of the Stickney Point Bridge. This exclusive enclave of 16 properties lines a lush, tropical, meandering road. Of these, nine properties are set on a point of land that juts out into Little Sarasota Bay, affording beautiful water views from both the front and rear of the homes. One special property even boasts its own private island. In addition to its proximity to one of the world’s most gorgeous beaches, this prized location offers exceptional boating water. Point Crisp is truly a unique tropical paradise and a pleasure to call home. (more…)

The Neighborhood Report – Gasparilla Island

One of several barrier islands extending along the Florida Gulf Coast, Gasparilla Island is a gorgeous destination located in southwest Florida between Fort Myers and Sarasota. The largest town on the island is Boca Grande, and the island is also the site of the Gasparilla Island State Park. Gasparilla Island is largely considered one of the most beautiful Barrier Islands on the Gulf Coast. The pace of life here is as relaxed as it is opulent, as this tranquil, seven-mile long island has no high-rises or traffic lights. (more…)

The Neighborhood Report – Little Gasparilla Island

Discover a relaxed way of life on Little Gasparilla Island. Photo courtesy of James Royce Photography.

Enjoy a perfect vacation destination with balmy breezes and dazzling sunsets. A barrier island located just north of Boca Grande, Little Gasparilla Island is where you will find peace and tranquility while engaging in your favorite water-based pastimes. This bridgeless tropical respite is a world away from the rush and hurried pace of the mainland, as there are no roads and no traffic. (more…)

The Neighborhood Report – Country Club Shores

Delight in waterfront living in Country Club Shores. Pictured: 600 Putting Green Lane.

Country Club Shores is one of the neighborhoods that truly define Sarasota. With homes built almost entirely on spacious canals or desirable Sarasota Bay, Country Club Shores epitomizes what the good life in Florida is all about—sun, swimming, boating and golf. It’s chic, casual and convenient.

The homes in Country Club Shores fall into two categories. The original residences, mostly one-story Florida ranches, have been updated over the years and now combine the best of the old and new. The scale is more intimate, but the details and appointments are up-to-date and luxurious. The newer homes spare no expense. They are large and lavish, and those on prime parcels of land are priced well into the millions. (more…)

The Neighborhood Report – Oyster Bay Estates

Discover the remarkable lifestyles available in Oyster Bay Estates. Pictured: 1414 N Lakeshore Drive.

Located West of the Trail and along Sarasota Bay, Oyster Bay Estates began as residential community after developer Robert W. Newman purchased the real estate in 1951 from the Woolley family, who previously used the land as a dairy farm. Many of the 168 homes in the community area were built at that time.

Market Activity – Oyster Bay Estates

Recent activity in Oyster Bay has been very positive, as four properties priced between $369,000 – $2,150,000 sold in the last 30 days and four are pending. This leaves only seven active properties priced between $489,000 and $3,750,000 available at this time, which once again reinforces the desirability of Oyster Bay. Other positive activity includes the multiple offers Kim & Michael Ogilvie received on a listing at 4475 Camino Real, closing it at $925,000—$26,000 higher than the asking price. (more…)

The Neighborhood Report – Waterlefe Golf & River Club

Tranquil waters create wonderful views for many homes in Waterlefe. Pictured: 10708 Riverbank Ter.

Uniquely nestled on the banks of the Manatee River at Upper Manatee River Road, Waterlefe Golf & River Club is the only community in Manatee County that offers its residents both a world-class golf course as well as remarkable boating water.

With 616 residences ranging from 1,254-square-foot condominiums to an executive boating water home of over 9,000 square feet, Waterlefe has many different types of residences to suit any taste. Residents also delight in exceptional community amenities, as the River Club at Waterlefe features a fitness center, a Junior Olympic-size heated pool, a tiki Bar and a wonderful restaurant and bar area. (more…)