Neighborhood Watch

Its superb location and gorgeous water surround make Bird Key one of the area’s most upscale residential communities. Situated between downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle, Bird Key is a boater’s dream, with deep-water canals and a private yacht club that attract professionals, affluent families, retirees and even a few celebrities. Davie Lindsay Worcester of Cincinnati discovered the island, then a pristine bird habitat, in 1911 while boating and picnicking with friends. Her husband, Thomas, purchased Bird Key from the state and spent three years and $100,000 building their mansion there. In the early 1920s, Worcester sold their home to John Ringling, and Ringling’s sister, Ida Ringling North, moved into the mansion. Her rich and famous brother had big plans for homes, shops, hotels and entertainment on Bird Key, and he built the Ringling Causeway to provide easy access to St. Armands Circle, Lido Key and the mainland. When Ringling died in 1936, he bequeathed the island to Ida, who lived there until her death in 1950. Subsequently, Bird Key was developed and the home torn down. Today, Bird Key Yacht Club sits on the site of the original mansion.

Total number of property owners: 510

Total number of sales 7/2007-7/2008: 34

Range of sale prices: $595,000 to $6.9 million

Range of square footage: 1,660 to 6,762

Sample Listing

A 4,155-square-foot home at 445 Meadow Lark Drive

, one of Bird Key’s best streets, is listed for $3,495,000. It has spectacular bayfront views from Sarasota’s skyline to Longboat Key. The custom floor plan offers two master suites: one on the first floor with his-and-her baths and an adjoining morning room with sink, microwave, bar and refrigerator; and another on the second level with a fireplace and open balcony. Two additional guest bedrooms, a spacious living room and separate dining area create a comfortable, open interior filled with natural light. Audrey and Jill Singer of Michael Saunders & Company are the listing agents.

Recent Sale

A three-bedroom, waterfront Bird Key home with a 70-foot great room recently sold for $3.4 million following a list price of $3,975,000. The 5,600-square-foot home at 231 Robin Drive

has an open gourmet kitchen, travertine floors, a glass block wet bar and a second-level billiards and media room with unobstructed bay and downtown views. The open patio and bayside swimming pool and spa overlook a deep-water dock with boat lift. Audrey and Jill Singer of Michael Saunders & Company were the listing agents, and Jackie Kleppinger of Coldwell Banker was the selling agent. Previous sale: $100 in January 2004 (transfer for nominal consideration).

Top of the Market

A grand estate on a full acre of Siesta Key shoreline sold for $8 million after a list price of $9.95 million, capturing top position in residential sales in July, and setting a record for the highest sale to date in Sarasota County in 2008. The 10,000-square-foot home at 4067 Shell Road

is a masterpiece of Mediterranean design and Old World craftsmanship inspired by legendary Palm Beach architect Addison Mizner. Five complete bedroom suites, a 44-by-21-foot bonus room, den, family room and library open onto expansive open loggias and terraces with breathtaking Gulf views. Kim and Michael Ogilvie of Michael Saunders & Company were the listing agents and Jeffrey Lacey of Lacey Realty was the selling agent.