It’s easy to find a well-priced condo these days, but to find one that’s architecturally significant, spacious and well-priced—that’s a different matter. And that’s why I’m so taken with this three-bedroom, 2 ½-bath, 1,800 square-foot unit in Pine Run, a complex down in Osprey.

It’s beautifully designed. It has two atriums—actually, atria—and the bedrooms have angled ceilings that go up to 15 feet, with clerestory windows to let in more light. One bedroom is set up as a den and has an impressive wall of bookshelves. The master is on the second floor and has a spectacular bath—one end is like an all-glass conservatory and it leads out to a private terrace. A great deal of care has been given to where the windows are situated, so that while it’s bright and sunny, it’s still completely private.

 

Top: Exterior from the rear; bottom: guest bedroom.

When I marveled aloud at the quality of the architecture, the realtor told me it had been designed—back in 1973—by Frank Folsom Smith. Well, that explains everything. He’s one of the best architects in town; our offices are in one of his buildings (he also designed Plymouth Harbor.) The current décor is a little too 1980s for my taste, but that would be easy enough to change.

 

Top: Den; bottom: master bathroom.

Pine Run is off Blackburn Point Road, just a short walk from Casey Key. It’s a pleasant, woodsy place with a beautiful pool. This unit (358 Pine Run Drive, # 358) is one of the largest in the complex and is priced at $159,000. The monthly charges are $492. Call Carolyn Kenney at (941) 223-7111.

P.S. Sorry, the realtor just called—it's been sold. I'll keep you informed about other Pine Run listings.

Cool Million
Here’s a look at how many homes in various Florida cities were listed for sale at $1 million or more at press time.
Naples                        1,463
Miami                          815
Fort Lauderdale            670
Sarasota                     448
Palm Beach                314
Tampa                        264
Orlando                      128


For my take on Florida luxury real estate bargains, check out my article in Barron’s Weekly.