By Robert Plunket

Click here to see our Real Estate Junkie discuss these Siesta Key finds on ABC7.

Rich says he would prefer a house to a condo, and I see his point. The beach condos have a vacation atmosphere, with your neighbors coming and going. Wonderful, special - but not really home-like. One exception that’s right in the middle of the vacation action is Coquille, a small complex of 27 units that is more upscale and elegant than its neighbors. It’s much more a place for full-time residents than short term rentals.

1157 Coquille St.

So I suggest Rich and his wife take a look at 1157 Coquille St, #205. It’s right off the main drag, but relatively secluded and private. The unit itself is a two-bedroom, two- bath, townhome with a two-story living room, loft and sunroom.

Beach access from 1157 Coquille St.

It’s light and airy, much more upscale and sophisticated than other stuff in this price range. (It’s priced at $599,000.) Best of all, you walk down the cul de sac, cross the dunes over a little boardwalk, and you’re on what has just been named the best beach in the continental U.S. Call Stacy Liljeberg at 941-544-6103.

5569 Contento Dr.

Rich would prefer a new house, but at this price on Siesta Key there just aren’t any. You can find nice older homes, though. Take a look at 5569 Contento Dr, in Siesta Isles. It was built back in 1969, but it’s concrete block and with only one owner, it’s been impeccably maintained. It’s a classic Florida ranch, with 1,772 square feet, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and the lot size is almost a third of an acre.

Siesta Isles lanai

The rooms are spacious (there’s new tile on the floors) and it has a couple of wonderful pluses – it’s on a deep water canal (waterfront!) and a five- minute walk from Crescent Beach. It would be an easy cosmetic update – or keep its cute retro style. Call Carolyn and Gary Collins at 941-320-0772 0r 941-322-4249. The price? $649,000.

 4117 Roberts Point Circle

And finally, there’s a nice, surprisingly elegant Key West-style home in Robert’s Point listed at $599,000. This is one of the nicest neighborhoods on the key. It’s the classic combination of multi-million dollar mansions next to remodeled beach cottages. It’s this eclectic mix that gives Siesta Key its special charm – none of the overly manicured “do not touch” feeling you often get on Longboat. Here it’s all very democratic and beachy, with kids riding bikes and hidden canals and lagoons.