Longboat Key used to be lined with houses like this—comfortable beach cottages, unpretentious but not without a certain style. Practically all of them have disappeared over the years, replaced by high-rises and mansions, but a few still remain, and this is one of the best.

The Dineen House, subject of a famous poster, is now on the market. It’s located about mid-key, near Durante Park. At first I thought the traffic from Gulf of Mexico Drive might be intrusive, but once you get inside, you’re in a different world. The only thing you notice is the incredible view of the Gulf.

Living room, complete with Gulf views.

The house is not large but still, it has a spacious feeling, with a large great room with a high beamed ceiling. The kitchen (it could use updating) is at one end, and a fireplace at the other. There are two bedrooms, and the guest room cleverly subdivides to become two rooms if you have a crowd visiting. The floors are wood and the house is built on 27 pilings, with parking underneath.

The house is grandfathered to allow weekly rentals. It’s my understanding that any replacement structure would have to be built on the same footprint, but who would want to tear this place down. . . it’s a piece of Longboat history, with the best view on the key. It’s priced at $1,555,000. The agent to call is Diane Otis Stirling at (941) 388-4447.