A sneak peek at our choices for Sarasota's Most Beautiful homes.

Click here to see our Real Estate Junkie discussing these beautiful homes on ABC7.

As you may remember, we recently asked a panel of experts (local design and real estate stars) – plus our readers -  to show us their favorite houses. The results are being featured in our upcoming October House and Garden Issue.

Only one rule: you had to be able to get a good look at the house from the street. Or the water. It’s all about curb appeal. Here is a preview of the top ten:

This beachfront home at 3710 Bayou Louise is what Sarasota is all about: the water, the sun, the view, the lure of the tropics. We love the tiny private beach. BTW, this one is actually on the market. Price: $5,795,000. Call Kim Ogilvie at (800) 242-1797.

This picture perfect Venice charmer is 90 years old but still seems fresh as paint. All far as we can tell, all the details – roof, windows, etc. – are original. Its neighborhood, just south of downtown, boasts many other splendid examples.

Another old Spanish home, this one is much grander. Located on Broughton Street up in Whitfield, it stands out amongst a group of similar older houses, relics of the boom back in the 1920s. We particularly like the old oaks, which keep the house dappled with sunlight.

This Guy Peterson-designed showstopper on Longbay Boulevard became an instant local landmark when it was built about ten years ago. It’s enormous and a little overpowering, but as an example of sophisticated modern style, there’s nothing quite like it. We love the way it turns a corner and keeps right on going.

Our toughest pick was a new Spanish Med. There are so many that they all blend together. Not this one. It’s so big and over-the-top that you can’t help but surrender. Notice the tower with the spiral staircase. Leading up to a killer view of New Pass and the Gulf.

Maybe you have to be an old-timer to appreciate this cottage on Palm Island. Most of Sarasota used to look like this. It’s as simple and nostalgic as an old farm house. But it’s been well-loved and beautifully maintained, and is a living reminder of the good old days.

We’ll have more “prettiest houses” in our October issue, plus some runners-up and readers’ pics on our website. Check ‘em out.