MARKET WATCH

A one-plus-acre estate at 3791 Flamingo Ave. on north Siesta Key that’s been in the same family for more than 50 years is now on the market, co-listed for $2.7 million by Gail Wittig and Ian Addy and Brigitte and Kristina von Kessel of Michael Saunders & Company. Set on a circular peninsula surrounded by an open expanse of Roberts Bay on one side and a small, private lagoon on the other, “It’s pure untouched nature—old Florida in its purest form,” says Addy. There is a home on the property, he says, but “it would need major renovation to bring it up to speed; the true beauty is the land.”

GREAT VALUE

Full-on views of Little Sarasota Bay and a nearly-wraparound screened lanai from which to enjoy them, a southern exposure that guarantees a warm pool year-round, two boat lifts and a jet ski lift—plus a price drop of $1.45 million—make this four-bedroom home at 7697 Cove Terrace our Great Value of the month. Built in 2001 at the tip of a cul-de-sac in Southpointe Shores, the home is now listed below the seller’s purchase price at $3.45 million, down from $4.9 million. It has just under 4,800 square feet of living space. “It’s a magnificent home, with absolutely extraordinary views,” says owner-agent Michelle Meunier of Prudential Palms Realty.

Top of the Market

a FIVE-BEDROOM ITALIAN RENAISSANCE-STYLE HOME at 1418 John Ringling Parkway in Lido Shores sold for $3.25 million after an original list price of $5.3 million, making it the highest-priced residential sale in October. Built in 2004, it has extensive custom appointments, a soaring two-story living room, a beautiful infinity pool, a new dock that can accommodate several boats, and expansive bay and city views. Ethel and Harvey Lovelace of Michael Saunders & Company were the listing agents; Lynne Koy of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate was the selling agent. Sales information provided by Kim Ogilvie of Michael Saunders & Company.

Green Report Scrap This

Wisconsin artisan Tammy Roy creates earthy, one-of-a-kind home accessories—vases, lamps, wall votives—for her company, One Eighty Design, using metal scraps she gets from steel manufacturers and salvage yards. “Every piece is sculptural, even if it’s just a small bowl,” says Patricia Morrison Schimberg of Morrison Design in Sarasota, who’s a fan of Roy’s work. “You know it’s not something that’s mass produced, and you’re aware that it was recycled. The metals are not super refined or highly polished, but they’re beautiful.” To see samples of Roy’s work, visit 180-design.com.

Neighborhoodwatch   

Beachy-keen Sanderling Club.

Powder-white beaches, a Paul Rudolph-designed cabana club exclusively for the use of residents, acre-plus lots (many of which stretch from the Gulf of Mexico to Heron Lagoon), deed restrictions that demand the protection of natural, tropical vegetation—what’s not to love about the very private Sanderling Club on the south end of Siesta Key? Originally developed in the 1940s as a winter retreat with modest vacation cottages, Sanderling has become one of Sarasota’s most exclusive addresses; in the rare instances that Gulf-front homes go on the market, they list in the multi-millions, although homes on Heron Lagoon can be found for $1 million-plus and up. “It’s just a beautiful community,” says Judy Kepecz-Hays of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate. “It was planned extremely well, with spacious home sites, and great families live there. It’s casual, elegant, beachy—unmatched.”

Total number of Sanderling properties: 59 Total number of sales from 10/2008 to 10/2009: 1 Sale price: $1,295,000 Square footage: 4,324 square feet

SAMPLE LISTING

This 5,215-square-foot luxury residence at 8448 Sanderling Road, built in 1997, is on the market for $9,695,000. The banquet room boasts seating for 100, and terraces from all main living areas and bedrooms optimize the stunning, one-acre Gulf-to-lagoon setting. Cheryl Loeffler of Signature Sotheby’s International Realty is the listing agent.

RECENT SALE

A four-bedroom, five-bath home on just over an acre of beachfront at 8330 Sanderling Road sold for $5.6 million in mid-2008 after an original list price of $6,999,000. Built in 1995, it has nearly 6,800 square feet of living space, including gym, home theater and eight-car garage. Linda Roe Dickinson of Michael Saunders & Company was the listing agent; Peter Wolf of Hunt Florida Real Estate was the selling agent. Previous sale: $725,100 in February 1994.