"I'm writing to express my thanks and gratitude for all your assistance with the purchase of our new home...You really made the process nearly effortless and enjoyable. I highly recommend that anyone in need of a realtor, work with you." - Jannine K.

Here are some descriptions of property in the area. If you have a question about location match the number below with the number in the red dot above on the map.

1. Mc Clellan Park
(Bounded by Hyde Park Street on the north and Cunliff Lane on the south, between Osprey Avenue and the Sarasota Bay).

An arched entrance with pergolas on Orange Avenue leads to Sarasota's first suburban community. Katherine and Daisy McClellan's plans for an exclusive residential area began with the purchase of 57 acres on Sarasota Bay early in 1915.

The McClellan Park neighborhood is interesting because of the wide variety of architectural styles that reflect its long growth period - Craftsman Bungalow Style, Spanish style and Tudor Revival houses, and houses built in the '40s, '50s and '60s.

Of special interest is the McClellan Park School which is surrounded by Oval Drive between Osprey Avenue and McClellan Parkway. Built in 1915 to serve as the clubhouse for the subdivision, the Craftsman-style wood frame building rests on an Indian mound. Many street names in this area reflect this heritage.

2. Siesta Key
Siesta Key is Located approximately 55 miles south of Tampa on Florida's Gulf Coast, an eight-mile-long barrier island connected to Sarasota by two bridges. Founded in 1846, there are now approximately 24,000 full-time and part-time residents of Siesta Key.

Siesta Key is an island connected by two bridges to Sarasota. Siesta Key is 8 miles of beach and bay front property, with canals  through many neighborhoods as well as condominiums (some with boat docks) and shops.

Real estate on Siesta Key includes single family homes and condominiums. Homes on Siesta Key range from mid three hundred thousand (the value of the lot) to seven million for a gulf front estate with magnificent views. Condos range from two hundred thousand to three million for new spacious condos with world class amenities.

While all the conveniences of modern life are easily accessible, Siesta Key is still remote enough to give one a feeling of old Florida. Bursting with lush foliage, mature trees and tropical flowering shrubs line the winding routes to the village and the beaches.

The beaches are refreshingly natural, with protected wild sea oats and mangroves providing a protective habitat for the scores of native island birds that share the island, as well as the dolphins, manatees and other aquatic wildlife living just offshore. 

Siesta Key was chosen "Best Overall in the 1987 International Sand Contest. The world wide competition included entries from throughout the world. Exotic ports like the Grand Bahamas, Barbados and Antigua rivaled for the honored title of number one. The Sand of Siesta Key was judged by David Aubrey, Director of Coastal Research at the renowned Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts, to be the whitest and finest in texture. The Siesta Key beaches could perhaps be called "The Crystal Beaches", for they are composed of billion upon billions of tiny crystals. The geology department of Harvard University found the sand to be 99% pure quartz. Siesta Key is proud of this world class title, though not surprised, one walk on the sugary soft sands of Siesta Key's beaches will tell you why.

3. Anna Maria
Anna Maria Island is 7 miles long,  the  first in a line of barrier island to the south of Tampa bay. There are miles of beach, surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay and Anna Maria Bay to the east. Access to Anna Maria is by one of three bridges, one to Longboat Key on the south and two bridges cross the Intra-coastal  to Bradenton.

Anna Maria (population 1876) is on the north end, where  Anna Maria Bayfront Park is located. This has a fishing Pier and is a quiet beach park overlooking Tampa Bay. There are no facilities here but the serene beach has an "old Florida" feel. Anna Maria offers primarily single family homes.

Holmes Beach (population 5040) is located in the middle of the island. This area offers residential areas mixed with shopping, motels and some resorts. This is where the groceries, banks, post office, etc. are located. There are no public beach facilities but it is a nice walking beach. The Beach Cafe has a great patio on the beach.

Bradenton Beach (population 2000) is on the south end and oriented toward vacationers who come to enjoy the surrounding beaches. Coquina Beach and Cortez Beach are here on the south end, and they have lifeguards, picnic areas with grills and lots of pine trees for shade, restrooms, showers, a playground and concessions.  The ambiance of the island, the old Florida flavor is protected by laws that limit the size and number of buildings.

4. The Meadows
The Meadows is ideally located in beautiful Sarasota. Known as the cultural center of Florida and host to many renowned festivals and cultural events, Sarasota is a world-class city of great diversity in the arts, music and theatre. Most of the homes and condos were built in the late 1980's and early 1990's. The SCAT bus runs through The Meadows and there are many stores in The Meadows Shopping Center.

Developed by Taylor Woodrow Homes, the country club community offers a wide range of neighborhoods. Over 3400 residences, including garden homes, villas and single family homes are in a nicely wooded 1600 acre setting. Nearly 12 miles of hiking, biking and fitness trails wind through the countryside, past butterfly gardens and moss laden oaks. This uniquely natural community includes more than 80 pristine lakes and waterways as well as extensive preserve areas that are cared for by on-site environmental management staff. It's a wonderful place for families with all its recreational and acres of open spaces. School buses serve the community with convenient stops. The zip code for The Meadows is 34235.

Centrally located in the community is The Meadows Shopping Village. The village provides a bank, dentist, travel agency, restaurants, convenience store, cleaners, boutiques, barber & beauty shop and more. Community and holiday events are staged at the village lakeside terrace for residents and guests to enjoy. Concerts and programs through December make the holidays a special time.

Kobernick House at Meadows Park is an active retirement community in The Meadows. It is rated number one by Sarasota Herald Tribune's Kender's Choice poll as best rental community.

The Sarasota Health Care Center provides another quality facility in The Meadows. It has a superior rating and offers excellent rehabilitative therapies and long term care. In addition to its full scope of nursing services, It also provides a comprehensive therapy program for physical, speech, respiratory and occupational treatment.

The Meadows Country Club nestled within the Meadows Community is proud of their three distinctive 18 hole golf courses. The Groves, an 18 hole Arthur Hills Walking course par 65. The Meadows, renovated by world renowned golf course architect Ron Garl, is an 18 hole par 72, and the Highlands also a par 72. 16 Har-Tru lighted tennis courts, 3 restaurants, directed by our award-winning Chef, swimming pool, fitness center and activity center round out the club's amenities.

5. University Park
At University Park your insistence on excellence is rewarded at every turn. The natural beauty of the land takes precedence here and the homes are carefully placed in the natural environment with many overlooking lakes, the golf course, or preserve areas. Appreciate the superb amenities that enhance your lifestyle. And because the developer's attention to detail and commitment to preserving the environment is as uncompromising as your own, you will enjoy nature's beauty for a lifetime.

6. Lakewood Ranch
Located east of Sarasota and just off I-75, Lakewood Ranch is a planned community on 5500 acres with a great deal to offer. Golf, tennis, swimming, fitness, dining, shopping, (new large grocery), new high school, private school, boating, fishing, social clubs, recreation, medical facilities, are all on Lakewood Ranch. Lakewood Ranch offers miles of sidewalks, acres of preserves, lakes and nature areas in harmony with the different neighborhoods on Lakewood Ranch.

Lakewood Ranch offers miles of sidewalks, acres of preserves, lakes and nature areas in harmony with the different neighborhoods on Lakewood Ranch.

John Schroeder, a wealthy business owner from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, came to Manatee county in the early 1900s, and began to purchase the land known today as the Schroeder-Manatee Ranch (SMR). An owner of furniture, turpentine, milling and lumber businesses, Schroeder appreciated the abundant natural resources and beauty of the land.

In 1922, the Uihlein family, founders of Schlitz Brewing Company, acquired the land and continued to expand the agricultural operations, which are still active today. Cattle ranching, vegetable and citrus farming, timber, turf and shell mining are but a few of these businesses.

In 1994, after 19 years of planning and approvals, real estate development was added into the mix with the introduction of Lakewood Ranch. The historic presence and careful dedication to the land is a natural comfort for prospective homebuyers. The strength of a great American family, combined with a history of successful land management and a strong financial plan using Community Development Districts make Lakewood Ranch a sound investment and a great place to live. With each new homebuyer, the rich sense of family and place continues to make connections at Lakewood Ranch.

7. Longboat Key
Living on Longboat Key is like being on vacation every day. Blue skies, sunny days, white beaches, the gulf coast breeze,  bayside estate homes, beachside condominiums, homes with a view of the water. Longboat Key, an island community, offers residents a secure and private lifestyle.... Let us help you find your new home or condo on the beaches of Longboat Key.

Longboat Key was the special grounds of the Timucuan and Caloosa Indians. Shell mounds have been found that show they had picnics and fish fries on Longboat Key.

In 1539 Hernando DeSoto visited Longboat Key with his scout, Juan Anasco, who manned their longboat as it went through the north pass.

In 1891 Civil War veteran Thomas Mann settled with his grown sons on the north end of Longboat Key. He was awarded 144 acres as a homestead grant. One of his sons received an additional 144 acres on the southern end of the Key. Mann sold his property in approximately 1900. Longboat Key was incorporated in 1955.

8. Bird Key
Bird Key is an upscale neighborhood with 510 home sites and an active Homeowner's Association. Many of the original homes that were built during the 1950's have been replaced with elegant estate homes. Security patrols during the day and the gate is guarded at night. The natural beauty of Bird Key, the sparkling bay views, the casual Florida lifestyle of a Bird Key home ranges from the $400,000 to $5.5 million. (current as of 2004)

In 1911, Lindsay Worcester of Cincinnati was in Florida to recover from illness and she took a small boat with friends out to Bird Key for a picnic. She fell in love with the natural beauty, beaches, birds and palm trees on the small island. Her husband, Thomas Worcester, purchased Bird Key from the state to build a beautiful modern home for them. Their mansion took three years and cost over $100,000 to complete. Thomas sold it to John Ringling in the early 1920's. John also purchased St. Armands Key and Lido Key.

John's sister, Ida Ringling North, moved into the mansion on Bird Key. Ringling built the Ringling Causeway from the mainland  for easy access to Bird Key, St. Armands Circle and Lido Key with great plans for homes, shopping, hotels and entertainment. In 1936 John died and bequeathed the island to Ida, who lived there in the beautiful home until she died in 1950. The island was enlarged, her home was removed and the Bird Key Yacht Club today is on the site of the first home on Bird Key.

9. Harborage
Imagine coming home to a peaceful setting where sunsets seem to linger, melting seamlessly into a lush, unspoiled landscape.

From the meandering paths that bestow views of beautiful birds and pristine vistas, to the relaxing environment only waterfront living provides, you will find a natural paradise in the intimate riverfront community at The Harborage on Braden River .

10. Downtown Condos/Townhomes
Condos are spreading like wildfire in downtown Sarasota. You can't throw a Realtor without hitting an existing condo or one that is under construction. The face of Sarasota is changing and its looking and feeling a lot like New York. The match seems to be there in the sense that much is being placed onto townhomes and condo which allow residents to live right in the middle of the city. This allows residents to step out their front doors and enjoy all of the conveniences of downtown! This same attitude is true on Longboat where residents are able to walk out of their building and directly onto the beach.

Now is a fantastic time to purchase a condo or townhome in Sarasota; especially during these pre-construction times. We are enjoying luxurious complexs such as the Ritz Carlton with many other fabulous structures to gawk at.

11. Gillespie Park
Gillespie Park is on the near north side of Sarasota. Homes in the Gillespie Park area have sidewalks and streetlights. Most are cottages and bungalows built in the 1920's, 30's and 40's. This is an area of restoration and revitalization.

Sarasota was platted in 1886 and the Gillespie Park area was designated an experimental farm to promote agriculture in the new city. The effort failed because the soil was unsuitable for farming, but beginning in 1913, residential subdivisions were platted in the area. The real estate boom of the 1920s brought Many people to the neighborhood. John Gillespie helped design the town's experimental farm and he created the first golf course in the US in Sarasota. He was instrumental in getting the Sarasota Bay dredged for a shipping channel and built the upscale DeSoto Hotel on Main Street for tourists and prospective investors. He was elected as the first mayor of Sarasota in 1902. 

Gillespie Park Subdivision was platted in 1917 and Gillespie Park was named to honor him. The city created the park on ten acres of undeveloped land purchased for that purpose in 1924. In 1925 the park supported a natural history museum, Brumby Lake, a lakeside walkway and a playground. In the northeast corner of the park you will find busts of famous leaders installed in 1977 by A Gallery of Partiots.  With many trees and spacious areas, Gillespie Park now provides tennis courts, picnic pavilion, playground recreational facilities, and features a lovely meandering pond.

12. Braden Woods
The care and pride taken in preserving the natural beauty of the area is evident in this large, family oriented community that features many large pine trees on heavily wooded 1+ acre lots.