10 Most Popular Homes for Sale of 2013

In 2013 there were over 2 million visits to michaelsaunders.com.  With so many views of Manatee, Charlotte, and Sarasota homes for sale, we were curious just which properties on the Gulf Coast attracted the most attention. Here they are in reverse order: 10. 3315 Bayshore Rd This Sarasota estate in the Museum area is a true hidden gem in a perfect location with exceptional architectural features. The idyllic property is 2.5 acres and offers unmatched views of Sarasota Bay. 6 bedrooms, 7 baths / 2 half baths  9. 507 Casey Key Rd This unique beachfront home on Casey Key offers exceptional  indoor and outdoor living experiences. Inspired by classic Mediterranean architecture, this magnificent gulf front home boasts unobstructed waterfront views. 5 bedrooms, 7 baths / 1 half bath 8. 931 Blue Heron Overlook Escape to this Neiman Marcus-inspired retreat in one of Sarasota's most desired communities, The Oaks Club. This home features spectacular views of The Oaks Club #1 Heron Course fairway, lakes and beyond and is resplendent with a host of hearty woods, stunning finishes and fine local stonework. 4 bedrooms, 5 baths/2 half baths 7. 411 N Casey Key Rd Spanning over 300' of pristine, white sand beach, this magnificent and very private gulf-and-bay-front compound includes 3 separate custom residences and occupies nearly three lushly landscaped, gulf-to-bay acres on the highly-coveted north end of Casey Key.  11 Bedrooms, 13 Baths/1 half bath  * This property has sold. 6.  8250 Sanderling Rd This architectural award-winning beach house is located in the exclusive, gated Sanderling Club on Siesta Key. Breathtaking modern design frames views of the Gulf of Mexico and offers unmatched style and comfort.  5 bedrooms, 5 baths/3 half baths 5. 2505 Casey Key Rd Set on the island of Casey Key, Villa de Napoli is a masterfully designed Gulf to Bay estate.  Elegant finishes adorn every inch while a Gulf-side pool, large terrace, and 4 Gulf-side balconies make the most of Florida’s natural splendor.  5 bedrooms, 6 baths /1 half bath 4. 4300 Higel Ave Beach Manor is an incredible Gulf front home situated on the prestigious north end of Siesta Key. It includes a private white-sand beach on a lushly landscaped 2 acre property.  6 bedrooms, 6 bath /3 half baths 3. 712 N Casey Key Rd Situated on over 2 acres, this beautiful estate boasts a magnificent Gulf to Bay location on the exclusive north end of Casey Key. Features include a tennis court, expansive bayside and gulfside terraces, pool and spa, separate 2-bedroom guest house, and wine cellar.  8 bedrooms, 9 baths / 1 half bath 2. 374 S Shore Drive Villa Solstice is a home unmatched in grandeur, location, and sophistication. Majestically poised on two prime bayfront lots in the esteemed Museum Area of Sarasota, the home is arranged across three levels and boasts intricate craftsmanship in a variety of rich and exotic woods throughout. A full catering kitchen, two elevators, a full bar, a dining room with stunning views of the downtown skyline, and a 1,400-bottle wine room are designed for ease of entertaining. 5 bedrooms, 4 baths / 3 half baths 1. Little Bokeelia Island Private 100+ acre island oasis presents a unique tropical lifestyle with a world of possibilities. Prized for its location, Little Bokeelia Island is surrounded by islands that can never be developed. The island’s central feature is the original home, a luxurious Spanish-style villa built in the 1920s for the well-known inventor of the dry cell battery, Charles Burgess. A short stroll from the main house is your own old Florida village—a magical enclave of cottages, a museum, waterfall and pool, all surrounding a lushly landscaped terrace area. The island is fully serviced with electricity, reverse osmosis water plant and multiple back-up generators. Approx. 3 1/2 miles of shoreline, 29 waterfront lots have been granted a development order in perpetuity. 4 bedrooms, 4 baths / 1 half bath