Three things: The right Key

Sarasota’s barrier islands are the jewels in her crown. Imagine — miles of white sand beaches, blue-green water and some of the most highly prized real estate on earth. No wonder visitors come back year after year for another season in the sun. But which key to choose? Each has its own personality and style. Here’s a sample of what you’ll find for sale on three of our keys. All are condos and all are well-priced at under a million. Take your choice…

Siesta Sun

5880 Midnight Pass Road, Unit 710

Siesta Key is more “family”— indeed, in addition to being a world class resort, it’s also one of Sarasota’s most prestigious suburbs. It’s also the location of the country’s No. 1 beach, which is right where you’ll find this two-bedroom, two-bath, 1,700-square-foot condo with Gulf views. It’s decorated in an informal, beachy style and is being sold furnished. Pluses included a laundry room and a lanai perfect for watching the famous Siesta Key sunsets. The well-landscaped complex includes tennis courts and pool and spa.

Priced at $879,000. For more information, call Rod Underdahl, of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, at 302-4545.

Longboat Luxury

4241 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Unit 302

Longboat is the “adult” key. It’s a little more formal, a little more manicured, with less commercial activity and an atmosphere of discrete luxury. Its signature apartment is a well-sized unit, right of the beach, with a spectacular view — just like this three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath condo at Pelican Harbour, a midrise complex located mid-key. It has bamboo floors and Asian touches in the décor and boasts the novelty of a wood-burning fireplace. There’s a pool and tennis courts, and docks are available for lease on the bay.

Priced at $989,000. For more information, call Bruce Myer, of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, at 376-5311.

Lido Deluxe

1 Benjamin Franklin Dr. #53

Lido Key, adjacent to St Armands, is the “sophisticated” key. The crowd of well-healed tourists on the Circle give it an exciting and always changing energy, with some of the town’s best dining and shopping all concentrated in one area. This two-bedroom, two-bath condo is just a block from the action, in one the key’s landmark buildings. There’s a Gulf view from every room, plus a 45-foot-long balcony. With the beach just across the street and St Armands Circle a short walk, you’ll be in the middle of Sarasota resort lifestyle — and downtown is just a few minutes away.

Priced at $875,000. For more information, call Doug Parks of Michael Saunders & Co., at 400-9087.