Three Things: Cute and Cozy

One of the architectural curiosities of Sarasota is the hundreds of little “villas” that occupy the middle portion of Siesta Key. They were built back in the 1960s and 1970s as part of the condo resorts that front the celebrated white sands of world-famous Crescent Beach. Designed for an informal beach vacation, the villas offer all the amenities of a little house, yet are just steps from the beach, the pool and the resort’s other recreational facilities. After all these years they’re still going strong, and are popular with tourists, snowbirds and even some year-round residents. Here are a few that are currently on the market.

1. Just remodeled
5830 Midnight Pass Road, Unit 107

Located at the Jamaica Royale, this 921-square-foot villa is attached to the other units. It was given a recent high-quality makeover, with an opened-up kitchen, updated baths, lots of storage, tile floors and a full-size washer/dryer. There’s even a little office area in the guest bedroom. Outside is a sunny patio. The pet-friendly complex offers three pools and a barbecue area and allows one-week rentals.

Priced at $449,000. For more information, call Kristina Rain of Michael Saunders & Co. at 320-2639.

2. Time capsule
6145 Midnight Pass Road, Unit F4

This standalone villa at the Horizons West resort is ready for a complete update — it hasn’t been touched since the late 1970s. But it’s been well maintained, has good bones and is on a particularly pretty little street that leads down to a garden area overlooking the bay. It’s also more spacious than most, with two bedrooms and two baths in just more than 1,200 square feet. It’s been owned by the same family for decades and has not been rented. But the complex offers an onsite rental program, with weekly rentals allowed.

Priced at $479,999. For more information, call Jaci Krawtschenko of Premier Sotheby’s at 284-3789.

3. Classy comfort
1358 Moonmist Drive, Unit B-4

The ultimate villa? It may well be this recently remodeled unit in Polynesian Gardens, a premium complex where the streets curve and meander and oak trees shade the cottages. Directly facing the bay, this chic little home offers an expansive living room with a beaded pine cathedral ceiling, bamboo floors and large windows framing the water view. You’ll also find three bedrooms, two baths, a one-car garage and a private garden, and the complex is pet-friendly. When rented out during the season, the villa brings in $5,500 per month.

Priced at $890,000. For more information, call Max Marra of Allison James Estates and Homes at 284-8891.