What is believed to be the second priciest real estate resale listing in Sarasota County history has hit the market at $31.5 million.
Completed in 2024, “Crystal Waters” is a custom-built West Indies-style residence at 8501 Midnight Pass Road. It stands on 2.7 acres with 217 feet of direct waterfront on Little Sarasota Bay, located minutes away from Siesta Key Beach and Siesta Village.
Crystal Waters features a 10,001-square-foot main house.
Image courtesy of The Hover Bureau
“The name ‘Crystal Waters’ is not only an ode to the seller, but to the tranquil and restorative nature of the property,” said listing agent Roger Pettiingell of Pettingell Professionals, Coldwell Banker Realty. “It provides the ultimate escape with water views from every angle, peaceful living and an unparalleled sense of serenity.”
The seller, Crystal Lahners, is a Sarasota philanthropist; her late husband, Dr. Bill Lahners, was a pioneering and prominent eye surgeon at Center for Sight in Sarasota. Dr. Bill Lahners died Dec. 10, 2021 while on a trip in the Bahamas. He was 53.
A covered pavilion overlooks the tennis court at Crystal Waters.
Image courtesy of The Hover Bureau
The highest asking price for a home in Sarasota County came in 2023 when a bayfront Harbor Acres estate was listed at $33.8 million. According to Homes.com, the home sold for $20 million in March 2024.
The estate includes a 5-bedroom, 6.5-bathroom main house of 10,001 square feet with walls of floor-to-ceiling windows that highlight water views with glass French doors and European oak hardwood flooring throughout. Additional details include:
Trellis dining room with butler’s pantry, great room with floor-to-ceiling windows, fireplace and solar shades throughout.
Chef’s kitchen with two islands; custom cabinetry; top-end appliances including a La Cornue Range, Francois hood, double Wolf ovens; a butler’s pantry and an additional walk-in pantry.
Home office with custom hideaway doors with his and hers combined workspaces and custom built-ins.
Primary suite with oversized his and hers walk-in closets plus a washer and dryer, an island and custom cabinetry; and spa-inspired his and hers bathrooms with jacuzzi tub, private water closets and adjoining showers.
The primary bedroom at Crystal Waters on Siesta Key, which is listed for sale at $31.5 million.
Image courtesy of The Hover Bureau
His and hers walk-in closets at Crystal Waters provides plenty of storage and dressing space.
Image courtesy of The Hover Bureau
Club room with a wet bar and walls of glass showcasing views of the grounds and waterfront.
Exercise room.
Oversized attached three-car garage.
Separate from the main house is a 1,605-square foot 1-bedroom, 1.5-bath guest house that includes:
Kitchen with pantry, washer/dryer, and covered balcony.
Living room with walls of pecky cypress and vaulted ceilings.
Bedroom suite with two built-in closets and en-suite bath with glass/stone shower and private water closet.
Oversized attached four-car garage.
The pool at Crystal Waters features stepping stones for dry crossing.
Image courtesy of The Hover Bureau
Continuing the living space outside, there is an outdoor kitchen with an island, wrap-around bar seating and a sitting area arranged around an outdoor fireplace. Roll-down screens and motorized storm shutters can enclose the space.
Outdoor space includes a vanishing-edge heated swimming pool with stepping stones and separate heated spa plus access to a full pool bathroom with shower. A floating dock comes equipped with a 20,000-pound lift that allows for a 34-foot vessel plus a floating kayak launch. There is even a club-like tennis court pavilion equipped with roll-down hurricane shutters and a fireplace lounge area.
The $31.5 million Crystal Waters estate on Siesta Key is at 8501 Midnight Pass Road.
Image courtesy of The Hover Bureau
The tennis court and pavilion at Crystal Waters lies in front of the main and guest houses.
Image courtesy of The Hover Bureau
Living room overlooking Little Sarasota Bay at the $31.5 million Crystal Waters estate.
Image courtesy of The Hover Bureau
Expansive glass overlooks Little Sarasota Bay at Crystal Waters.
Image courtesy of The Hover Bureau
The game room at Crystal Waters includes a wet bar.
Image courtesy of The Hover Bureau
Two islands in the kitchen at Crystal Waters provide ample food preparation and gathering space.
Image courtesy of The Hover Bureau
The kitchen at Crystal Waters features top-end appliances and finishes.
Image courtesy of The Hover Bureau
The backyard of Crystal Waters includes a hot tub.
Image courtesy of The Hover Bureau
The West Indies style is evident throughout the Crystal Waters main house.
Image courtesy of The Hover Bureau
A water feature overlooks Little Sarasota Bay at Crystal Waters.
Andrew Warfield is the Sarasota Observer city reporter. He is a four-decade veteran of print media. A Florida native, he has spent most of his career in the Carolinas as a writer and editor, nearly a decade as co-founder and editor of a community newspaper in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.
