“The southwest coast of Florida is much slowerpaced that the central or east-coast cities typically associated with our State,”
explains Sue Reske, Realtor with Parsley-Baldwin Realty on the island known as Boca Grande.
“This area, specifically Placida and Boca Grande, is less intensely developed and instead offers lush, green, natural areas for recreation such as bicycling, hiking, golfing and birding. The turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico are also generally calmer than those of the Atlantic and therefore allow for relaxing activities such as kayaking, family fishing, swimming with youngsters or sunbathing without crowds.”
Placida
Even the name of this area emanates from the Latin word for ‘calm’. Located on the southern tip of a peninsula which was once used to graze cattle, Placida includes a handful of coastal communities which range in lifestyles from condominium to townhome, single family or even equestrian-estate. One unique community is Placida Harbour Club. This gated, guarded condo complex features a private harbour immediately off the Intracoastal Waterway, known for some of the best fishing in the world. While the deep-water harbour accommodates private boats up to 12 metres, an hourly ferry also takes residents to the deeded Placida Beach on Little Gasparilla Island, just 10 minutes away.
There, it’s easy to enjoy seven miles of white Gulf of Mexico beaches, a private clubhouse and dune-side pool. Five buildings of 30 small studio apartments dot the path from the bay to the beach and can be rented or purchased by friends and family. There are currently four for sale from £173,000 – £216,000. Once on the boat, be sure to watch for dolphins playing in the wake or manatee slumbering nearby. Pelicans frequently glide over the water as one makes the trip back. Back on the mainland, club members take advantage of the bayside pool, spa and sauna at the country estate clubhouse where the activity begins. Potluck dinners, yoga, card games, tennis and cocktail hours give this community its feel as an owner-oriented enclave for rest and retreat.
And owners plus tenants come from around the globe. There are currently families from the UK, Canada and all over the USA. Condos from two to three bedrooms with lofts, cathedral ceilings, fireplaces, and water views range from £209,000 – £907,000 and come with two-car garages. Although it’s a bit out-of-the way (just over an hour from the nearest international airport), Placida is pretty much with-it. There are top golf courses nearby and restaurants which can be accessed by boat or car. And of course, there’s Boca Grande, the low-key upscale island immediately to the south. Unit 2303 at Placida Harbour Club is currently owned by a British couple and listed for sale at £390,490 / €491,000 / $560,000.
Further information Sue Reske +1 941 276 4219
[email protected]
Boca Grande
Just across the causeway over shimmering turquoise waters, the village of Boca Grande stands a tribute to both its genteel and fishing roots. It is on the National Register of Historic Places, and its location – Gasparilla Island – has attracted both the elite and the illicit for generations. First inhabited by Calusa Indians in the 800s CE, legend has it that pirates later held the island (and some unfortunate captives) into the early 1800s. One such pirate, Jose Gaspar, inspired the island’s name and that of the 1913’s Gasparilla Inn, where tales of his days are now told during well-attended tours. Visitors to Boca Grande now enjoy a myriad of activities including Tarpon fishing tournaments, lighthouse tours, beach-going, local theatre, women’s and men’s clubs, a garden club, shopping, a community centre, health clinic and more.
Not surprisingly, guests and residents have included J P Morgan, Katherine Hepburn, Audrey Hepburn and countless celebrities and politicians. Visitors and seasonal residents enjoy beach, bay-front or in-town dining, and a former railway station which has been converted to shops with a restaurant called ‘The Loose Caboose’. The rail-bed right-of-way is now even a well-travelled bicycle path. It’s not uncommon to see golf carts utilising it as well, frequently with dogs on one or more seats on the way to the island’s dog park. So much to do that there is so little time to book a vacation. Rentals are typically reserved a year in advance, so one must start soon. Those seeking a second or third home with safety in mind will take comfort in Boca Grande.
The bridge toll, while minimal, keeps outside traffic down. There are two private clubs on island: Boca Grande Club and The Pass Club. These provide members with opportunities to enjoy multiple clubhouses, restaurants, bars, workout rooms, tennis and more. The Gasparilla Inn provides a beach club, golf course and marina. Local marinas typically house up to 80-foot boats. Residences range from one-bedroom condominiums with lovely views to six-bedroom estates with grand, deepwater vistas, priced respectively from £209,000 – £6.3 million, and built anytime from the 1940s until today.
Further information Sue Reske +1 941 276 4219
[email protected]
