Anyone who has been to Sarasota knows just how beautiful it is – our crystal blue water, pristine white sand and thriving downtown make it the place to live on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
If you are considering building a new custom vacation home on Siesta or Longboat Key – the locals have a few recommendations on how to make the most of your new Sarasota vacation oasis. After all, who better to recommend tips on living in paradise, than those of us who call it home?
Sarasota Vacation Homes
- Take Advantage of the Water: You may be aware that we are situated directly on the Gulf of Mexico – but you may not realize that this coastal town actually offers a vast network of connected waterways – canals, rivers and bays provide limitless opportunity to get on the water and explore for as long as you want to. Sarasota vacation homes on the water allow you to boat, kayak and fish to your heart’s content – and also provide unparalleled wildlife viewing. From dolphins and manatees to a host of water birds, you’ll love your water view.
- Create a Backyard Gathering Place: Although you may not entertain outside in August, those of us with Sarasota vacation homes know that one of the perks of living here is spending balmy evenings outdoors with friends and family. Whether your idea of the prefect outdoor space is a huge lanai with a gourmet outdoor kitchen, a freeform pool with a waterfall, or a firepit with comfortable seating for all – your outdoor space is sure to be used nearly year-round, so be creative!
- Set the Mood with Tropical Landscaping: Nothing makes a house feel more like a vacation home than local, exotic plants and flowers. Birds of paradise, orchids, hibiscus and bromeliads will add vibrant color, while palm and fruit trees – mango, papaya, banana or citrus – will be sure to create a vacation mood. Not to mention, fresh fruit for breakfast!
- Add Extravagant Windows: Now that you have a water view, exquisite landscaping, and the perfect place to hang out – you’ll want to enjoy it even from indoors. Floor to ceiling glass allow you to enjoy the vista without letting the cool air out, but pocketing sliders are a must for our milder winter months. While the rest of the country suffers through snow, your disappearing doors will bring the outside in as you revel in our 60 and 70 degree weather. Also consider large widows close to the ceiling if you have towering tropical trees to enjoy.
- Add a Rooftop Patio: If you live by a body of water, ask your local Sarasota custom home builder about adding a rooftop patio for you to enjoy the view without obstruction. Even if the water is a bit further away, we love our rooftop vacation oases – for parties, sunset watching, or sunbathing on the perfect Sarasota day.
- Ask About Enhanced Hurricane Protection: It’s a fact of life in paradise – we experience some strong storms. Although we haven’t had a direct hit of a major named storm in decades, your home will be required to be built to the current hurricane codes. If you do not plan on being in residence during the entire hurricane season (June through November) you may wish to ask about additional precautions, such as roll down shutters, secured storage space for your patio furniture, and maximum protection for all windows, doors and garage doors.
All in all, paradise is what you make it. Your Sarasota vacation home should be your dream home, incorporating every detail you’ve envisioned. Lindahl Construction has been building and renovating Longboat Key homes for decades, and we’d love to discuss your ideas with you. Whether you need a lot, or have a lot and are ready to build new construction – our team of experts are here to help.