Rafael Zenke

In a rich tropical waterfront setting on Longboat Key, this unique retreat lives like a modern treehouse while evoking a sense of peace, family and comfortable, easy island living. Tucked within the island’s native landscape along a natural bayou off Sarasota Bay, the property offers a rare opportunity to experience serene waterfront living surrounded by nature, with the Gulf’s azure waters and pristine beach access just moments away. Enjoy your private backyard dock and kayak launch or secure your boat on one of the deepwater slips on the open bay. Excellent fishing and bird watching await right outside your door in this remarkable natural habitat. The spacious home is anchored by a stunning great room with vaulted cedar ceilings and exposed beams. The home features a 40-by-9-foot sunroom with bar area and handcrafted art shelves, a dedicated library, an inviting family room and a separate private office with extensive built-in cabinetry, providing warmth and functionality. Extensive decking spans the front entry and wraps around an inner atrium courtyard for alfresco dining. An elevated cabana-style shaded area invites relaxation in sun and shade. The kitchen with center island is positioned for hosting memorable gatherings. The primary suite offers a full wall of windows overlooking the tranquil bayou, two walk-in closets and an additional wall of custom storage. The split floor plan provides a separate wing for guests, featuring two additional bedrooms and baths for convenient hosting. Each guest room offers private access to the outdoor decks and views of the tropical center atrium. Two garages accommodate up to four vehicles, boats, golf carts or paddleboards. Many of the furnishings are included. In Land’s End, an intimate gated community of just 12 residences, owners enjoy maintenance-free landscaping, a heated pool, tennis and pickleball courts, and convenient deepwater boat slips, all artfully tucked among the trees for privacy. From here, it is a short visit or golf cart ride to the captivating sandy Gulf beach or local favorites, including Shore Longboat Key, Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Whitney’s. The adjacent plaza also offers multiple popular waterfront cafes, boutique shops, Ventura’s restaurant, and 24/7 gym or Pilates studio. Enjoy mesmerizing sunsets on the Gulf or sunrises on the bay from this waterside community. This is a rare offering in today’s marketplace, capturing the allure of Old Florida living in one of the island’s treasured enclaves.