Yachtsman's
Paradise
It’s all about
the water at Snook Inn, the ultimate yachtsman’s estate
on Siesta Key that sits majestically at the mouth of Hansen
Bayou and also fronts Sarasota Bay. Sarasota was named as
one of the nation’s “Five Best Places To Retire”
in Forbes’ June 2006 issue, due in large part to its
rich cultural offerings, which include a ballet, opera,
symphony, playhouses, museums and galleries. Sarasota’s
other draw is its 35 miles of gorgeous beachfront, in addition
to the Intercoastal Waterway. The magnificent Snook Inn
capitalizes on its prime waterfront location and offers
stunning and sweeping views of both the city of Sarasota
and Sarasota Bay.
The two-story
gated home sits on a rise at the end of a long, paved estate
driveway and stands as an example of the best elements of
Old Florida and Southern architecture. The Snook Inn was
built by the late Michael Collingwood, who was the area’s
premier custom luxury home builder, and was designed by
architect Clifford M. Scholz. The lush and now-mature landscaping
was designed by Michael A. Gilkey.
With old-fashioned
workmanship and astute attention to detail, the Snook Inn,
which was built seven years ago, exemplifies the term “good
bones.” With a wonderful sense of scale and one of
the area’s most beautiful views, this treasure chest
of a home offers 6,456 square feet of living area in the
six- bedroom, six-and-a-half bath main house that boasts
such unique architectural details as oversized upper and
lower porches at the front and rear of the residence, a
metal roof, a Widow’s Walk, a waterside gazebo, a covered
shuffleboard court, a bead-board paneled elevator, upper
and lower laundry rooms, Travertine and stained maple hardwood
floors, custom built-ins, Pella Architectural windows
and doors and commanding water views from nearly every room.
Double glass and
wood entry doors lead into the generously proportioned foyer
with its striking curved staircase leading up to the second
floor. The staircase is adorned with decorative
antique maple finials that were found in Provence. From
the foyer, the eye is drawn to the great room and through
to the stunning water views.
The great room
is the perfect spot for entertaining and features a
coffered ceiling with exposed white beams that display dental
moulding detail. French doors with transoms let in both
the light and the water views and lead to the wide rear
verandah and stone stairs that lead down to the lawn and
water. The unique wall sconces were sourced at a New York
antique gallery and each showcases a nautical scene
etched into the glass plaques.
In the large den/library,
antique pine appears on the walls, floors, and custom built-in
desk and bookcases. The paneled walls offer further visual
interest through the application of custom moulding
details. The masculine room also features a built-in entertainment
center that holds a plasma television, as well as recessed
lighting. Further lighting is provided by nautically-inspired
iron lantern sconces. The space is large enough to function
as both a home office and cozy area for informal entertaining.
The waterfront
kitchen is outfitted with all that the discerning chef might
ask for, including granite counter tops, a Viking gas
range, two Asko dishwashers, two Viking ovens
and warming drawer, and a Sub-zero refrigerator/freezer.
The center island provides yet more workspace, while the
custom painted wood cabinetry was custom built by Village
Woodworking. An eating bar allows the chef to socialize
with guests and family. The nearby butler’s pantry
includes granite counter tops and backsplash, a Kitchen-aid
icemaker, Sub-zero refrigerator drawers, a wet sink and
a 500-bottle wine cabinet.
An octagonal breakfast
nook provides an elegant area in which to enjoy both an
informal meal and the stunning water and city views that
can be seen through the large arched windows. A domed ceiling
adds elegance to this space. Here an elaborate gold metal
chandelier, featuring graceful candelabra and vine and leaf
details, holds a place of pride above the dining table.
The ground floor
also offers a guest suite and a master wing. The master
bedroom affords breathtaking water views in three directions.
Rich in architectural detail, the bedroom features an elegant
coffered ceiling and French doors leading to the swimming
pool. There is also a room-sized walk-in closet, laundry
room, exercise room, and an elegant master bathroom with
steam shower, jetted garden tub, and furniture-quality cabinetry.
On the second
floor are four guest bedrooms suites, each with its own
bath. Three of these guest bedrooms overlook the bright
blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico and share the
wide upper verandah.
The large swimming
pool, with its shell stone sunning deck measures an astounding
52 feet long by 27 feet wide and is located in a picture
perfect tropical setting that is surrounded by majestic
palm trees and overlooks Hansen Bayou. The pool features
fiber optic lighting and two gas heaters. Whether used for
outdoor entertaining or as a peaceful spot from which to
sip a cocktail at sunset, the resort-like quality of the
pool area offers truly stunning views of both the inlet
and Bay.
Another unique
and rare commodity at Snook Inn is the double vessel,
deep- water boathouse. Set on a corner parcel of land, the
complex is arranged over two acres of land which includes nearly
500 feet of waterfront property. Snook lights, a stainless
steel fish cleaning station with icemaker, and a live well,
are all features that were included for the serious fisherman. The
one-of-a-kind boathouse also offers two docks with lifts
and a remote controlled lift for kayaks. The full captain’s
quarters includes kitchen area, upper and lower full baths,
a living room and bedroom with brass porthole. Landlubbers
will appreciate the motor court and two double car garages
located on the estate.
Snook Inn is
a blend of uncompromised luxury and relaxed tropical living.
The estate residence features all the amenities necessary
for gracious living, while also offering one-of-a-kind details
seldom found in an estate home. Stately and self-contained,
the Snook Inn is the perfect residence for those who seek
the ultimate Florida lifestyle.
For more information,
please contact
Marcia Salkin or Paulene Soublis
Premier Properties of Southwest Florida, Inc.
The Plaza at Five Points
50 Central Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236
941 364-4000
www.premier-properties.com
www.ulitmateyachtsmanestate.com
Written by Kate
Pakenham
Photography by
Rob Villetto
|
