Sanderling Club

The Sanderling Club, located on the south end of Siesta Key along the Gulf of Mexico offers a rare combination of estate homes on very large lots with the best of Island living. Sanderling is home to some of the most exceptional homes in Sarasota, and provides residents lucky enough to call this community home with a private atmosphere greatly enhanced by the substantial lush tropical landscaping, canopy roads, waterfront access, historical importance and the overall character of southern Siesta Key.

The only gated gulf-front community of single family homes in Sarasota, Sanderling is comprised of just three streets, Sanderling Road, Turnstone Road and Plovers Way, and carries built-in exclusivity.

The majority of the homes in Sanderling are either on the Gulf or on a lagoon – many with lot sizes of two acres, and all residents have access to the Sanderling club amenities which include, tennis courts, private beach access, fully restored Paul Rudolph-designed cabanas and clubhouse, and a 15 slip marina located off midnight pass road.

Like many of the most prized neighborhoods in the Sarasota area Sanderling Club had humble beginnings. Initially a winter vacation village built in the 1940s as 'Siesta Properties Inc' with humble cottages and beachside cabanas.

The ultimate vision of Elbridge S. Boyd, was for the Siesta Properties to become a gulf-front membership only community. Sales started off slowly but as a few buyers invested in the first properties and spread the word, sales increased dramatically. In fact by 1958 more than 67 homes had been built in Sanderling.

Because of this increase of residents, Boyd – the Sanderling developer created the 'Siesta Club' home owners association. In 1951 Boyd continued with his vision of an exclusive members only beachside club by contracting now famed Sarasota Modern architect, Paul Rudolph to design the Siesta Club's buildings which would include, cabanas, an observation tower and the clubhouse.

While the observation tower no longer exists, both the clubhouse and the signature cabanas have been fully restored and are available for members. In fact, the cabanas have become noted by many for their architectural significance, with their curved roofs designed to mimic the waves of the Gulf. Both the clubhouse and the cabanas have been added to the National Historic Register of Historic Places.

The formal organization we know today as the Sanderling Club was actually created in the 1970s when the Siesta Club and Siesta Key Properties Inc., were merged together and renamed as the Sanderling Club.

Today Sanderling club has expanded to include 110 properties with the community in two distinct sections – the gated section on the Gulf of Mexico and along Herron Lagoon and an non-gated section along midnight pass road, also along the lagoon.

Home in Sanderling Club range in price from more than 10 million for Gulf-Front estates, down to about one million. The rich architectural history has continued in Sanderling with the addition of a modern architectural masterpiece designed by renowned architect Guy Peterson, however many architectural styles are present in the Sanderling Club including more tradition styles such as Key West and Florida vernacular.

Club membership is mandatory for Sanderling residents and homebuyers looking to own a home in Siesta Key's most prestigious community will have to pay the $20,000 initial membership fee and an annual fee of $2,800. Many families in Sanderling consider this a small price to pay for the unique ambiance and family friendly atmosphere. The beachside cabanas are up for annual lease by residents with many families releasing the cabanas year of year.

If you are interested in finding out more about Sanderling or other great neighborhoods in south Siesta Key contact Murray Realty.