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Recently, we introduced a striking coastal contemporary home in Sarasota’s highly coveted Oyster Bay neighborhood. After just 41 days on the market, with multiple offers and significant buyer interest, we are proud to share that this exceptional residence is now SOLD. To read more about this listing click here to read more about it in our previous post.

A Testament to Sarasota’s Luxury Market

Homes of this caliber demand a thoughtful marketing approach, expert positioning, and careful negotiation. Leveraging our combined experience in Sarasota’s luxury real estate market, we were able to showcase the home’s unique value, generate strong activity, and ultimately deliver a successful sale for our clients.

Why Buyers Love Oyster Bay

Oyster Bay remains one of Sarasota’s most desirable communities, offering a rare combination of elegance, privacy, and convenience. With A-rated schools, proximity to The Field Club, and easy access to Siesta Key Beach, The Landings, Southside Village, and downtown Sarasota, it’s no surprise this neighborhood continues to attract discerning buyers.

Looking Ahead

We are thrilled to have represented the sellers in this transition and to welcome a new family to Oyster Bay. Our expertise in the luxury market—paired with deep knowledge of Sarasota’s most desirable communities—positions us to help more families achieve their real estate goals.

📱 Listed by: Fondren Watts & Kelly Baldwin
Fondren Watts — [941-587-5679] • [fondren.watts@cbrealty.com]
Kelly Baldwin — [941-404-9396] • [kelly.baldwin@floridamoves.com]

✨ Considering buying or selling in Sarasota’s luxury market? Let’s talk about how we can put our experience to work for you.

1530 Pine Bay Dr. Sarasota, FL 34240

Offered at $2,700,000

Listed by: Fondren Watts and Kelly Baldwin

If you’ve been searching for a home that blends luxury living with everyday convenience for the entire family, look no further than 1530 Pine Bay Drive. Nestled in the highly desirable Oyster Bay neighborhood, this 2017-built coastal contemporary home by Heritage Builders delivers elegance, comfort, and connection—inside and out.

Location, Location, Location

What makes Oyster Bay such a coveted address? Families are drawn here not just for the charm of its tree-lined streets, but for its unmatched location:

A Home Built for Living Well

Inside, the thoughtfully designed Islamorada model invites you to gather, celebrate, and create memories. The soaring ceilings, expansive windows, and open-concept floor plan make everyday living feel light and effortless.

Highlights include:

Outdoor Living at Its Best

The Florida lifestyle truly comes alive in this backyard oasis. Picture summer afternoons spent by the custom pool and spa, grilling dinner in the full outdoor kitchen, and evenings relaxing under the covered lanai with travertine pavers.

For peace of mind, the home is equipped with hurricane-rated roll-down screens, a whole-house generator, and impact-rated windows—ensuring both safety and comfort year-round.

Why Families Love Oyster Bay

This is more than just a house—it’s a lifestyle. Oyster Bay is a tight-knit neighborhood where families flourish, children thrive, and every day feels like a step closer to the coastal dream. With its rare blend of luxury, location, and community, 1530 Pine Bay Dr. stands out as one of Sarasota’s most desirable family homes.

✨ Ready to experience Oyster Bay living for yourself? Contact us today to schedule your private showing.

📱 Fondren Watts — 941-587-5679 • fondren.watts@cbrealty.com
📱 Kelly Baldwin — 941-404-9396 • kelly.baldwin@floridamoves.com

Waterside in Lakewood Ranch is a captivating master-planned community set against the backdrop of serene lakes and lush landscapes. Comprising a diverse mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums, Waterside caters to a wide range of residents seeking a modern and picturesque living experience. This vibrant community fosters a sense of inclusivity, attracting families, professionals, and retirees to its tranquil surroundings. Residents can indulge in outdoor activities with numerous parks, walking trails, and waterfront areas, embracing the natural beauty that defines Waterside.  The focal point of the Waterside neighborhood is Waterside Place; the community’s town center is home to premier shopping and dining, and an endless number of multigenerational events including Ranch Night and the Sunday farmer’s market.  

Introducing the latest addition to Waterside, the “Wild Blue at Waterside” community by Stock Development. With 505 home sites curated by six distinguished and award-winning builders, Wild Blue presents a diverse selection of homes spanning from 2,400 to 4,575 square feet. These home sites encompass a variety of living experiences, including waterfront residences, scenic preserve views, and everything in between. Wild Blue offers a range of housing options, providing residents with the opportunity to choose a home that perfectly suits their preferences and lifestyle. Community amenities include: 

🏠 Florida Homeowners Alert! 🌴🏡

Hey there, Florida homeowners! 🌞 Did you know that August is when Florida TRIM (Truth in Millage) notices are being sent out? 📬 This is a heads-up about your property’s assessed value and potential property taxes for the upcoming year.

But wait, there’s some exciting news for those of you who purchased your homes without putting 20% down and are still carrying Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)! 🏡💰

If your home’s value has increased since you purchased it and you now have more equity built up, you might be eligible for a new appraisal on your home. 📈✨ This new appraisal could show that your home’s equity has grown enough to drop your monthly PMI payment. That means more money in your pocket every month! 💸🎉

So, keep an eye on your TRIM notice this August and consider exploring the possibility of a new appraisal if you’re in this situation. It’s a great opportunity to potentially save on your monthly expenses and make the most of your investment.

Remember, every homeowner’s situation is unique, so reaching out to a qualified real estate professional or mortgage advisor can help you navigate the process smoothly. 📋🏦

Here’s to more equity and less PMI! 🎊 #FloridaHomeowners #TRIMNotices #EquityMatters #PMISavings #HomeSweetHome

AERIAL VIEW OF DOWNTOWN SARASOTA EVENING

Are we surprised though? Like really? As a lifetime resident of Sarasota – born and raised in this gorgeous place, it’s thrilling to me that our little secret has finally gotten out! In the past year alone, our beautiful city has received world wide recognition by multiple media networks. We’ve received accolades from “Best Beaches” (2 years in a row), Number 1 Place to Retire, Best Selling Multi Generational Community (in Lakewood Ranch) – – just to name a few!

I’m always curious when I start working with a new buyer – particularly someone who is moving here for the first time, what initially drew them in? Was it the sugary white beaches, the cultural atmosphere provided by The Ringling Museum, the high end shopping of St. Armands, A Rated school systems or one of the countless rated fine dining restaurants that our city is lined with?

The list could go on and on and for me it’s definitely not just one of the aforementioned reasons that we chose to raise our family here – it’s an accumulation of all of them!

Award winning Sarasota builder, Medallion Homes, is well known for their well thought out floor plans and for centralizing the family unit in a comfortable, elevated living space. Unlike most home builders, they offer a bit more flexibility when it comes to personalizing their floor plans. It’s no wonder one of their newest developments, Hampton Lakes, went from 63 home sites to less than 5 in record time.

Hampton Lakes is a gated community off of Fruitville road that is minutes from Lakewood Ranch, Waterside and downtown Sarasota. Each lot boasts between 3 – 8 acres for the home owner looking to stretch their legs a bit more between neighbors.

3 model homes available for tour and 8 thoughtfully crafted floor plans for the discerning buyer.

Lot prices begin in the mid $100,000’s up to the mid $200,000’s and floor plans begin in the mid $600,000’s. Prices are subject to change without notice.

Additional standard features include: Floor plans from 2395 sq.ft – 4154 sq.ft.,  3+ Acre Home Sites, Impact Glass Windows and Sliders, 3-Car Garage Standard, Tile Roofs, No CDD and reasonably priced HOA.

The community is currently offering a waitlist to interested buyers and they are doing a slow roll out with their remaining lots. The next release will be on May 1 2021.

To learn more about this unique community and it’s features, let’s chat and schedule a tour. As a Realtor I can help navigate this challenging home buying market and strategize a plan that works best for you.

Visit the Hampton Lakes Community page HERE.

Models are available for in person tours at:
3447 Recurve Circle Sarasota, FL 34240

We’ve rounded up the TOP 5 reasons people flock to our community. Continue reading for more!

A local Realtor’s guide on where to stay when making a BIG MOVE.

Thinking of relocating to a life with sandy beaches, boating, and golfing year round? A place where you can snorkel in the morning and finish the day on the course before the sun goes down? I’d love to tell you about my favorite place in the world – Sarasota! I think you’ll love it here!

My name is Fondren Watts and I am a Realtor with Michael Saunders & Company and a Sarasota native. I was literally born and raised here. I hate to use the word “expert’ but you’d be hard pressed to find someone else who has more history and local knowledge of this community besides a true local like myself.

I love working with people who are new to the area! Ask any one of my friends or former clients – I find so much joy helping others explore our community while sharing my favorites places and local tips. That is exactly why I created this blog post!

Why not come test the waters for a weekend or perhaps stay a whole week! I want you to experience living locally for yourself and show you what Sarasota hospitality is all about! We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite vacation locations for you to consider as Step 1 of “Operation Relocation.”

**Comment below with your email address to receive an exclusive promo code for 2 of our suggested hotels listed below.**

The Ritz-Carlton ( 5 Star | $$$$) 

Touting world-wide brand recognition like The Ritz-Carlton, you know you’re in good hands. This 5 star luxury hotel recently underwent a full renovation that boasts a coastal-elegant flair and is the perfect location to get you down to the beaches or out to Lakewood Ranch for a day of looking at your future dream home. 

The Longboat Key Club (5 Star |$$$$)

Over 410 acres of lush tropical paradise, this 5 star resort offers it all. A full renovation, scheduled in 2020 will elevate this gulf front landmark from its current iconic state to another level of elegance and luxury. The Longboat Key Club is perfect for families, snowbirds, and retirement, this resort offers everything a guest could ever need after a day of touring the island and looking at waterfront condos and properties.

The Gasparilla Inn (4 Star | $$$-$$$$) 

With its Florida charm and Southern elegance, this local gem is nothing short of paradise. Stay for a night or stay for a month – they’ll treat you like royalty either way! The Gasparilla Inn and Club is a great option whether looking for a second residence or income generating property (check out Boca Grande on VRBO or Air BNB to see the potential). Don’t disregard this beautiful island as a primary residence though –  with a wide selection of restaurants and the Boca Pass Club, a year round members only club, you will have plenty of options if you want to socialize or quietly sink your toes into the sand.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Sarasota Lakewood Ranch (3 Star $$)

This trip means BUSINESS. Sometimes you just don’t have the flexibility to add on the thrills and frills of going to the beach or playing a few rounds of golf. This trip has one purpose and one purpose only – relocation, relocation, relocation. We hear you and have the perfect spot for you to rest your feet after a long day of scoping neighborhoods and options. You want to go somewhere convenient, quiet, clean and affordable. The Homewood Suites by Hilton in Lakewood Ranch is your answer. 

**Offer only available for clients of Fondren Watts at Michael Saunders and Company.

ONLY HALF REMAIN!

Is it just me, or does it feel like the St. Regis just started accepting reservations for private residences last month and they’re ALREADY telling us that they’re half way to capacity! That means that out of the 69 luxury residential units they only have 36 remaining! Excuse me while I pull my jaw off the floor for a minute…….. Okay, got it.

I can see why people are flocking to this incredible literally ONE OF A KIND opportunity. Where else can you have the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico combined with the 5 STAR luxury only found at the St. Regis. No where – that’s where. The St. Regis Residences at Long Boat Key is only 1 of 15 St. Regis properties that offers individuals the opportunity to live like they’re on vacation.

A few of the 5 STAR features of this resort include:

The Residences: (exclusive amenities in addition to resort amenities)

Now for the details – the numbers. The things you really need to know since you’ve fallen in love and can’t live any other way.

Appointments are available in person or through a video conference call meeting. I look forward to hearing from you and setting up a time with the sales team to share more details on this one-of-a-kind opportunity.

Danny and I at the Monkey Bar in 2019 weeks before it closed permanently.

Monkey Bar – Fun Fact – many LBK visitors and Sarasota locals remember “THE” Monkey Bar. The original bar at the historic Colony located on this same land where the St. Regis is now being built. The developer of the St. Regis wanted to give a nod to the rich history of the former resort and honor it’s legacy with this tribute restoration. I for one can’t wait to see what the new Monkey Bar has in store and look forward to many new memories for years to come!

Hi! 👋🏼 I wanted to introduce myself, I’m Fondren and I’m a Sarasota native/ Lakewood Ranch resident. I married my best friend, Danny, who is also believe it or not is a Sarasota native. It’s crazy to think we were both lucky enough to be born and raised in this amazing community AND NOW, we’re raising our children here too!

Before starting in real estate, I was a small business owner and had a boutique in downtown Sarasota. I love absolutely everything about this community so it wasn’t a hard decision to begin a career in real estate after selling my business. I hope you enjoy my page and if you ever see any homes/ communities you like, please contact me! I truly love meeting new people and of course, working with old friends. I take tremendous pride in helping individuals and families buy and sell their homes and help them get acclimated to their new surroundings.

Thank you for following along! 🏡