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An island within an island at North Point Harbour
PHOTO COURTESY OF BETSY HILLS
REAL ESTATE
This house is available for sale in North Point Harbour
at the end of Key Royale Drive. |
By Louise Bolger
sun staff writer
I’ve always thought Anna Maria Island has it all. You
can live in everything from a modest beach bungalow with less
than 1,000 square feet to a mini estate with thousands of
square feet. You can be situated on the Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota
Bay, endless canals or be tucked away on a peaceful side street.
Or you can live at the very end of an island within an island
– North Point Harbour at the end of Key Royale in Holmes
Beach.
North Point Harbour is a small homeowners’ association
of about 40 homes on North Point Drive and the northern section
of Key Royale Drive. Some properties are facing Tampa Bay
with spectacular views of the Skyway Bridge, some are fronting
Bimini Bay and some are on protected canals. Docks and boat
lifts are common in most of the properties.
Ownership includes membership in the North Point Harbour Club’s
pool and tennis court, and the Key Royale Golf Club is just
down the street with its ninehole executive course. Membership
in the golf club is separate and members must be sponsored.
When I first wrote about North Point Harbour almost six years
ago, homes were starting in the mid $400,000s and had not
yet reach the $1 million mark. Today there are two homes on
the market both on North Point Drive. One is listed at $1,679,000,
a newer two level home on a canal and the other is listed
at $1,300,000, a one-story home with views of Bimini Bay.
So far this year there have been two sales, both in September,
both on canals and both on North Point Drive. One closed at
$950,000 and the other at $825,000. The home that closed for
$825,000 previously sold in 2003 for $715,000, and the home
that closed for $950,000 previously sold in 1993 for $300,000.
Based on these numbers, even though we are currently living
through an adjusting real estate market, it’s safe to
say that purchasing a home in North Point Harbour will continue
to be a good investment.
Anna Maria will always be a work in progress accepting and
accommodating a variety of lifestyles. North Point Harbour
will appeal to buyers who are looking for a consistent waterfront
neighborhood with access to the charm and inconsistencies
that make Anna Maria unique. No matter where on the island
you choose to live, your choice will be the right one. Where
else would you want to be?
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