The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper

Vol. 9 No. 17 - January 14, 2009

REAL ESTATE

Luxury along the coast at La Casa Costiera

Reel time

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ISLAND REAL ESTATE Condo’s interesting a
rchitectural features include arches and interior columns.

Costiera in Italian means coast and is frequently associated with the Amalfi Coast south of Naples on the southwestern side of the Italian peninsula. La Casa Costiera in Holmes Beach means home on the coast and although the small condo complex is directly Gulffront, its style and color will remind you more of Tuscany than Positano.

La Casa Costiera is located on the Gulf side of Gulf Drive at 73rd Street in Holmes Beach. The 12-unit complex was built in 2005 and offers a variety of floor plans with square feet starting at 2,000. There are water views of varying degrees within the association, and beach access to one of Anna Maria’s spectacular beaches is virtually yards away.

Designed as a luxury condominium complex, La Casa Costiera does not disappoint, with interesting architectural features like arches, interior columns and attractive glass panels over doorways. Kitchens and bathrooms have stainless steel appliances and granite countertops.

The open and bright units have designer fireplaces and wet bars, as well as private elevators and either a two- or three-car garage space, depending on the unit. There is also a heated pool and spa for residents. Two of the units are ground level directly on the beach with cathedral ceilings and terraces facing the Gulf of Mexico, the others are in low-rise buildings.

The original sale prices were all over the million dollar mark, averaging around $1,500,000. With one exception closing at $1,355,000, there have not been any re-sales. Currently there are four on the market ranging from $1,399,000 to $1,599,000, all with three bedrooms and either three or two-and one-half baths.

Like all other properties on the Island, La Casa Costiera has also been a victim of the economic downturn and the problems in the housing market. But, unlike other types of real estate, La Casa Costiera’s appeal is to the upscale luxury buyer, traditionally a segment of the real estate market that has some immunity against market swings.

So whether you’re fond of the hills of Tuscany or the aqua waters of Amalfi, there’s enough of both within the walls of La Casa Costiera for the most discriminating buyer, all mixed together with Anna Maria’s own special appeal.

Real Estate Transactions
Closed sales between Aug. 18 and Oct. 25, 2008

Anna Maria

102 Magnolia Ave.      Duplex      $1,800,000
619 Rose St.      Single family       585,000
517 Blue Heron Dr.      Lot       525,000
145 Crescent Dr.      Single family       510,000
519 South Dr.      Single family       487,500
305 Magnolia Ave.      Duplex       385,000
244 Gladiolus St.      Single family       340,000

Bradenton Beach

200 Gulf Dr. S. #4      Condo       $675,000
404 21st Pl. N.      Single family       470,000
105 Eighth St. S.      Duplex       300,000
1001 Gulf Dr. S. #3      Condo       275,000
1801 Gulf Dr. N. #237      Condo       259,500
2401 Gulf Dr. N. #2      Condo       158,000
2601 Gulf Dr. N. #528      Mobile       83,400

Cortez

No recorded transactions

Holmes Beach

518 58th St.      Single family       $1,595,000
689 Key Royale Dr.       Single family       1,150,000
5601 Flotilla Dr.      Single family       630,000
136 49th St.      Condo       596,000
507 75th St.      Single family       575,000
508 Key Royale Dr.      Single family       550,000
203 69th St.      Duplex       530,000
5200 Gulf Dr. #604      Condo       480,000
507 65th St.      Single family       467,500
3013 Ave. F. #U23      Condo       450,000
7700 Marina Dr.      Condo       433,500
7702 Marina Dr.      Condo       433,500
312 64th St.      Duplex       425,000
8004 Marina Dr,      Duplex       340,000
405 Bay Palms Dr.      Single family       316,300
4605 Gulf Dr.      Duplex      295,000
409 72nd St.      Duplex      280,000

Source: Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office


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