When it comes to high-end condominiums, Park Residences of Lido Key is a special place. The two-building complex in the southern section of the Sarasota County barrier island combines deluxe elegance, luxurious lifestyle, and an unusual location.

Situated on Taft Drive east of Benjamin Franklin Drive, it is the only residential development on the block. With Ted Sperling Nature Park immediately to the east and the 100-acre South Lido County Park across the street, the area will remain private and secluded.

“It’s like having your own private resort,” said Ray Collins, a luxury Realtor with Coldwell Banker. With the preserve to the south, you will never have a building go up to block your view.”

He continued, “The place is perfect for those with an active lifestyle. You’re a few steps from the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay. If the sun is your thing, head to the beach. If you’d rather kayak, play volleyball or have a picnic, go to the park. Then, shower and ride your bike to St. Armands Circle to eat or shop.”

Park Residences consists of two buildings with garage spots, entrance lobby and elevator on the ground floor and the condos above in three stories above. The edifice closest to the Gulf has 12 units, the other one has six, featuring four different floorplans with around 2,500 square feet of living space. Each unit has generous-sized open balconies. The six penthouse units also have private rooftop terraces.

Situated between the two buildings lies a large, private courtyard with a heated, resort-style, saltwater swimming pool and spa, poolside cabanas, a custom-designed fire pit and barbecue area. Each condo comes with two garage spaces and a locked storage unit where residents can keep kayaks, bicycles, beach chairs and umbrellas, and other items. There is also an electric car charging station.

Park Residences was created in 2015 by Seward Development, a boutique property development company helmed by Patrick DiPinto and David Hargreaves. Concentrating on luxury condo communities and single-family homes, its recent condo projects include Epoch on Gulfstream Avenue and 7 One One Palm in downtown Sarasota.

Seaward Development used Gilbane Building Company, a local firm for the past 35 years, and spared no expense during construction. Exceeding most building standards, they sunk deep pile foundations, utilized solid concrete and other high quality structural elements, and installed various hurricane safety components.

The design by DSDG Architects in “coastal contemporary construction design” has attractive, clean lines and large windows in the living areas that take advantage of the natural light. The interiors feature open spaces and customized features, from flooring and wall treatments to fixtures and trims.

Collins’ listing at 159 Taft Drive #E105, for example, has a gourmet kitchen with Cucine Ricci Imported Italian cabinetry, high-end tile and wooden flooring, and a high-tech AV system with one-touch shade and lighting. The main bedroom of the three-bed, three-bath condo features dual walk-in closets, a double vanity in the bathroom, a soaking tub, and a walk-in shower with two heads.

“The owner opted for nearly every possible upgrade,” said Collins.

A large balcony overlooking the courtyard adds 200 square feet to the existing 2,458 of living space and comes with a private gas grill. A private spiral staircase leads from there down to the swimming pool.

The condo has an asking price is $2,975,000.

According to Collins, the demographics of Park Residences residents are a combination of mostly second homeowners from Europe and all over the United States who spend part of the season here, and a few full-timers. “I see a lot of shades down in the units and just a few cars in the garages,” he explained. “As a result, it’s a very quiet, peaceful place to live.”

Rental regulations require a minimum of one-month lease up to 12 times a year. Condo association fees vary according to unit size and average $1075 a month.

Because Park Residences condos don’t come on the market often, Collins considers his listing a rare opportunity. “I’ve lived in Sarasota nearly 20 years, and I can’t think of a more perfect location,” he said.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota’s Lido Key: Condo for sale a beach-loving kayaker’s dream