Developed in 2006, Osprey Harbor Village is a self-contained, gated community that combines luxury resort living with a yacht-club lifestyle.
The place is also called Villas at Bellagio Harbor and Bellagio Harbor Village, and locals use the names interchangeably.
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Located north of Blackburn Point Road on Bellagio Way, the neighborhood consists of luxury waterfront condominiums and a full-service marina on Little Sarasota Bay, across from Casey Key. The design of the three-story building that wraps around a small harborage is distinctly Mediterranean, with red tile towers along the roof parapet.
The kayak launching dock at Osprey Harbor Villlage. (Staff photo / Harold Bubil)
A grand entry court with an attractive water fountain leads into the residential buildings, conveying the impression of an Italian palazzo. The 53 condos in three stories all have a direct view of the bay, Casey Key and sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico beyond.
But it is the emphasis on boating that sets Osprey Harbor Village apart from most other waterfront condo communities.
It has 24 deeded wet slips that accommodate vessels up to 60 feet long. A large, warehouse-like boat-storage facility — replete with faux windows and other gingerbread to make it look like an apartment building from the outside — has space for 186 smaller powerboats.
Promotional literature refers to it as a “rackominium.”
Separate from the powerboat marina, there is a dock for launching kayaks.
A restaurant and casual grill are attached to the boat-rack facility, allowing residents to walk to lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch. The restaurant extends special privileges to them, including deliveries to their doors.
Both the marina and the restaurant welcome patrons from outside the community, as well, however.
The clubhouse’s recreation room has lounge chairs, sofas, a pool table, card tables and a large-screen television.
Workout facilities include a large fitness center, sauna and steam room. The cross-shaped swimming pool and separate whirlpool sparkle in the sunlight and are surrounded by palm trees. A walkway leads to a fishing dock on the bay, where residents can catch red drum and sheepshead, and frequently watch dolphins frolic.
Condos are available in 18 floor plans. Units range in from 1,900 to 3,000 square feet, and from $500,000 to $1.5 million. The largest are third-floor penthouse suites. Most have three bedrooms and three bathrooms, with some offering an additional den.
Each condo has its own entrance from the ground floor parking garage, via elevator, with a personal passkey. They also have two parking spaces with automatic doors for each unit, as well as individual caged areas for storage.
Dennis Kedzierski, a Realtor with RoseBay International, has been selling condos at Osprey Harbor Village for several years. He has listed a second-floor unit that comes with a wet slip and a spacious corner unit on the second floor that has a large balcony and windows all around, offering a wide view of the bay. It is listed at $775,000, furnished.
He loves Bellagio for its serenity and relaxed atmosphere.
“It’s very quiet, a real peaceful place,” he said. “People can sit around the pool, or in their condo, reading.”
He also likes the fact that the place is well-maintained. The management company recently finished repainting the whole complex.
“They do a really good job,” he said.
Annual homeowner association fee is $2,469.49, collected quarterly.
According to Kedzierski, occupants are an international mix, including owners from Germany, France, England, New Zealand and all over the United States. Year-round residents tend to be retired. For many snowbirds, the villas are second or third homes. Many of them rent their condos during the summer months when they are gone. Condo association rules require a six-month minimum contract.
Pets are allowed.
While the emphasis is on seclusion and privacy, Osprey Harbor Village’s location allows for easy access to a variety of amenities. It’s midway between Venice and Sarasota. Golf courses and shopping and dining opportunities are only minutes away on U.S. 41. Spanish Point and Oscar Scherer Park are close by. Nokomis Beach is just a short drive to the south.
Seven sales have been made there since the beginning of 2013. Currently, three condos are on the market, ranging in price from $775,000 to $895,000.
“It’s perfect for people who love the water, love boating, swimming and fishing,” Kedzierski said.
