A dramatic canopy of oak trees in Buccaneer Bay. Staff photo / Harold Bubil; 1-25-2016.
Like the pirate’s treasures its name evokes, Buccaneer Bay is well hidden. Although the deed restricted, waterfront neighborhood has a great location — west of the Tamiami Trail, and south of Stickney Point Bridge and Clark Road — hardly anyone knows of its existence.
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“It’s definitely a sleeper — not on the radar for most people,” says Joel Schemmel, a Realtor with Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.
Buccaneer Lane, the turnoff from U.S. 41 between the Ed Howard Lincoln dealership and the Sarasota Car Company, is non-descript. Heading south, if you pass the Outback Steakhouse and AMC Gulf bowling lanes on the other side of the Trail, you’ve missed it. Even if you happen make the turn and head toward the water, things don’t look promising.
But suddenly, about 600 feet in, you come to a fork and — surprise — to the left, the attractively landscaped entrance to the community. Inside, Buccaneer Lane continues with small, picturesque center island dividers and cul de sacs branching off. A wooden, palisade-type fence marks the northern boundary until the road connects with Captain Kidd Avenue, which dead ends at the four homes on the Intracoastal Waterway.
Mature oak trees and tall palms give the enclave a distinct, old Florida feel. Bismarck palms dot the lawns and bromeliads and ample shrubbery contribute to the tropical atmosphere. The properties are very well kept — residents obviously care about their community.
The 42 homes, most of them built in the 1980s, display a surprising variety of architectural styles — from Florida ranch to Florida and California contemporary to Mediterranean. Many houses sit on generous sized lots. A good number have two stories. More than half back directly onto water, either the canal on the southern border of the neighborhood, or the Intracoastal Waterway.
This waterfront house at 7311 Captain Kidd Circle in Buccaneeer Bay, Sarasota, is listed for sale at $1.2 million through Tamara Currey of Premier Sotheby's International Realty. Staff photo / Harold Bubil; 1-26-2016.
One good example of Spanish Mediterranean is for sale at 7311 Captain Kidd Drive. Listing for $1.199 million by Tamara Currey, also with Premier Sotheby’s, the three-bedroom, three-bath, 2,786-square-foot house was built in 1982 and has vaulted ceilings in the front room. Overlooking the canal, it has spectacular views of the bay toward Point Crisp on Siesta Key. The dock and lift provide great fishing and boating access to the Intracoastal.
“What’s unusual is that it sits so high. From the back door, it’s a steep downhill walk to the water,” says Currey. Because of its elevation, flood insurance is less expensive.
This house at 1899 Buccaneer Circle in Buccaneeer Bay, Sarasota, is listed for sale at $729,000 through Joel Schemmel of Schemmel Real Estate at Premier Sotheby's International Realty. Built in 1986, the house has three bedrooms and two baths in 2,035 square feet. It is on an inlet that permits small-boat access to Little Sarasota Bay. The house has a dock and a pool. Staff photo / Harold Bubil; 1-25-2015.
A different kind of property is Schemmel’s listing at 1899 Buccaneer Lane, near the entrance to the community. The single story, three-bedroom, Florida ranch-style house was built in 1986. With more than 2,000 square feet, it was recently remodeled by the owners. The asking price is $729,000. “If you’re looking for waterfront, that’s one of the best deals around,” says Schemmel.
Its high elevation exempts the property from FEMA flood-zone regulations. “You could put a second story on it without having to deal with the 50-percent rule,” Schemmel explains. (The rule limits the money spent on renovation to half of the house’s value in any one phase of construction, making it less attractive to remodel them.)
According to Schemmel, residents are a cross section of young and old — retirees, professionals and families. “You see kids getting on the school bus in the morning,” he says.
The neighborhood schools are Gulf Gate Elementary, Brookside Middle and Riverview High. Pineview for the gifted and talented is less than a 15 minute drive to the south.
This house at 7315 Captain Kidd Circle in Buccaneeer Bay, Sarasota, is listed for sale at $999,000 through Isabella Wier of Realty Executives Solutions. Built in 2003, the house has four bedrooms and six baths in 4,373 square feet. Staff photo / Harold Bubil; 1-25-2016.
Buccaneer Bay’s quiet, secluded ambience offers relaxed living. HOA fees are only $300 a year. Above all, although well tucked away, it has convenient location.
Shops and restaurants at Gulf Gate are close by, as is the Gulf Gate Public Library. Siesta Key and its renowned Gulf beaches is less than five minutes away. The Westfield Sarasota Square Mall with Costco and movie theaters and the YMCA at Potter Park are an easy drive to the south. Even downtown Sarasota is only 15 minutes away.
Like many waterfront developments, Buccaneer Bay is in transition with some of the older homes being torn down. “We’re seeing newer construction, especially on the prime waterfront lots,” says Schemmel. Currently one new house is being built on the water, replacing a teardown.
Over the past six months, there have been no sales in the neighborhood. But there are four homes on the market, right now, ranging in price from $429,000 to $1.199 million.
“It’s a sweet, quiet little enclave,” says Currey.
