Two special features made this condo the ideal choice for a Minnesota couple needing the perfect vacation home

Ken and Debbie Croats bought their seventh-floor condominium at Phillippi Landings in 2015, but that’s not the first time they saw the two-bedroom, two bath unit. When Phillippi Landings opened in 2006, the Croats apartment was the builder’s model for the community of three buildings set on 10 acres on historic Phillippi Creek in Sarasota.
 

“We walked through and liked the layout, the size and the wonderful water views,” said Ken Croats. “It was furnished in a Tommy Bahama tropical way which looked inviting to people from snowy Minnesota. But the two features that really got us were that this apartment has its own private elevator and the apartment comes with a private dock and a boat lift. That made it perfect for us.” But, the model was offered at more than what the Croats wanted to spend for the amount of time they would use the 1,720-square-foot home throughout the year so they reluctantly passed and made a practical decision by purchasing in another community farther south. “But, we always kept our eye on this one over the years,” admitted Ken. “And when it came on the market again four years ago, we were in a better position to buy it and we were certainly spending more and more time in Sarasota so it made the investment worth it.” They bought their dream vacation getaway and have had no regrets, only happy times with visiting friends and family. Recently, Debbie retired from her job at her family’s party store where she did wedding planning too. And Ken, a homebuilder, is sunsetting his professional career. Now they can spend as much time in Florida as they want which seems to be much of the time.

Phillippi Landing consists of three condominium buildings set on 10 acres of PhillippiCreek. There are 103 units here ranging from about 1,800-4,200-square-feet.

“We’ve been coming every other month for a couple weeks and sometimes monthly,” said Debbie. “There’s no reason not to, we love the weather, the activities and sometimes we love just sitting on our terrace and looking at the water or the activity at the Phillippi farmers market on Wednesdays. There are concerts in the park too and we walk over there to enjoy the music.” The couple furnished the home as a glamorous vacation destination with luxury items from local sources. They replaced all the light fixtures with statement pieces that convey with the apartment, but the condominium is being sold unfurnished.

The couple is in Florida so much now, that they look at this as more home than the large house they have in Minnesota. They are considering a permanent move here. And for that they will need a bigger home and a yard, which will make their two little dogs happy although Zoe and Eva have enjoyed their very own private elevator.

Debbie and Ken Croat have bought a lot on the bay in Osprey and already have house plans. But, Ken says he’s not building it. They’ve hired a contractor and Ken is content to be the client this time.

So, their Phillippi Landings condominium in on the market for $629,000 through Realtor Kimberlie MacDonald, Coldwell Banker.

The next owner of this unique condominium will have new neighbors. Taylor Morrison is building 29 townhouse condominiums in Phillippi Landings, but the new homes will not interfere with current residents’ views.

The three Phillippi Landings buildings that went up in 2006 comprise 103 units ranging from about 1,800- to 4,200-square-feet. Residents have garage parking, clubhouse, heated swimming pool, fitness center, kayak launch, dog park and the day use of a communal boat dock. The high-rise condominium development offers views of Phillippi Creek, Roberts Bay, Siesta Key and the city of Sarasota. And the new owners of the Croat condominium can sit on their own private dock and take in all the sights before climbing aboard their boat and sailing out into the bay.