1525 N Lake Shore Drive
Sarasota, FL 34231

This authentic old-world villa of stately proportions seems like it could have been plucked from the hills of Tuscany or Andalusia and planted in beautiful Oyster Bay Estates, Sarasota's treasured West of Trail community. Built for seamless indoor-outdoor living with quality and luxury at every turn by renowned local builder Bruce Saba as his personal residence, the sprawling home's hurricane-rated construction and energy efficiency earn top marks, while the distinctive courtyard floor plan and high-end European materials create an uncommon sense of place across more than 4,400 interior square feet and vast outdoor space. The current owner has refreshed and updated the villa throughout, including new imported French limestone flooring, durable quartz counters, updated light fixtures, and new landscaping and mechanicals. The result is a classic, quality home that achieves today's aesthetic while retaining its authentic character. Enter through towering 12' arched hardwood doors into the 22' high entry hall with clerestory windows and an impressively detailed pecky cypress ceiling. The first impression captivates as a central courtyard immediately comes into view. Along the next corridor, an arched brick passageway opens to the spacious dining room with built-in storage and pecky cypress beamed ceiling that stands opposite a bank of French doors to the airy courtyard. A 450+ bottle walk-in wine cellar abuts the dining room and butler's pantry, and beyond lies the timeless, chef-grade kitchen and walk-through scullery. Professional Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, solid wood cabinetry, and a brick-accented range alcove complement the ideal island layout. The ultra-functional scullery offers ample extra storage, prep, and cleanup space surrounding an additional full size refrigerator, sink, and dishwasher along with a built-in desk and access to the butler's pantry and outdoors. Open to the kitchen, the great room is truly grand in scale, with soaring 19' pecky cypress ceilings and walls of custom hardwood French doors providing entry to both the central courtyard and the spacious rear lanai adjoining the heated saltwater pool. The great room features built-in shelving and includes eat-in space along with a reading nook. Past the great room lies a tranquil and private master suite as well as an additional bedroom or office. Two well-appointed secondary bedroom suites are tucked off the entry wing of the house. The villa's design is ideal for hosting family and friends. When entertaining, throw open the home's 21 French doors and enjoy cross breezes throughout the magnificent public spaces and multiple outdoor entertaining zones. With the catering capabilities of the kitchen and adjoining scullery, you are prepared for gatherings of any size. The home features impact glass as well as solid hardwood interior and exterior doors, newer HVAC units, two tankless hot water heaters, extensive insect screening, and abundant storage. An oversized three-car air-conditioned garage as well as an oversized laundry room are among the modern conveniences that blend beautifully with the villa's old-world charm. You will adore the quiet, tree lined streets of Oyster Bay, tucked between Tamiami Trail and Roberts Bay, within walking distance of the members-only Field Club and mere minutes from the world-famous beaches of Siesta Key and the fabulous dining and shopping of Southside Village and Downtown Sarasota.