My New Blog

La Casa Costiera -

a bit of Italy on the Island...

SUN PHOTO/LOUISE BOLGER
La Casa Costiera, a boutique luxury condominium in
Holmes Beach, brings Italy's Amalfi coast to the Island.
By Louise Bolger | sun staff writer


Have you been to the Amalfi Coast or as the Italians call it Amalfi Costiera? If not, you'll be happy to learn that without packing a bag or buying an airline ticket you can have that glorious Mediterranean experience right in your own back yard.

I last profiled La Casa Costiera at 73 Street and Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach about two years ago, midway between the real estate downturn and the beginning of the recovery. Since this boutique luxury condominium embodies much of what Anna Maria Island is all about, I decided to take another look.

La Casa Costiera is a really unique 12 unit complex directly on the Gulf with a wide expanse of beach at its door. The upscale development was designed by the talented Emily Anne Smith and built by Brent Whitehead, both of whom have done many projects on Anna Maria. Architectural features include arches, interior columns and high ceilings with each unit having a different design and the feel of a home rather than a condo with windows on most sides.

Interior amenities include granite counter tops, wet bars, wine coolers, surround sound, elevators, electric fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs, but it's the exterior location that makes La Casa Costiera special. Six of the twelve units have direct water views from their Gulffront terraces or balconies. Two of these are ground level stand alone buildings built on the footprint of what was once part of a Gulffront motel.

The remaining six units front on Gulf Drive with a pool, spa, gazebo and barbeque area separating it from the Gulffront buildings. The units have about 2,000 square feet, most with three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths, all have balconies and/or terraces. Parking is assigned under building and rentals are permitted.

La Casa Costiera was built in 2005 with units selling between $1,300,000 and $1,560,000. There were no sales in 2010 and currently there are four on the market with local brokers ranging between $1,299,000 and $1,899,000, some being sold furnished and professionally decorated.

For buyers looking for Gulffront luxury who want the feel of a home without the responsibility, La Casa Costiera could be the perfect choice and an opportunity to buy at 2005 prices.

Sunny Italy and sunny Anna Maria have a lot in common. Only the blue waters of Anna Maria can be reached without going through airport security. La Casa Costiera – the Amalfi Coast barefoot style.

Call Kathleen (941-773-0165) for sales info about LaCasa Costiera.