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The Sanctuary

Located behind the gates of the Longboat Key Club on the southern end of Longboat Key, The Sanctuary is a Gulf-front condominium community of 181 residences set across five buildings. Developed between 1989 and 1991, the property extends across nearly 18 acres between the Gulf of Mexico and the Links on Longboat golf course. The community’s scale allows it to offer an unusually broad residential experience. More than 1,000 feet of beach frontage, a large Gulfside pool complex, tennis courts, a two-story clubhouse, fitness facilities, 24-hour gated security, on-site management, landscaped walking paths, and concierge beach service are distributed throughout the property rather than concentrated around a single tower. Residences range from comfortable two-bedroom and den floor plans to expansive three-bedroom homes and select penthouses. The principal original plans offer approximately 1,785 to 3,115 square feet of air-conditioned living area, with terraces bringing total areas to approximately 2,055 to 3,915 square feet.

The Sanctuary


Gulf-Front Living Across Five Distinct Buildings

The Sanctuary occupies one of the larger Gulf-front condominium sites behind the Longboat Key Club gates. Its five residential buildings are arranged across the property rather than forming one continuous structure. Sanctuary I consists of two smaller buildings at 575 and 585 Sanctuary Drive, while Sanctuary II, III, and IV are located at 565, 545, and 535 Sanctuary Drive.

This arrangement gives the community several distinct residential settings. Some homes face directly toward the Gulf, while others capture combinations of beach, pool, landscaped grounds, golf-course, Sarasota Bay, and city views. Floor level, building position, and residence orientation can produce meaningful differences even among homes sharing the same original plan.



The Sanctuary offers the amenities and services of a large Gulf-front community while giving buyers a meaningful choice among buildings, residence sizes, floor plans, and views.

181
Luxury residences
1989–1991
Developed
5
Residential buildings
1,785–3,115 ft²
Living areas
1,000+ ft
Gulf beach frontage
Why Buyers Love The Sanctuary

Five buildings, six floor plans, one address.

The Sanctuary offers the amenities and services of a large Gulf-front community while giving buyers a meaningful choice among buildings, residence sizes, floor plans, and views.

Buyers can consider a smaller residence of approximately 1,800 square feet in Sanctuary I, a larger corner plan exceeding 3,100 square feet in one of the later buildings, or a select penthouse with additional space and elevated views. The six principal plans differ not only in size but also in shape, terrace exposure, bedroom arrangement, and relationship to the Gulf and golf course.

The outdoor setting is equally important. The buildings occupy only part of the nearly 18-acre property, leaving room for landscaped grounds, shaded walking paths, recreation areas, and a long stretch of beach, all supported by a 24-hour staffed gatehouse and on-site management.

Longboat Key ClubSt. Armands CircleDowntown Sarasota
The Story Behind The Sanctuary

Built in stages, not repeated towers.

The Sanctuary was developed at the end of the 1980s and beginning of the 1990s as one of the most ambitious residential communities within the Longboat Key Club setting.

Sanctuary I

Monaco & Essex

Sanctuary I introduced two smaller Gulf-front buildings at 575 and 585 Sanctuary Drive, containing the community's more compact Monaco and Essex plans at approximately 1,785 and 1,823 square feet of air-conditioned space.

Sanctuary II, III & IV

Brittany, Carlyle, Dorchester & Ascot

Sanctuary II, III, and IV followed at 565, 545, and 535 Sanctuary Drive, adding larger buildings, broader floor-plan choices, and select penthouse residences. The complete development ultimately reached 181 homes across five residential structures.

Today, The Sanctuary remains one of Longboat Key's most complete Gulf-front residential communities.

Residences & Amenities

Six principal plans, four associations.

Because many residences have been renovated, combined, or reconfigured, the original plans should be treated as historical references rather than exact descriptions of every current home. Floor level, building position, terrace orientation, and view can also create substantial differences between residences sharing the same plan.

Monaco

1,785 Sq. Ft.

Essex

1,823 Sq. Ft.

Brittany

2,375 Sq. Ft.

Carlyle

2,580 Sq. Ft.

Dorchester

2,590 Sq. Ft.

Ascot

3,115 Sq. Ft.

More than 1,000 feet of Gulf beach frontage
Two private beach boardwalks
Concierge beach-chair and umbrella service
Large heated lap pool
Spa
Children's pool
Cabanas, gazebos, and shaded gathering areas
Outdoor bar and grilling areas
Har-Tru tennis courts
Two-story clubhouse
Social and entertainment room
Catering kitchen
Fitness center
Saunas and showers
Building card rooms in Sanctuary II, III, and IV
Landscaped walking and bicycling paths
Under-building parking
Private storage
On-site management
24-hour staffed gatehouse
Lifestyle Policies

What to know before you buy.

Leasing

Minimum lease term is 90 consecutive days. No more than one lease may commence during a calendar year, and prior Association approval is required.

Pets

Owners may generally keep one registered cat or dog weighing no more than 30 pounds, subject to the applicable building documents and prior approval. Tenants and guests may not bring pets.

Parking

Residences include assigned under-building parking. Guest and service parking is available in designated areas. Commercial vehicles, campers, boats, and certain other vehicles are restricted.

Security

A staffed gatehouse operates 24 hours a day. Visitors and service providers must be cleared in advance, and the residential buildings maintain controlled access.

Architectural Changes

Renovations affecting windows, doors, shutters, flooring, plumbing, structure, balconies, or common elements require prior written approval and applicable permits.

Balconies and Terraces

Exterior appearance is regulated. Loose items must be removed during extended absences and storm preparation, and balcony enclosures or screening are not permitted.

Pool and Beach

Pool and beach use is subject to community rules. Pets are not permitted in the pool area or on the beach.

Fitness Center

The fitness center is located in the clubhouse and is available during posted hours, subject to community procedures and age restrictions.

Guest Use

Owners must notify management or the gatehouse of overnight guests. Guests using a residence without the owner present must follow registration and access procedures.

Club Membership

Longboat Key Club membership is separate from condominium ownership.

The Sanctuary includes four individual condominium associations as well as the Community Association. Certain procedures, fees, and building-specific requirements may therefore differ. Buyers should verify the current rules for the particular residence and building.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything buyers ask us first.

How many residences are at The Sanctuary?

The Sanctuary contains 181 condominium residences across five residential buildings.

What are The Sanctuary's addresses?

The community includes buildings at 535, 545, 565, 575, and 585 Sanctuary Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228.

How many buildings are there?

There are five residential buildings organized through four individual condominium associations.

When was The Sanctuary developed?

The community was developed in stages during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

How large are the residences?

The documented principal plans range from approximately 1,785 to 3,115 square feet of air-conditioned living area. Including terraces, total areas range from approximately 2,055 to 3,915 square feet. Select penthouses may be larger.

What are the principal floor plans?

The principal original plans are Monaco, Essex, Brittany, Carlyle, Dorchester, and Ascot, along with select penthouse configurations.

Do all buildings contain the same floor plans?

No. Sanctuary I contains the smaller Monaco and Essex plans, while Sanctuary II, III, and IV include larger Ascot, Brittany, Carlyle, and Dorchester residences. The exact plan distribution varies by building and unit number.

What amenities are available?

Residents enjoy direct Gulf beach access, concierge beach service, a large heated lap pool, spa, children's pool, cabanas, tennis courts, clubhouse, catering kitchen, social rooms, fitness center, saunas, grilling areas, landscaped paths, on-site management, under-building parking, and 24-hour security.

Does The Sanctuary have direct beach access?

Yes. Two community boardwalks provide direct access to the Gulf of Mexico.

Are rentals permitted?

Yes. The minimum lease term is 90 consecutive days, with no more than one lease commencing during a calendar year. Prior approval is required.

Are pets allowed?

Yes, subject to restrictions. Owners may generally keep one approved cat or dog weighing no more than 30 pounds. Tenants and guests may not bring pets.

Is Longboat Key Club membership included?

No. Longboat Key Club membership is separate from condominium ownership and subject to the Club's current membership categories, application process, availability, and fees.

Does each building have its own association?

The community is organized through four individual residential condominium associations and The Sanctuary Community Association. Owners pay assessments supporting both their building and the shared community property.

Does The Sanctuary have an official website?

Yes. Visit the official Sanctuary website for resident resources, Association information, forms, floor plans, and community documents.

Buying in The Sanctuary

Find your residence.

Every residence at The Sanctuary offers a different ownership experience. Buyers often compare building, original floor plan, floor level, Gulf or golf-course exposure, terrace size, renovation history, parking location, and proximity to the pool, clubhouse, tennis courts, and beach. The differences among the original plans are meaningful. Monaco and Essex residences offer more compact layouts, while Brittany, Carlyle, Dorchester, and Ascot homes provide larger interiors, flexible dens, broader terraces, and more extensive bedroom and entertaining spaces. The Association structure also deserves careful review. Owners belong to both an individual building association and The Sanctuary Community Association, and building-specific rules, assessments, reserves, maintenance responsibilities, and approval procedures may differ. For more than four decades, Pettingell Professionals has helped buyers navigate Longboat Key's luxury condominium market. We understand the distinctions among The Sanctuary's buildings, floor plans, views, terraces, policies, and individual residences and help our clients identify the home that best fits their lifestyle and long-term goals.

Selling in The Sanctuary

Tell your residence's story.

Today's luxury buyers begin their search long before they schedule a showing. They compare buildings, study floor plans, evaluate views, and look for reliable information about amenities, Association structure, leasing, pets, and renovation requirements. That's why we've created one of Sarasota's most comprehensive luxury condominium and residential community guides. Our goal is simple. When someone searches for The Sanctuary Longboat Key, we want them to find the most accurate, informative, and complete resource available. More importantly, we want your residence to be part of that discovery. For sellers, this matters. A Sanctuary residence should not be presented as simply another Gulf-front condominium. Its building, original floor plan, floor level, terrace configuration, Gulf or golf-course exposure, renovation history, parking, and position within the community are all part of its story. Combined with exceptional photography, cinematic video, strategic digital marketing, and more than four decades of experience representing Sarasota and Longboat Key's finest properties, we position your residence where today's luxury buyers begin their search.

The Pettingell Community Guides

Exceptional real estate decisions begin with exceptional information.


The Pettingell Community Guides were created to provide buyers and sellers with accurate, objective, and thoughtfully researched information about Sarasota and Longboat Key's most exceptional condominium communities, residential neighborhoods, and waterfront enclaves. Every guide is independently researched, regularly updated, and written to help you understand not only the facts about a community, but also the history, lifestyle, architecture, and details that make it unique.

Rather than relying on marketing language or generic descriptions, our goal is to create the most complete and trustworthy resource available for each community we cover. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply exploring Sarasota's luxury real estate market, we hope these guides help you make more informed decisions and discover the communities that best fit your lifestyle.

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