The Water Club

Located directly on the Gulf of Mexico, The Water Club is a full-service beachfront condominium community of 172 residences on the southern half of Longboat Key. Two residential towers frame a central clubhouse, landscaped courtyard, Gulf-front swimming complex, and direct access to the beach. Developed during the latter half of the 1990s, the community occupies approximately 16 landscaped acres with about 680 feet of Gulf frontage. Residences range from smaller one- and two-bedroom configurations to expansive estate and penthouse homes exceeding 5,000 square feet. The South Tower is located at 1241 Gulf of Mexico Drive, the clubhouse and Association office are at 1261 Gulf of Mexico Drive, and the North Tower is at 1281 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The site plan positions the clubhouse and recreation areas between the towers, with the swimming pool, children’s pool, whirlpool, and gated beach access facing the Gulf. Residents enjoy 24-hour staffed gatehouse security, tower concierge services, on-site management, a Mediterranean-inspired clubhouse, fitness and spa facilities, four Har-Tru tennis courts, a Gulf-front pool and spa, social spaces, under-building parking, private storage, and direct beach access.

The Water Club

Full-Service Beachfront Living on Longboat Key

The Water Club combines the privacy of a residential condominium with a level of staffing, service, and recreation more commonly associated with a resort. Its two towers stand on opposite sides of the property, leaving the center open for the clubhouse, landscaped Court of Palms, swimming facilities, and a broad visual connection to the Gulf.

The South and North Towers each have their own concierge desk, secure entrance, elevators, parking access, mail facilities, and service areas. Residents also have access to the clubhouse concierge, Association office, staffed gatehouse, and on-site maintenance team.

Separate concierge teams serve the South Tower, North Tower, and clubhouse — a level of staffing more commonly associated with a resort.

172

Condominium residences

1996–1999

Developed

Two

Residential towers

1,392–5,225 ft²

Living areas

4

Har-Tru tennis courts

Why Buyers Love The Water Club

Resort staffing, residential privacy.

The Water Club appeals to buyers seeking beachfront living supported by substantial amenities, professional staffing, and practical ownership services. The concierge program is one of its strongest distinctions, with separate teams serving the two residential towers and the clubhouse.

The clubhouse creates a central social and recreational setting between the towers, with a ballroom, catering kitchen, lounge and bar, fitness center, spa facilities, library, game areas, and outdoor gathering spaces overlooking the grounds and Gulf.

Outdoor recreation is centered along the Gulf. The main pool is accompanied by a whirlpool and children's pool, while the dune walkover leads directly to the private beach, and four Har-Tru tennis courts occupy the northern side of the property.

Longboat Key Tennis CenterMarina FacilitiesSt. Armands CircleDowntown Sarasota

The Story Behind The Water Club

Two towers, one shared center.

The Water Club was developed during the late 1990s as a comprehensive beachfront residential community rather than a pair of independent towers. The original plan placed two residential buildings on approximately 16 acres, with the clubhouse, landscaped courtyards, recreation areas, and Gulf-front pool forming a shared center.

South Tower

1241 Gulf of Mexico Drive

The South Tower was developed first, establishing the formal landscaped approach from Gulf of Mexico Drive, past the gatehouse and toward the clubhouse and Gulf-front pool.

North Tower

1281 Gulf of Mexico Drive

The North Tower followed, completing the property alongside four tennis courts placed on the northern side. The clubhouse at 1261 Gulf of Mexico Drive became the architectural and social link between the two towers.

Today, The Water Club remains one of Longboat Key's most complete full-service condominium communities, combining spacious residences, direct Gulf access, extensive recreation, and professional staffing.

Residences & Amenities

From one-bedroom homes to 5,000-square-foot penthouses.

Original residences range from smaller one- and two-bedroom configurations to expansive three- and four-bedroom homes, den plans, estate residences, and penthouses. Many plans were designed with private elevator arrival, separate service access, broad living and dining rooms, substantial primary suites, guest accommodations, dens, multiple bathrooms, and terraces positioned to capture Gulf, coastline, landscaped, or Sarasota Bay views.

South Tower

1241 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

Clubhouse

1261 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

North Tower

1281 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

Signature Feature

Tower & Clubhouse Concierge

Floor Plan	Approx. Living Area	Approx. Terrace Area	Approx. Total Area
Arlington	3,400 sq. ft.	502 sq. ft.	3,902 sq. ft.
Arlington North	3,435 sq. ft.	522 sq. ft.	3,957 sq. ft.
Dover	2,965 sq. ft.	384 sq. ft.	3,349 sq. ft.
Dover North	3,273 sq. ft.	369 sq. ft.	3,642 sq. ft.

Residents enjoy:

Direct private Gulf beach access

Gulf-front swimming pool

Separate children's pool

Whirlpool spas

Expansive pool deck

Central clubhouse

Ballroom and catering kitchen

Sunset Lounge

Library with fireplace

Clubroom with billiards and table tennis

Dining and meeting areas

Court of Palms

Seasonal fire pit

Community grilling areas

Fitness center

Men's and women's spa facilities

Saunas and steam rooms

Massage and treatment rooms

Four Har-Tru tennis courts

Tower and clubhouse concierge services

On-site management and maintenance

24-hour staffed gatehouse

Assigned under-building parking

Garage-level storage

Bicycle storage

Car-wash areas

EV charging stations

Gated dune walkover

Concierge & Ownership Services

Separate concierge desks serve the South Tower, North Tower, and clubhouse. Services may include receiving packages, coordinating deliveries, providing authorized contractor access, assisting with luggage, reserving amenities, arranging laundry or dry cleaning, and checking residences during extended absences.

The Association also provides scheduled exterior window cleaning, pest-control service, grocery and luggage carts, and other practical support intended to simplify seasonal and full-time ownership.

Lifestyle Policies

What to know before you buy.

Pets	Owners may keep up to two dogs, two cats, or one of each, provided each weighs less than 35 pounds. Tenants and guests may not bring pets.
Leasing	Minimum lease term is 90 days. A residence may be leased no more than once during any 12-month period. Prior approval is required.
Occupancy	Residences are limited to single-family use. Overnight occupancy may not exceed eight people without prior written approval.
Parking & Storage	Owners and tenants must use assigned garage spaces. Exterior spaces are intended primarily for guests and deliveries. Each residence is assigned one garage-level storage unit.
Grilling	Grills are not permitted on terraces or balconies. Community gas grills are provided in the Court of Palms.
Renovations	Disruptive construction is generally prohibited from November 1 through April 30. Association approval, permits, licensed contractors, and insurance may be required.
Flooring	Hard-surface flooring above the plaza level must use an approved sound-control system.
Moves	Move-ins, move-outs, and large deliveries must be scheduled in advance and generally occur weekdays during established hours.
Beach and Pool	Pool, spa, children's pool, and beach use are subject to posted rules. Pets are not permitted in the pool area or on the beach.
Tennis	Court reservations are required. Current rules identify tennis use rather than pickleball.
Club Membership	No separate club membership is required. Longboat Key Club membership is available independently.

Association rules, fees, services, pet policies, leasing restrictions, construction schedules, and amenity operations may change. Buyers should verify current information directly with The Water Club Condominium Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything buyers ask us first.

How many residences are at The Water Club?

The Water Club contains 172 condominium residences.

What are the community addresses?

The South Tower is at 1241 Gulf of Mexico Drive, the clubhouse and Association office are at 1261 Gulf of Mexico Drive, and the North Tower is at 1281 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

When was The Water Club developed?

The community was developed and completed in phases during the latter half of the 1990s.

How large are the residences?

Published plans indicate homes ranging from approximately 1,392 to more than 5,000 square feet. Individual measurements vary by plan, floor, and renovation.

What are the principal original floor plans?

The documented collection includes Arlington, Brighton, Cambridge, and Dover plans, along with corresponding North or reversed versions and larger specialty configurations.

Do residences have private elevators?

Many original plans include private elevator access and separate service access.

What amenities are available?

Amenities include a Gulf-front pool, children's pool, whirlpool spas, private beach access, four Har-Tru tennis courts, clubhouse, ballroom, catering kitchen, lounges, library, fitness center, saunas, steam rooms, massage facilities, game rooms, fire pit, grilling areas, concierge services, and 24-hour gated security.

Does each residence include parking and storage?

Yes. Residences have assigned under-building parking and one garage-level storage unit.

Are EV charging stations available?

Yes. Charging stations are located in the North parking area.

Are pets allowed?

Yes. Owners may generally keep up to two qualifying dogs or cats, with each pet under 35 pounds. Tenants and guests may not bring pets.

Are rentals permitted?

Yes. The minimum lease term is 90 days, with no more than one lease during any 12-month period. Prior approval is required.

Can residents grill on their terraces?

No. Community gas grills are available in the Court of Palms.

Are renovations permitted year-round?

No. Disruptive construction is generally restricted from November through April.

Does The Water Club have an official website?

Yes. Visit the official The Water Club Condominium Association website for community information, Association contacts, and resident resources.

Buying in The Water Club

Find your residence.

Every residence at The Water Club offers a different ownership experience. Buyers often compare tower, floor level, original plan, Gulf or bay orientation, terrace configuration, private elevator access, parking, storage, renovation history, and proximity to the clubhouse, pool, tennis courts, and beach. The differences among the original plans are meaningful. Arlington residences provide more than 3,400 square feet of living area, while Dover plans offer somewhat more compact three-bedroom and den configurations. Brighton and Cambridge homes introduce different room arrangements and terrace exposures. Tower position also matters. Some residences emphasize direct Gulf and sunset views, while others capture coastline, pool, landscaped, bay, or city exposures. Buyers should also account for seasonal construction restrictions when considering a residence requiring substantial renovation. For more than four decades, Pettingell Professionals has helped buyers navigate Longboat Key's luxury condominium market. We understand the distinctions among The Water Club's towers, plans, views, terraces, renovations, and ownership procedures.

Selling in The Water Club

Tell your residence's story.

Today's luxury buyers begin their search long before they schedule a showing. They compare towers, study floor plans, evaluate views, and look for reliable information about amenities, services, parking, pets, leasing, 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 Water Club 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. A Water Club residence should not be presented as simply another Gulf-front condominium. Its tower, floor level, original plan, Gulf or bay exposure, terrace configuration, private elevator access, renovation history, parking, and storage 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 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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The Water Club

The Water Club

Resort staffing, residential privacy.

Two towers, one shared center.

1241 Gulf of Mexico Drive

1281 Gulf of Mexico Drive

From one-bedroom homes to 5,000-square-foot penthouses.

1241 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

1261 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

1281 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

Tower & Clubhouse Concierge

Residents enjoy:

Concierge & Ownership Services

What to know before you buy.

Everything buyers ask us first.

Find your residence.

Tell your residence's story.

The Pettingell Community Guides

Exceptional real estate decisions begin with exceptional information.

Property Listings

Leave a Message

Thank you for your message. We will be in touch with you shortly.

The Water Club

Resort staffing, residential privacy.

Two towers, one shared center.

1241 Gulf of Mexico Drive

1281 Gulf of Mexico Drive

From one-bedroom homes to 5,000-square-foot penthouses.

1241 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

1261 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

1281 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

Tower & Clubhouse Concierge

Residents enjoy:

Concierge & Ownership Services

What to know before you buy.

Everything buyers ask us first.

Find your residence.

Tell your residence's story.

The Pettingell Community Guides

Exceptional real estate decisions begin with exceptional information.

Property Listings

Newsletter

Work With Us

Get in Touch

Get in Touch

Get in Touch