Lido Shores

Lido Shores

Lido Shores is a well-established community with an endearing collection of mid-century historic houses. It consists of 122 residences laid out on the northwestern tip of Lido Key, fronting the waters of New Pass.

This community was developed in the 1950s and 1960s by Philip Hiss, one the exponents of the famous Sarasota School of Architecture. Many of the homes in this community, needless to say, were built in this modernist architectural style.

Most examples of the historic modern and contemporary architecture in Lido Shores are at its inland stretch of Morningside Drive. This area also hosts small homes with quaint front yards amidst lush tropical foliage. 

Waterfront Gems

The community’s crown jewels of waterfront homes, on the other hand, are located along Westway Drive. This quiet street is the domain not only of large modernist homes. The residences here also include Key West mansions with Victorian architectural influence, and estate villas distinctive in their Spanish-style red barrel-tile roofs. Current listings of these luxury residences are in the $6 million‒$8 million range.

The superior features of these waterfront residences are complemented by the spectacular vistas in their neighborhood. Most of these homes not only have amazing water views; their location also provides the marvelous panorama of the John Ringling Bridge and downtown Sarasota.

Close to Everything

The gorgeous setting of Lido Shores, however, isn’t the only reason why it is a popular choice among buyers of luxury residential properties in Sarasota. Many of the residences in this community have private boat docks. For inland residents and homeowners with a passion for boating, membership is open to everyone at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron located within walking distance east of the community.

Other local points of interest, such as St. Armands Circle and popular restaurants the Dry Dock and The Old Salty Dog, are also an easy walk from Lido Shores. Many local residents on an exercise regimen even venture to Sarasota downtown on foot via the John Ringling Bridge.

Strong Sense of Community

Lido Shores’ residents are comprised of locals and snowbird retirees bound together with a strong sense of community. There is no HOA in this neighborhood but it instead has a voluntary property owners’ association charging a $200 annual fee per member.

The collected funds serve as budget for the community’s privately owned beach with a bocce court. It also features a pavilion inspired by the Sarasota School of Architecture design that has been very much a part of the making of Lido Shores.