Hawk's Harbor

Secluded But Worth Finding if You Want a Bradenton Luxury Waterfront Home

In Bradenton Florida, you will be able to easily find Bay Drive (69th Ave West) off Tamiami Trail (US Rte 41) and then turn west.  Shortly thereafter, you'll see, but only if you're looking for it, a small road, Tiara Drive heading southward.  Tiara Drive, lined with majestic royal palms, will lead you into the gated enclave which is Hawk's Harbor an enclave of just 2 streets, Hawks Harbor Circle, and Bowlees Cove.  You have arrived in one of the most secluded communities of elegant Bradenton waterfront homes.

Behind the gates, you find just 53 luxury waterfront homes.  Hawk's Harbor was the brainchild of Mike Holderness, then president of Sara Bay Real Estate who still lives right in the area.  When he noticed it in the late 1990s, the 30-acre property was known as the Icard Estate, and it included only two homes.  In the early 2000's, Holderness helped lay out the 54 lots including those surrounding a man-made lake.  Thirty nine of the current set of luxury homes are directly on Sarasota Bay, on Bowlees Creek or Crystal Canal while the remaining fourteen homes back up to the man-made lake.  The only vacant land in Hawk's Harbor is a 2-acre lot directly on Sarasota Bay on a private island connected to the mainland by a single, narrow bridge.

The homes in Hawk's Harbor, all fairly large and beautifully landscaped estate-sized homes, are an appealing mix of architectural styles from Key West to Martha's Vineyard to Mediterranean styles.  Every home has either a private dock or a reserved slip at the community pier.

Well-known Realtor, Judie Berger who specializes in Sarasota luxury homes said," Hawk's Harbor is a refreshing alternative to cookie-cutter communities where about every second or third home looks the same."  "But," she said, "the delightful uniqueness and privacy of a neighborhood like Hawk's Harbor does not come free."  Homes in Hawk's Harbor sell for between $800,000 and about $3.0 million depending on the size, location and amenities of the home and the property surrounding it.

Hawk’s Harbor is popular with professionals, boating enthusiasts and retirees who were looking for a private, secluded "island lifestyle."  "Here, people get to know each other and everyone gets along. They walk their dogs, talk about their latest boating or fishing outing and "the big one that got away" and look out for each other's homes when someone is away," says Ms Berger, "It's like being part of a close-knit family."

Residents like the location of the neighborhood about half way between downtown Sarasota and downtown Bradenton. & Hawk's’s Harbor is only minutes away from the renowned SaraBay and El Conquistador golf courses, tennis courts and country clubs.  The University of South Florida, State College of Florida and New College are nearby as is the Sarasota - Bradenton International Airport, the Ringling Museums, Asolo Theater and the Sarasota Ballet.  The less crowded beaches of Anna Maria Island are similarly a short drive away.

If boating, sailing and fishing 12 months a year while living in an Sarasota luxury home in a very private and secluded waterfront community appeals to you, you should be introduced to Hawk's Harbor just over the line from Sarasota into Bradenton before you make a decision on where to buy.

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