One of Sarasota’s most significant luxury home sales of the year has officially closed.
A striking waterfront estate in the coveted Harbor Acres neighborhood has sold for $17 million, making it the highest-priced residential sale on Sarasota’s mainland so far in 2026, as well as the biggest home sale recorded in Harbor Acres this year, according to Stellar MLS data.
Located at 1204 Hillview Drive, the bayfront property originally listed for $18.9 million before closing on July 2 for $17 million.
The furnishings were sold separately as part of an additional transaction. Contrary to many ultra-luxury deals in Florida over the past few years, this was not an all-cash purchase.
The sale underscores the continued strength of Sarasota’s upper-end market, where waterfront inventory remains exceptionally limited and buyers continue competing for homes that combine generous frontage, private boating facilities, and modern design in established neighborhoods.
Designed by renowned architect Cliff Scholz, the approximately 7,687-square-foot residence occupies a half-acre site with an impressive 171 feet of direct Sarasota Bay frontage.
Positioned to take full advantage of its west-facing setting, the home was designed around panoramic sunset views, with nearly every major living space oriented toward the water.
The two-story residence includes six bedrooms, seven full bathrooms, and two half baths, along with an oversized three-car garage.
Outside, a 55-foot heated swimming pool stretches toward the bay, while a remarkable 76-foot elevated terrace creates an expansive outdoor entertaining space complete with a summer kitchen overlooking the waterfront.
For boating enthusiasts, the property also includes private dockage, offering direct access to Sarasota Bay just steps from the home.
The property was represented by Stephanie Church of Coldwell Banker Realty, while Roberta Tengerdy of the Tengerdy Team at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty represented the buyer.
“We were absolutely delighted and impressed by the service, attention to every detail, and proactive and informed recommendations Stephanie Church brought to our listing,” the seller said following the sale.
“Coupled with the strong support of her brokerage, we believe we had the best possible advocacy and marketing for our property.”
While South Florida’s nine-figure transactions often dominate national headlines, Sarasota continues to quietly strengthen its position as one of Florida’s premier luxury housing markets.
Harbor Acres, in particular, has become one of the city’s most sought-after waterfront enclaves, prized for its oversized lots, deep-water access, and proximity to downtown Sarasota’s restaurants, arts venues, and marinas.
This latest sale only reinforces that trend, establishing a new benchmark for Sarasota’s mainland market in 2026 and highlighting the enduring appeal of trophy waterfront estates along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
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