Little Bokeelia Island, a Luxurious 104-Acre Private Island near Sarasota, Florida, Hits the Market for US$29.5 million

Sarasota, Florida — Little Bokeelia Island, a private island jewel in a prized location between Sarasota and Naples, offers the ultimate in tropical luxury with a world of possibilities for generations to come. Coveted for its privacy, this 104-acre oasis has long been the embodiment of adventure, magic, and historic significance, surrounded by state- and privately-owned islands that can never be developed.

Settlement of the beguiling Gulf Coast island began with the Calusa Indians, who chose the location for the abundance of fish found just beyond its shores. In 1924, Little Bokeelia Island captured the imagination of well-known inventor of the dry-cell battery today known as Duracell, Charles Burgess, who built a luxurious Spanish-style villa on the property that has since been masterfully restored and expanded by its current owner. During his frequent visits to the island, Burgess’ friend, Thomas Edison, planted a majestic banyan tree that still stands to welcome all who arrive.

Today Little Bokeelia Island continues to enchant visitors with the same unhurried tempo, warm sea breezes, and breathtaking vistas that charmed Burgess and his guests. The original Mizner-style manor house features well-appointed rooms that have been carefully planned to capture both sunsets and sunrises over vivid seascapes. The estate is designed to accommodate guests comfortably with a self-contained three-bedroom guest wing, separated by an open breezeway and accessed by a private entrance. 

A short stroll from the main house is one of the island’s most unique features—an old Florida village, a magical enclave of bungalows. This barefoot island hub features a gathering pavilion, an informal museum containing the works of Charles Burgess, a caretakers’ cottage, a guest retreat, a cascading rock waterfall with a koi pond, and a gracious swimming pool, all surrounding a lushly landscaped terrace ideal for quiet enjoyment or gala parties. A tropical coquina-shelled road encircles the island, leading to a tennis court and connecting to a nature trail, meandering through the island’s protected, flourishing oak hammock. Little Bokeelia Island is fully serviced with electricity from the mainland, a reverse osmosis water plant, and multiple back-up generators. 

“Little Bokeelia Island offers unrivalled amenities, breathtaking landscapes, and a magical tranquility that captivates all that have been fortunate enough to visit,” says Rick Moeser, Senior Vice President of Christie’s International Real Estate. 

“We are thrilled to represent such a rare property rich with history and brimming with potential for exciting future endeavors,” says Michael Saunders, Founder and CEO of Michael Saunders & Company. “The pure magic and romance of Little Bokeelia Island are further enhanced by its unlimited opportunities for private enjoyment, the creation of a world-class sport fishing retreat, the development of an elegant, exclusive resort, or the construction of additional villas for family or friends—anything its new owner can envision.”

Sublimely situated in Pine Island Sound, where several estuaries converge and create exceptional boating and fishing, Little Bokeelia Island enjoys easy access from a private dock to a variety of islands rich with old Florida charm, including Useppa Island, Cabbage Key, North Captiva Island, and Cayo Costa—one of the most pristine barrier islands in Florida. Nearby Boca Grande attracts professional anglers from around the world to participate in the World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament every year. A world away, the conveniences of urban life are still within easy reach—major shopping venues and world-class dining offerings are in proximity just off Pine Island in Charlotte Harbor and the island is just one hour from the Ft. Myers International Airport and one and a half hours from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

With approximately three and a half miles of shoreline, 29 large waterfront lots have been granted a development order in perpetuity, allowing the opportunity for future development subject only to the creative expression of its new owner. 

Represented for sale by Michael Saunders & Company, with international marketing services by Christie’s International Real Estate, Little Bokeelia Island is offered at US$29.5 million.