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For sale
  • $2,999,000

    1581 San Carlos Bay Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957

    4beds
    3,976sqft
    : 
    $19,716/mo
    Get pre-qualified
    Single Family Residence
    Built in 1988
    0.32 Acres Lot
    $-- Zestimate®
    $754/sqft
    $6/mo HOA

    What's special

    Luxury Coastal Living Redefined – A Waterfront Sanctuary on Sanibel Island Where the wide bay meets the deep canal, this extraordinary residence delivers a lifestyle that feels more like living aboard a private yacht than a traditional home. Surrounded by water on both the front and back, with sweeping views of the bay to one side and one of Sanibel’s widest, deepest sailboat-access canals to the other, this home offers an unrivaled island experience. A lush expanse of protected mangrove tidal marshland wraps the property, ensuring privacy and a true sense of coastal seclusion. A Boater’s Dream. A Designer’s Vision. Positioned on a direct-access canal with no bridges—ideal for sailboats and large vessels—this property sits in one of the most coveted locations for serious boaters. Designed with a reverse floor plan to elevate your views where they matter most, every space feels intentional and luxurious. High above it all, 2-story ceilings with clerestory windows flood the interiors with light, while wraparound lanais and expansive outdoor decks on every level invite you to watch dolphins cruise the canal or pelicans dive into the bay. Ultimate Entertaining Meets Yacht-Inspired Sophistication. The kitchen is a showpiece—crafted for entertaining and inspired by luxury marine design. Custom teak-front cabinetry, created by a designer for Tiara Yachts, sets the tone. SubZero refrigeration, freezer, and wine towers, dual Miele wall ovens and warming drawer, wet bar with wine fridge and standalone ice maker mean you’re fully equipped for any gathering, from sunset cocktails to seafood feasts. In the main living area, a sleek gas fireplace adds ambiance, featuring a motorized enclosure to discreetly hide the TV when not in use. Smart home features include a Lutron lighting system and Hunter Douglas automated window treatments throughout. A Primary Suite Like No Other The owner’s suite is a masterstroke of design, channeling the elegance of a multimillion-dollar yacht. An oversized double vanity is constructed using flawless granite slabs that also form the raised platform beneath the two-person Jacuzzi tub. A walk-through dressing area with bespoke teak cabinetry by the same Tiara yacht designer, balances form and function with nautical precision. Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living On the east side of the home, a semi-covered pool provides the perfect spot to unwind after a day on the water—whether basking in the sun or relaxing in the shade. And with a 47 kW whole-home generator powered by a buried 1,000-gallon propane tank, peace of mind comes built in. This is not just a home—it’s a coastal escape engineered for those who demand excellence, adventure, and tranquility in equal measure. Sanibel waterfront living at its peak. Welcome aboard. Seller is open to considering offers that involve owner financing for well qualified buyers.
    461 days
    |
    588
    |
    18
    |

    Zillow last checked:

    Listing updated:

    Listed by:

    Jeff Burns 239-464-2984,

    Premier Sotheby's Int'l Realty,

    Tiffany Burns 239-464-2984,

    Premier Sotheby's Int'l Realty

    Source: Sanibel And Captiva Island AOR,MLS#: 2250653MLS Logo

      Facts & features

      Interior

      Bedrooms & bathrooms
      • Bedrooms: 4
      • Bathrooms: 4
      • Full bathrooms: 3
      • 1/2 bathrooms: 1
      Rooms
      • Room types: DR/LR Combo, Kitchen, Laundry, Workshop, See Remarks
      Primary bedroom
      • Features: Balcony, Walk-In Closet(s)
      Primary bathroom
      • Features: Dbl Sinks, Sep. Shower, Sep. Tub
      Heating
      • Central
      Cooling
      • Ceiling Fan(s), Central Air, Zoned 3+ Cooling
      Appliances
      • Included: Cooktop, Dishwasher, Disposal, Double Oven, Freezer, Microwave, Refrigerator, Ice Maker, Wine Cooler, See Remarks
      • Laundry: Laundry Room, Sink
      Features
      • Bar, Breakfast Bar, Elevator Private, Pantry, Storage, Cathedral Ceiling(s), Elevator
      • Flooring: Tile, Tavertine, Wood
      • Doors: Sliding Doors, Impact Resistant Doors, Storm Protection Partial
      • Windows: Casement, Impact Resistant Windows, Skylight(s), Storm Protection Partial, Window Cov-Some
      • Has fireplace: No
      • Fireplace features: Gas
      Interior area
      • Total structure area: 4,755
      • Total interior livable area: 3,976 sqft
      Video & virtual tour

      Property

      Parking
      • Total spaces: 2
      • Parking features: Double Garage, Under Bldg
      • Garage spaces: 2
      Accessibility
      • Accessibility features: Accessible Elevator Installed
      Features
      • Patio & porch: Open Porch, Screened
      • Exterior features: Dock, Balcony
      • Has private pool: Yes
      • Pool features: In Ground, Caged, Electric Heat, Equipment Stays, Private
      • Has view: Yes
      • View description: Bay, Canal, Lawn/Garden, Sanctuary, See Remarks
      • Has water view: Yes
      • Water view: Bay,Canal
      • Waterfront features: Canal Salt, Navigable Water, No Bridge, Gulf Access, Canal, Bayfront
      Lot
      • Size: 0.32 Acres
      • Features: Irregular Lot
      Details
      • Parcel number: 184623T40060A0310
      • Other equipment: Generator

      Construction

      Type & style
      • Home type: SingleFamily
      • Architectural style: Contemporary
      • Property subtype: Single Family Residence
      Materials
      • Const. Complete, Frame, Hard-l-Board, Stucco
      • Foundation: Raised, Piling Wood
      • Roof: Metal
      Condition
      • Year built: 1988

      Utilities & green energy

      • Sewer: Public Sewer
      • Water: Public

      Community & HOA

      Community
      • Subdivision: Sanibel Isles
      HOA
      • Has HOA: Yes
      • HOA fee: $75 annually
      • HOA phone: 440-759-3805
      Location
      • Region: Sanibel

      Financial & listing details

      • Price per square foot: $754/sqft
      • Tax assessed value: $545,694
      • Annual tax amount: $34,909
      • Date on market: 5/20/2025
      • Cumulative days on market: 462 days
      • Listing terms: BTF/Cash
      • Lease term: Month To Month
      • Road surface type: Paved

        Estimated market value

        Not available

        Estimated sales range

        Not available

        $7,683/mo

        Price history

        DateEventPrice
        4/30/2026Price change$2,999,000-9.1%$754/sqft
        Source: Sanibel And Captiva Island AOR #2250653 Report a problem
        3/3/2026Price change$3,299,000-17.4%$830/sqft
        Source: Sanibel And Captiva Island AOR #2250653 Report a problem
        5/20/2025Listed for sale$3,995,000-3.7%$1,005/sqft
        Source: Sanibel And Captiva Island AOR #2250653 Report a problem
        7/3/2024Listing removed--
        Source: Sanibel And Captiva Island AOR #2240138 Report a problem
        2/6/2024Listed for sale$4,150,000+108%$1,044/sqft
        Source: Sanibel And Captiva Island AOR #2240138 Report a problem
        1/13/2015Listing removed$1,995,000$502/sqft
        Source: VIP Realty Group,Inc #214042671 Report a problem
        8/4/2014Listed for sale$1,995,000+53.5%$502/sqft
        Source: VIP Realty Group,Inc #214042671 Report a problem
        8/5/1999Sold$1,300,000$327/sqft
        Source: Public Record Report a problem

        Public tax history

        YearProperty taxesTax assessment
        2025$8,350 -51%$545,694 -78.4%
        2024$17,033 +15%$2,525,395 +143.7%
        2023$14,815 +7.1%$1,036,319 +3%
        2022$13,834 -4.5%$1,006,135 +3%
        2021$14,488 +0.3%$976,830 +1.4%
        2020$14,444 -2.6%$963,343 -2.1%
        2019$14,825 $983,509 -17.3%
        2018$14,825 -20.6%$1,188,676 +9.8%
        2017$18,671 +10.2%$1,082,486 -11.8%
        2016$16,941 +0.4%$1,226,794 -6.5%
        2015$16,881 -1.8%$1,312,651 +3.1%
        2014$17,196 -0.2%$1,273,262 +23.7%
        2013$17,233 -34.1%$1,029,059 -42.9%
        2012$26,142 +1.5%$1,801,895 +4.5%
        2011$25,759 -0.9%$1,724,853 -0.1%
        2010$26,004 +7.4%$1,727,086 -1.2%
        2009$24,212 +7.3%$1,748,010 -9.5%
        2007$22,562 +167.2%$1,930,660 +178.1%
        2006$8,444 -65.5%$694,210 -46.8%
        2004$24,491 +9.8%$1,305,330 +12.4%
        2003$22,310 +14.2%$1,160,890 +13.2%
        2002$19,543 $1,025,300 +5.5%
        2000-- $971,870
        Find assessor info on the county website

        Monthly payment

        Est. payment

        Payment breakdown

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        All calculations are estimates and provided by Zillow, Inc. for informational purposes only. Actual amounts may vary.
        HOA fees may include property taxes on listings classified as Co-Ops. Contact the listing agent and/or owner for fee details.
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        Climate risks

        Neighborhood: 33957

        Getting around

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        Car-Dependent
        52 / 100
        Bikeable

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