One tends to think of the homes on Anna Maria Island as being older, smaller, and quaint. Well, not so with this almost-mansion-sized beach home right on the Gulf. It was built in 1992, and at almost 3,500 square feet, it’s got plenty of room for a large family looking for the perfect vacation home.

The main living level has a spectacular living room that's two stories high, which opens onto a large deck overlooking the beach and the Gulf. There’s an open kitchen, a dining area, and three bathrooms. The master bedroom is on the top floor—there’s an elevator—and it has its own sitting room, spa bath, plus a bonus room and another bath.

The two car garage is on the lower level, along with storage. Construction is excellent, with high impact windows, extra sound-proofing, and a metal roof.

It’s located toward the northern tip of the island. It’s an easy walk into town, which suits the island atmosphere. Anna Maria is the kind of laid-back town where a stroll into town for an ice cream cone is the day’s major activity. But most of the time will be spent on the beach—or just looking at it from your deck. The powdery white sand is an easy rival to Siesta Key’s, but with an extra dash of privacy and cachet.

785 N. Shore Dr. Anna Maria. Priced at $2,399,999. For more information call Terry Hayes of Premier Sotheby’s at 941-302-3100.