Gulf Shores is an established beachfront condominium community at 255 The Esplanade North on Venice Island in Venice, Florida. Built around 1973, the 10-story building contains 68 residences, each with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an enclosed lanai overlooking the landscaped grounds, swimming pool, Venice Beach, and Gulf of Mexico. Residents enjoy direct Gulf-front surroundings, a community swimming pool, clubroom, elevators, and covered parking. Located just north of the main Venice Beach public access area, Gulf Shores combines beachfront living with convenient access to historic downtown Venice. Buyers should carefully review current condominium fees, insurance, building inspections, reserves, and association restrictions before purchasing.

For many buyers, the appeal of Venice Island begins with its relationship to the Gulf of Mexico. The island offers public beaches, coastal recreation, historic downtown streets, restaurants, shopping, and a collection of established residential communities.

Among its beachfront condominium properties, Gulf Shores stands out for its direct coastal setting, consistent two-bedroom floor plans, enclosed Gulf-facing lanais, and longstanding residential character.

Unlike an inland condominium that requires a drive or walk to the shoreline, Gulf Shores occupies property directly beside the beach. Its orientation gives residents a close connection to the water, landscaped grounds, and changing coastal scenery throughout the year.

This guide examines the community's location, residences, amenities, lifestyle, ownership costs, and important considerations for buyers researching Venice Island real estate with Hunt Brothers Realty.

Quick Answers About Gulf Shores in Venice, Florida

Where Is Gulf Shores Located?

Gulf Shores Condominium is located at 255 The Esplanade North, Venice, FL 34285. The building sits directly on the Gulf of Mexico on Venice Island, immediately north of the main Venice Beach public access area.

Is Gulf Shores Directly on the Beach?

Yes. Gulf Shores is a Gulf-front condominium property with direct beachfront surroundings. Residents have convenient access to the shoreline without needing to cross The Esplanade to reach the Gulf.

How Many Condos Are at Gulf Shores?

The official Gulf Shores Condominium Association identifies 68 residences in the building.

When Was Gulf Shores Built?

Gulf Shores was constructed around 1973, according to the association's published engineering inspection report. Buyers should review the building's current maintenance and inspection history rather than relying on construction year alone.

What Types of Condos Are Available?

The condominium association describes all 68 residences as having two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and enclosed lanais. Published property records show examples of approximately 1,266 to 1,340 square feet, although official living area and individual layouts should be verified.

Does Gulf Shores Have a Swimming Pool?

Yes. Gulf Shores has a community swimming pool overlooking landscaped grounds near the Gulf shoreline. The building also has a clubroom, elevators, covered parking, and shared laundry facilities.

What Are Gulf Shores Condominium Fees?

A recent listing for Unit 701 reported condominium assessments of $3,100 per quarter, equivalent to approximately $1,033 per month. This is a listing-specific example, not a confirmed current fee for every residence. Buyers should obtain the latest assessment schedule and special assessment information from the association.

Is Gulf Shores Near Downtown Venice?

Yes. Gulf Shores is near West Venice Avenue, which connects Venice Beach with the historic downtown district. Restaurants, boutiques, parks, and cultural destinations are accessible through the island's street network.

Where Is Gulf Shores on Venice Island?

Gulf Shores occupies a prominent beachfront location along The Esplanade North, one of Venice Island's best-known coastal residential corridors.

Gulf Shores Condominium
255 The Esplanade North
Venice, FL 34285

The building is situated just north of the main Venice Beach public access area, where West Venice Avenue meets The Esplanade.

Its western exposure faces the Gulf of Mexico, while the eastern side connects to The Esplanade and the surrounding island neighborhood.

A Direct Gulf-Front Address

The most important distinction between Gulf Shores and many other Venice Island condominiums is its direct beachfront location.

Some nearby buildings face the beach from across The Esplanade. Gulf Shores, by comparison, occupies a parcel adjoining the shoreline itself.

This location allows residents to experience the changing colors of the Gulf, coastal weather, and sunset views from within the community.

Near Venice Beach and West Venice Avenue

The main Venice Beach access area is immediately south of Gulf Shores. West Venice Avenue provides a direct connection east toward the historic downtown district.

Residents can enjoy beachfront surroundings while remaining near restaurants, shopping, public parks, and other local destinations.

What Makes Gulf Shores Different From Other Venice Beach Condos?

Gulf Shores combines direct Gulf frontage with a relatively consistent residential layout and an established condominium community.

A 10-Story Beachfront Building

The association's engineering records identify Gulf Shores as a 10-story condominium building constructed around 1973.

Its height allows upper-floor residences to overlook the shoreline from an elevated perspective. Buyers should evaluate the actual view, floor level, and accessibility characteristics of the residence they are considering.

Only 68 Residences

Gulf Shores contains 68 condominium residences, according to the official association website.

This gives the property a more defined residential scale than large developments containing several hundred units.

Two-Bedroom, Two-Bathroom Floor Plans

The association identifies two bedrooms and two bathrooms in every Gulf Shores residence.

This consistent general configuration distinguishes Gulf Shores from condominium buildings offering a wide mixture of studio, one-bedroom, and larger multibedroom layouts.

Enclosed Lanais Facing the Gulf

The official association website highlights enclosed lanais overlooking the pool, gardens, beach, and Gulf of Mexico.

These spaces are an important part of the property's residential design. Buyers should verify the condition, permitted enclosure configuration, window systems, and maintenance responsibilities of each lanai.

Gulf Shores Condo Floor Plans and Interiors

Gulf Shores residences generally feature two-bedroom, two-bathroom layouts with enclosed outdoor living areas facing the Gulf.

Typical Interior Square Footage

Published property records identify residences with approximately 1,266 to 1,340 square feet of living area, although reported measurements may differ according to how enclosed spaces are classified.

For example, property information for Unit 1002 identifies a two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence with approximately 1,340 square feet.

Buyers should verify the official square footage through property records, condominium documents, and appropriate measurement information rather than assuming all units have identical dimensions.

Living and Dining Areas

The building's established floor plans generally connect living and dining spaces with the Gulf-facing side of the residence.

Individual layouts and renovations vary, so buyers should evaluate circulation, natural light, storage, and how the living areas connect with the enclosed lanai.

Updated Kitchens and Bathrooms

Because Gulf Shores dates to the early 1970s, individual units may have undergone renovations at different times.

Buyers may encounter updated cabinetry, countertops, appliances, flooring, and bathroom fixtures in some residences, while others may retain older finishes.

Interior finishes should be evaluated separately from the condition of concealed plumbing, electrical systems, windows, and structural components.

Gulf Views, Beach Access, and Coastal Living

Direct access to the Gulf of Mexico is central to the Gulf Shores lifestyle.

Views From the Enclosed Lanais

According to the Gulf Shores Condominium Association, each residence has an enclosed lanai oriented toward the pool, landscaped grounds, Venice Beach, and Gulf of Mexico.

The precise view can differ by floor, position, and surrounding conditions. Buyers should inspect the actual view from the specific residence rather than relying only on photographs or general building descriptions.

Enjoying Venice Beach

Venice Beach offers opportunities for shoreline walks, swimming when conditions are appropriate, beachcombing, and watching sunsets over the Gulf.

Gulf Shores residents benefit from being directly beside the shoreline rather than traveling from an inland neighborhood to a separate beach access point.

Understanding Beach Access Rights

Direct beachfront location does not automatically establish private ownership of every part of the adjacent beach.

Questions involving recorded property boundaries, beach access easements, public rights, and shoreline ownership should be reviewed with a qualified title professional, surveyor, or Florida real estate attorney when relevant.

Coastal Wildlife and Natural Conditions

The Gulf shoreline is part of a changing coastal environment that supports shorebirds, sea turtles, and other wildlife.

Residents should follow applicable beach regulations, wildlife protections, and seasonal lighting requirements. The City of Venice provides information about local coastal rules and public beach conditions.

What Amenities Does Gulf Shores Offer?

The Gulf Shores Condominium Association and its published engineering report identify several shared amenities and building features.

Community Swimming Pool

Gulf Shores has a community swimming pool positioned within the beachfront grounds.

Residents can enjoy the pool and surrounding landscaped areas without maintaining a private swimming pool. Current heating arrangements, operating hours, and access rules should be confirmed with the association.

Clubroom and Social Space

The association's published house rules describe a ground-floor clubroom with seating, games, a television, library materials, tables, and a kitchen area.

Residents may use the space subject to current association rules and scheduling requirements. Buyers should confirm its present condition and availability.

Two Elevators

Gulf Shores has two elevators serving the building, according to its published house rules.

Elevator condition, service history, replacement planning, and accessibility are relevant considerations for buyers evaluating a multistory condominium.

Covered and Assigned Parking

Published association rules describe one assigned parking space per residence, with covered parking available as part of the building's configuration.

Vehicle size limits and guest parking restrictions are addressed in the association documents. Buyers should confirm the exact space assigned to the unit they are considering.

Shared Laundry Facilities and Storage

The association's published house rules identify laundry rooms serving the residential floors, along with storage arrangements and shared building facilities.

Buyers should verify current laundry equipment, storage assignments, access procedures, and whether a particular unit has any separately permitted laundry improvements.

Gulf Shores Condominium Fees and Ownership Costs

Condominium assessments are an important part of owning a Gulf-front residence, particularly in an established multistory building.

What Are the Current Gulf Shores Condo Fees?

A recent listing for Gulf Shores Unit 701 reported quarterly condominium assessments of $3,100, equivalent to approximately $1,033 per month when averaged over the year.

This is a published listing example. It should not be treated as a verified current fee for every Gulf Shores residence.

Assessments may change with adopted budgets, insurance costs, reserve contributions, maintenance projects, and other association obligations.

What Services May Be Included?

The Unit 701 listing reported association services including building insurance, structural maintenance, grounds maintenance, pool expenses, management, reserves, cable television, internet, sewer, and trash services.

Actual coverage should be confirmed through the current association budget, insurance documents, and governing records. Buyers should not assume that condominium assessments cover every interior repair, insurance exposure, or utility expense.

Why Are Reserve Funds Important?

Reserve funds help an association plan for major repairs and replacement of qualifying common building components.

For a Gulf-front high-rise, significant expenses may involve elevators, roofing, exterior concrete, balconies, waterproofing, windows, mechanical systems, and other shared infrastructure.

Buyers should request the current reserve study, financial statements, adopted budget, and details of any approved or anticipated special assessments.

Building Inspections and Structural Considerations

Gulf Shores is an established 10-story beachfront condominium dating to approximately 1973. Its construction age and coastal exposure make building maintenance and inspection records particularly important.

What Did the Published Milestone Inspection Find?

The December 2022 Gulf Shores milestone inspection report, prepared by Karins Engineering Group, documented a review of accessible structural and building-envelope components.

The report stated that the engineers did not observe conditions compromising the building's intended safe occupancy within the scope of their evaluation and that the inspection satisfied the applicable Phase 1 milestone inspection requirements at that time.

That finding describes conditions evaluated during the 2021 and 2022 inspection process. It does not establish the building's condition today, guarantee future performance, or replace a review of subsequent inspections and repairs.

What Should Buyers Review Now?

Buyers should request the latest milestone inspection information, structural integrity reserve study, repair documentation, engineering correspondence, association meeting minutes, and current reserve funding information.

Any significant concerns should be reviewed with an appropriately qualified structural engineer, inspector, contractor, or other professional before a purchasing decision is made.

Florida Condominium Inspection Requirements

Florida has statutory requirements affecting qualifying condominium buildings, including milestone inspections and structural integrity reserve studies.

Requirements depend on applicable law and building characteristics. Buyers should confirm Gulf Shores' current compliance status with the association, qualified professionals, and appropriate government authorities.

Official information is available through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Insurance, Flood Risk, and Coastal Exposure

Direct Gulf-front ownership brings distinctive coastal considerations, including wind exposure, storm surge, salt air, flood risk, and insurance costs.

Flood Zone Verification

A recent Unit 701 listing reported Flood Zone AO. Buyers should verify the current official flood designation for the property rather than relying exclusively on a listing field.

The FEMA Flood Map Service Center provides official flood hazard mapping resources.

Master Insurance and Unit-Owner Coverage

Condominium insurance typically involves coverage maintained by the association and separate coverage that individual owners may need for their units, personal property, liability, and other exposures.

The division of coverage depends on applicable law, governing documents, and policy terms. Buyers should obtain the current master policy summary and property-specific insurance quotes.

Wind, Salt Air, and Maintenance

Coastal buildings can experience deterioration associated with moisture, salt exposure, wind, and severe weather.

Buyers should review the building's actual maintenance records and consult qualified professionals regarding significant structural or building-envelope concerns.

Insurance availability, premiums, deductibles, and coverage can vary substantially by property. Buyers should review property-specific insurance options with a qualified insurance professional before making a purchasing decision.

Gulf Shores Pet, Rental, and Parking Rules

The Gulf Shores Condominium Association maintains governing documents and house rules addressing property use, parking, occupancy, pets, and rentals.

Are Pets Allowed at Gulf Shores?

The association's published condominium declaration contains a restrictive pet provision. Buyers should obtain the current declaration, amendments, and rules to confirm the policy now in effect and any applicable legal accommodations.

Can Gulf Shores Condos Be Rented?

A recent Unit 701 listing reported a minimum lease period of three months. The association's published house rules also address rental and lease procedures.

Buyers should confirm the current minimum rental term, annual rental frequency limits, application procedures, approval requirements, and fees before relying on rental eligibility.

What Parking Rules Apply?

The association's published house rules describe one assigned parking space per residence, guest parking restrictions, and limits affecting certain vehicle dimensions.

Buyers should verify the parking assignment and applicable rules for the specific unit.

Where Can Buyers Find Official Documents?

The Gulf Shores Condominium Association's governing documents page provides access to published association materials.

Before purchasing, buyers should request the complete current document package directly from the association or its authorized management company, including amendments not reflected in older publicly posted materials.

What Is Near Gulf Shores on Venice Island?

Venice Beach

Venice Beach is immediately south of Gulf Shores and provides a well-known public beach access point at the western end of Venice Avenue.

The beach is popular for coastal recreation, Gulf views, shoreline walks, and sunsets. Public facilities and access conditions may change because of weather, maintenance, or other circumstances.

Historic Downtown Venice

Historic downtown Venice is centered along Venice Avenue and nearby streets east of the beach.

The district includes restaurants, boutiques, cafés, galleries, and public gathering spaces. Gulf Shores residents can reach downtown using Venice Avenue and the surrounding street network.

Centennial Park

Centennial Park is a central public space in downtown Venice, near restaurants, shopping, and community activities.

Current event schedules and municipal information are available through the City of Venice.

South Jetty and Venice Inlet

The South Jetty area lies farther north on Venice Island, near the entrance connecting the Intracoastal Waterway with the Gulf of Mexico.

It is a popular destination for watching boats, enjoying waterfront scenery, and exploring the northern portion of the island.

Venice Theatre and Local Arts

Venice Island has an established arts and cultural community.

Venice Theatre is among the city's longstanding cultural institutions. Residents can consult its current schedule for performances and events.

How Does Gulf Shores Compare With Other Venice Island Condos?

Venice Island offers a variety of condominium communities, including direct beachfront buildings, Gulf-facing properties across The Esplanade, and inland residences near downtown.

Buyers should compare these communities based on building condition, unit layout, beach access, views, association assessments, insurance, reserves, parking, and ownership restrictions.

For additional options, explore Golden Beach condominium residences and Venice Villas, two other established Venice Island communities with beachfront settings.

What Should Buyers Review Before Purchasing at Gulf Shores?

1. Current Condominium Assessments

Obtain the current fee schedule for the specific unit, along with information about approved, pending, or anticipated special assessments.

2. Association Financial Condition

Review the current budget, financial statements, reserve funding, association debt, and meeting minutes. These records can help buyers understand how the association plans for operating expenses and major repairs.

3. Building Inspection and Repair Records

Request the latest milestone inspection report, reserve study, engineering correspondence, and documentation of completed or planned repairs. Significant findings should be evaluated by qualified professionals.

4. Unit Condition and Renovation History

Evaluate the individual residence's HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, appliances, windows, doors, and lanai enclosure. Verify permits and association approvals for significant modifications.

5. Insurance and Flood Exposure

Review the association's insurance arrangements, obtain property-specific unit-owner coverage quotes, and confirm the current flood designation. Discuss coverage and deductibles with a qualified insurance professional.

6. Rental and Pet Restrictions

Request the current governing documents and written association confirmation of rental minimums, lease approval procedures, pet restrictions, and any other use limitations relevant to the buyer.

7. Parking, Storage, and Accessibility

Confirm the assigned parking space, storage rights, elevator access, and any relevant accessibility features. Buyers with specific mobility needs should evaluate the actual unit and common areas.

8. Total Cost of Ownership

Consider the purchase price, condominium assessments, property taxes, insurance, financing, interior maintenance, and potential future capital expenses.

Official property and tax information is available through the Sarasota County Property Appraiser and Sarasota County Tax Collector.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gulf Shores Venice

Is Gulf Shores a High-Rise Condominium?

Yes. Gulf Shores is a 10-story condominium building with 68 residences, according to its association and published engineering report.

Do All Gulf Shores Condos Have Two Bedrooms?

Yes. The official association website identifies all 68 residences as having two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Do Gulf Shores Condos Have Gulf Views?

The association describes every residence as having an enclosed lanai overlooking the landscaped grounds, pool, Venice Beach, and Gulf of Mexico. The precise view varies by unit and floor.

Does Gulf Shores Have Covered Parking?

Yes. The association's engineering report identifies covered parking, and its published rules describe assigned parking spaces. Buyers should confirm the parking arrangement for the specific residence.

Is Gulf Shores Close to Venice Beach?

Yes. Gulf Shores is directly on the beachfront immediately north of the main Venice Beach public access area.

Does Gulf Shores Allow Short-Term Rentals?

A recent listing reported a three-month minimum rental period. Buyers should verify the current rental rules, approval requirements, and frequency limits with the association before purchasing for rental use.

Has Gulf Shores Completed a Milestone Inspection?

Yes. The association has published a December 2022 engineering report that identified the inspection as satisfying the applicable Phase 1 milestone inspection requirements at that time. Buyers should request current inspection and repair records.

Is Gulf Shores the Same as the Gulf Shores Neighborhood in Venice?

No. Gulf Shores Condominium at 255 The Esplanade North is a specific 68-unit beachfront building. It should not be confused with the separate Gulf Shores residential neighborhood on Venice Island.

The Bottom Line: Is Gulf Shores Right for You?

Gulf Shores offers an established Gulf-front condominium experience on Venice Island, with direct beachfront surroundings, enclosed Gulf-facing lanais, a community swimming pool, and convenient access to Venice Beach and historic downtown.

Its 68 residences and consistent two-bedroom, two-bathroom layouts give the community a recognizable residential identity.

At the same time, owning in an established Gulf-front high-rise involves important responsibilities. Association assessments, reserves, building maintenance, insurance, inspections, and ownership restrictions should all be considered alongside the property's location and views.

For buyers seeking direct access to the Gulf of Mexico and a longstanding beachfront community, Gulf Shores is worth comparing with other Venice Island waterfront condominiums.

Explore Gulf Shores Condos With Hunt Brothers Realty

Finding the right beachfront condominium involves more than comparing views and asking prices.

Buyers should also understand association finances, insurance responsibilities, building condition, current assessments, and ownership restrictions.

Hunt Brothers Realty helps buyers and sellers explore beachfront condominiums, waterfront properties, and established residential communities throughout Venice, Sarasota County, and Southwest Florida.

If you are considering Gulf Shores, compare its location and ownership structure with Imperial House of Venice, Venice Sands, and Golden Strand.

Interested in Gulf Shores condos for sale? Contact Hunt Brothers Realty to discuss current availability, recent market activity, and your Venice Island real estate goals.

Important Information: This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Condominium assessments, insurance arrangements, building conditions, amenities, rental restrictions, pet policies, and association rules may change. Buyers should verify current information directly with Gulf Shores Condominium Association, Inc., its authorized management company, and relevant public authorities. The December 2022 engineering report reflects a historical inspection and does not establish current building condition. Inspection findings and structural or construction concerns should be evaluated by qualified inspectors, engineers, contractors, or other appropriate professionals. Insurance availability, coverage, deductibles, and premiums should be reviewed with a qualified insurance professional. Questions involving contracts, title, condominium rights, shoreline boundaries, or other legal matters should be reviewed with a qualified Florida real estate attorney or other appropriate legal professional when individualized guidance is needed. Financing and tax questions should be reviewed with qualified lending and tax professionals. Hunt Brothers Realty provides real estate brokerage services and does not provide professional advice outside that scope.

Sources and Additional Resources

• Gulf Shores Condominium Association, official community website identifying the address, 68 residences, two-bedroom and two-bathroom floor plans, enclosed lanais, and Gulf-facing setting.
• Gulf Shores Milestone Inspection Report, December 2022, engineering documentation of the building's construction period, height, amenities, structural observations, and inspection findings at that time.
• Gulf Shores Condominium Association Governing Documents, publicly available condominium declaration, rules, and related association materials.
• Gulf Shores House Rules and Information, published association guidance concerning parking, elevators, laundry, clubroom, pets, rentals, and other building procedures. Buyers should confirm current revisions.
• Gulf Shores Unit 701 Property Listing, published condominium fee example, unit characteristics, parking, reported flood designation, and association services.
• Gulf Shores Unit 1002 Property Record, example of a two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence with approximately 1,340 square feet.
• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, condominium milestone inspection and structural integrity reserve study information.
• City of Venice, municipal information, public beach access, parks, and coastal regulations.
• Sarasota County Property Appraiser, official property records and assessment information.
• Sarasota County Tax Collector, property tax information.
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center, official flood hazard mapping resources.
• Hunt Brothers Realty: Imperial House of Venice, another established beachfront condominium on The Esplanade North.
• Hunt Brothers Realty: Venice Sands, a comparison with another established Gulf-front high-rise condominium.
• Hunt Brothers Realty: Golden Strand, an established Gulf-facing condominium community near Venice Beach.

Contact Hunt Brothers Realty

Hunt Brothers Realty
46 N. Washington Blvd, Ste 3
Sarasota, FL 34236

Phone: (941) 388-7017

Email: info@huntbrothersrealty.com

Website: www.huntbrothersrealty.com