Twelve Beachfront Residences on Gulf Shore Drive

Sand Castle is a five-story beachfront building of just twelve residences at 9517 Gulf Shore Drive, sitting first position on the sand with direct west views over the Gulf. At two and three bedrooms across 1,750 to 2,230 square feet, the floor plans are generous by Vanderbilt Beach standards, and with a dozen owners the building runs quietly.

Sand Castle at a Glance

Address 9517 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples, FL 34108
Year Built 1979
Residences 12 residences across 5 floors
Floor Plans ‘01 tier: 3 bedrooms, approx. 2,230 sq. ft., south exposure
‘02 tier: 2 bedrooms plus den, approx. 1,750 sq. ft., north exposure
Waterfront Direct Gulf frontage with beach access from the building
Boating Deeded docks across Gulf Shore Drive on Vanderbilt Lagoon
Amenities Pool, picnic area with grills, extra storage, direct beach access
Parking Garage parking beneath the building
Pet Policy Not permitted
Leasing 30-day minimum, four leases per year

 

Sand Castle - Active Listings

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Request a Curated Selection of Sand Castle Residences

With twelve residences in the building, what comes to market in a given year can be counted on one hand. Tell us which exposure and floor plan you want and we will watch for it, including the residences that trade before they are ever advertised. Call (239) 438-1102.

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Residences and Exposures

Sand Castle offers two floor plans, and the choice between them is really a choice of light. The ‘01 residences run roughly 2,230 square feet with three bedrooms and a south-facing orientation, the plan owners tend to hold longest. The ‘02 residences are approximately 1,750 square feet with two bedrooms and a den, facing north up the beach. Both sit directly on the sand with unobstructed Gulf views to the west and a lanai built for watching the light change across the water.

The building has been maintained rather than left to age. A 2021 program repainted the exterior and updated the lobby and elevators, work that matters more on a 1979 structure than any cosmetic upgrade inside a unit. Garage parking sits beneath the building, and storage is available beyond the residences themselves — a practical detail on a beach where owners accumulate paddleboards and bicycles. Floor plans are available on request.

The Beach, the Boat and What Is Nearby

Sand Castle owners get the combination that defines this stretch of Gulf Shore Drive: the Gulf out the front door and Vanderbilt Lagoon behind. Deeded docks sit across the street on the lagoon, so a boat can be kept steps from the residence rather than at a marina across town, with the run north to Wiggins Pass and open water. Confirm dock availability and bridge clearance for your vessel, as the docks convey with specific residences rather than being assigned by the association.

On land, the Ritz-Carlton Naples and the Turtle Club are a short distance south, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park and LaPlaya a few minutes north. Mercato’s dining and shopping sit inland at Vanderbilt Beach Road and U.S. 41, with Waterside Shops and Artis—Naples a short drive down the coast. For buyers weighing Vanderbilt Beach, Sand Castle occupies the small-building end of the market: direct beachfront and real square footage without the assessments, amenity overhead or rental churn of a large tower.

 

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Sand Castle at Vanderbilt Beach: Frequently Asked Questions

How many residences are at Sand Castle?
Twelve, across five floors at 9517 Gulf Shore Drive. The building was completed in 1979 and sits directly on the sand at Vanderbilt Beach.
What floor plans are available?
Two. The ‘01 tier is a three-bedroom of approximately 2,230 square feet with south exposure, and the ‘02 tier is a two-bedroom plus den of approximately 1,750 square feet facing north. Both have direct Gulf views to the west. Floor plans are available on request.
Does Sand Castle have boat docks?
Yes. Deeded docks are located across Gulf Shore Drive on Vanderbilt Lagoon and convey with specific residences rather than being assigned by the association, so availability depends on what is on the market. From the lagoon, boaters run north to Wiggins Pass for Gulf access.
What are the leasing and pet rules?
Owners may lease four times per year with a 30-day minimum per lease, which keeps turnover low. Pets are not permitted. Confirm current rules with the association before writing an offer.
What amenities does the building offer?
A pool, a picnic area with grills, extra storage, garage parking beneath the building and direct access to the beach. The exterior, lobby and elevators were updated in 2021.

Building details, association rules and dock availability are believed accurate but are not guaranteed and are subject to change. Verify all information with the association and through your own due diligence.

 

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Robert and Marlene Alpizar — Naples luxury real estate advisors, Alpizar & Company

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Alpizar & Company is a family-owned independent brokerage specializing in luxury waterfront real estate across Naples' most sought-after neighborhoods. Led by Robert Alpizar (CLHMS, GRI, SRS, PSA) and Marlene Alpizar, our team operates as advisors — not salespeople — guiding buyers and sellers with firsthand local expertise and no corporate quotas.

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