On Sanibel, the best days often begin and end near the water. In Butterknife, that rhythm comes with a level of privacy and convenience found nowhere else along West Gulf Drive. The only gated community on this coveted island corridor, Butterknife is a private enclave of just 34 homesites, with gated streets and deeded beach access for pedestrians and golf carts.Set approximately 344 feet from the community's deeded beach access, this turnkey-furnished beach house offers 3,634 square feet of air...On Sanibel, the best days often begin and end near the water. In Butterknife, that rhythm comes with a level of privacy and convenience found nowhere else along West Gulf Drive. The only gated community on this coveted island corridor, Butterknife is a private enclave of just 34 homesites, with gated streets and deeded beach access for pedestrians and golf carts.Set approximately 344 feet from the community's deeded beach access, this turnkey-furnished beach house offers 3,634 square feet of air-conditioned living space with five bedrooms and three full baths. Built in 2015 by Seacoast Cottage Company, the residence captures a relaxed coastal character through bamboo plank accents along vaulted ceilings, generous gathering spaces and an elevator connecting all three levels. Above it all, a rooftop observation deck creates a private perch for Gulf views and the changing colors of the Sanibel sky.The kitchen is designed for everything from mornings after a beach walk to evenings spent entertaining, with custom-stained cabinetry, a walk-in pantry, farmhouse sink, wine cooler, KitchenAid appliances, cooktop and microwave drawer. The home is offered turnkey furnished, including a fully equipped kitchen, making the transition to island living refreshingly simple.Recent improvements add another layer of value. A standing-seam metal roof, irrigation system and hurricane-rated garage doors were added in 2023. Hurricane-rated windows and doors complement the home's Hardie board exterior.The setting extends the lifestyle well beyond the residence. Butterknife's newly completed sports and fitness facility features tennis, multiple pickleball courts, a sports and basketball court and a shaded observation area with seating. The community pool is approximately 111 feet from the property. For those who envision a private pool, the property's 10,000 square feet of allowable impervious and developed-area coverage provides room for that possibility, subject to applicable approvals.There is also a compelling replacement-cost perspective. Based on an estimated $400,000 homesite value and approximately $1.8 million to construct a 3,634-square-foot residence, or about $495 per square foot, the estimated replacement basis is at least $2.2 million.Here, the appeal is as much about what is already in place as what surrounds it: a furnished beach house, gated island setting, recreation just outside the door and the Gulf only a short walk or golf cart ride down a private community path.