Manasota Key Home Touts Neutral Seaside Style

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After purchasing a beachfront lot in Manasota Key on the southern tip of Sarasota County, a couple from Ohio waited about seven years before beginning construction on the site, a time that allowed them to envision the kind of forever home that would reflect their lifestyle and long-term goals.

“We wanted a place where our family could slow down and be together,” says Kelly Loiczly, who, together with husband, Gabriel, conceptualized the earliest visions of the new home herself. “The beach has always felt peaceful and grounding to us, so building here was about creating a place where our kids and grandchildren would always want to come back to and a place for us to turn everyday moments into lasting memories.”

A thoughtful collaboration with their architect, builder, and interior designer, the couple was deeply involved throughout the process and made final decisions on all major design elements.

“Their love for music, cooking, entertaining, and time spent with family—particularly their children and grandchildren—shaped the home’s layout and programming,” says Kyle Haughey, vice president of Trinity Custom Homes, who oversaw the build. “Every space was designed to support gathering, creativity, and effortless indoor-outdoor living, while embracing the relaxed pace of life on the beach.”

Poised on a pristine stretch of beachfront, the aptly named House on Sands encompasses 10,644 square feet of indoor space and 5,300 square feet of outdoor land, with unobstructed views of the Gulf that provide a direct connection to the shoreline. Designed by architect Mark Sultana, principal at DSDG Architects, the structure’s composed modern façade gradually reveals the home’s scale and transparency. Upon entry, the focus immediately shifts toward the water, with sightlines drawing the eye through expansive glass openings and into the primary living spaces. “It all started with the architect,” says Gabriel. “He took our different ideas and translated them into something tangible. Watching those first sketches evolve into detailed plans was incredibly exciting. There’s something special about seeing your vision begin to take shape on paper.”

In said papers and then in reality, the main living area is defined by openness and volume, anchored by custom millwork and a sculptural fireplace wall. Oversized sliding glass doors fully retract, allowing the interior to flow directly onto covered outdoor living areas overlooking the beach. The furnishings throughout focus on comfort and durability, with soft upholstery, neutral palettes, and materials that complement the home’s architectural simplicity. Conceptualized by interior designer Brittany Cocozza at Trinity Design, the home’s clean aesthetic and the project itself are admittedly memorable aspects. “The owners embraced our out-of-the-box design concepts from day one,” says Cocozza. “My design approach was centered on creating timeless, comfortable, refined, and highly functional spaces that aligned with the clients’ overall vision. By incorporating classic materials, such as natural stone and warm woods, paired with bold lighting fixtures, we crafted one-of-a-kind interiors that feel both elevated and enduring.”

The kitchen serves as both a functional workspace and a social hub, featuring double islands, Gaggenau appliances, and custom cabinetry that is seamlessly integrated into the architecture. Adjacent dining and lounge areas support both large gatherings and everyday living, reinforcing the homeowners’ love of entertaining. Custom millwork and built-in cabinetry play a defining role throughout the home. Ceiling treatments, including extensive longboard tongue-and-groove applications, add texture and warmth while reinforcing the home’s architectural rhythm.

“Watching the structure rise from the ground up felt surreal,” says Gabriel. “Each phase—laying the foundation, framing the walls, installing the windows that would frame the ocean—felt like another milestone in bringing our dream to life.”

“Our home reflects us and who we are,” adds Kelly. “It’s relaxed but thoughtful, prioritizing comfort without sacrificing beauty. The entire collaborative journey of bringing it to life was a dream.”

Story Credits:

Interior Design by Brittany Cocozza, Trinity Design, Sarasota, FL

Architecture by Mark Sultana, DSDG Architects, Sarasota, FL

Construction by Kyle Haughey & Michael Cocozza, Trinity Custom Homes, Sarasota, FL

Landscape Architecture by Tim Borden, Borden Landscape Design, Sarasota, FL

Text by Jeanne de Lathouder

Photography by Ryan Gamma, Sarasota, FL

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