Westchester snowbirds are well-acquainted with Florida’s Atlantic coast, but more and more of them are discovering that the sun shines just as brightly on the state’s left coast—the one fronting the Gulf of Mexico. The golf is great, there, too, as are the boating, fishing, and cultural amenities.
One of the coast’s hidden treasures is Sarasota and the surrounding communities. Its rich culture, proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and appealing (downright affordable by our standards) real estate options. While maintaining a small-town feel, Sarasota is a bustling city with an abundance of art galleries, boutiques, museums and theatres. The city also offers a variety of business opportunities, as well as A-rated schools and, most importantly for us, outstanding golf.
Sarasota’s old-Florida flair melds with sophisticated design and world-class golf at The Concession Residences. A private, gated development featuring 236 pristine estate home sites, The Concession is nestled among towering pines and sprawling live oaks. The development offers best-in-class custom builders with homes starting at $1 million. Consisting of three distinct neighborhoods, a variety of residences draw both young families and the young at heart.
Adjacent to the nationally-ranked Concession Golf Club, The Concession is accented by sparkling lakeside vistas, peaceful golf course views and woodland preserve backdrops. Residents are invited to join the club; the nationally-ranked 7,474-yard tournament-caliber layout winds through thick strands of oaks, magnolias and pines. Designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin, the course and community are named for the famous putt Nicklaus conceded to his European counterpart to tie the 1969 Ryder Cup.
Three neighborhoods surrounding the golf club provide distinct residential enclaves to suit any lifestyle. Birkdale includes both one-acre and half-acre lots, highlighted by Jack Nicklaus Cove fronting the course. Nicklaus Manor is a private enclave of 33 half-acre home sites accented by brick-paved streets, lush landscape and classical architecture. Lindrick comprises three streets housing one and just under two-acre lots with generous, 50-foot setbacks.
Exclusivity and luxury define The Concession Residences, but there’s plenty more: water sport and eco-enthusiasts will relish the opportunity to explore 150 miles of beautiful shoreline just a few miles away; golf lovers will enjoy a short walk over to the course on sunny afternoons; families can rest easy knowing their loved ones are well taken care of in an all-inclusive family-friendly community.
There are numerous other options in the Sarasota – Bradenton area, of course, including two very special communities.
The Oaks Club and Community
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The Oaks Club was Sarasota’s first gated community, set on 1,000 acres along Little Sarasota Bay. It is the area’s only private, member-owned golf course community, houses two championship golf courses, award-winning tennis programs and an elegant club. Three sections, Clubside, Bayside and Preserve offer luxury single family residences while Meridian serves up four, 10-story and two, eight-story towers with units ranging from 2,000 to 4,000-square feet.
Lakewood Ranch
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“The Ranch” nearly has a zip code of its own, as the 17,000-acre community boasts nine villages, shops, restaurants, office space, 18 tennis courts and 150 miles of sidewalks and trails. Three courses, Cypress Links, King’s Dunes and Royal Links, make up the 54-hole triumvirate at Lakewood Ranch Country Club. Lakewood claims to have the youngest membership in the area, with an average age of 57. Homes of all sizes and price ranges are available in the extensive development.