3 Things: Luxury on the Links

The very first amenity Sarasota’s early settlers built for themselves was a golf course, and the town’s love affair with the game has only grown over the years. Beginning in the 1980s, a series of elegant communities, which epitomized the golfing lifestyle, with glamorous homes built along the fairways and an active social life guaranteed in the commodious clubhouses were developed. Today, they define a crucial niche in Sarasota real estate and provide a winning combination of peace and quiet, impeccable security, excellent maintenance and endless golf. Here are three elegant examples currently on the market.

1. Lakewood Ranch | 13207 Palmers Creek Terrace
Built in 2004, this 5,581-square-foot home is about as big and luxurious as it gets. There’s a living room with a 24-foot ceiling and a curved stairway along one side, plus a two-story lanai surrounding a heated pool and spa, with views out to a lake and nature preserve. Built at the height of the boom, the home has all the extras: a second-floor family room with home theater and wet bar, an office with built-ins and, yes, that’s Swarovski crystal in the chandelier. It’s located on a half-acre-plus in the Palmers Creek neighborhood of the Country Club of Lakewood Ranch.

Membership at the country club is optional, but if you join you’ll get 54 holes of golf, plus tennis and social activities.

Priced at $1,995,000. For more information, call Lenore Treiman of Michael Saunders at 941-356-9642.

2. Prestancia | 4369 Boca Pointe Drive
This neo-classical home in Prestancia has a more formal and traditional look than its neighbors, with a generous touch of Palm Beach-style glamour thrown in — there’s even a billiard room. Symmetrical in plan, it features two beautiful living spaces — a living room and a family room — facing each other across the swimming pool, each with a giant wall of glass overlooking well-manicured landscaping and the fairway. There’s also a barrel-vaulted grand foyer, several wood-burning fireplaces and the master suite features two separate baths and a large sitting area.

Membership at TPC Prestancia is optional, but there are a wide variety of plans, some including privileges at other clubs worldwide.

Priced at $1,195,000. For more information, call Joel Schemmel of Premier Sotheby’s at 941-587-4894.

3. Laurel Oak | 7600 Donald Ross Road
Laurel Oak, just east of I-75, is well-known for its family atmosphere and a couple of celebrity residents — Monica Seles has a home there, of course with its own private tennis court. With winding tree-lined streets and large homes set on large lots, Laurel Oak exudes a well-upholstered, upper-middle-class lifestyle. There are currently several nice homes on the market for under $1 million, such as this 4,000-square-foot beauty built in 1995. It has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and is set on almost one acre of land. Special features include an upgraded kitchen, a second floor bonus room and faux-painted walls.

Membership at the country club is optional but with two courses — one designed by Gary Player, the other by Rees Jones — it’s a perfect choice for the serious golfer.

Priced at $875,000. For more information call, Lynn Robbins of Coldwell Banker at 941-376-5077.