Golf, Nature Preserves & Resort Living in Venice, FL
If someone asks me to name a community in Venice that genuinely delivers on the “live where you vacation” promise, Sarasota National is near the top of my list every single time. I have walked buyers through this community on more occasions than I can count, and the reaction is almost always the same. They pull through the gate, drive past the first lake with the herons standing along the shoreline, catch a glimpse of the golf course through the tree line, and the whole conversation changes.
It is not just the aesthetics. Sarasota National sits on 2,400 acres of land, and more than 1,300 of those acres are designated for preservation, conservation, and open space. That ratio is almost unheard of in a master-planned community. You feel it when you are here. The roads are quiet. The views are long. There is actual wildlife, not just a couple of decorative ponds with a fountain. This is a community wrapped around an Audubon International Certified Signature Sanctuary, and the natural setting is part of the daily experience for every resident, whether they play golf or not.
This is my complete guide to Sarasota National. If you are relocating to Southwest Florida, comparing golf communities in the Venice and Wellen Park area, or trying to understand the difference between the Golf Village and the Lake Village before you visit, this is what I would want you to know.
What Is Sarasota National?
Sarasota National is a gated, master-planned golf and country club community located in Venice, Florida, within the broader Wellen Park development. The community spans 2,400 acres and includes 1,584 homes built around an 18-hole championship golf course, a 32,000-square-foot clubhouse campus, and one of the largest nature preserve systems in any residential community in Sarasota County.
The community was originally planned as part of the former Taylor Ranch property. The golf course, designed by renowned course architect Gordon Lewis, opened in 2008. The housing market downturn delayed residential development, and WCI Communities acquired the property in 2013, beginning construction in earnest. Lennar Homes acquired WCI in 2017 and completed the build-out, bringing national-builder resources and their “Everything’s Included” approach to the final phases of construction.
Today, Sarasota National is a fully built-out community with homes ranging from approximately 1,375 to over 3,100 square feet of air-conditioned living space. The community is not age-restricted. While the lifestyle and amenities appeal heavily to active adults and retirees, families and younger professionals are welcome and represented in the community.
The main entrance is on U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail), approximately one and a half miles east of Jacaranda Boulevard. From the gate, downtown Venice is about a seven-mile drive, and the Gulf beaches are roughly six miles away.
The Golf Course: Gordon Lewis and the Audubon Sanctuary
Let me be straightforward about something. I have driven through golf communities across Southwest Florida where the course feels like an afterthought. Narrow fairways squeezed between houses, with your lanai practically sitting on the 14th tee box. That is not what happens at Sarasota National.
The 18-hole championship course was designed by Gordon Lewis, and it is an Audubon International Certified Signature Sanctuary. That Signature Sanctuary designation is different from the standard Audubon cooperative programs you see advertised at other communities. A Signature Sanctuary means the Audubon Society was involved in the planning of the course from the beginning, and 1,300 acres of wetlands, hammocks, and native preserves were set aside before any homes were built.
The course is a par 72, rated 4.5 out of 5 on GolfPass, and it plays through native wetlands and preserves that create dramatic sight lines on nearly every hole. Wide, gently sloping fairways make it welcoming for newer golfers, while strategically placed bunkers and water features challenge experienced players. The course is maintained year-round and is consistently regarded as one of the best-conditioned layouts in the Venice area.
For golfers, the experience extends beyond the course itself. The Golf Club includes a 5,336-square-foot clubhouse with dining, a bar and lounge (the 19th Hole Bar), a pro shop, men’s and women’s card rooms, and locker rooms. This is a separate facility from the main Palm Club, which serves all residents.
Golf Village vs. Lake Village: Understanding the Two Sections
This is the single most important distinction for buyers considering Sarasota National, and it is the question I answer more than any other about this community: What is the difference between the Golf Village and the Lake Village?
The Golf Village
The Golf Village occupies approximately 800 homesites in the eastern portion of the community, situated directly around the golf course, its fairways, lakes, and nature preserves.
Golf membership is bundled with every Golf Village home. When you purchase a home in the Golf Village, the membership transfers with the property. It is included in your HOA dues. You do not pay a separate initiation fee. Each home allows up to two membership holders who are primary occupants, and children living in the home full-time between ages 16 and 21 qualify for membership cards as well.
Golf Village membership gives you full access to the Golf Club building, the 19th Hole Bar, the pro shop, and priority tee times, especially during the busy winter season when the course is in highest demand.
Home types in the Golf Village include:
- Carriage Homes (Coach Homes): Multi-unit buildings with 4 or 6 residences, featuring two to three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. These offer single-level living with elevator access for upper-floor units. Approximately 1,710 to 2,376 square feet.
- Villas and Grand Villas: Paired and single-family homes ranging from approximately 1,593 to 3,010 square feet. Two to three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two-car garages.
- Estate Homes: The largest single-family homes in the community, ranging from approximately 2,664 to 3,184 square feet. Three bedrooms, a den, three to four bathrooms, and two-car garages.
The Lake Village
The Lake Village includes approximately 754 homesites in the western portion of the community. Homes here are oriented around the community’s large freshwater lakes and nature preserves rather than the golf course.
Golf membership is NOT included in the Lake Village. This is the key financial distinction. Lake Village homeowners have full access to the Palm Club and all community amenities (pool, fitness center, tennis, pickleball, dining, etc.), but they do not receive bundled golf access. Lake Village residents can play the course on a pay-per-round basis, and during the busy season, Golf Village members receive priority.
Home types in the Lake Village mirror many of the same floor plans available in the Golf Village, including carriage homes, villas, and single-family homes. Lake Village homes often feature wide lake and preserve views, and many of the community’s most dramatic water vistas are found in this section.
Which Section Is Right for You?
This is a conversation I have regularly, and it usually comes down to two questions.
First: How often will you actually play golf? If you plan to play two or three times a week, the Golf Village bundled membership is an exceptional value. If you play occasionally or your spouse does not golf at all, the Lake Village gives you the same community amenities without the golf cost built into your HOA.
Second: What views do you want from your lanai? Golf Village homes look out over fairways, course lakes, and the Audubon preserves. Lake Village homes face the freshwater lakes and natural areas on the western side. Both are beautiful. The right choice is personal preference.
HOA, CDD & Fee Structure
Understanding the cost of ownership at Sarasota National requires looking at a few layers. I tell every buyer the same thing: the purchase price is just the starting point. Your monthly and annual carrying costs determine what you can actually afford to live here comfortably. Let me break it all down.
HOA Assessments
HOA fees at Sarasota National are billed quarterly. The amount varies based on your unit type and lot size. Multi-family homes (carriage homes, coach homes) are subject to additional sub-association assessments on top of the master HOA.
What your HOA covers:
- Maintenance-free exterior grounds and lawn care
- 24-hour guard-gated entry
- Basic cable TV
- Access to the Palm Club and all community amenities (pool, fitness, tennis, pickleball, dining, spa)
- Common area maintenance and landscaping
- Water, sewer, trash, pest control, and irrigation (for applicable unit types)
For Golf Village homes specifically, the HOA also includes two golf memberships per household, access to the Golf Club building, the 19th Hole Bar, and the pro shop.
Estimated quarterly HOA ranges (verify exact current amounts before making an offer):
| Home Type | Estimated Quarterly HOA Range |
|---|---|
| Carriage/Coach Homes (Golf Village) | $2,800 – $3,800+ |
| Villas (Golf or Lake Village) | $1,800 – $2,800+ |
| Single-Family Homes (Golf Village) | $2,400 – $3,600+ |
| Single-Family Homes (Lake Village) | $1,200 – $2,200+ |
Important: These figures represent approximate ranges based on current and recent MLS data. HOA amounts are set annually by the association board and can change. Golf Village homes carry significantly higher quarterly assessments because golf membership costs are built into the dues. I always recommend confirming exact current HOA amounts through the listing agent or the Palm Club administrative office before submitting an offer.
CDD Assessment
Sarasota National has an active Community Development District (CDD). The CDD is a separate entity from the HOA. It was established to finance, build, and maintain the community’s infrastructure, including roads, stormwater management, potable water and sewer systems, irrigation, landscaping, and environmental facilities.
The CDD assessment appears on your annual property tax bill. It is not a separate invoice. You pay it with your ad valorem taxes each year (or monthly through your escrow if you have a mortgage).
Estimated annual CDD: Varies by lot and unit type. Confirm the exact amount on the most recent tax bill for any specific property you are considering. CDD amounts can change annually based on the district’s budget.
One-Time Capital Contribution
There is a one-time $5,000 Capital Contribution fee due at closing when you purchase a resale home in Sarasota National. There is no separate buyer application or initiation fee.
The Full Cost Picture
Here is an example of what total annual carrying costs might look like for a typical Golf Village single-family home (excluding your mortgage, insurance, and ad valorem property taxes):
| Cost Category | Estimated Annual Amount |
|---|---|
| HOA (Quarterly x 4) | $10,000 – $14,000+ |
| CDD (on tax bill) | $2,000 – $4,000+ |
| Total Estimated Annual Fees | $12,000 – $18,000+ |
For a Lake Village home without bundled golf, total annual fees run significantly lower because the golf membership component is not included in the HOA.
I cannot stress this enough: verify exact fees on any specific property before you make an offer. I have seen buyers compare two homes in the same community and discover a $300+ per month difference in carrying costs based on unit type, lot size, and sub-association fees. This is not something to estimate loosely.
Resort-Style Amenities at the Palm Club
Even if you never touch a golf club, the amenity package at Sarasota National is one of the most complete I have seen in any community in Sarasota County. The centerpiece is the Palm Club, a 32,000-square-foot resort-style clubhouse campus that serves as the social hub for the entire community.
What You Get at the Palm Club
Dining and Social Spaces The clubhouse features formal and casual dining with indoor and outdoor seating, a full-service bar and lounge, and a coffee lounge and library that has become one of the most popular gathering spots in the community. The dining operation runs year-round with both regular service and special event programming.
Fitness and Wellness A 7,356-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center includes cardio and strength equipment, group fitness classes, personal training, and men’s and women’s locker rooms. Spa treatment rooms are available for massage, facials, and wellness services.
Pool and Outdoor Recreation The resort-style pool features a zero-entry (beach entry) design with 25-meter lap lanes, a hot tub/spa, and expansive pool deck areas. The poolside Tiki Bar serves drinks and lunch, and it is one of those spots that makes you forget you are not at an actual resort.
Racquet Sports Six lighted Har-Tru tennis courts and four dedicated pickleball courts. Both tennis and pickleball have active programs with leagues, clinics, and social play.
Additional Amenities
- Bocce ball courts
- Dog park
- Playground
- Event lawn
- Expansive outdoor patios and gathering areas
- Miles of walking and biking paths through the preserves
Activities and Lifestyle Programming Sarasota National has a dedicated activities director who coordinates a full calendar of social events, holiday celebrations, themed dinners, fitness challenges, card groups, book clubs, and more. Residents I have spoken with consistently mention the social scene as one of the things that surprised them most about living here. It is genuinely active, not performative.
Location and Lifestyle: What Is Nearby
One of the things that makes Sarasota National stand out compared to some of the more remote golf communities in the region is its location. You are not isolated here. The main entrance sits on U.S. 41, and the everyday conveniences of Venice and Wellen Park are a short drive in either direction.
Downtown Venice and the Beaches Downtown Venice is approximately seven miles west, and the Gulf beaches are about six miles away. Venice Beach, Caspersen Beach, and Brohard Beach are all within easy reach. Venice itself is known as the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World,” and the island’s charming downtown offers boutique shopping, dining, galleries, and the historic Venice Theatre. The Venetian Waterway Park provides almost 10 miles of waterfront trail for walking, running, and cycling.
Wellen Park and Downtown Wellen Sarasota National is part of the larger Wellen Park master development (formerly West Villages), which is one of the top-selling master-planned communities in the country. Downtown Wellen, located just east of the community, has been opening in phases with dining, shopping, entertainment, and live music venues. CoolToday Park, the Atlanta Braves’ Spring Training facility, is minutes away and hosts games, concerts, and events throughout the year.
Everyday Conveniences Shopping, grocery stores, medical offices, and restaurants line U.S. 41 and Jacaranda Boulevard near the community entrance. Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s Venice campus is nearby, and the full range of Sarasota County’s healthcare infrastructure is accessible within a 20 to 30 minute drive.
Regional Access Interstate 75 is a short drive east, connecting you to Sarasota, Bradenton, Tampa, and Fort Myers. Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is approximately 34 miles north. Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) is about 25 miles south and serves Allegiant and other budget carriers, which is a detail that matters for seasonal residents flying back and forth.
Market Snapshot: Sarasota National in 2026
Understanding where the market stands in Sarasota National right now is critical whether you are buying or just beginning to explore. Here is a snapshot based on the most recent available data.
| Metric | Sarasota National (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Typical Price Range | $350,000 – $750,000+ |
| Median Sale Price (Recent Closings) | ~$475,000 |
| Average Square Footage | 1,600 – 3,100 sq ft |
| Average Days on Market (Venice, FL) | 60 – 80 days |
| Homes Built | 2015 – 2020 (WCI/Lennar) |
| Total Homes in Community | 1,584 |
The broader Venice market has seen modest price stabilization in 2026 after the correction cycle of 2024 and 2025. Homes in Sarasota National tend to perform well relative to the overall Venice market because of the community’s amenity package, the Audubon-certified natural setting, and the appeal to both full-time and seasonal residents. Newer construction (2015-2020) also means lower insurance costs compared to older communities, which is an increasingly important factor for buyers in Southwest Florida.
Golf Village homes with bundled memberships tend to carry a price premium over comparable Lake Village homes, which makes sense given the value of the included membership. That said, Lake Village homes appeal to a broader buyer pool because the lower carrying costs open up more financing flexibility.
If you want to see what is currently available, browse all Sarasota National listings here.
Key Rules and Community Policies
A few community policies that come up regularly in buyer conversations:
Rentals: Sarasota National permits 30+ day rentals, up to four times per year. There are rental application and transfer fees. This is important for seasonal owners who want to rent their home during the months they are not in residence. Short-term vacation rentals (Airbnb-style) are not permitted.
Pets: The community is pet-friendly with a dedicated dog park on-site.
Fencing: Sarasota National does not appear to allow fencing around individual lots. This is consistent with the community’s open, preserve-oriented aesthetic.
Age Restrictions: None. Sarasota National is a resort-style community open to all ages, though the lifestyle and amenity programming lean toward active adult interests.
Gating and Security: The community is fully gated with a guarded main entrance. Access is controlled 24 hours a day.
Public Golf Access: The golf course allows limited public play during summer months only. During the busy season (roughly November through April), the course is reserved for members.
Who Is Sarasota National Best For?
After working with buyers in this community, I have found it consistently attracts a few specific profiles:
Active retirees and snowbirds who want resort-caliber amenities, low-maintenance living, and a strong social scene without the overhead of a country club initiation fee. The bundled golf model in the Golf Village is particularly attractive compared to equity club memberships that can cost $50,000 or more upfront at other communities.
Golfers who play regularly and want to live on or near a top-quality course without paying per-round fees year after year. If you are playing three or four rounds a week, the Golf Village membership built into the HOA is one of the best values in the area.
Nature-oriented buyers who are drawn to the preserve setting, the walking trails through the Audubon Sanctuary, and the quiet character of a community where more than half the land is dedicated to conservation.
Seasonal residents looking for a turnkey, maintenance-free home they can lock and leave. The HOA covers lawn care, and the 30-day rental policy allows some flexibility to generate income during the months you are away.
Buyers comparing Wellen Park communities who want something established and fully built-out rather than an under-construction neighborhood with future amenities still on the drawing board. Sarasota National’s amenities are here, operating, and fully programmed today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Sarasota National
Is Sarasota National a 55+ community? No. There are no age restrictions. The community is open to all ages, though the amenity programming and lifestyle tend to attract active adults and retirees.
Do I have to join the golf club to live here? Only if you buy in the Golf Village, where membership is bundled with your HOA. If you buy in the Lake Village, golf membership is not required, and you can still play on a pay-per-round basis.
How far is the beach from Sarasota National? Venice Beach is approximately six miles, or about a 15-minute drive. Caspersen Beach and Brohard Beach are also nearby.
Are there new construction homes available in Sarasota National? Sarasota National is essentially built out. Lennar may have a small number of remaining quick move-in inventory, but the majority of available homes are resales. For new construction options in the Wellen Park area, check the adjacent Wellen Park Golf and Country Club community, which is Lennar’s currently active golf community nearby.
What is the capital contribution fee? There is a one-time $5,000 Capital Contribution fee due at closing on resale purchases. There is no separate buyer application or initiation fee.
Can I rent out my home? Yes. Rentals of 30 days or longer are permitted, up to four times per year. Rental application and transfer fees may apply.
What schools serve Sarasota National? The community is within the Sarasota County School District. Nearby schools include Wellen Park Elementary School, Wellen Park Middle School, and Wellen Park High School.
Is the golf course open to the public? Limited public play is available during summer months only. During the peak season (roughly November through April), the course is reserved for members.
Explore More Southwest Florida Communities
Sarasota National is one of the communities I write about regularly in this series. If you are comparing options across the region, these guides will help:
- Living in Burnt Store Isles – Waterfront and boating in Punta Gorda
- Living in Heritage Landing – Bundled golf in Punta Gorda
- Life at Toscana Isles – Lakefront living in Nokomis/Venice
- Living in West Port – New construction in Port Charlotte
- Living in Punta Gorda Isles – Sailboat and powerboat canal living
- View All Communities
Ready to Learn More? View Active Listings | Market Report | What’s My Home Worth? | Contact Cole
Cole Murray | Waterfront & Lifestyle Community Specialist Murray & Team | Keller Williams Island Life (941) 256-6500 | [email protected] 13801 Tamiami Trl. Ste. A, North Port, FL 34286 License: SL3415630
