The Isles of Lakewood Ranch offers a rare blend of luxury, comfort, and exclusivity in one of Florida's most coveted master-planned communities. This gated enclave features exceptional single-family homes, resort-style amenities, and a prime location that offers convenience without compromising on tranquility. With just 450 homes planned, The Isles maintains an intimate, boutique feel that sets it apart from larger developments.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Isles of Lakewood Ranch
What makes The Isles different from other Lakewood Ranch communities?
The Isles stands out as a semi-custom luxury community with only 450 planned homes, offering a more intimate environment than many other developments. Built by Toll Brothers, a national luxury builder, these homes start at $900,000 and go over $1 million, featuring high-end specifications and resort-level amenities that rival properties costing significantly more elsewhere.
What are the home sizes and prices in The Isles?
Single-family homes range from 2,300 to 4,300 square feet, with prices starting around $900,000 and extending over $1 million. The community offers two collections: The Sanibel Collection (2,700-3,700+ sq ft) and The Captiva Collection (2,800-4,300+ sq ft), each with multiple floor plans and elevation options.
What amenities are available to residents?
The Isles features resort-style amenities including pickleball courts, tennis courts, walking trails, a fitness center, meditation lawn, resort-style pool and spa, lap pool, dog park, and a spectacular community center. The relatively low HOA fees of under $500 per month include landscape maintenance.
Is The Isles a good investment for property value appreciation?
The Isles benefits from "progression" value - it's surrounded by three of Lakewood Ranch's most expensive communities (Monarch Acres, Lake Club, and Concessions Golf Club) with homes selling for $4-5 million. This prestigious neighborhood effect helps maintain and increase property values over time.
How convenient are The Isles' location and amenities?
The community offers excellent connectivity with an 8-minute drive to Waterside Place and downtown Main Street, 5 miles to I-75 and University Town Center mall, 20 minutes to Sarasota-Bradenton Airport, and 30-40 minutes to the beach.
Can I customize my home in The Isles?
As a semi-custom community, The Isles offers significant customization options including flexible floor plans, multiple elevation choices, and design upgrades. Note that base prices don't include land or additional structural and design upgrades, which can add significantly to the total cost.
What schools serve The Isles community?
The Isles is served by highly-rated schools including Robert E Willis Elementary, Nolan Middle School, and Lakewood Ranch High School, which are among the top-rated public schools in Florida.
Why Choose The Isles of Lakewood Ranch?
If you're considering a luxury home in Lakewood Ranch, The Isles stands out for several compelling reasons. This gated community represents more than just another luxury development—it's a carefully crafted lifestyle choice that balances exclusivity with accessibility, quality with value, and community with privacy.
The Luxury Market Context
The luxury real estate market continues to thrive, with the typical luxury home in the US selling for a record $1.17 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, representing an 8.8% increase from the previous year. Nearly half of US luxury home purchases in that quarter were made in cash, demonstrating that affluent buyers recognize the value in quality real estate.
A Toll Brothers Community
Built by Toll Brothers, a nationally recognized luxury homebuilder known for quality construction, The Isles represents the epitome of semi-custom home building. This isn't mass production—it's crafted elegance designed to meet the exacting standards of discerning homeowners.
Understanding The Isles Location Advantage
Nestled in the southeast section of Lakewood Ranch, The Isles enjoys a strategic position that maximizes both convenience and value. The community is situated on University Parkway, directly across from the luxury Wild Blue Community, where homes often sell in the $4-5 million range.
Surrounded by Prestige
One of the most significant factors in long-term property value appreciation is location, and The Isles excels in this regard. The community is surrounded by three of Lakewood Ranch's most prestigious and expensive neighborhoods:
- Monarch Acres: Known for its estate homes and expansive lots
- Lake Club: Features lakefront properties with premium pricing
- Concessions Golf Club: A high-end golf community with strict building standards
This phenomenon, known as "progression value," means that as neighboring properties appreciate, The Isles homes benefit from increased value by association. As more high-end homes enter the surrounding market, The Isles maintains its competitive edge while enjoying upward pricing pressure.
Convenient Yet Secluded
Despite its luxury positioning, The Isles maintains excellent accessibility:
- 8 minutes to Waterside Place or downtown Main Street
- 5 miles to I-75 and University Town Center (UTC) mall
- 20 minutes to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport
- 20 minutes to downtown Sarasota
- 30-40 minutes to world-class Gulf Coast beaches
This balance of convenience and tranquility is rare in today's luxury real estate market, making The Isles particularly attractive to both full-time residents and seasonal visitors.
Home Collections and Architectural Excellence
The Isles offers two distinct home collections, each designed to maximize Florida's outdoor lifestyle while providing luxurious indoor spaces.
The Sanibel Collection
The Sanibel Collection presents both one and two-story home designs with:
- Flexible floor plans adaptable to various lifestyle needs
- Expansive great rooms perfect for entertaining
- Primary bedroom suites featuring luxury appointments
- Size range: 2,700 to over 3,700 square feet
- Six models total: Three single-story and three two-story designs
- Three elevation options for each model
The Captiva Collection
The Captiva Collection features larger homes on more expansive lots:
- Eight models: Five single-story and three two-story options
- Size range: 2,800 to over 4,300 square feet
- Three elevation choices for each model
- Premium lots with enhanced privacy and space
Key Architectural Features
Both collections incorporate luxury features typically found in custom homes:
- 12-14 foot ceilings creating spacious, airy interiors
- Open living areas designed for modern lifestyles
- Gourmet kitchens with large islands and walk-in pantries
- Flexible spaces including dedicated office rooms
- 90-degree sliders that seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor spaces
- Large lanais perfect for alfresco dining and entertaining
Resort-Style Amenities That Define Luxury
Despite The Isles' boutique size of just 450 homes, the community offers an impressive array of amenities that rival much larger developments.
Active Lifestyle Features
- Pickleball courts: America's fastest-growing sport
- Tennis courts: Professional-grade surfaces
- Walking trails: Winding through preserved natural areas
- Fitness center: Equipped with modern exercise equipment
- Meditation lawn: Tranquil space for relaxation
Relaxation and Social Spaces
- Resort-style pool: Perfect for leisure swimming
- Spa area: Therapeutic options for relaxation
- Lap pool: Designed for serious swimmers
- Dog park: Thoughtfully planned for pet owners
- Community center: Spectacular space for gatherings and events
Community Lifestyle
The intimate size of The Isles, combined with its well-appointed amenities, creates a unique community atmosphere. Residents frequently gather for scheduled events at the community center, fostering a sense of belonging while maintaining privacy. The relatively low HOA fees of under $500 per month—which include landscape maintenance—provide exceptional value for the level of amenities offered.
Understanding Semi-Custom Home Building
As a semi-custom community, The Isles offers a middle ground between fully custom homes and production builds. This approach provides significant personalization options while maintaining quality control and reasonable pricing.
What Semi-Custom Means
- Base floor plan flexibility: Modify room layouts to suit your needs
- Design upgrade options: Choose from premium finishes and fixtures
- Structural modifications: Some walls can be moved or eliminated
- Elevation choices: Select exterior styling that reflects your taste
Important Pricing Considerations
When evaluating homes in The Isles, remember that base prices typically don't include:
- Land costs: Lot premiums vary based on size and location
- Structural upgrades: Moving walls, adding square footage
- Premium finishes: Designer fixtures, upgraded flooring, smart home features
- Outdoor enhancements: Extended lanais, outdoor kitchens, pools
Quick Delivery Options
Toll Brothers often offers "quick delivery" homes that are move-in ready or nearing completion. These properties may feature:
- Aggressive pricing: Often discounted compared to custom builds
- Special incentives: Closing cost assistance, upgrade credits
- Limited customization: Most design decisions have been finalized
- Immediate possession: Faster move-in timelines
Investment Perspective: Why The Isles Makes Financial Sense
For buyers in the $1 million to $2 million-plus price range, The Isles represents exceptional value when considering several key factors.
Competitive Pricing
Compared to similar luxury communities in Lakewood Ranch and surrounding areas, The Isles offers:
- Lower price per square foot than many comparable communities
- Premium features included in base pricing
- Value engineering that maximizes quality without unnecessary costs
Long-Term Appreciation Potential
Several factors suggest strong long-term value retention:
- Limited supply: Only 450 homes planned, creating scarcity
- Premium location: Surrounded by higher-priced communities
- Brand reputation: Toll Brothers' commitment to quality
- Lakewood Ranch growth: Continued expansion of the master-planned community
Comparative Market Analysis
When compared to other luxury options in the area:
- Wild Blue Community (across the street): Homes $4-5 million
- Monarch Acres: Estate homes typically $2-3 million+
- Lake Club: Lakefront properties $1.5-4 million+
- Concessions Golf Club: Golf course homes $1.5-3 million+
The Isles positions itself strategically in this market, offering similar quality and amenities at a more accessible price point.
The Lakewood Ranch Advantage
The Isles benefits from being part of the larger Lakewood Ranch master-planned community, consistently ranked among America's best places to live.
Award-Winning Community
Lakewood Ranch has received numerous accolades:
- America's Best Master-Planned Community (Builder Magazine)
- Top-selling Community in the United States
- Excellence in Planning (American Society of Landscape Architects)
Comprehensive Community Features
As part of Lakewood Ranch, Isles residents enjoy access to:
- Multiple town centers: Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch's Main Street
- A-rated schools: Among Florida's highest-performing districts
- Medical facilities: Including the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
- Championship golf courses: Multiple options within minutes
- Cultural amenities: Arts districts, farmers markets, festivals
Why Smart Buyers Choose The Isles
Many Lakewood Ranch residents find themselves upgrading within the community, moving from their initial home to a property that better suits their evolving needs. The Isles often becomes a destination for these "move-up" buyers who have experienced the Lakewood Ranch lifestyle and want to enhance it with:
- Increased privacy: Gated community security
- Enhanced amenities: Resort-style features
- Upgraded homes: Premium construction and finishes
- Better location: Strategic positioning for value appreciation
Making Your Decision
Choosing a luxury home is more than a financial decision—it's a lifestyle choice. The Isles of Lakewood Ranch offers a unique combination of factors that appeal to discerning buyers:
- Quality construction by a nationally recognized builder
- Strategic location surrounded by the area's most expensive communities
- Resort-style amenities in an intimate setting
- Customization options to create your dream home
- Strong investment potential backed by market data and location
Ready to Explore The Isles of Lakewood Ranch?
If you're considering relocating to The Isles of Lakewood Ranch or anywhere else on Florida's beautiful Gulf Coast, the Zachos Realty & Design Group is here to help. With over 40 years of local expertise and a unique combination of real estate knowledge and award-winning design vision, we can help you find the perfect property that matches your lifestyle needs.
Contact us today:
- Phone: 941-500-5457
- Email: [email protected]
- Sarasota Office: 205 N Orange Ave Suite 202, Sarasota, Florida 34236
- Venice Office: 217 Nassau St S, Venice, FL 34285
Visit our YouTube channel "Relocation Experts | Florida's Gulf Coast" for more insider guides to Florida's Gulf Coast communities.
