Waterside Lakehouse Cove

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Waterside Lakehouse Cove, Lakewood Ranch, FL Map

Overview

Waterside Lakehouse Cove: Lakewood Ranch's Premier Lakefront Living

Waterside Lakehouse Cove is an intimate community of approximately 626 single-family homes wrapped around seven pristine lakes with 20 miles of combined shoreline. Residents enjoy access to Sarasota's only waterfront town center via walking paths, trails, or water taxi. Residents enjoy resort-style amenities, sophisticated architecture from three distinguished builders, and easy access to Waterside Place's vibrant dining, shopping, and entertainment scene.

What sets Waterside Lakehouse Cove homes for sale apart is the 36-acre lakefront town center where residents gather for Sunday Farmers' Market, Ranch Nite Wednesdays featuring live music and cornhole tournaments, lakeside dining at restaurants like Kore Steakhouse and Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House, and shopping at boutiques like Monkee's and Florida Provisions

The homes themselves showcase quality construction from builders known throughout Southwest Florida for distinctive design and craftsmanship. 

Homes by Towne serves as the primary builder, offering 14 models ranging from 1,743 to 3,426 square feet, emphasizing open-concept floor plans with high ceilings, premium finishes, and thoughtful details, including covered lanais and optional second-level living spaces. 

Arthur Rutenberg contributes three semi-custom luxury models from 2,696 to 3,222 square feet, known for extensive personalization options. 

Lee Wetherington Homes offers their signature Mainstay model at 3,200 square feet, plus select custom homes. 

John Cannon custom homes provide the community's most exclusive residences for buyers seeking fully personalized estates.

Many homes feature lake or preserve views, creating peaceful vistas from covered lanais and main living areas. Monthly HOA fees cover all exterior landscaping maintenance. 

Lakehouse Cove's dedicated amenity complex centers on a lakefront resort-style pool with lap lanes, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an elegant community center hosting social gatherings and events. 

Outdoor recreation includes a kayak launch and storage, two dog parks with separate areas for small and large dogs, a kids’ playground, bocce ball courts, multiple pickleball courts (Lakewood Ranch's fastest-growing sport), and walking trails. The water taxi service allows residents to boat across Kingfisher Lake to Waterside Place for dinner and drinks without driving.

This 36-acre lakefront destination along Kingfisher Lake transforms typical suburban living into something far more connected and engaging. 

Schools In The Area

Check our schools near Waterside Lakehouse Cove complete with ratings and contact info.
Tatum Ridge Elementary School 941-316-8188 Public PK-5
Providence Community School 941-727-6860 Private PK-12
Sea of Strengths Academy 941-538-6822 Private 2-11
Beyond the Spectrum Education Center 941-907-3443 Private KG-12
Tatum Ridge Elementary School 941-316-8188 Public PK-5
Providence Community School 941-727-6860 Private PK-12
Beyond the Spectrum Education Center 941-907-3443 Private KG-12
Easter Seals Academy 941-341-9992 Private KG-8
The Classical Academy of Sarasota 941-925-2153 Private PK-12
Tatum Ridge Elementary School 941-316-8188 Public PK-5
Providence Community School 941-727-6860 Private PK-12
Sea of Strengths Academy 941-538-6822 Private 2-11
Beyond the Spectrum Education Center 941-907-3443 Private KG-12
Easter Seals Academy 941-341-9992 Private KG-8
The Classical Academy of Sarasota 941-925-2153 Private PK-12
Providence Community School 941-727-6860 Private PK-12
Sea of Strengths Academy 941-538-6822 Private 2-11
Beyond the Spectrum Education Center 941-907-3443 Private KG-12
Easter Seals Academy 941-341-9992 Private KG-8
The Classical Academy of Sarasota 941-925-2153 Private PK-12
Providence Community School 941-727-6860 Private PK-12
Sea of Strengths Academy 941-538-6822 Private 2-11
Beyond the Spectrum Education Center 941-907-3443 Private KG-12
The Classical Academy of Sarasota 941-925-2153 Private PK-12

Around The Area

Browse through the top rated businesses that Waterside Lakehouse Cove has to offer!

Waterside Lakehouse Cove FAQs

Waterside Lakehouse Cove distinguishes itself through its lakefront setting and immediate access to Waterside Place, Sarasota's only waterfront town center.

Key differentiators:

- Seven pristine lakes with 20 miles of shoreline surrounding the community
- Walking distance or water taxi access to Waterside Place dining, shopping, events
- Sarasota County location rather than Manatee County
- Maintenance-free living with lawn care included
- Three distinguished builders (Homes by Towne, Arthur Rutenberg, Lee Wetherington)
- Lifestyle director organizing activities and events
- Built 2019-2022, offering nearly-new homes with remaining builder warranties

Waterside Lakehouse Cove features approximately 626 homes built by three respected Southwest Florida builders:

Homes by Towne (primary builder):

- 14 models ranging from 1,743-3,426 sq ft
- Contemporary open-concept designs
- Semi-custom with design center options
- Single-story and two-story plans
- 2-5 bedrooms

Arthur Rutenberg:

- 3 luxury models, 2,696-3,222 sq ft
- Semi-custom approach with extensive personalization
- Timeless architectural styling
- Premium finishes and appointments

Lee Wetherington Homes:

- Mainstay model at 3,200 sq ft
- Custom homes up to 5,000+ sq ft
- Innovative layouts and high-end finishes
- Lakefront and preserve lots

John Cannon Homes (select custom):
- Fully custom estates
- Highest-end finishes and personalization
- Premium lot positioning

All homes feature covered lanais, gourmet kitchens, high ceilings (typically 10+ feet), primary suites with spa-inspired bathrooms, and contemporary Florida styling. Many homes include lake or preserve views from main living areas and outdoor spaces.

Lakehouse Cove provides resort-style amenities plus unprecedented access to Waterside Place's 36-acre town center:

Community amenities:

- Lakefront resort-style pool with lap lanes
- State-of-the-art fitness center
- Community center for social events
- Lifestyle director organizing activities
- Kayak launch and storage
- Water taxi to Waterside Place
- Two dog parks (small and large dog areas)
- Playground
- Bocce ball courts
- Multiple pickleball courts
- Walking trails throughout the community

Waterside Place (walking/water taxi distance):

- Restaurants: Kore Steakhouse, Deep Lagoon Seafood, Agave Bandido, Good Liquid Brewing, Osteria 500
- Shops: Monkee's boutique, Florida Provisions Co., Tim's Wine Market, Marmalade, Black Dog
- 8-acre Waterside Park for concerts and festivals
- Sunday Farmers' Market (Florida's #1-rated)
- Ranch Nite Wednesdays with live music
- Fitness classes, yoga in the park
- Future Players Centre for Performing Arts

The lifestyle director creates monthly calendars that include fitness classes, social gatherings, book clubs, wine tastings, holiday celebrations, and special-interest groups.

Waterside Lakehouse Cove is zoned for Sarasota County Public Schools:

Current zoned schools:

- Tatum Ridge Elementary School: 6 miles
- McIntosh Middle School: 7.6 miles
- Booker High School: 11.8 miles

Future plans:

- Sarasota County Schools purchased a 20-acre site within Waterside for a future K-5 elementary school, though construction timelines remain under review as of early 2026

Nearby private options:

- Lakewood Ranch Prep: PK-12 college preparatory
- Out-of-Door Academy: Prestigious independent school
- Faith-based schools throughout greater Lakewood Ranch

School distances require 10-15 minute drives rather than walking, making the future Waterside elementary school highly anticipated by families with young children.

Yes, Waterside Lakehouse Cove delivers true maintenance-free living.

HOA covers:

- Lawn mowing and edging
- All landscaping maintenance, including trees, shrubs, and flowers
Irrigation system operation and repairs
- Mulch refresh and seasonal plantings
- Exterior pest control
- Amenity center operations (pool, fitness, clubhouse)
- Gated entry staffing
- Lifestyle director programming
- Common area maintenance
- Water taxi operations

Homeowner responsibilities:
- Home interior maintenance
- HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems
- Roof maintenance (covered under builder warranty initially)
- Private pool maintenance if the home has a pool
- Home insurance and property taxes

Waterside Place transforms suburban living into something far more connected and urban by providing a walkable (or water-accessible) town center delivering daily conveniences and social experiences:

Dining variety:

- Upscale: Kore Steakhouse, Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House
- Casual: Good Liquid Brewing (craft beer and pub fare), Agave Bandido (Mexican)
- Italian: Osteria 500
- Coffee, wine, and casual dining throughout

Shopping and services:

- Florida Provisions Co.: Coastal lifestyle gear, fishing, flip flops, local foods
- Monkee's: Upscale women's boutique
- Tim's Wine Market: Curated wine selection
- Marmalade, Black Dog, and additional boutiques
- Health and wellness services

Weekly events:

- Sunday Farmers' Market: Local produce, artisan goods, food vendors (Florida's #1-rated)
- Ranch Nite Wednesdays: Live music, food trucks, cornhole tournaments
- Concerts and festivals in 8-acre Waterside Park
- Yoga and fitness classes on the lawn
- Seasonal celebrations

Accessibility:

- Walk from Lakehouse Cove (approximately 5-10 minutes)
- Bike or golf cart ride
- Water taxi across Kingfisher Lake
- Free parking for driving

Waterside Place creates daily reasons to leave your home and engage with neighbors and community, from morning coffee overlooking the lake to dinner by the water.

Waterside Lakehouse Cove occupies Lakewood Ranch's Waterside village in Sarasota County, just off State Road 70 (University Parkway) and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard:

Immediate area:

- Waterside Place: Walking distance/water taxi
- University Town Center: 3-4 miles west (10 minutes)
- Lakewood Ranch Main Street: 7-8 miles (15 minutes)
- Center Point at Waterside: Adjacent shopping plaza with Publix, services

Transportation:

- I-75: 5-6 miles west (exits 205/207)
- Sarasota-Bradenton Airport: 12-15 minutes
- Tampa International Airport: 55-65 minutes

Beaches (Gulf Coast):

- Lido Beach: Approximately 14-16 miles (25-30 minutes)
- Siesta Key: Approximately 18-20 miles (25-35 minutes depending on traffic)
- Longboat Key: Approximately 17-19 miles (30 minutes)

Downtown Sarasota:

- 11 miles (20-25 minutes)
- Cultural attractions: Sarasota Opera, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, botanical gardens
- Marina district, waterfront dining, galleries

St. Armands Circle:

- Approximately 15 miles (25-30 minutes)
- European-style shopping district with boutiques and restaurants

Waterside Lakehouse Cove occupies a unique position among Lakewood Ranch's waterfront neighborhoods:

Vs. The Isles (Toll Brothers):

- Lakehouse Cove offers more builder variety (three builders vs. Toll Brothers only)
- Lakehouse Cove provides Waterside Place access (walking/water taxi)
- The Isles delivers Toll Brothers' luxury reputation and extensive customization
- Comparable price ranges for similar sizes

Vs. Shoreview (Waterside's other original neighborhood):

- Both offer similar proximity to Waterside Place
- Shoreview features a different builder mix
- Comparable amenities and lifestyle
- Similar home sizes and price ranges

Vs. Kingfisher Estates (Waterside's luxury neighborhood):

- Kingfisher offers larger estate homes on bigger lots
- Lakehouse Cove provides more attainable entry points
- Both have Waterside Place access and water views

Vs. Country Club East or Lakewood National:

- Lakehouse Cove offers waterfront without golf course membership requirements
- Golf communities deliver championship golf, but with higher ongoing fees
- Lakehouse Cove emphasizes town center lifestyle vs. club-centered living

Vs. eastern villages (Star Farms, Sweetwater):

- Lakehouse Cove offers established landscaping (2019-2022 vs. current construction)
- Eastern villages are newer with the latest designs
- Lakehouse Cove has Waterside Place immediately available vs. future town centers

The combination of lakefront setting, three quality builders, maintenance-free living, and immediate Waterside Place access creates a lifestyle package difficult to replicate elsewhere in Lakewood Ranch.