The Founders Club is closing in on the end of spring with 33 new homes planned since last fall and more than $10 million in lot sales – 90% of which have closed since the start of the year. The homebuying frenzy comes on the heels of three new model homes breaking ground this quarter by members of The Founders Club Builder Program and a record increase of 35 percent in new club memberships, year-over-year.

The new homes planned will also include a mix of all the builders in The Founders Club’s flourishing Builder Program. Comprised of four of Sarasota’s finest luxury custom homebuilders – AR Homes, John Cannon Homes, Lee Wetherington Homes, and London Bay Homes – the builder program gives homebuyers access to a variety of architectural styles and customizable floor plans complementing the community’s natural beauty.

“The interest throughout this year has been tremendous,” said Melissa Dovey, sales executive at The Founders Club. “We’re seeing people come from all over – as close as Lakewood Ranch, to California, Chicago, Kentucky and Texas – motivated by optimal weather, favorable financial opportunities, expansive open spaces, privacy and proximity to beaches and Sarasota’s cultural district.”

One couple was recently drawn to The Founders Club’s natural ambience and privacy, as well as possibilities for expansive views of the nature preserves, wetlands and golf course.

“After guiding them through the community and providing an opportunity to play a round of golf on the championship course, the couple immediately felt right at home with the camaraderie and friendliness of the club,” said Dovey. The final moment came when a hawk landed on a post on the homesite; it was a majestic moment.”

Topping off the array of choices in The Founders Club, homebuyers have also been captivated by the homesite selection process.

“Creating a home that reflects the uniqueness of its owner is a hallmark of The Founders Club,” said Steve Walker, senior project manager for London Bay Homes. “We guide homebuyers in selecting their dream combination of the right builder and right home design that suits them best.”

Within The Founders Club, endless possibilities await for homeowners to create a truly personalized home on homesites ranging from nearly half an acre to almost two acres that can accommodate floor plans ranging from 2,200 to more than 6,000 square feet.

“We’re seeing about 50% of buyers still working part time,” said Dovey. “So, the opportunity to select from a myriad of builders to create a variety of home options – whether needing to create a dedicated work-from-home space or virtual learning area, has been a major contributor to sales this season.”

The new model homes underway showcase the extent of customization at The Founders Club. The new Turnberry by Lee Wetherington Homes will offer an expansive 4,199 square feet of indoor living space situated on the community’s 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed golf course at 3712 Caledonia Lane. The Turnberry’s spacious, open floor plan offers an expansive kitchen, dining room and great room, along with a den for homeowner flexibility. The outdoor living area offers an alfresco kitchen and a custom swimming pool by LeeSure Water Pools, a Lee Wetherington company. The Turnberry will be ready to inspire The Founders Club homebuyers later this year.

Builder John Cannon Homes has also commenced construction on a new model with views of the community’s championship golf course. Located at 8293 Archers Court, the three-bedroom, three-bath Adelaide will offer more than 5,000 air-conditioned square feet and a gourmet kitchen with a nearby chef’s pantry and a deck for growing herbs. Encompassing an entire wing of the home, the owner’s suite features a private study, exercise room with sauna, and a luxurious bath with its own courtyard. The expansive outdoor living area will feature a fully equipped kitchen and ample space to create an entertainment oasis. A bonus room, golf simulator room, and a pair of guest suites complete the home.

AR Homes has recently commenced construction on the new Annabel model. Located at 3727 Caledonia Lane, the home will offer 3,630-square-feet of living space. With three bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, the Annabel will showcase an expansive outdoor living area overlooking The Founders Club’s legendary oak trees.

Award-winning homebuilder London Bay Homes, who also handles sales and marketing for the community, also provides homeubyers with a first look at what is possible at The Founders Club with its recently sold Cameron model still available for viewing. The home boasts expansive views of the golf course and tranquil nature preserve, as do nearly every home in The Founders Club.

With a variety of amenities to indulge in both active and leisurely pursuits along with the fairways of the Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed golf course and acres of nature preserves, membership has remained apace at all three club levels: Social, Associate Golf, and Golf.

The Club completed a $600,000 course renovation last year that included updates to the bunkers and greens. Golf is a core part of life at The Founders Club. No tee times are required and crowds are never an issue, since membership is limited to 275. Members can walk the course at their own pace – utilizing one of only a few traditional caddie programs available in Sarasota – and enjoy the game as it is meant to be. The Club’s 7,094-yard, par 72 layout features a backdrop of mighty oak, pine and palm trees and is dotted with tranquil lakes, unspoiled wetlands and natural buffers of untamed landscapes.