The Founders Club experienced strong sales in 2021, selling 36 homesites and three model homes – many to buyers from nontraditional markets on the Pacific Coast. Signature golf club membership also capped out with limited opportunities only available to homebuyers who purchase a developer-owned estate lot or build with London Bay, an award-winning homebuilder and developer, who also handles sales and marketing for the luxury community.

“The interest in The Founders Club has been unprecedented,” said Melissa Dovey, sales executive at The Founders Club. “We had strong sales in 2020 and kept gaining momentum through 2021. Buyers are telling us they want a better climate with year-round outdoor living. Many are also relocating from states with new or proposed tax increases or have decided to retire earlier than planned. They want to enjoy life and everything The Founders Club and Sarasota have to offer.”

Homebuyers hail from all over the U.S., however, there were a significant number from California, Washington and Oregon in 2021, Dovey said. One West Coast couple, who work remotely, always wanted to live in Florida and love the Sarasota area. “They thought, ‘Why not now?’” she said. “They are very excited to be moving to The Founders Club.”

As 2022 kicks off with another homesite sale and ushers in the construction of dozens of custom and semicustom homes throughout the community, homebuyers will discover seven available estate lots and a choice of luxury homebuilders, including John Cannon Homes and London Bay. Both companies offer a variety of floor plans from 3,500 square feet under air, architectural styles and limitless options for complete customization. Homesites range from nearly half an acre to almost one acre and overlook lakes, nature preserves and fairways along the esteemed Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed golf course.

Two model homes are also available for viewing by Sarasota’s finest builders. The three-bedroom, four-bath Turnberry estate by Lee Wetherington Homes at 3721 Caledonia Lane spans 4,200 square feet of indoor living space with golf course views. Its spacious open concept floor plan offers a large kitchen, dining room and great room, along with a den for homeowner flexibility. The outdoor living area has an alfresco kitchen and a custom swimming pool.

AR Homes’ new Annabel model located at 3727 Caledonia Lane is open for viewing. The three-bedroom, four-and-a-half bath home offers 3,630 square feet of living space, a spacious open concept floor plan, den and a bonus room with a wet bar. Expansive lanais offer seating and dining areas, a cabana and outdoor kitchen, all overlooking The Founders Club’s legendary oak trees.

A third model will be open for viewing Q1 2022 – The Adelaide by John Cannon Homes. Located at 8293 Archers Court, the model will overlook a serene lake and has three bedrooms, three baths and more than 5,000 square feet under air. Highlights of the model include a bonus room, golf simulator room and a gourmet kitchen with a chef’s pantry and a deck for growing herbs. Encompassing an entire wing of the home, the owner’s suite features a study, exercise room with sauna and a luxurious bath with a private covered outdoor sitting area and courtyard. The home also offers additional outdoor living with seating and dining areas, an outdoor kitchen and a private deck off the master bedroom.

“Model homes really capture the imagination and show the many possibilities available at The Founders Club,” said Dovey. “One of our recent model homebuyers received multiple offers before they even moved in. They refused. They love the home and the community.”

The Founders Club offers acres of nature preserves and a variety of amenities for an active and leisurely lifestyle, including the centerpiece golf club and championship golf course. Three membership options are available, including social, associate and golf, the latter wait-listed except for opportunities extended to new homebuyers purchasing a developer-owned estate lot.

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 – using one of only a few traditional caddie programs available in Sarasota – and enjoy the game as it is meant to be. The golf course’s 7,094-yard, par 72 layout features a backdrop of oak, pine and palm trees and is dotted with tranquil lakes, unspoiled wetlands and natural buffers of untamed landscapes.