PHOTO GALLERY: Calusa Lakes in Nokomis
Just across from Oscar Scherer State Park, Calusa Lakes is a deed-restricted golf-course community in Nokomis that takes its name from the 28 lakes sprinkled throughout the development and the Indians who once lived on the coast and inland waterways of Southwest Florida.
Street names throughout the neighborhood — Muskogee Trail, Tocobaga Lane and Timucua Trail — continue the Indian theme.
Located about a mile and half north of Laurel Road, the entrance, off Mission Valley Boulevard, is an attractive two-lane street with a wooded median and large, manmade waterfalls on each side.
Bordered by pristine woods and grazing lands to the north, the 460-acre community abounds with wildlife. Generously sized nature preserves are scattered throughout the development, and the 578 homes are set well back from the rolling fairways, buffered by palms, majestic oaks and towering pine trees.
It all makes for an environmentally friendly atmosphere amidst lush Florida surroundings.
When the community was developed in the early 1990s, the seven custom builders included Arthur Rutenberg, Bamboo and Lincoln. Most of the houses are contemporary Mediterranean in style, with spacious floor plans and barrel-tile roofs.
The last house was built in 2004. Just one vacant lot remains.
Two sections of the neighborhood are maintenance-free, with their own community swimming pools, and are suited for snowbirds and retirees who want their properties taken care of in the summer months.
At $110 a quarter, homeowner fees are quite reasonable. They cover the cost of a private guard at the gate from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., and upkeep of the preserves, common areas and the four tennis courts, which are owned by the community.
Ann Jiganti, a sales associate with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, has lived in Calusa Lakes for 20 years. Originally from Chicago, she loves the quietness and relaxed atmosphere.
“There is no traffic, except the golfers and those who live there,” she said. “A lot of people don’t know we’re here and are surprised when they come to an open house.”
Although she deals with real estate thoughout the county, Jiganti has made the neighborhood something of her bailiwick. She has been involved in 12 of the 17 sales in Calusa Lakes since the beginning of the year. She has two active listings, a 2,924-square-foot, three-bedroom home for $535,000, and a turnkey-furnished maintenance-free place at 2301 Harrier Way — all furniture and accessories included — at $292,500.
Jiganti also likes that the Calusa Lakes Golf Club is semi-private.
“You don’t have to join — you can just look at it and get the beautiful views,” she said.
Many of the residents — retirees, snowbirds and some working professionals — are happy to take advantage of the 18-hole, par-72 championship course, which has reciprocal privileges at two other Venice clubs: Waterford and Capri Isles.
The clubhouse has a pro shop. The restaurant offers breakfast and lunch from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day and bar service until closing time at 6 p.m. There are monthly theme dinners, banquets and lots of social activities.
Although Calusa Lakes is secluded and private, it is centrally located and close to many amenities. The Legacy Trail is close by. Nokomis Beach is a 10-minute drive away. The Laurel Road interchange makes Interstate 75 easily accessible.
Shopping areas and restaurants are in downtown Venice and along the Tamiami Trail.
“I can be in downtown Sarasota in 30 minutes, even during the height of season,” Jiganti said.
With so many attractive qualities, and a variety of homes available at various price points, sales have been steady.
The 17 transactions since the beginning of the year ranged in price from $250,000 to $561,000. Four sales are pending and 11 homes are on the market, from $292,500 to $469,900.
