River Strand Golf and Country Club, a gated community east of Bradenton, is designed with the Florida lifestyle in mind. Catering to working homeowners and retirees, golf enthusiasts and social mavens alike, River Strand offers a variety of residential, maintenance-free choices in beautifully landscaped surroundings.
The clubhouse at River Strand Golf and Country Club. Staff photo / Harold Bubil
Located just east of Interstate 75 between the Manatee River and State Road 64, River Strand is part of Heritage Harbor, a 2,500-acre master-planned community developed by Lennar Corp. The national builder, based in Miami, started the development in 2008 and has finished more than half of River Strand.
Taking advantage of flourishing greenery, Lennar created subdivisions within the community around ponds, nature preserves and along winding fairways lined with palms and live oaks.
The architectural style is Tuscan-inspired, from the impressive, rocky waterfall and gate house at the entrance to the 39,000-square-foot clubhouse. The latter’s rounded porticos and entrances halls, stone masonry, marble accents, spiral columns, and gabled, tiled roofs suggest classic, elegant Italian charm in a modern setting.
The kitchen of Lennar's Trevi model at River Strand Preserve. The floorplan has three bedrooms, a den and three baths in 2,032 square feet. Staff photo / Harold Bubil; 9-11-2015.
The Old Country theme carries through in all the residential offerings. For new construction, Lennar has two products. The three-bedroom coach homes, which come in two models, provide 1,883 to 2,099 square feet of living space, and are priced from $246,999 to $272,999.
Two-bedroom terrace condominiums in attractive four-story buildings range in size from 1,107 to 1,284 square feet and go for $154,999 to $194,999.
In addition, resales in established neighborhoods include villas and veranda homes, and single-family residences ranging from the $200,000s to the $700,000s.
“There is something here for everyone,” says Laura Navratil, a Realtor with Michael Saunders & Co. She and her sales partner, Mary Pihl, have a listing at 7812 River Preserve Drive. The four-bedroom home with lovely golf course and water views is available, turnkey furnished, for $729,000.
Navratil loves River Strand for its enchanting appearance and atmosphere. “Driving through, it’s gorgeous, with all the ponds and parks,” she says. “Residents take advantage of the walking and biking trails.”
The Trevi model at River Strand's Sanctuary section has golf course and lake views. Staff photo / Harold Bubil; 9-11-2015.
With attractive bike and walking trails in lush surroundings, River Strand is a wonderful playground for active residents. Unlike many other area golf communities, which parcel out golf memberships on an individual basis, all homeowners and their families automatically receive access to all sorts and social facilities.
The 39,000-square-foot clubhouse, which opened in 2009, has activity rooms for cards and billiards, a library, fine and casual dining, and a ballroom for banquets, weddings and other social functions. Other amenities include a 3,500-square-foot spa and fitness center, eight tennis courts, and a resort-style swimming pool, a resistance pool and a Jacuzzi.
Lennar is building a second country club that will feature the same amenities. The project will be completed within the next six months.
The 27-hole championship golf course was designed by Arthur Hills to make the most of the picturesque surroundings. The fairways meander among woods and thickets and intermingle with the Manatee River’s tidal waters and estuaries. The course also has large practice greens and a 25-tee driving range.
According to Navratil, residents are a mix of full-time and second homeowners. Working professionals with families send their children to Freedom Elementary School, Carlos E. Haile Middle School and Braden River High School.
Location is another big attraction. Being close to the highway gives River Strand residents convenient access to the Tampa and St. Pete airports. The Ellenton Outlet Mall, Lakewood Ranch’s Main Street and University Town Center mall provide shopping and restaurants one and two exits away, respectively. At the same time, downtown Bradenton and the Gulf beaches on Anna Maria Island are less than 25 minutes away.
As a planned, gated community, River Strand has some expenses other neighborhoods don’t. Closing costs include one-time capital contributions of $1,500 to Heritage Harbor and $1,000 to River Strand. The CDD fees are included in the property tax bill. HOA dues are $1,091 a quarter. A minimum $500 food/beverage spending requirement is in effect at the country club.
The real estate market has been active in all categories, with both new-home construction and resales offered through the MLS and directly by the builder. Prices have ranged from $142,100 to $705,000. Besides Lennar’s new construction offers, current active listings of resales start at $164,998 and top out at $729,000.
“River Strand really is a community for those seeking the ultimate Florida lifestyle,” says Navratil.
