LAKEWOOD RANCH -- Riverwalk Ridge is a subdivision of Riverwalk, one of the first neighborhoods established in Lakewood Ranch. Located across from Braden River Nature Park, it abuts the northwestern section of Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club and has a quiet, secluded atmosphere in lush surroundings.
Asking price is $509,000, for this 2,830 sq. ft. home that has four bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a large office or library, with an elegant dining room and a separate living room. Located at 6927 Honeysuckle Trl, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202. Riverwalk Ridge in Lakewood Ranch is self-contained small neighborhood. (STAFF PHOTO / THOMAS BENDER)
Now two decades old, Lakewood Ranch was master-planned with an eco-friendly approach to maintain the natural beauty of the area — half the land was used for homes, and the rest went to preserves, parks and recreational facilities.
As a result, Riverwalk Ridge’s 104 houses are attractively arranged on 70 acres around four lakes and extensive nature preserves. Wildlife abounds, with a variety of birds (including bald eagles) to along with alligators, deer, wild hogs and bobcats.
“The developers planted oak trees along the winding roads, and by now they’ve matured enough to almost have a canopied look,” says Candy Swick, owner/broker of Candy Swick & Co.
All of the three- and four-bedroom residences were built by Lee Wetherington Homes. The architectural style of the one- and two-story homes is Florida Mediterranean, with tile roofs, open floor plans and lanais with swimming pools.
Swick’s listing at 6840 Honeysuckle Trail is a 2,840 square foot house with four bedrooms and a den. It has a salt-water pool and spa, and a three-car garage. The front doors were designed by a local glass artist and are hurricane-rated.
“The magic of the house is that it backs onto the community’s largest lake, half of which is encircled by a large nature preserves,” says Swick. “So it has a premiere location, spectacular scenery and privacy.”
She continues, “We had three appraisals done and could have asked $565,000, but decided to price it aggressively at $539,000.”
Riverwalk Ridge in Lakewood Ranch is self-contained small neighborhood. (STAFF PHOTO / THOMAS BENDER)
Riverwalk Ridge is pet-friendly and not gated. Residents pay annual $95 HOA dues in addition to CDD (community-development district) fees. The neighborhood attracts working professionals and families. The local schools are Robert Willis Elementary, R. Dan Nolan Middle and Lakewood Ranch High.
Although the community has no central clubhouse, it benefits from a plethora of Lakewood Ranch amenities, all within easy driving distance. For active-lifestyle residents, there are 150 miles of nature trails and sidewalks and biking events, not to mention fishing, kayaking and canoeing.
The Lakewood Ranch Country Club offers championship golf, 18 tennis courts, dining facilities and a fitness center. “There are several other golf courses open for membership,” says Swick. “During off-season, you can pay and play, and have a lot of fun for very little money.”
The Premier Sports Campus to the north has 22 soccer fields and hosts lacrosse, field hockey, rugby, archery, senior games, Ultimate Frisbee, Special Olympics, flag football, youth football, a hot-air balloon festival, and, of course, soccer. County parks offer picnic areas, children’s playgrounds and tennis and basketball courts. Polo matches occur from December through April.
The commercial hub of Main Street at the Town Center, just minutes south on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, has boutique stores, restaurants and movie theaters. The Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, an award-winning hospital, is within walking distance.
There are enough social events to fill anyone’s calendar. Music on Main happens on the first Friday of each month. Upcoming events in November include the Suncoast Food & Wine Fest at the close-by Polo Grounds, and Festa Italiana at the Greenbrook Adventure Park.
With so much going on, it is no wonder that Riverwalk Ridge is a popular neighborhood and not a lot of turnover. Over the past 12 months, two houses have sold, at $460,000 and $568,000.
Current listings include two “active-with-contract” and four “active” properties, ranging in price from $419,900 to $579,000.
