Travel east on 17th Street from Honore Avenue in Sarasota and you will pass two scenic lakes on your left, replete with water lilies and other aquatic flora, followed by the entrance of a small, attractive neighborhood. Wyndam, a deed-restricted community close to Interstate 75, consists of 64 maintenance-free homes. Palm trees, pines and live oaks abound with lush landscaping throughout.
A home for sale at 1987 Wyndham Drive. STAFF PHOTO / DAN WAGNER
The houses are arranged on just on two roadways and a small cul-de-sac — Wyndam Drive connecting to Wasatch Drive and Waweep Court — and a portion of Briar Creek Way that marks the northern boundary of the enclave. A back egress via Wood Hollow Drive leads to The Woods, another neighborhood to the west.
But Wyndam also encompasses two large nature preserves. The community pool is beautiful nestled at the edge of one of them in a secluded, wooded setting.
Ron Marano, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker, has lived in the neighborhood for 14 years and sold a number of homes there. “My house backs up to one of the preserves, and we get all kinds of critters,” he says. “I have seen everything from coyotes to squirrels — you name it — as well as eagles, hawks and owls.”
He continues, “It’s quiet and pleasant, with not much through-traffic. I originally planned to spend only two years here, but I liked it so much I decided to stay.”
Marano loves the maintenance-free aspect of Wyndam. “It’s great to have everything taken care of when you’re busy like me,” he explains. “It makes for easy living.”
The homeowners association fee of $409 a quarter cover lawn care, irrigation, landscaping and the upkeep of lakes and common areas.
Sandhill cranes walk through a yard on Wasatch Drive in the Wyndham subdivision in Sarasota. STAFF PHOTO / DAN WAGNER
Wyndam was developed from 1998 to 1999 by Lennar, one of America’s premier home builders for more than 60 years. The company is headquartered in Miami.
The houses have entrance portals, high ceilings, corbeled tile roofs and two-car garages. Most have about 2,000 square feet of air-conditioned area with three bedrooms. But five of the houses were initially designed with two bedrooms and a den that could be converted into a third bedroom.
“A lot of people have updated their homes, taking down walls and opening up the interiors,” says Marano. “We renovated our bathroom and kitchen and added granite counter tops.”
His current listing, at 1987 Wyndam Drive, is a two-bedroom, two-bath home with a den that has been extensively remodeled. The interior was recently repainted, all carpeting replaced, and new cabinet doors and stainless-steel appliances installed in the kitchen. The house has its own lanai and swimming pool, and backs onto the northern leg of one of the lakes, with a lovely view of the central water fountain.
Wyndam’s population is a mix of retirees and working professionals. According to Marano, about 20 percent are snowbirds. In the past, there have been some families, too, but right now here are no children in the neighborhood.
“A lot of residents came here when they were in their 60s, and are now in their 70s and 80s,” he comments. “There is a good sense of community. People care about the neighborhood. We’re all good friends and neighbors.”
Although Wyndam is off the beaten track, it is conveniently located. Entrances to Interstate 75 on Fruitville Road and University Parkway are within easy driving distance. Grocery stores, a Target, and other shops and eateries are close by, as is the new UTC mall. Downtown Sarasota and the beaches are just 20 minutes away. He loves the location.
“Our neighborhood is far enough away from the bustle for privacy, but near enough to amenities,” Marano says.
In the past 12 months, there have been three sales, ranging in price from $290,000 to $300,000. Currently, Marano’s listing is the only home on the market, with a $274,900 asking price. But he expects two other houses to come online in the next two to three weeks.
