For buyers seeking estate-level homes and a refined club lifestyle in Sarasota County, two names frequently top the list: The Concession and Lakewood Ranch Golf Club. Both communities offer multimillion-dollar residences, award-winning golf, and private amenities, but the experience in each is distinct. If you're exploring $3M+ homes in Sarasota, understanding the differences between these two gated communities can help determine which one better aligns with your priorities.
Location and Accessibility
The Concession is located on the eastern edge of Manatee County, bordering natural preserves and offering a more secluded setting. It's roughly 30 to 35 minutes from downtown Sarasota and the Gulf Coast beaches. The community is adjacent to the northeast corner of Lakewood Ranch, giving residents indirect access to retail centers, dining, and medical facilities without the density of a built-out village.
Lakewood Ranch Golf Club is situated within Lakewood Ranch’s Country Club East and Country Club West neighborhoods. It offers direct access to Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, University Parkway, and Main Street. The location is ideal for those who want proximity to shopping, restaurants, and community events. Travel time to downtown Sarasota is shorter, averaging 20 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic.
Home Styles and Lot Sizes
Both communities offer expansive homes, but their design standards and lot configurations vary.
The Concession features custom estate homes with large lots that often exceed one acre. Homes are spaced farther apart, and architectural styles are carefully regulated for consistency and prestige. The minimum home size is 3,000 square feet, but most exceed 5,000 square feet. The homes often include extended motor courts, detached guest suites, and private pool complexes.
Lakewood Ranch Golf Club homes are found in both Country Club East and West. These neighborhoods include custom residences built by top regional builders. Lot sizes range from roughly one-third to one-half acre, depending on the village. Square footage varies from 3,000 to over 6,000 square feet. Many homes include lake or fairway views, and a variety of architectural styles are permitted, adding diversity to the streetscape.
Golf and Club Memberships
The Concession Golf Club is a private, invitation-only club with a single 18-hole championship course designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin. The course is known for its challenging layout and exclusivity. There are no tee times, and membership is separate from homeownership. The club includes a practice facility, dining, and limited member events. It does not offer tennis or aquatics.
Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club features 54 holes of golf across three private courses: King’s Dunes, Cypress Links, and Royal Lakes. Membership is tiered, and homeowners in Country Club neighborhoods have access to club amenities. The club includes a fitness center, pickleball, tennis courts, swimming pools, and a full calendar of social activities and tournaments.
Amenities and Lifestyle Features
Residents of The Concession benefit from a quiet, private environment with limited public traffic. There are no commercial centers or non-residential uses within the gates. Walking trails and preserve views are prominent, and homes are bordered by protected green space. The community does not have a village center or community pool, maintaining its low-density character.
Lakewood Ranch Golf Club residents enjoy extensive amenities within and outside their neighborhoods. Country Club East features The Retreat, a resident clubhouse with a pool, fitness center, and gathering spaces. The broader Lakewood Ranch area includes multiple shopping centers, medical campuses, schools, and recreational facilities—all within golf cart distance or a short drive.
Key differences between the two communities:
- Lot Sizes: The Concession offers one-acre+ lots; Lakewood Ranch Golf Club lots range from one-third to half an acre.
- Golf Access: The Concession is private and limited to golf; Lakewood Ranch offers multi-course access plus tennis, fitness, and aquatics.
- Location: Lakewood Ranch Golf Club is closer to restaurants and retail; The Concession is more remote and tranquil.
- Club Membership: Lakewood Ranch allows for various membership tiers; The Concession requires private invitation.
- Architectural Style: The Concession has tighter design controls; Lakewood Ranch allows more stylistic range among homes.
Buyer considerations when choosing between the two:
- Preference for a full-service club experience or a golf-centric environment
- Desire for proximity to town centers and local events versus privacy and exclusivity
- Importance of home size, lot dimensions, and customization flexibility
- Interest in social activities, tennis, aquatics, and fitness facilities
- Prioritization of resale potential in a high-demand area versus a limited-ownership enclave
Contact Sheldon, Gettel & Dahl
If you're considering luxury home options in The Concession or Lakewood Ranch Golf Club, Sheldon, Gettel & Dahl offer the experience and local knowledge to guide your search. Their team understands the distinct advantages of each community and works with buyers to evaluate floor plans, lot orientation, and club options.
They provide trusted support for clients seeking elite real estate opportunities in Sarasota County. Contact Sheldon, Gettel & Dahl to explore current listings, private tour options, and membership details that match your lifestyle and investment goals.
