When Neal Communities first broke ground on its more than 1,000-acre Grand Palm development in south Venice in 2010, critical executive decisions were made to preserve as much of the natural landscape as possible, including many of the old pine and oak trees. Those choices have resulted in one of the ever-growing south county’s loveliest places to live. Today, Grand Palm features more than 900 completed and occupied homes, with more than 800 home sites remaining for the discerning purchaser searching for modern, luxury living in a beautiful, natural setting.
Once inside the Grand Palm’s main gates, residents are treated to meandering, shaded streets; a large central lake that features a lovely island; a resort-style pool and waterslide at the main community center; as well as plenty of amenities including tennis, pickleball, basketball, volleyball, walking trails, dog parks, a splash pool for the little ones and an on-site, full-time activity director with a complete schedule of events. All the Coastal-style homes are "smart," with keyless front doors and all interior utilities linked and operated directly from owners’ phones. There are gated villages within the overall gated community, offering security and peace-of-mind to year-round residents, as well as snowbirds. Several gated villages also offer their own community pools aside from the main pool open to all owners.
With prices beginning at $259,990, Grand Palm offers turnkey homes, as well as homes that can be designed by the buyer in every detail. Buyers can choose the home style, home site and every sort of color style from wall paint to tiles to roofing.
“We have a top-to-bottom, complete design studio in Lakewood Ranch off Main Street,” says MaryAnn Koops, Neal Communities’ area sales manager. “The buyer comes in, and we have a several-step process where they browse through our styles. First, the buyers do a preview through our catalogs, and then we do a design appointment where they have a four-hour individual meeting with our designers where they get to personalize their home. They come in several times and then they finalize their color choices for countertops, cabinets, flooring, walls and exteriors. They choose the whole gamut from A to Z. They also have the opportunity to upgrade while they are there. Our design studio is more than 5,000-square-feet and well-appointed with the latest design selections.”
Everything in the homes can be upgraded, including sound systems and pools, to create a state-of-the-art, completely modern living style. Video security is a feature of each home as well. But what truly makes Grand Palm special is that the home sites are well-spaced, creating a stately feeling for residents.
“When we began this community, we ensured that we preserved and enhanced the natural beauty of the property,” MaryAnn says. “The home sites have beautiful trees on them. We didn’t just preserve wetland areas within the community, but we also made a point of preserving as many original trees as possible. That is almost unheard of in Florida’s building community. We took into account the look and feel of the nature that was there—the foliage, the natural vegetation. That makes Grand Palm absolutely unique.”
Grand Palm is well-situated, with two main entrances, one off River Road and the second off Center Road. Just half a mile away is Interstate 75, offering quick and convenient access to all points north and south, including the wonderful arts and dining scenes in Venice and Sarasota. Adjacent to West Villages, Grand Palm is also located to take advantage of that growing community’s shopping and services, as well as the new Atlanta Braves spring training stadium.
“Another thing that makes Grand Palm so amazing is the sprawling lake in the middle of the community,” MaryAnn says. “It features a flora-covered island. We have boardwalks and biking and walking trails, which offer lovely views of the water. Residents can fish, kayak, paddleboard, everything but motorized boating to maintain the idyllic peacefulness of Grand Palm. Everyone who buys in Grand Palm loves the activities available. It’s a total lifestyle. There is so much to do for everyone.”
Founded by Pat Neal in 1970, Neal Communities has 40 years of experience in Southwest Florida and has built more than 14,000 homes in the region. Recognized in 2012 as "America’s Best Builder," Neal Communities was also named "National Builder of the Year" in 2015. Along with his wife, Charlene, in 2017 Neal gave $1 million to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, funded the Flex Sport Field at the DeSoto Club campus, and continues to support after-school and summer programs for children in the region.
“We have really built a sense of community at Grand Palm,” MaryAnn says. “And we’re not finished. We will be opening a new second amenity center later this year for everyone to enjoy.”
5800 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. N, Sarasota, 888.930.2802, NealCommunities.com
