Ranch prepares for annual Tour of Homes

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Ready to buy a new home or just find good decorating ideas?

Lakewood Ranch developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch will host its annual Tour of Homes Oct. 3 through Nov. 23.

The event will feature 30 model homes from 11 builders in six communities in Lakewood Ranch. Homes range in price from the high $100,000s to more than $5 million.

This year, guests will be able to tour models in The Lake Club, The Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club, Country Club East, Central Park, Esplanade Golf and Country Club and Bridgewater.

“This is a great way to see all the different products we have to choose from,” said SMR’s Rachel Gray, event organizer. “Or, if they’re not quite ready for a new home just yet, they can see what we have to offer now and will know where to go when they are ready.”

Jimmy Stewart, vice president of sales Lakewood Ranch subsidiary LWR Communities, said 363 new homes have sold in Lakewood Ranch this year through September. National home sales reports show an 18% increase in new home sales and that more than 8,000 baby boomers are retiring daily, he said.

“Lakewood Ranch is positioned well to meet the needs of this demand,” Stewart said.

Guests can pick up full Tour of Homes guides starting Oct. 3, at any Lakewood Ranch information center, including those located at 6620 University Parkway, Sarasota, and 6310 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., in Lakewood Ranch. The Lake Club has its own sales and information center just outside its main gate. Information centers and models are open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Guides will show which model homes are featured in this year’s tour, as well as the location of each community.

This year’s tour also highlights dozens of events hosted within Lakewood Ranch, including behind-the-scene tours of Lakewood Ranch, Boo Fest, Music on Main, Ponies Under the Palms and others.

For more information on the home tour or tour events, visit lakewoodranch.com/tour-of-homes.

IF YOU GO
What: Lakewood Ranch Tour of Homes

When: Oct. 3 through Nov. 23

What: Tour Lakewood Ranch’s model homes and also enjoy events that happen during this year’s tour, including Tour-specific events, such as Lakewood Ranch bus, bicycle and walking tours, and other events, including Lakewood Ranch Boo Fest, Festa Italiana and Putts for Mutts, among others. This year’s tour features 30 model homes from 11 builders in six communities.

Cost: Free

Information: Pick up information packets at Lakewood Ranch information centers: 6620 University Parkway, Sarasota, and 6310 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., in Lakewood Ranch. Or, visit lakewoodranch.com.

Hours: Information centers and models are open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].