Welcome to LakeHouse Cove at Waterside, one of my favorite communities in Lakewood Ranch. What makes it stand out right away is the lifestyle — this is an active, social community where it’s easy to stay connected. And what I personally love most is the location: from your front door, you can walk or hop on a golf cart to Waterside Place, the new downtown on the lake, for restaurants, shops, weekly farmers’ markets, and community events — all without ever getting in your car.
With seven sparkling lakes, luxury homes built by some of Sarasota’s best builders, and resort-style amenities designed for everyday fun, LakeHouse Cove blends modern Florida living with a true neighborhood feel.
👉 Thinking about a move? Before you start browsing listings, check out my guide on How to Choose the Right Neighborhood to avoid the most common buyer mistakes.
LakeHouse Cove stands out as a boutique-style village with just over 600 homes. While larger villages such as The Country Club Lakewood Ranch can feel busy, LakeHouse Cove offers a more intimate setting where neighbors get to know each other.
Here’s what makes the village unique:
Luxury Homes by Trusted Builders – Homes by Towne, Arthur Rutenberg, and Lee Wetherington are all known for their craftsmanship and modern design. These builders also focused on open-concept living, high ceilings, energy efficiency, and stylish finishes — exactly what today’s buyers want.
Resort-Style Amenities – From the lakefront pool to the kayak launch, residents have access to everything they need for recreation and relaxation.
Prime Sarasota Location – LakeHouse Cove is located in Waterside, the only section of Lakewood Ranch situated in Sarasota County, giving you quick access to downtown Sarasota, St. Armands Circle, and Gulf beaches.
Lifestyle Programming – A full-time lifestyle director organizes events, classes, and gatherings so residents can connect.
Future Growth – Across the street, Homes by Towne is developing Shellstone, another Waterside community. Together with Shoreview and Wild Blue, these neighborhoods form a vibrant luxury hub close to Waterside Place.
LakeHouse Cove was designed for active, outdoor living. The centerpiece is its resort-style pool overlooking the water, but the amenities extend far beyond that.
Heated resort-style pool with cabanas and lake views
Fitness center & clubhouse with gathering rooms
Lifestyle director curating events year-round
Boat and kayak launch with storage
Dog park, playground, and lakeside walking trails
Bocce and pickleball courts
What makes LakeHouse Cove special is its proximity to Waterside Place, the new lakefront village center in Lakewood Ranch. Whether you walk, bike, or take a golf cart, you’ll find shopping, dining, live music, and farmers’ markets just minutes away.
👉 Curious if moving to Lakewood Ranch is good choice? Check out The Top 5 Pros and Cons to Living in Lakewood Ranch Florida.
LakeHouse Cove is located south of University Parkway in Sarasota County, giving residents an unbeatable location. This spot puts you right in the middle of everything — close enough to enjoy shopping, dining, and cultural attractions, yet tucked into a serene lakeside setting that feels like its own retreat.
Being closer to Sarasota also means access to Sarasota’s renowned arts and entertainment scene, making this one of the most desirable places to live on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
And when it comes to lifestyle, the highlights nearby make every day feel like a vacation. Here are just a few of the destinations residents of LakeHouse Cove enjoy most:
Just minutes from your front door, Waterside Place is the brand-new downtown on the lake. Here you can enjoy boutique shops, waterfront restaurants, the weekly farmers’ market, concerts on the lawn, and community events year-round. The best part? You don’t even need a car — walk or take a golf cart and you’re there.
A short drive away, University Town Center is Sarasota’s hub for shopping and dining. From upscale stores and national retailers to trendy restaurants and family attractions like PopStroke mini golf, UTC has something for everyone. It’s also a hotspot for seasonal events and festivals, adding to the area’s energy.
In less than 20 minutes, you can be in downtown Sarasota, the cultural capital of the Gulf Coast. Stroll through art galleries, catch a show at the Sarasota Opera or Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, or enjoy fine dining along Main Street. Downtown Sarasota blends big-city sophistication with small-town charm, making it a favorite weekend destination.
Head west, and you’ll find St. Armands Circle, a unique shopping and dining district set on its own island. With European-style courtyards, boutique shops, and dozens of restaurants, it’s a must-visit spot for both locals and visitors. It’s also just steps from the beach, so you can spend the afternoon shopping and end the day with a Gulf sunset.
When it’s time for the beach, you’re spoiled for choice. Siesta Key is famous worldwide for its powdery white quartz sand, consistently ranked among the best beaches in the U.S. Lido Beach offers a more relaxed atmosphere with easy access to St. Armands Circle, while Anna Maria Island — just a bit farther north — delivers a laid-back, old Florida vibe.
In LakeHouse Cove, you truly get the best of both worlds: a quiet, lakefront neighborhood with modern amenities, paired with effortless access to shopping, dining, cultural experiences, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. It’s this rare combination of tranquility and accessibility that makes LakeHouse Cove such a standout choice for Sarasota living.
Though new construction has sold out, LakeHouse Cove remains a newer community where every home still feels fresh and current. Built by top Sarasota builders within the last few years, these residences combine modern style, energy efficiency, and thoughtfully designed spaces that align perfectly with today’s lifestyle.
🏡 Homes for Sale in Lakehouse Cove
One of the biggest appeals of LakeHouse Cove is that it doesn’t feel like a cookie-cutter neighborhood. Many of the 626 homes were highly customized during the build process, so you’ll find a wide variety of floor plans, exterior styles, and upgrades. Whether it’s a gourmet kitchen, extended outdoor living space, or luxury owner’s suite, each home has its own character.
Homes by Towne – Flexible floor plans with a focus on contemporary design.
Arthur Rutenberg – Semi-custom luxury homes with timeless appeal.
Lee Wetherington – Known for innovative layouts and high-quality finishes.
Size: 1,625–5,000+ sq. ft.
Layouts: 2–5 bedrooms, open floor plans, high ceilings, some with bonus second levels.
Outdoor Living: Covered lanais, outdoor kitchens, and private pools.
Views: Lake or preserve views from many homes.
HOA Fees: $250–350/month, including landscaping and amenities.
👉 If you’re weighing resale homes in Sarasota, LakeHouse Cove offers the unique advantage of being nearly new but already established. For more guidance on new construction homes, see my article on How New Construction Home Pricing Works in Florida.
Homes by Towne, Arthur Rutenberg, and Lee Wetherington — all respected Sarasota builders known for quality craftsmanship and design.
No. New construction has sold out, but since the community is only a few years old, resale homes are modern, energy-efficient, and highly customized — not cookie cutter.
No. Like all Waterside villages, LakeHouse Cove is not gated. This was a planning decision made by Sarasota County. If a gated community is important to you, nearby villages such as The Lake Club and Country Club East offer manned security gates and a more private setting.
Yes. While Lakewood Ranch as a whole has a wide range of price points, LakeHouse Cove is seen as an upscale, boutique-style village. With luxury homes built by Sarasota’s top builders, lakefront settings, and resort-style amenities, it attracts buyers looking for a higher-end lifestyle in a close-knit neighborhood.
LakeHouse Cove combines what buyers love most about Lakewood Ranch: an active lifestyle, convenient access to shopping and dining, and beautifully designed homes. Its direct connection to Waterside Place makes it especially appealing — residents can walk or take a golf cart to restaurants, markets, and events without ever getting in a car. Add in lake views, modern homes, and a strong sense of community, and it’s easy to see why demand here is so high.
Yes. Residents can walk, bike, or golf cart to Waterside Place for restaurants, shops, and events. The community also has its own trails, playgrounds, and kayak launch.
If you want a social, active community with direct access to Waterside Place and easy connections to Sarasota’s beaches and culture, LakeHouse Cove is a top choice. Contact me today to get started.
LakeHouse Cove at Waterside offers the perfect blend of Sarasota culture and Lakewood Ranch planning. With luxury homes, resort amenities, and access to Waterside Place and Gulf Coast beaches, it’s a lifestyle community that delivers more than just a house — it delivers the Florida dream.
👉 Ready to explore LakeHouse Cove? Book your Discovery Call — and before you do, download my free guide: 4 Home Buyer Mistakes. It includes exercises to help you define your must-haves and find the perfect community.