The Alcove at Waterside is a boutique residential community within the Waterside District of Lakewood Ranch. It offers a quiet, lakeside setting paired with modern home design and a limited number of residences.
As a result, the community appeals to buyers who want privacy and architectural quality rather than a large, amenity-heavy neighborhood. Developed by Neal Signature Homes, The Alcove emphasizes thoughtful layouts, refined finishes, and close proximity to Waterside’s dining and waterfront lifestyle.
The Village Guru™ Snapshot
HOME STYLE
Luxury single-family homes with high-end finishes
Buyer Profile
Move-up buyers, professionals, and downsizers seeking privacy
Community Feel
Quiet, boutique, and design-forward
Price Positioning
Upper-end within Waterside
Ongoing Costs
HOA focused on common-area maintenance
Location Trade-Off
Limited homes in exchange for exclusivity and setting
The Alcove at Waterside sits along scenic lakes within the Waterside District of Lakewood Ranch. Because the community includes just 47 homesites, it maintains a calm, residential atmosphere that feels intentionally scaled.
Unlike many luxury neighborhoods, The Alcove is not gated. Instead, its sense of exclusivity comes from design, spacing, and setting rather than controlled access. Mature landscaping, water views, and well-spaced homes contribute to an environment that feels private without being restrictive.
Homes in The Alcove at Waterside are custom-crafted luxury residences built by Neal Signature Homes. Buyers originally selected from five base models, each offering flexible layouts and meaningful customization options.
Designs emphasize open living spaces, high ceilings, and strong indoor–outdoor flow. Many homes sit on lakefront or water-adjacent lots, which enhances views and reinforces the community’s tranquil character.
Because the neighborhood is fully built out, buyers will only find resale opportunities. However, inventory remains limited due to the small number of homes and the desirability of the location.
The Alcove at Waterside is intentionally amenity-light, with the focus placed on private living rather than shared facilities. There is no central clubhouse or resort-style amenity center within the community itself.
Instead, the primary “amenity” is the setting—lakeside surroundings, quiet streets, and proximity to Waterside’s broader lifestyle offerings. This approach appeals to buyers who prefer investing in home quality and location rather than paying for amenities they may not regularly use.
One of The Alcove’s strongest advantages is its proximity to Waterside Place. Residents enjoy restaurants, cafés, events, and boutique shopping just minutes from home.
At the same time, Lakewood Ranch’s trails, parks, and lakes remain easily accessible. This balance allows residents to stay connected to activity without sacrificing privacy.
The Alcove is also one of the closest Lakewood Ranch communities to Sarasota. As a result, buyers who frequent University Town Center or downtown Sarasota often find this location especially convenient.
Cultural venues, dining, and Gulf Coast beaches sit within a short drive. Even so, returning home still feels calm and residential.
An important distinction for buyers to note is that The Alcove at Waterside is located in Sarasota County, whereas many Lakewood Ranch communities fall within Manatee County. As a result, public school zoning and district administration may differ from other Lakewood Ranch neighborhoods.
Public school attendance are based on a home’s address at the time of enrollment and are subject to district boundaries and capacity. Because zoning can vary by county—and because boundaries and enrollment policies can change—buyers are encouraged to verify school zoning and availability directly with the Sarasota County School District if school placement is an important consideration.
For families exploring private education, Out-of-Door Academy is a popular nearby option, along with several other private and charter schools located throughout the Sarasota area.
Florida does offer school choice options; however, availability is often limited—particularly in high-growth regions—and placement outside assigned zones is not guaranteed.
The Alcove at Waterside is best suited for buyers who value privacy, architectural quality, and a boutique neighborhood environment. It appeals to those who want luxury living without the scale or structure of large gated or resort-style communities.
Professionals, empty nesters, and move-up buyers often appreciate the limited number of homes, lakeside setting, and close connection to Waterside Place without the added complexity of extensive HOA amenities.
While The Alcove emphasizes privacy and home quality, buyers seeking a more resort-style experience may also want to compare nearby Waterside communities like Wild Blue or Shellstone, which feature broader amenity offerings.
Buyer Consideration
The Alcove offers a refined lifestyle centered on home quality, setting, and location rather than shared amenities or social programming. Buyers considering this community should be comfortable with resale-only inventory, a non-gated layout, and a smaller neighborhood footprint.
Understanding how boutique communities like The Alcove compare with larger Waterside or Lakewood Ranch villages can help clarify whether exclusivity, design, and proximity to Waterside Place align with your long-term goals.
To understand how this community fits within the broader Lakewood Ranch landscape, it helps to compare it to other nearby options.
No. The Alcove is not gated and relies on its small size and setting for privacy.
There are 47 homesites in total, making it one of the more intimate communities in Waterside.
No. The community does not include shared resort-style amenities.
The community was developed by Neal Signature Homes.
I help buyers and sellers in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and Manatee County make informed real estate decisions — without hype, pressure, or guesswork.
No pressure. Just a clear conversation about your options.