The Lakewood Ranch master-planned development in Manatee County has not stopped growing and is only getting better. Arbor Grande at Lakewood Ranch is the latest village to open; it is located just south of Manatee Avenue, in the northern section of the development and less than eight miles away from Downtown Bradenton.

Arbor Grande is being developed by CalAtlantic Homes, a builder that has made a splash in Southwest Florida with its attractive floor plans. This large gated community features villas and single-family residences starting under $372K for two bedrooms and two bathrooms built on more than 2,000 square feet.

Developer CalAtlantic has selected 10 new floor plans that improve upon the Mediterranean revival style that has become so common across Southwest Florida subdivisions. The homes at Arbor Grande combine Mediterranean architecture with details reminiscent of European country homes. This means facades that feature stonework, French doors, bay windows, decorative foyers, and more. Each model has at least two distinct configurations to avoid the cookie-cutter effect.

The residences at Arbor Grande are more spacious than in other Lakewood Ranch neighborhoods; even the paired villas offer 2,000 square feet of interior space. The largest floor plan, the Saratoga, offers six bedrooms, four bathrooms and a three-car garage built on 4,443 square feet. Each property is built with special features such as extra large linen cabinets, walk-in pantries, custom cabinets, brushed nickel fixtures, high-end gas stoves, foyers with domed ceilings, and more. Some of the homes enjoy views of small lakes and a nature preserve.

Arbor Grande is still under development, and thus some amenities will be ready in 2017. Once completed, the Arbor Grande recreation center will include a junior Olympic swimming pool, clubhouse, fitness room, spa, dog park, and tennis courts.

The Lakewood Ranch Gateway shopping center is a short distance from Arbor Grande. Driving to Downtown Bradenton takes just 15 minutes, and the beach is less than 30 minutes away.