Sarasota National is a gated golf and resort community in Venice, Florida and one of the established neighborhoods within Wellen Park. Spread across approximately 2,400 acres in the 34293 ZIP code, Sarasota National combines single-family homes, villas and condominium-style residences with lakes, wetlands, preserves, championship golf, extensive recreational amenities, dining, fitness facilities and a resort-style pool complex.
The community was designed with a strong emphasis on its natural surroundings and is recognized as an Audubon International Certified Signature Sanctuary. Sarasota National is divided into two primary residential areas—the Golf Community and the Lake Community—which is an especially important distinction for buyers because golf membership arrangements differ between them.
Homes, Villas & Condos in Sarasota National
Sarasota National offers one of the broadest selections of residential property types in the Venice and Wellen Park area. The approved development plan calls for 1,584 residential units, including both single-family and multifamily residences.
Buyers may find:
- Single-family homes
- Estate-style homes
- Maintenance-oriented villas
- Coach-home style residences
- Low-rise condominium residences
Homes were developed over a number of years, primarily by WCI and later Lennar after its acquisition of WCI. As a result, Sarasota National includes a wide variety of floor plans, architectural styles, lot sizes and living areas.
Smaller attached residences may offer approximately 1,100 to 1,500 square feet of living space, while larger single-family and estate homes can exceed 3,000 square feet. Depending on the property, buyers may find two, three or four bedrooms, dens, private pools, oversized lanais, attached garages, hurricane protection, outdoor kitchens, golf-course views, lake views or preserve settings.
Golf Community vs. Lake Community
One of the most important things buyers should understand about Sarasota National is the distinction between the Golf Community and the Lake Community.
According to Sarasota National’s current Realtor Handbook, homes within the Golf Community include two golf memberships with the property. Golf-related homeowner fees are incorporated into the quarterly association fees, and the memberships transfer with the residence when it is sold.
Golf Community owners do not pay a separate golf initiation fee when purchasing a resale property. When playing, applicable cart or other usage fees may still apply.
Lake Community homes do not include bundled golf memberships. Lake Community residents still have access to the extensive Sarasota National lifestyle amenities, including the Palm Club, resort pool, fitness center, sports courts, dining and social facilities. Golf access for Lake Community residents is subject to current club rules, seasonal availability and tee-time policies.
Because the difference can materially affect both monthly expenses and golf privileges, buyers should confirm whether an individual property is classified as Golf Community or Lake Community before purchasing.
Sarasota National Golf Course
Sarasota National features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Gordon B. Lewis. The course winds through lakes, native wetlands, preserves and natural Florida landscapes, creating both scenic views for surrounding homes and a challenging golf experience.
Golf facilities include the course, practice areas, professional services and a separate 19th-hole dining facility.
Golf privileges vary depending on whether a residence is located in the Golf Community or Lake Community, so buyers who consider golf an important part of their home search should verify the current membership and playing rules before purchasing.
Sarasota National Amenities
Sarasota National has one of the more extensive resort-style amenity packages in southern Sarasota County.
- 13,167-square-foot Palm Club
- Restaurant, bar and lounge
- Indoor and outdoor dining
- Poolside Tiki Bar
- Zero-entry resort-style swimming pool
- Lap lanes
- Whirlpool spa
- 7,356-square-foot fitness center
- Fitness classes and personal training
- Tennis courts
- Pickleball courts
- Bocce courts
- Full-service spa
- Dog park
- Playground
- Library
- Coffee room
- Card and meeting rooms
- 8,000-square-foot event lawn
- Extensive patios and outdoor gathering areas
- Resident clubs, activities and social events
The Palm Club serves as the primary social and recreational center of Sarasota National, while the golf facilities provide a separate gathering place for golfers and club activities.
Audubon Sanctuary & Natural Setting
Sarasota National is an Audubon International Certified Signature Sanctuary and was designed around extensive native wetlands, preserves, lakes and open spaces.
The natural areas support a wide range of Florida wildlife and birdlife while providing scenic backdrops throughout the community. Many residences overlook lakes, wetlands, preserves or the golf course rather than neighboring backyards.
Walking and bicycling throughout the community provide additional opportunities to enjoy the landscaping and natural surroundings.
Guard-Gated Community
Sarasota National has a staffed guard gate at its main entrance on National Boulevard. The gated layout, private residential streets and controlled visitor access contribute to the community’s residential setting.
Buyers should verify current guest procedures, gate-access requirements, parking regulations, vehicle restrictions and other association rules before purchasing.
Maintenance-Free Options
Many Sarasota National properties provide varying levels of maintenance through their homeowners or condominium associations. Depending on the property type and association, services may include lawn and landscape care, irrigation, exterior building maintenance, roof or building reserves, pest control, cable or internet services, common-area maintenance and recreational facilities.
There are multiple condominium and villa associations within Sarasota National, so fees and maintenance responsibilities are not identical throughout the community.
Buyers should review the specific HOA or condominium budget, insurance coverage, reserves, maintenance obligations, rental policies and governing documents for the property they are considering.
Sarasota National CDD
Sarasota National is located within the Sarasota National Community Development District, or CDD. The district encompasses approximately 2,400 acres and is responsible for infrastructure that includes roadways, stormwater systems, potable water, wastewater, irrigation and reuse systems, landscaping and environmental facilities.
The CDD assessment appears as a component of the annual property-tax bill.
CDD assessments can vary by property type and may change over time, so buyers should review the current tax bill and district assessment associated with the specific residence.
Sarasota National Location in Wellen Park
Sarasota National is located south of U.S. 41/Tamiami Trail and east of Jacaranda Boulevard in Venice, Florida 34293. The community is part of the broader Wellen Park area.
Residents are convenient to Downtown Wellen, CoolToday Park, shopping, restaurants, grocery stores, medical facilities, schools and the expanding commercial areas throughout Wellen Park.
Historic Downtown Venice and Venice Island are also within a convenient drive, providing additional shopping, dining, entertainment and cultural attractions.
Nearby Beaches & Attractions
Sarasota National residents can reach several Gulf Coast beaches, including Manasota Beach, Caspersen Beach, Brohard Beach and Venice Beach.
Nearby attractions include Downtown Wellen, CoolToday Park, historic Downtown Venice, the Venice Fishing Pier, the Legacy Trail, parks, nature preserves, boating, fishing and numerous additional golf courses.
The location allows residents to enjoy the amenities of Wellen Park while remaining convenient to the beaches and established attractions of Venice and South Sarasota County.
Similar Wellen Park & Venice Communities
- Wellen Park Golf & Country Club – A newer Wellen Park golf community offering single-family homes and multifamily residences, championship golf and extensive resort amenities.
- IslandWalk at Wellen Park – A large gated community with resort-style recreation, extensive trails, lakes, social activities and a variety of home styles.
- Grand Palm – A nature-focused Wellen Park community offering single-family homes, villas, extensive trails, Adventure Lake and multiple recreational amenities.
- Renaissance at Wellen Park – A gated community with single-family homes and villas, clubhouse amenities, pool, fitness facilities and sports courts.
- Pelican Pointe Golf & Country Club – An established Venice golf community offering single-family homes, villas, 27 holes of golf and optional golf membership.
Amenity Slideshow of Sarasota National Venice Florida
Sarasota National Homes & Condos for Sale | Venice Florida
Explore current Sarasota National homes, villas and condos for sale below. Buyers should pay particular attention to whether a property is located in the Golf Community or Lake Community because bundled golf privileges, association fees and maintenance responsibilities can differ significantly between residences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sarasota National
Is Sarasota National part of Wellen Park?
Yes. Sarasota National is an established neighborhood within Wellen Park and is located south of U.S. 41 in Venice, Florida 34293.
Is golf membership included with Sarasota National homes?
It depends on the property. Homes within Sarasota National’s Golf Community include two golf memberships through the homeowner association fees. Lake Community properties do not include bundled golf membership, although residents have access to the main resort amenities and may have limited golf opportunities subject to current club rules.
What amenities does Sarasota National offer?
Sarasota National amenities include the Palm Club, resort-style pool with lap lanes, whirlpool spa, fitness center, tennis, pickleball, bocce, dog park, playground, full-service spa, dining, Tiki Bar, library, meeting spaces, event lawn and organized social activities.
Does Sarasota National have a CDD?
Yes. Sarasota National is located within the Sarasota National Community Development District. The CDD assessment is included as part of the annual property-tax bill, and the amount can vary depending on the property.
What types of homes are available in Sarasota National?
Sarasota National offers single-family homes, estate-style residences, villas, coach-home style residences and low-rise condominiums. Properties range from smaller maintenance-oriented residences to larger homes with private pools, golf-course views, lake views and preserve settings.
