Infill development is a building strategy that seeks to make the most out of existing land by giving it a new purpose. Aside from the sustainability angle of preventing suburban sprawl, residential infill development is also intended to improve quality of life. A few years ago, national home builder DR Horton purchased the old Sarasota Golf Club for the purpose of developing Vilano in Sarasota, an upscale neighborhood where you can find million dollar homes prices under $600K.

The infill development project at Vilano, which is located south of Palmer boulevard and east of I-75, has transformed the former golf course into an upscale gated community ideal for home buyers who want both luxury and space in a peaceful suburban setting. The initial phase of Vilano consisted of lakefront homes that sold very quickly; the current offerings are large estates that range between four and five bedrooms with up to five bathrooms built on more than 2,550 square feet of living space.

At Vilano, you get more than just one acre of Florida land; you also get newly constructed properties built with the high quality that DR Horton is known for. The homes in this neighborhood are loaded with extras such as elaborate foyers, designer kitchens with breakfast nooks, private swimming pools, studios, covered lanais, and more. The lush tropical landscaping was retained from the time when Vilano was a golf course, and it serves as a habitat for many bird species.

The large floor plans at Vilano are ideal for large families and retirees who are used to welcoming overnight guests. Pricing as of mid-2018 started at $565K for a four-bedroom home. If you are looking for a sumptuous estate, consider a floor plan such as the two-story Palermo, which offers five bedrooms on 4,363 square feet of living space.

Vilano is close to the Fruitville commercial district, where you can find suburban comforts such as craft beer at the Big Top Brewing Company, organic produce at Detwiler’s Farm Market, and artisan pizza at the Cock & Bull Farmhouse. A few public and membership golf courses are located nearby, and you can drive to the beach in less than 25 minutes.