Located five miles east of the intersection formed by I-75 and Clark Road, Forest at Hi Hat Ranch in Sarasota is an example of how careful suburban planning can create highly desirable neighborhoods. Forest at Hi Hat Ranch is a gated community where home buyers will find some of the largest and most elegant estates in Sarasota County.

In terms of location, Forest at Hi Hat Ranch offers large and secluded lots surrounded by pristine Florida nature. As its name suggests, this neighborhood is nestled within a lush nature preserve featuring tall pines and magnificent oak trees. The home sites in this community average between three and five acres; each residence has been designed by the finest home builders in the area.

Thus far, a few magnificent country estates and Mediterranean mansions have been completed in this neighborhood. To get an idea of the real estate caliber available in 2018, Arthur Rutenberg has listed a showcase custom mansion with more than 6,000 square feet of interior; this is a four-bedroom estate with seven bathrooms, an enclosed heated pool complete with spa, waterfall and fountain, a second-level home theater, a fitness center, studio, fireplace, and even a summer kitchen with a fire pit and an outdoor lounge. This opulent mansion was listed at $2.9 million; another Mediterranean estate with three bedrooms, four bathrooms and 3,410 square feet of living space was available for less than $1.3 million. Prospective buyers who wish to design their own custom or spec home will find three-acre lots starting at $170K.

Residents of Forest at Hi Hat Ranch have access to their very own nature preserve that includes two large lakes and plenty of hiking trails. For even more Florida nature, the Myakka River State Park is a couple of miles away. Since there are virtually no traffic lights between the neighborhood and I-75, driving to Publix and the Clark Road shopping district takes about 10 minutes; the beaches of Siesta Key are close enough to visit a couple of times a week.