Located just east of the Pelican Pointe Golf and Country Club, Cielo in Venice is a fairly new neighborhood developed by Neal Communities, and it reflects a certain sensibility that has become a new residential standard in Sarasota County. The name of this gated community means “heaven” or “sky” in Italian; the architectural style combines Mediterranean design with Tuscan details, and the streets are named after coastal towns in Italy. This is part of the overall aesthetic of Venice, and it makes Cielo an excellent place to live.

The stylish architecture you see in the Historic Downtown Venice district, which is about 15 minutes from this gated community, is the inspiration for Cielo. The floor plans are not only gorgeous but also packed with decorative features such as stone facades, French doors, entrance columns, coffered ceilings, elaborate foyers, and more. The models selected by Neal Communities for Cielo have already earned Parade of Homes awards in other Sarasota County neighborhoods.

Residents of Cielo enjoy amenities such as a dog park, walking trails, bicycle racks, a playground for children, and picnic tables for outdoor grilling. Most homes enjoy views of nature preserves, but a few properties are located near ponds and lakes. Cielo is just south of the Jacaranda Commons shopping center, which is where you can get all your shopping done at Publix and CVS, but you can also enjoy gourmet coffee, a pint of ale at a British pub, and grilled tacos at a gourmet Mexican bistro. Venice Beach is a 20-minute drive straight down Venice Avenue.

The properties at Cielo are larger than in other Venice communities. A three-bedroom home with three bathrooms, for example, offers at least 2,300 square feet of interior along with three-car garages. Prices in 2021 start around $405K for homes completed in recent months. As of March, only brand-new listings were available, but this may change later this year when homeowners realize how quickly their properties are appreciating in value. When Neal Communities broke ground on this project, prices started around $350K.