If you ask Venice or Englewood residents about Lemon Bay Estates, they will likely tell you that this is the neighborhood where they will like to live in one day. There are only about a dozen properties in this gated waterfront community; they sit on lots of at least one acre of land, and most of them are custom-built to incredible specifications.

Lemon Bay Estates is located in the Manasota Key barrier island just off Englewood, just north of the pristine Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserve. With the exception of two properties, all homes in this neighborhood are waterfront estates; some of them are located in a smaller islet connected to Manasota Key by The Pointe bridge, and this is where you can access a hidden section of the Lemon Bay Park conservation area.

Residents of this community enjoy an ambiance that evokes the feeling of living in a botanical park. Mature tropical vegetation and mangrove patches can be found all around the neighborhood. Every home enjoys waterfront views; in fact, a view of the beach is possible from the second floor of split-level estates. The architectural styles range from Key West homes to Mediterranean estates, and some of them have wonderful upgrades such as private docks, heated swimming pools overlooking Lemon Bay, fireplaces, panoramic balconies, fishing piers, and more.

As can be expected from one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Southwest Florida, quite of few of the properties in Lemon Bay Estates are valued at over one million dollars. Two exceptions in 2020 included a one-acre waterfront lot ready for development and listed at $235K. There was also a multifamily Old Florida ranch in need of renovations for $759K, and a very nice three-bedroom Key West Home listed at $820K.

The idyllic beaches of Manasota Key are just across the road from the entrance to Lemon Bay Estates, and the aquatic preserve is less than a bike ride away. Three seafood restaurants are within walking distance: Geraldi’s, The Waverly and the White Elephant Pub. When you need to go on a grocery run, the Publix supermarket at Merchants Crossing is a short drive across the water on the Beach Road bridge.