One of the classiest neighborhoods in Sarasota is located within the Palmer Ranch master planned development. The Country Club of Sarasota is precisely what businesswoman and socialite Bertha Palmer had in mind when she decided to develop her Florida ranch as an exclusive collection of residential communities.

At the Country Club of Sarasota, home buyers will find 565 acres of Florida nature, two championship golf courses, an exclusive racquet club and some of the most handsome real estate offerings in Palmer Ranch. Most floor plans here offer three or four bedrooms and two or more bathrooms. The architectural design in this community is reminiscent of the Mediterranean revival style that has become a staple of Southwest Florida real estate.

Three-bedroom homes built on 3,256 square feet of living space start can be found listed below $350K. Ample estates with four bedrooms and four bathrooms with panoramic golf vistas and luxurious interior designs can be negotiated at $700K.

The main attractions at the Country Club of Sarasota are the pristine golf courses and the racquet club, but residents also enjoy a state-of-the-art fitness center, a junior Olympic swimming pool, and the numerous outdoor recreation areas. Club membership is not compulsory, and some families opt to take advantage of the nearby YMCA, state parks and the Legacy Trail for biking, walking and jogging.

The Country Club of Sarasota is one of the better situated neighborhoods in Palmer Ranch. The Sarasota Square Mall is just a short drive away; supermarkets, cafes and restaurants are also in the vicinity. Driving to the beach or to Downtown Sarasota takes about 20 minutes. School-age residents do not have to travel far, either: They are served by the nearby Gulf Gate Elementary, Sarasota Middle and the Suncoast Polytechnical High School.