The southeastern section of the Sarasota County housing market is full of pleasant real estate surprises. If you are looking for something different in terms of home buying, you need to travel east on Clark Road and a few miles east of I-75; this is the entrance to Sarasota’s horse country, a place where you can find equestrian neighborhoods such as Saddle Creek.

Located between Rothenbach Park and the Sarasota National Cemetery, Saddle Creek in Sarasota is a very large subdivision where each home site measures at least five acres of Florida land, and this means that some properties may include mature forest meadows, ponds, freshwater creeks, stables, pastures, and horse riding trails. Altogether, Saddle Creek offers 26 miles of trails that can be explored on horseback.

The predominant architectural style at Saddle Creek is Southern Colonial, but you can also find some upgraded Florida ranches and Mediterranean estates. As of late 2018, pricing started around $550K for a five-bedroom Florida ranch with four bathrooms, natural stone exteriors, hardwood floors, fireplace, designer kitchen, and a large private swimming pool. Construction has taken place in this subdivision since the mid-1980s, but many of the properties have been lavishly upgraded over the years.

Although most home buyers attracted to Saddle Creek are interested in the equestrian lifestyle, the reality of this unique community is that it will appeal to anyone who wants a good real estate deal and the prospect of enjoying life in the countryside without actually moving too far from urban centers. Lovers of the outdoors and families with young children will feel right at home in Saddle Creek because the pristine Myakka River State Park is just a few minutes to the east.

As can be expected, Saddle Creek homeowners have easy access to nearby veterinary hospitals, nurseries and commercial stables. Driving to the the Publix supermarket at Bee Ridge, which is located next door to Rothenbach Park, takes just 10 minutes. Getting to the beaches at Siesta Key is a straight drive west on Clark Road, which turns into Stickney Point Road and connects to the barrier island in less than 30 minutes.