Sarasota · Golf · Gated · New construction
The Founders Club in Sarasota
The Founders Club homes for sale: 262 custom homes on 700 acres of preserve around a Robert Trent Jones Jr. course in east Sarasota. See listings first.
At a glance
The Founders Club at a glance
A 24-hour guard-gated east Sarasota golf community of 262 custom homes on about 700 acres of lakes and preserve, built around a Robert Trent Jones Jr. course with no tee times, 7 minutes from Publix and 8 minutes from I-75.
- Median asking price
- $2.90M
- Airport
- SRQ, 27 min drive
- Builders
- London Bay Homes, John Cannon Homes
- Lifestyle
- Golf, Gated, New construction
The area
Living in The Founders Club
Overview of The Founders Club
- Newest listings
- $1,750,000 to $3,249,000 (September 2026)
- Median list price
- $2,947,000, about $556 a sq ft (September 2026)
- Home types
- 262 custom single-family homes on about 700 acres
- Gated
- Yes, 24-hour guard gate
- Golf
- Robert Trent Jones Jr. course, 275 golf memberships, no tee times
- School district
- Sarasota County Schools
- Beach
- Siesta Beach, 27 min drive
About The Founders Club
- A 24,000 square foot Golf Hall at the center of club social life
- Championship golf with only 275 golf memberships and no tee times
- Miles of brick paver walking paths past lakes, wetlands, and 100-year-old oaks
- Fitness center with Pilates and yoga, Har-Tru tennis, basketball, and sand volleyball
- Club membership is a separate decision from buying a home
The Founders Club is a prestigious golf community located in East Sarasota, known for its award-winning golf course and luxury estate homes. This gated neighborhood offers privacy, exclusivity, and a natural setting with tranquil lakes and ancient oak-lined landscapes. Buyers seeking Founders Club real estate will find custom-built homes with expansive floor plans, premium finishes, and resort-style amenities. With its proximity to Sarasota’s cultural attractions and the Gulf beaches, The Founders Club offers a lifestyle that blends elegance, recreation, and convenience.
Thinking about a move to The Founders Club? Janelle can tell you which neighborhoods fit the way you live. Email Janelle or call (813) 394-3313.
Schools near The Founders Club
Public elementary, grades K to 5
4100 Tatum Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240
Show on map: Tatum Ridge Elementary SchoolMcIntosh Middle School (opens in a new tab)
17 min drivePublic middle, grades 6 to 8
701 S McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
Show on map: McIntosh Middle SchoolBooker High School (opens in a new tab)
21 min drivePublic high, grades 9 to 12
3201 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34234
Show on map: Booker High SchoolPrivate school, grades K to 12
8751 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240
Show on map: The Classical Academy of SarasotaPrivate school, grades 6 to 12
5950 Deer Dr, Sarasota, FL 34240
Show on map: The Out-of-Door Academy, Uihlein Campus
Assigned schools depend on the address; confirm with the school district. Florida school grades from the Department of Education (opens in a new tab)
Comparing school zones in The Founders Club? Janelle can match them to the homes for sale. Email Janelle or call (813) 394-3313.
Restaurants near The Founders Club
Private club dining, members
Fine dining room, bar and grille, private dining room, and an outdoor verandah over the 18th green.
3001 Founders Club Dr, Sarasota, FL 34240
Show on map: The Founders Club dining room and bar and grilleAmerican pub, lunch and dinner
Locally owned since 1992, with live acoustic music on the patio every weekend.
351 N Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
Show on map: Gecko's Grill & Pub FruitvilleKorê Steakhouse (opens in a new tab)
13 min driveKorean barbecue, lunch and dinner
Prime cuts cooked on smokeless grills at every table, with house-made Korean side dishes at Waterside Place.
1561 Lakefront Dr, Suite 111, Sarasota, FL 34240
Show on map: Korê SteakhouseOsteria 500 (opens in a new tab)
13 min driveItalian, lunch and dinner
A wood-burning oven and a cocktail bar lounge at Waterside Place, open daily from 11 am.
1580 Lakefront Dr, Unit 101, Sarasota, FL 34240
Show on map: Osteria 500Seafood, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch
Lake views, indoor and outdoor bars, and brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am.
1540 Lakefront Dr, Suites 100 and 101, Sarasota, FL 34240
Show on map: Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House- 13 min drive
Italian market and prepared foods
Imported Italian products, charcuterie boards, and hot prepared foods; closed Mondays.
1561 Lakefront Dr, Suite 100, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240
Show on map: Eatalia Southern seafood, dinner and Sunday brunch
Fresh local seafood and an oyster bar, open nightly from 4 pm, with brunch on Sundays; no reservations.
6516 University Pkwy, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240
Show on map: Owen's Fish Camp Lakewood Ranch
Want to live near the best of The Founders Club? Janelle knows which streets put it at your door. Email Janelle or call (813) 394-3313.
Things to do near The Founders Club
The Founders Club Golf Hall (opens in a new tab)
In the communityPrivate clubhouse, members
The club's 24,000 square foot traditional Golf Hall, where member events are held.
3001 Founders Club Dr, Sarasota, FL 34240
Show on map: The Founders Club Golf HallSarasota Polo Club (opens in a new tab)
10 min drivePolo matches in season
Sunday polo from December 20, 2026 to April 15, 2027, plus Thursday Sunset Polo Happy Hours on select dates.
8201 Polo Club Ln, Sarasota, FL 34240
Show on map: Sarasota Polo ClubWaterside Place (opens in a new tab)
13 min driveLakeside dining, shopping, and entertainment
Restaurants and shops on a lake, with live music, cornhole, and a splash park.
7500 Island Cove Ter, Sarasota, FL 34240
Show on map: Waterside PlaceEvery Sunday, 10 am to 2 pm
More than 100 vendors year round at Waterside Place, with live music.
1561 Lakefront Dr, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240
Show on map: Farmers' Market at Lakewood RanchTown center
A walkable town center with cafes, restaurants, boutiques, the Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, and events all year.
8100 Lakewood Main St, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
Show on map: Main Street at Lakewood Ranch
Curious what life in The Founders Club is like week to week? Janelle can tell you, and introduce you to it. Email Janelle or call (813) 394-3313.
Parks and outdoors near The Founders Club
The Founders Club golf course (opens in a new tab)
In the communityPrivate golf, members
A Robert Trent Jones Jr. championship course with only 275 golf memberships and no tee times.
3001 Founders Club Dr, Sarasota, FL 34240
Show on map: The Founders Club golf courseCelery Fields (opens in a new tab)
11 min driveBirding and walking trails
More than 400 acres of county wetlands with two boardwalks, 246 bird species recorded, and the Sarasota Audubon Nature Center.
999 Center Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240
Show on map: Celery FieldsNathan Benderson Park (opens in a new tab)
15 min driveRowing venue and park
A 400-acre lake for regattas, kayaking, and paddleboarding, with a 3.5 mile paved trail, open 6 am to 8 pm.
5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota, FL 34235
Show on map: Nathan Benderson ParkMyakka River State Park (opens in a new tab)
26 min driveState park
A state park along the Myakka River on State Road 72, east of Sarasota.
13207 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241
Show on map: Myakka River State Park
Looking for a home close to the parks and water in The Founders Club? Ask Janelle where to look. Email Janelle or call (813) 394-3313.
Shopping near The Founders Club
Grocery store and pharmacy
The closest full grocery store, open 7 am to 10 pm daily, with a drive-thru pharmacy and Publix Liquors next door.
1940 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240
Show on map: Publix at Fruitville FarmsPublix at University Corner
10 min driveGrocery store
A second Publix at University Parkway and Lorraine Road.
7325 University Pkwy, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
Show on map: Publix at University CornerRegional shopping mall
The area's main mall, at I-75 and University Parkway.
140 University Town Center Dr, Sarasota, FL 34243
Show on map: The Mall at University Town Center
Want everyday errands close by in The Founders Club? Janelle can point you to the right neighborhoods. Email Janelle or call (813) 394-3313.
Health care near The Founders Club
Emergency room
A 24-hour Sarasota Memorial ER with 21 treatment rooms that follows the main campus protocols for cardiac, stroke, and trauma care.
7250 University Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34240
Show on map: Sarasota Memorial ER at Lakewood RanchHospital
A 155-bed hospital with all private rooms and a 24/7 ER, serving Sarasota since 1967.
5731 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233
Show on map: HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors HospitalHospital
An acute care hospital with emergency, cardiovascular, stroke, and orthopedic services.
8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
Show on map: Lakewood Ranch Medical CenterSarasota Memorial Hospital (opens in a new tab)
20 min driveHospital
The main Sarasota Memorial campus and its emergency department.
1700 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34239
Show on map: Sarasota Memorial Hospital
Need to be near care in The Founders Club? Janelle can keep that in mind when she picks homes to show you. Email Janelle or call (813) 394-3313.
Getting around near The Founders Club
I-75 at Fruitville Road
8 min driveInterstate, exit 210
The closest I-75 interchange, straight west on Fruitville Road.
Fruitville Rd and I-75, Sarasota, FL 34240
Show on map: I-75 at Fruitville RoadI-75 at University Parkway
13 min driveInterstate, exit 213
The interchange for University Town Center and trips north toward Tampa.
University Pkwy and I-75, Sarasota, FL 34243
Show on map: I-75 at University ParkwayDowntown Sarasota
18 min driveDowntown
Restaurants, the bayfront, and the Saturday farmers market on Main Street.
Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236
Show on map: Downtown SarasotaSiesta Beach
27 min driveBeach
The nearest Gulf beach.
948 Beach Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242
Show on map: Siesta BeachAirport
The closest airport.
6000 Airport Cir, Sarasota, FL 34243
Show on map: Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)Airport
The larger airport to the north, reached by I-75.
4100 George J Bean Pkwy, Tampa, FL 33607
Show on map: Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Commuting from The Founders Club? Janelle can tell you what the drive is like from each neighborhood. Email Janelle or call (813) 394-3313.
The Founders Club homes for sale: the market in September 2026
On September 24, 2026, 8 The Founders Club homes were listed for sale (8 single-family homes), from $1,750,000 to $3,249,000. The median list price was $2,947,000, about $556 per square foot. 3 of them were already pending or under contract.
Wondering what homes in The Founders Club are really selling for? Janelle will tell you straight. Email Janelle or call (813) 394-3313.
What to know before you buy in The Founders Club
- A 24-hour guard-gated enclave of only 262 custom homes on more than 700 acres of preserve, so resales are infrequent and new listings go quickly.
- Built around a Robert Trent Jones Jr. golf course; club membership is separate from buying a home, so budget for it if you want to play.
- Many homes date from 2006 to 2008 and list for less per square foot than recent custom builds on similar homesites.
Buying in The Founders Club? Janelle can walk you through it before you make an offer. Email Janelle or call (813) 394-3313.
The Founders Club FAQ
Is The Founders Club gated?
Yes. It is a 24-hour guard-gated community in east Sarasota.
Do I have to join the club to buy a home?
Home ownership and club membership are separate decisions. Janelle's membership guide explains the options and costs.
How do I hear about new Founders Club listings first?
Use the form on this page. Janelle sends new and coming-soon Founders Club homes as soon as they appear, often before the big portals.
Have a question about The Founders Club that is not answered here? Ask Janelle. Email Janelle or call (813) 394-3313.
Keep reading
- The Founders Club Market Update: Prices, Sales, and Days on Market
- Downtown Sarasota or the Suburbs? A Lifestyle Guide to Arts and Space
- How to Price and Sell Your Sarasota Home in 2026: A Seller's Guide
- New Build or Resale, Coast or Inland: How to Choose a Sarasota Home
- Is The Founders Club undervalued? (September 2026)
- Founders Club membership, golf, and cost
- Why your agent choice matters
Ready to see The Founders Club? Janelle can show you the neighborhoods and the homes in one visit. Email Janelle or call (813) 394-3313.
Climate
Weather, month by month
Average high and low in °F, and rain in inches, for each month.
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
- Janhigh 72.5°low 52.3°2.8 in
- Febhigh 74.9°low 54.6°1.9 in
- Marhigh 78.2°low 58.1°2.9 in
- Aprhigh 82.5°low 62.7°2.5 in
- Mayhigh 87.5°low 68.2°2.6 in
- Junhigh 90.0°low 73.6°7.1 in
- Julhigh 91.1°low 75.2°7.4 in
- Aughigh 91.5°low 75.3°9.1 in
- Sephigh 90.2°low 74.1°6.0 in
- Octhigh 86.3°low 68.3°2.8 in
- Novhigh 80.0°low 60.1°1.8 in
- Dechigh 75.2°low 55.2°2.3 in
Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30 (NOAA National Hurricane Center, https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/climo/); June through September is the rainy season, with most afternoons bringing a short thunderstorm.
NOAA climate normals, 1991 to 2020, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ). Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020, station Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/land-based-station/us-climate-normals), as reproduced in the Sarasota, Florida climate table (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarasota,_Florida); read 2026-10-04.
Nearby
More communities in Sarasota
Sarasota
New construction
New construction in The Founders Club
Call or text Janelle before you visit a model home or register on a builder's website. The builder pays her fee, so having her on your side does not change the price, and most builders accept your own agent only when the agent registers you on your first visit or first contact.
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Now selling -
Last homes
For sale now
The Founders Club homes for sale
Janelle can send you new The Founders Club listings as soon as they list, often before they reach the big portals. Ask Janelle
Updated October 2, 2026
Market now, as of October 2, 2026
- Homes for sale
- 10
- Median asking price
- $2.90M
For sellers
Selling in The Founders Club: price by the builder, not by the discount
Janelle worked on site at The Founders Club for years. She has sold homes by every builder in the community, knows most of the original owners, and knows who built each home and how. That is what pricing a home here takes: knowing the builder, knowing the quality, and positioning the home against the right sales.
Why a fire sale is not a strategy
- Discounting deep will sell a home, and any agent can do that. The right agent sells it for the most money.
- A price cut did not end the negotiation. Of the 33 homes sold here from October 2024 to October 2026, 17 cut their price first, and they still sold a median 5.4% below the reduced price.
- One price per square foot does not fit The Founders Club: homes sold at a median $427 a square foot built 2006 to 2009, $604 a square foot built 2010 to 2019, and $845 a square foot built 2020 or later. Who built the home, when, and how is the starting point.
- Priced right from the first day, a home is weighed against the right sales instead of following the market down one cut at a time.
Where a cut cost the most
Each of these homes cut its price, then sold well below what comparable homes of its era brought: the median price per square foot of the ones that sold here without a cut within a year of it.
| Sold | Home | Cut to | Sold for | Comparable homes | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 2026 | Built 2014, 2,774 sq ft | $1,499,900 | $1,425,000 | About $1,674,000 | -14.9% |
| April 2026 | Built 2017, 3,244 sq ft | $1,970,000 | $1,700,000 | About $1,958,000 | -13.2% |
| February 2026 | Built 2006, 4,864 sq ft | $1,990,000 | $1,910,000 | About $2,073,000 | -7.9% |
Not every cut home sold low: 5 of the 10 cut sales with enough comparable homes sold above them. Condition, the homesite, and the view move the price, which is why each home is priced on its own facts. Comparable homes: at least three sales of the same era with no price cut, closed within a year; an estimate, not an appraisal.
For owners
Own a home in The Founders Club?
I have sold homes in The Founders Club, most recently in 2026. Before you talk to anyone else, let me show you what yours would bring today.
Janelle Mertins
Gallery
The Founders Club in pictures
Keep reading
Guides from Janelle
· 5 min read
Relocating, Downsizing, or Moving Remotely to Sarasota: Your Questions Answered
Answers to the questions people ask about downsizing to a condo, selling and buying at the same time, and buying a Sarasota home by video call.
· 4 min read
Selling in Sarasota or Bradenton: Pricing, Marketing, and Strategy Questions
How I price a Sarasota or Bradenton home, sell a vacation home owned for years, and market a luxury listing, in answer to sellers' questions.
· 5 min read
Living in The Founders Club, Sarasota: A Guide for Buyers
What living in The Founders Club in Sarasota is like: the gate, the homes, what they sell for, the club decision, and how I would shop it.
· 4 min read
Choosing a Sarasota Agent for Cash, Waterfront, or New Homes
Questions to ask when choosing an agent for a cash purchase, waterfront property, or new construction in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
New listings
Get new Founders Club listings first
New Founders Club listings often sell within days. Tell Janelle what you are looking for, and she will send new and coming-soon homes as soon as they list, often before they reach the big portals. Prefer to talk? Call or text (813) 394-3313.
Reviews
What clients say
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Janelle is fantastic. We recently were able to sell our home in one week at 1% over asking price. I believe that the professional photos and staging coupled with Janelle helping us price competitively led to this success. We closed in one month and are so very grateful for Janelle and her help with the sale of our property.
Google, October 7, 2026Sold a home
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I highly recommend Janelle Mertins She is extremely knowledgeable, honest, and incredibly helpful throughout the entire process. She is also very responsive and even made herself available after hours when needed. After working with several agents in the Sarasota area, Janelle truly stood out. Her professionalism and dedication made all the difference.
Google, April 7, 2026 -
Janelle did a great job selling our house. We have worked with 4 realtors over the past 19 years in FL, and she was by far the best. She is very knowledgeable about the real estate market, and was great at communicating with us throughout the sales process. Her responses to our emails and texts were very detailed and timely. She was also very proactive with recommendations on how to get our house ready for sale, and she went above and beyond to make sure our house was sparkling clean and staged appropriately to make sure our house stood out compared to others. The video she created for our...
RateMyAgent, July 20, 2025Sold a home in Bradenton
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Janelle Mertins · Compass
Want to see The Founders Club in person?
Call or text Janelle directly, or send her a note about the home, community, or move you have in mind.