There are 236 home sites spread out over 1,240 acres (it’s located just east of Lakewood Ranch), and last Sunday I went to check out some of the models. While I’m not always a big fan of mega-mansions behind gates, I must say that I was impressed. What the Concession represents may well be the culmination of the past 20 years of Sarasota’s growth – an ultra-exclusive golfing community where no expense is spared. Given what is happening with the economy I doubt that anything this elaborate will be built again.

The Royal Melbourne

Let’s take a look at the Royal Melbourne model from Cannon Homes, pictured above – or rather, partially pictured, as I didn’t have a lens big enough to get the whole thing in. It’s got 11,000 square feet under air (that’s as big as many building lots) and has its own massage parlor. I guess “parlor” isn’t the right word, but they have a room set up just for massages.

You literally need a map to find your way around the master suite, the various guest suites, the family rooms, the wine room, the theater, the game room, the his and her studies. Oddly enough, it doesn’t come across as pretentious or grandiose – just big and fun and very comfortable.

The furnished model is for sale at $8.4 million and for once it looks like it’s worth every penny. Call Deb Robison or Mike Tonkin at 941-907-8775

The Aston model in Nicklaus Manor.

A little more appropriate to my lifestyle is a model in the Nicklaus Manor section called the Aston. It’s one of the smaller homes at the Concession (3,873 square feet) and is priced at $2,995,000. I would call the style Palm Beach Palladian – light and sunny, with 15-foot ceilings and a great location facing the nature preserve. The model is beautifully decorated in blue and white; it catches the afternoon sun perfectly, and the result is one of the most charming homes in Sarasota. Just picture yourself eating your turkey in the family room.

 

Or out on the lanai.