Well, I never thought I’d be writing the words “Mick Jagger moves to Lakewood Ranch,” but it seems to be true. The Ranch’s brand-spanking newness and what many snobbier locals perceive as a lack of character and authenticity just flew out the window. Forget about Sanderling. Forget about whatever’s behind the gates of the Longboat Key Club. Lakewood Ranch has now been officially validated as the coolest place in town.

Actually, the home seems to be a Christmas present for Mick’s current girlfriend Melanie Hamrick, a ballet dancer. Her parents live in the area. The home, built in 2008, is set on a third of an acre and comes in at 5,726 square feet. The exterior is a restrained version of the Mediterranean style; the interior is a little more classically formal.

Special features include several particularly nice outdoor living areas—there are two outdoor fireplaces—and a bell tower with a nice view over the Lake Club, the Ranch’s Tuscan-themed premium gated community. And the lot itself has water on two sides, adding some extra privacy if Mick wants to go skinny dipping in the free-form pool (uncaged).

Mick and Melanie bought the house sight unseen, touring it electronically. They paid $1.98 million. Tina Ciaccio of Michael Saunders was the lucky listing agent for this unprecedented sale. I wonder who will move into the Ranch next. I hear there’s an ex-TV reality show star who’s going to be looking for a place after Jan. 20. Perhaps he should give Tina a call.