The Islands: A Manatee River Paradise

By Jacqueline Miller

With so many new single-family home developments popping up, it is the uniqueness of The Islands on the Manatee River that is highly sought after and has attracted many of our most discerning buyers looking for the area’s premier golf and boating community.

The peacefulness of the Manatee River, the splendor and convenient access of the Gulf of Mexico, world class boating and fishing, top-notch country club amenities, large estate sized waterfront homesites, individual private boat docks, and beautifully appointed homes built by the area’s top custom home builders are just some of the allure of this special community. It’s no wonder that they have claimed Best Overall Community 4 years in a row by the Parade of Homes.

The enchantment of The Islands begins as soon as you enter its gates. Welcoming bridges and streets lined with century old historic antique bricks; hand-made French Quarter-styled copper lights and tropical landscaping give The Islands an authentic Old Florida feel. Residents enjoy the many acres of protected land with abundant wildlife, enhancing the already incredible quality of life in this waterfront haven.  

The Islands covers 225 acres and offers 178 homesites with almost all offering private docks behind the residence while providing direct access to the Manatee River and the Gulf of Mexico. Two marina parks provide additional boat slips for residents. Homesites are priced from the mid $200,000s to over $600,000 with homes priced from the $700,000s to over $2,000,000. Residents also benefit in that there are no Community Development District (CDD) fees.

In the community’s newly released neighborhood, Rio Vista Estates features 65 estate-sized homesites located directly on the river or in protected harbors and feature Tuscan, Mediterranean and West Indies-styled homes constructed by three of the premier custom home builders whom are all known locally for their building excellence.  Representing the best of Florida living, there are currently three award-winning furnished models in The Islands including the Novara by Arthur Rutenberg Homes, the Corindi by John Cannon Homes and the Windward by Lee Wetherington Homes.  

For those who love the country club life, residents of The Islands have the option of joining the exclusive golf and country club adjacent to the community. The club’s championship golf course is one of Florida’s top-rated golf courses, features all new TifEagle greens, and stretches over 7,000 yards from the longest tee box. It is part of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System and blends the property’s natural beauty with abundant wildlife. Other club amenities include tennis and pickleball courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a Junior Olympic-sized swimming pool, and an elegant restaurant, lounge and banquet facilities. 

The Spanish Colonial-inspired River Lodge is a new riverfront club at The Islands exclusively for residents. It’s a neighborhood gathering place and social hub with fire pit, barbecues, bocce ball court, putting green and kayak launch. There’s also additional boat docking, indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the Manatee River and a fully equipped fitness center with magnificent river views.

The Islands is very well-situated to enjoy many of our area’s best attractions. The new Fort Hamer Bridge brings Lakewood Ranch, I-75 and Sarasota much closer to the secluded gates of The Islands and provides easy access to many cultural pursuits including theater, opera, ballet, concerts and museums. Residents all have easy access to three major hospitals and a wide range of health care services. 

To learn more about The Islands’ current inventory and new home build program, visit LiveatTheIslands.com or call 941.208.4020. The Welcome Center and Models are open daily located at 11831 River Shores Trail, Parrish, Florida.