3194 Charles Macdonald Drive, Sarasota
+19415801362
Grace Bonaccorso
Laurel Oak Estates is a gated golf and tennis community of a little over 400 single-family homes on about 800 acres, just east of I-75 on Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota. At its center is Laurel Oak Country Club, a private, member-owned club with two championship golf courses. It's known for big oaks, large homesites and one of the most active social calendars of any Sarasota club. Below is what I tell my own buyers about Laurel Oak, plus every home currently for sale.
By Grace Bonaccorso, Realtor, Preferred Shore Real Estate. Updated October 2026.
Laurel Oak Country Club has two 18-hole courses. Gary Player's design company created the original West Course, which opened around 1990, and the East Course, which followed in the mid-1990s. Rees Jones, famous for preparing courses for the U.S. Open, redesigned the West Course in 2005. The club also offers Har-Tru tennis courts, pickleball, a heated pool and a large clubhouse with dining overlooking the course.
The club is owned by its members rather than a developer or corporate operator, which many buyers like. A fun detail: the community's streets are named for legendary golf course architects, like Donald Ross, Alister MacKenzie, Dick Wilson and Charles Macdonald.
As of mid-October 2026, 6 homes are listed for sale in Laurel Oak Estates, from about $1.3 million to $3 million. They average around $2 million, about 4,100 square feet and 4 to 5 bedrooms, or roughly $490 per square foot. All were built between 1993 and 1999. These figures change often, so treat them as a snapshot, not a guarantee.
In Laurel Oak, updates drive the price. Nearly every home was built in the 1990s, so two similar homes can be hundreds of thousands of dollars apart depending on what's been renovated. I look closely at kitchens, baths, pools and especially the roof, windows and air conditioning before we talk price.
Roof age matters for insurance. Florida insurers look hard at roof age and wind protection on 25- to 30-year-old homes. An updated roof and impact windows can make a meaningful difference in your premium, so I have clients get insurance quotes during the inspection period.
You get space for your money. Compared with newer luxury communities, Laurel Oak often offers larger homes and bigger, more mature homesites at a similar price, plus an established, close-in location.
Membership is optional. Buying a home doesn't make you a member, and many club members actually live outside the community. Ask about current membership categories and costs before you buy if the club is part of the appeal.
Laurel Oak has a reputation for being family-friendly and social. The club hosts a busy calendar of events, and the annual Halloween celebration is a community favorite. Streets wind under mature oaks, and many homes sit on generous, private lots.
The location is one of Laurel Oak's biggest advantages. It's just east of I-75 on Bee Ridge Road, so you can reach downtown Sarasota, the hospitals, shopping and restaurants quickly. Siesta Key Beach is a straight drive west, and Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is an easy trip up I-75.
Laurel Oak is in Sarasota County and is served by Sarasota County Schools. Zoning can change, so always confirm current school assignments for a specific address with the district.
Laurel Oak is a great fit if you want a gated, established golf community with large homes, mature trees, an active member-owned club and a central Sarasota location close to the beaches and downtown. If you'd prefer a brand-new home, I'll show you how it compares with Lakewood Ranch Country Club or The Concession.
Laurel Oak is on Bee Ridge Road just east of I-75 in Sarasota, zip code 34240.
Gary Player's design company created both courses. Rees Jones redesigned the West Course in 2005.
Yes. Laurel Oak Estates is a gated community of a little over 400 single-family homes.
No. Club membership is optional for homeowners, and the club also welcomes members who live outside the community. Confirm current membership terms with the club.
As of October 2026, homes for sale range from about $1.3 million to $3 million, averaging about $2 million.
I'm a full-time Sarasota and Manatee Realtor with 35 years of experience and a love for luxury homes. I give local and out-of-town buyers concierge-level service, from private tours to a clear-eyed look at each home's updates, insurance and true cost. Call or text Grace Bonaccorso at 941-580-1362 or email Graceluvs2sell@gmail.com.
Compare all Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch luxury golf communities
Related: Lakewood Ranch Country Club Homes | The Concession Homes | Luxury Listings Specialist