Choosing The Ideal Waterfront Building Lot in Sarasota County
Bev Murray
Real Estate
If you’re thinking about building a custom home in Sarasota, Venice, or anywhere along Florida’s Gulf Coast, one of the most important decisions you’ll make — maybe the most important — is the lot itself.
The land you choose sets the tone for everything that follows: how you’ll live, what kind of home you can build, and what your day-to-day lifestyle will actually look and feel like once you move in.
So how do you choose the right building lot? And what makes a particular piece of land a smart long-term investment and a great place to live?
Let’s walk through it together.
What Makes a Good Building Lot?
Here’s what I tell clients all the time: don’t fall in love with a view until you understand the structure of the land. There are a few big-picture things to evaluate when deciding whether a lot is truly the right fit:
Topography and Buildability
Is the lot high and dry? Are there wetlands, protected species, or any environmental limitations? Can the land support the kind of home you want to build — structurally and legally?
Location and Access
Is the lot close to things that matter to you — whether that’s the beaches of Venice, the energy of downtown Sarasota, or the dining and shopping in Wellen Park — while still offering privacy and quiet?
Orientation and Views
Where does the sun rise and set? Can you take advantage of waterfront, trees, or open skies from the home’s main living areas or outdoor spaces?
Lifestyle Fit
Do you want room for a boat, a garden, or a guest house? Can the land support the lifestyle you envision — not just the house?
And lastly, think ahead: What’s happening in the surrounding area — like future roads or development — that could impact traffic flow, home value, or daily life?
Should You Build or Buy in Today’s Market?
This is a question I get often: “Is it better to build, or should I just buy an existing home?”
Here’s the honest answer: it depends on your priorities.
Building gives you complete control. You get to design your home around your lifestyle — from layout and materials to custom features that reflect your personality. In areas like Sarasota and Venice, where truly unique waterfront and acreage homes are limited, building can open doors you simply won’t find in the resale market.
That said, building requires patience. There are lead times for permitting, site work, and construction — especially if you’re building something detailed or architecturally ambitious (which many Murray Homes clients are).
Buying an existing home is quicker. You can usually move in within a couple of months, and it gives you the chance to experience the space before committing. But it may involve compromises on layout, finishes, or location.
If you’re leaning toward building — especially on the waterfront or in rural parts of Sarasota County — it starts with choosing the right lot.
Why This Lot on Caloosa Drive Checks the Boxes
A great example of a build-ready, lifestyle-rich property is the parcel at 9051 Caloosa Drive, just east of Wellen Park.
This 1-acre canal-front lot offers direct access to the Myakka River — a rare and special opportunity this close to Sarasota, Venice, and Manasota Key. It’s tucked away in a peaceful setting just north of Myakka State Park, surrounded by native Florida beauty.
And yet, you’re still within minutes of shopping, dining, and future development. The planned River Road extension will make access to local schools, Wellen Park amenities, and the beach even easier.
Even better? This lot is zoned RE-1 and has no wetlands, per the environmental survey — which means you can design confidently and move forward without the common delays that come from site constraints.
What Is RE-1 Zoning and Why It Matters
In Sarasota County, RE-1 zoning (Residential Estate) allows for:
• Larger lot sizes (often 1 acre or more)
• Fewer restrictions on things like detached garages, workshops, or outbuildings
• Custom design flexibility — great for clients working with high-end builders like Murray Homes
If you’re dreaming of something with room to breathe — maybe a modern waterfront retreat, a private compound, or a contemporary farmhouse with guest space — RE-1 gives you the breathing room to make it happen.
A Lifestyle on the Myakka River
Beyond the zoning and technicals, this lot offers something harder to quantify: a lifestyle that’s deeply connected to nature.
Living along the Myakka River means paddling out on a kayak before breakfast, spotting birds and otters from your backyard, or heading out for a sunset cruise down the waterway. It’s calm, peaceful, and still within striking distance of the action in Venice and Sarasota.
Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet homestead or a luxury home with full river access, this is the kind of lot that offers space, potential, and a lifestyle you can’t replicate in a gated subdivision.
If you're considering building from the ground up in Sarasota or Venice and want expert guidance on finding the right piece of land, I’d be happy to walk this property with you and talk through what’s possible.
Let’s find the right foundation for your next chapter.
— Bev
