There was a time when the future of Gran Paradiso in Venice was uncertain. A couple of local builders had major plans for this community in 2006, but housing market conditions ended up turning against them. When national home builder Lennar took over the project seven years later, plans for the West Villages were already being discussed, and this resulted in automatic value appreciation.

In case you are not familiar with the West Villages, this is ambitious project being developed by the city councils of North Port and Venice along with support by Sarasota County and various private partners. The goal is to improve quality of life in a district that spans about 8,000 acres. Neighborhoods, villages, town centers, and apartments are being built with a strong focus on making them one of the most attractive places to live in Florida.

The architectural style of Gran Paradiso is gorgeous. Lennar has selected floor plans that combine Mediterranean, Tuscan, and Venetian design; this explains why the streets all have Italian names. You will find a nice diversity of real estate that includes attached villas, manors, estates, and executive homes. All properties are stylish; even the three bedroom villas, which feature two full bathrooms and a two-car garage, are decked out with granite countertops, crown molding, tiled roofs, and covered lanais. Quite a few properties enjoy lake views.

As of July 2020, pricing at Gran Paradiso started under $260K for a villa completed in 2015. A palatial five-bedroom estate with four bathrooms was listed at $649K, a very reasonable price for a West Villages property developed by Lennar. When the first Gran Paradiso coach models first went on sale about five years ago, they were listed in the low $200K’s. Ongoing development of the West Villages will continue to add value to these properties, especially now that the Atlanta Braves have made North Port their spring training home.

Lennar invested nearly $10 million to build the recreation center at Gran Paradiso. Homeowners now enjoy a resort-style swimming pool, an incredible gym, an elegant clubhouse that is larger than a ballroom, a playground, pickle ball, tennis courts, a spa, poolside cabanas, and miles of walking trails. For the time being, the Venice Village shopping center is the closest spot for groceries and dining, but keep in mind that various town centers are planned for this new district. Driving to Venice Beach will take you about 20 minutes.