The resort pool and spa
Heated, zero-entry, and big enough that it never feels busy. This is where most guests spend the middle of the day.
The area
Venice, Florida
Both homes are in Gran Paradiso, a gated community in the Wellen Park area of Venice. It is a few minutes from the Braves spring training ballpark, a short drive from the Gulf beaches, and quiet in the way that a place with its own gate tends to be. Here is what we tell guests.
Inside the gates
Tennis and pickleball
Four lighted courts of each. Pickleball in particular has a regular crowd through the winter — turn up and someone will wave you in.
Fitness centre, sauna and steam room
Cybex equipment, a separate aerobics and yoga studio for classes, and locker rooms with a sauna, steam room and treatment room.
The clubhouse
Library, card room, billiards and a board room. Walking and fitness trails run through the community, and the streets are golf-cart friendly.
Five minutes away
CoolToday Park
The Atlanta Braves spring training home, about five minutes from the gate. If you are here in March, buy tickets early — this is the single biggest reason people book Venice in spring.
Downtown Wellen
A walkable town centre on Grand Lake with 2.8 miles of paths around the water. Wellen Park Outfitter rents kayaks, paddleboards and pedal boats. Restaurants include Bocca Lupo and Acqua Pazza; Solis Hall puts on live music.
Fresh Harvest farmers market
Sundays, 9am to 1pm, in Downtown Wellen. Produce, bread, and the usual excellent excuse for a walk.
Sarasota National Golf Club
About seven minutes away. There is a lot of golf within twenty minutes of the house — this is the closest.
The beaches
Venice Beach
Fifteen to twenty minutes by car. Fossilised shark teeth wash up constantly — Venice calls itself the shark tooth capital of the world and earns it. Lifeguards, restrooms, easy parking outside of season.
Caspersen Beach
Wilder and less groomed, just south of Venice Beach. Where the serious shark-tooth hunters go, sifting scoop in hand. Bring water — there is not much shade.
Manasota Key
South instead of north, and usually quieter than the Venice beaches. Worth the drive on a busy weekend.
Venice Fishing Pier
Open around the clock, no licence needed to fish from it. Sharky's sits at the base if you want a grouper sandwich with your feet in the sand.
Worth the drive
Historic downtown Venice
Northern Italian-inspired architecture, independent shops and restaurants, and the Venetian Waterway Park paths along the Intracoastal. About twenty minutes.
The Legacy Trail
A paved rail-trail running from Venice north toward Sarasota. Flat, shaded in stretches, and genuinely good riding. The Villa has four bikes.
Warm Mineral Springs
A naturally warm mineral spring in North Port, about 85 degrees year round. Odd, popular, and unlike anything else nearby.
Myakka River State Park
Airboat tours, a canopy walkway, and more alligators than you will want to count. Give it most of a day.
Come see it yourself
Both homes sit inside the gate, minutes from the ballpark and Downtown Wellen and a quarter of an hour from the beaches. Tell us your dates and we will tell you what's free.