Sabal Cove

Custom Homes in a Garden-Like Bay Isles Setting

Sabal Cove occupies a quiet section of Bay Isles bordered by water, mature landscaping, and the Harbourside golf course. The neighborhood contains 38 homesites divided between two original plat blocks. Sabal Cove Lane forms the principal loop through the community, with smaller cul-de-sacs extending along Sabal Cove Drive, Sabal Cove Circle, Sabal Cove Place, and Sabal Cove Way.

Rather than offering a predetermined group of builder plans, the developer sold the lots individually and allowed each owner to commission a custom residence subject to architectural review. That approach created a varied collection of one- and two-story homes ranging from approximately 2,800 square feet to more than 7,000 square feet of living area.

Each home is unique while following a unifying visual character based on neutral colors, landscaped screening, attractive lawns, and relatively limited hard surfaces.

Custom homesites

1990

Subdivision recorded

1995–2018

Homes built

2,800–7,000+ ft²

Living areas

Plat blocks

Why Buyers Love Sabal Cove

No two residences are exactly alike.

Sabal Cove appeals to buyers who value architectural individuality, privacy, and the space of a detached home within one of Longboat Key's most established gated communities.

Homes differ in size, architecture, room arrangement, outdoor living, renovation history, and relationship to the surrounding landscape. This provides more variety than a neighborhood built from a limited group of repeated floor plans. A residence overlooking the golf course may provide long open views, while a lakefront home may feel more enclosed and tranquil.

The prohibition on conventional leasing reinforces Sabal Cove's residential atmosphere. With homes intended primarily for owner occupancy rather than rental use, the neighborhood has a more settled character than communities permitting frequent or seasonal leases.

Golf-Course HomesitesLakefront HomesitesGarden HomesitesWater & Fairway Homesites

The Story Behind Sabal Cove

Platted in 1990. Built one home at a time.

Sabal Cove was established as part of the larger Bay Isles planned development. The original declaration was executed by Arvida/JMB Partners on March 5, 1990.

1990

Platted as Two Blocks

The site plan divided the property into 38 lots. Block A contains 22 homesites arranged primarily along Sabal Cove Lane, while Block B contains 16 interior homesites reached from Sabal Cove Drive, Circle, Place, and Way. The neighborhood was conceived for custom construction, with a declaration requiring architectural review before any home or improvement could be built.

1995–2018

Built Gradually, Home by Home

Although the subdivision was recorded in 1990, construction unfolded gradually. The first residence was completed around 1995, later homes continued to be added over the following decades, and the most recently identified completion occurred in 2018 — an extended development period that helps explain the neighborhood's architectural variety.

Today, Sabal Cove remains one of Bay Isles' smallest single-family neighborhoods.

Residences & Amenities

Custom homes, individually commissioned.

Because every residence was individually commissioned, square footage alone does not fully explain the differences among Sabal Cove homes. Lot position, ceiling heights, indoor-outdoor connections, pool placement, landscaping, renovation quality, and the relationship between the home and its surroundings are equally important. Sabal Cove does not have a neighborhood clubhouse, pool, or recreational complex of its own; its amenities are centered on its gated setting, common landscape, and access to Bay Isles facilities.

Example Residence

2,881 Sq. Ft.

Example Residence

3,639 Sq. Ft.

Example Residence

5,239 Sq. Ft.

Example Residence

7,130 Sq. Ft.

Guard-gated Bay Isles access

Professionally managed neighborhood association

Mature community landscaping

Lakes, open areas, and golf-course surroundings

Private streets and cul-de-sacs

Membership in the Bay Isles Association

Access to the private Bay Isles Beach Club

Proximity to Harbourside golf, marina facilities, and central Longboat Key services

Lifestyle Policies

What to know before you buy.

Residential Use	Homes are restricted to single-family residential use. Commercial buildings and conventional business use are prohibited, subject to applicable law and the governing documents.
Leasing	Leasing is not permitted. A limited exception allows an owner who has sold the property to lease it back from the purchaser for up to six months after closing, subject to Board approval.
Pets	Household pets are permitted subject to the Association's current rules, Bay Isles requirements, and Town of Longboat Key ordinances.
Parking	Garages are required, and boats, trailers, campers, recreational vehicles, and certain other vehicles may not be stored visibly on a lot. Current restrictions should be confirmed with the Association.
Architectural Changes	New construction, additions, exterior alterations, pools, walls, fences, landscaping, drainage changes, and many other improvements require prior architectural approval.
Landscaping	Landscaping is subject to architectural standards and continuing maintenance requirements. Tree removal, artificial vegetation, and changes affecting drainage or exterior appearance may require approval.
Construction	The original declaration requires approved construction to be completed within specified time limits and in accordance with Association and Town requirements.
Association Membership	Every owner must maintain membership in both the Sabal Cove Homeowners Association and the Bay Isles Association.
Security	Sabal Cove is located behind the staffed Bay Isles gates and is subject to community access procedures.

Association rules, architectural standards, management arrangements, and use restrictions may change. Buyers should review the complete current governing documents and obtain written confirmation of applicable policies during due diligence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything buyers ask us first.

How many homes are in Sabal Cove?

Sabal Cove contains 38 custom-home lots. The official community website reports that one privately owned lot remains undeveloped.

Where is Sabal Cove located?

Sabal Cove is located within the gated Bay Isles community on Longboat Key, near Harbourside Drive, the Harbourside golf courses, central island shopping, and the Longboat Key Club marina.

What streets are within the neighborhood?

The community includes Sabal Cove Lane, Sabal Cove Drive, Sabal Cove Circle, Sabal Cove Place, and Sabal Cove Way.

When was Sabal Cove developed?

The subdivision declaration was recorded in 1990. The official community history states that the first home was built around 1995 and the most recently completed home was finished in 2018.

Were the homes built by one developer?

No. The lots were sold individually, and owners commissioned their own custom homes. Architectural controls created a consistent neighborhood character without requiring one standard group of floor plans.

How large are the homes?

Existing residences range from approximately 2,800 square feet to more than 7,000 square feet, although many contain approximately 3,000 to 5,000 square feet of living area.

What views are available?

Depending on the homesite, residences may overlook lakes, portions of the Harbourside golf course, landscaped gardens, open areas, or combinations of water and fairway scenery.

Does Sabal Cove have a community pool?

No neighborhood pool is identified in the community materials. Many individual residences have private pools.

Do residents have private beach access?

Yes. Sabal Cove owners are members of the Bay Isles Association and have access to the private Bay Isles Beach Club on the Gulf of Mexico.

Is Longboat Key Club membership included?

No. Membership in the Longboat Key Club is separate from Sabal Cove ownership.

Are rentals permitted?

Conventional leasing is prohibited. The governing documents provide a limited exception for an Association-approved sale-and-leaseback lasting no more than six months after closing.

Are pets allowed?

Yes, subject to current community and municipal restrictions.

Does the community have an official website?

Yes. Visit the official Bay Isles page for Sabal Cove for an overview of the neighborhood's development, custom-home character, and history.

Buying in Sabal Cove

Find your residence.

Every home in Sabal Cove is different. Buyers must evaluate not only square footage and bedroom count, but also lot position, architectural design, golf or water exposure, renovation history, private outdoor spaces, drainage, landscaping, pool configuration, garage capacity, and the relationship between the home and neighboring properties. The absence of repeated builder models makes direct comparisons more nuanced. Two homes of similar size may offer very different ceiling heights, room arrangements, levels of privacy, construction quality, and indoor-outdoor living. For more than four decades, Pettingell Professionals has helped clients navigate Longboat Key's luxury residential market. We understand the details that distinguish Sabal Cove's homesites, custom residences, views, improvements, and relationship to the larger Bay Isles community.

Selling in Sabal Cove

Tell your residence's story.

Today's luxury buyers begin their search long before they schedule a showing. They research neighborhoods, compare homesites, examine architectural details, and look for reliable information about community policies, beach access, and nearby amenities. That's why we've created one of Sarasota's most comprehensive luxury condominium and residential community guides. Our goal is simple. When someone searches for Sabal Cove Longboat Key, we want them to find the most accurate, informative, and complete resource available. More importantly, we want your residence to be part of that discovery. For sellers, this matters. A Sabal Cove home should not be presented as simply another residence within Bay Isles. Its custom architecture, homesite, lake or golf views, outdoor living areas, renovation history, landscaping, access to the private Bay Isles Beach Club, and location within a neighborhood of only 38 homesites are all part of its story. Combined with exceptional photography, cinematic video, strategic digital marketing, and more than four decades of experience representing Sarasota and Longboat Key's finest properties, we position your residence where today's luxury buyers begin their search.

The Pettingell Community Guides

Exceptional real estate decisions begin with exceptional information.

The Pettingell Community Guides were created to provide buyers and sellers with accurate, objective, and thoughtfully researched information about Sarasota and Longboat Key's most exceptional condominium communities, residential neighborhoods, and waterfront enclaves. Every guide is independently researched, regularly updated, and written to help you understand not only the facts about a community, but also the history, lifestyle, architecture, and details that make it unique.

Rather than relying on marketing language or generic descriptions, our goal is to create the most complete and trustworthy resource available for each community we cover. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply exploring Sarasota's luxury real estate market, we hope these guides help you make more informed decisions and discover the communities that best fit your lifestyle.

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Sabal Cove

Sabal Cove

No two residences are exactly alike.

Platted in 1990. Built one home at a time.

Platted as Two Blocks

Built Gradually, Home by Home

Custom homes, individually commissioned.

2,881 Sq. Ft.

3,639 Sq. Ft.

5,239 Sq. Ft.

7,130 Sq. Ft.

What to know before you buy.

Everything buyers ask us first.

Find your residence.

Tell your residence's story.

The Pettingell Community Guides

Exceptional real estate decisions begin with exceptional information.

Property Listings

Leave a Message

Thank you for your message. We will be in touch with you shortly.

Sabal Cove

No two residences are exactly alike.

Platted in 1990. Built one home at a time.

Platted as Two Blocks

Built Gradually, Home by Home

Custom homes, individually commissioned.

2,881 Sq. Ft.

3,639 Sq. Ft.

5,239 Sq. Ft.

7,130 Sq. Ft.

What to know before you buy.

Everything buyers ask us first.

Find your residence.

Tell your residence's story.

The Pettingell Community Guides

Exceptional real estate decisions begin with exceptional information.

Property Listings

Newsletter

Work With Us

Get in Touch

Get in Touch

Get in Touch