Waterbury Park offers four luxury semi-custom home floor plans, including this Seaside 2 model home.
LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (May 20, 2025) - Southwest Florida luxury home builder Neal Signature Homes announces the grand opening of Waterbury Park, a 21-home boutique community in highly sought after Lakewood Ranch offering four luxury semi-custom home floor plans, ranging in size from 3,138 - 4,189 square feet, with pricing starting at just under $1.4 million.
The community officially opens with a celebration in the new designer-decorated Seaside 2 model catered by Morton’s from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 30. An RSVP is requested. There will also be a virtual grand opening event at noon on Thursday, May 29 for those who cannot attend the in-person event.
Located just off The Masters Ave. east of Lorraine Road, Waterbury Place offers easy access to Waterside Place and downtown Lakewood Ranch and is just a short drive to the award-winning beaches of Sarasota and Bradenton. The Neal Signature community offers a selection of homes inspired by British West Indies and Farmhouse architecture. The four floor plans offered include many flexible options for design.
“Waterbury Park is a gem, offering a private carved-out enclave in the center of the Lakewood Ranch world,” says Carlos Puente, president of Neal Signature Homes. “There are not many places left in the area where you can find attainable luxury homes that are close to everything. The homes are spectacular, and they are minutes from shopping, restaurants, entertainment, schools and sports. It really is the place to be.”
Among the floorplans available at Waterbury are the Palm Bay 2, Kingfisher 2, Monterey 2 and Seaside 2, which is the floor plan of the model available to tour. The Palm Bay 2 offers 3 bedrooms, 3 baths and a 3-car garage under 3,138 square feet of living space, while the Kingfisher 2 is a 3,435 square foot home, with 3 bedrooms, 4.5 baths and a 3-car garage. The Seaside 2 includes 4 bedrooms, 4 baths and a 3-car garage with 3,783 square feet of living space and the Monterey 2 is a 4,189 square foot home with 4 bedrooms, 5.5 baths and a 3-car garage. Starting prices range from $1,399,990 to $1,632,990, before homesite and upgrades.
For discerning individuals seeking a residence that perfectly reflects their unique tastes and aspirations, the journey of building a luxury home is a deeply personal one. While fully custom builds offer limitless possibilities, the prospect can often be daunting in terms of time and decision-making. This is where the refined approach of a premier semi-custom home builder like Neal Signature Homes truly shines. They offer the ideal balance, providing a curated selection of exquisite floor plans that serve as a foundation for your vision, allowing for significant personalization to create a home that feels distinctly yours. If you are considering semi-custom new construction in Southwest Florida, Neal Signature Homes offers an unparalleled experience.
What sets Neal Signature Homes apart within the landscape of luxury home builders is their unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship, exceptional design, and an understanding of the local area and desires of a high-end clientele. Their homes are not merely structures; they are meticulously crafted havens featuring premium materials, sophisticated finishes, and thoughtful architectural details. Whether you envision a sprawling estate perfect for entertaining or an intimate retreat designed for serene living, Neal Signature Homes offers a diverse portfolio of designs that can be tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle. For those exploring luxury homes for sale, considering a semi-custom option with Neal Signature Homes to open a world of possibilities beyond what pre-existing inventory can offer.
Neal Signature Homes boasts a significant presence in some of Southwest Florida’s most sought-after locations. If you are looking for new luxury homes in vibrant communities, their expertise extends throughout the region, including the desirable areas of Bradenton Florida, Sarasota Florida, and the award-winning master-planned community of Lakewood Ranch Florida. Each of these locations offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and upscale amenities, ensuring that your new luxury home is not just a residence, but a gateway to a fulfilling lifestyle. Imagine enjoying the pristine beaches of Sarasota, the cultural scene of Bradenton, or the family-friendly atmosphere of Lakewood Ranch, all while residing in a home tailored to your exact specifications.
The beauty of choosing a semi-custom home builder like Neal Signature Homes lies in the collaborative process. Their experienced team guides you through every step, from selecting the ideal floor plan and homesite to personalizing interior and exterior elements. This ensures a seamless and enjoyable building experience, resulting in a home that truly reflects your individual style and preferences. You have the opportunity to work with Signature Design Studio to select high-end finishes, flooring, fixtures, audio, home automation, and much more to suit your family’s needs, and incorporate unique features that elevate your living experience. This level of personalization, combined with the efficiency of a proven building process, makes Neal Signature Homes a compelling choice for discerning buyers. For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury living in Southwest Florida, Neal Signature Homes offers it. Their expertise as a semi-custom home builder allows you move beyond the limitations of existing luxury homes for sale and embark on the journey of creating your dream residence, exploring the possibilities with Neal Signature Homes is an excellent first step.
When you’re considering building a new home, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is the design of your living space. There are many different styles to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are a few popular design styles to consider:
Traditional
Traditional design is characterized by its classic and timeless appeal. It often features symmetrical layouts, ornate details, and rich colors. Traditional homes are typically built with high-quality materials and craftsmanship like all homes built by Neal Signature Homes.
Modern
Modern design is all about clean lines, minimalist furnishings, and open floor plans. It often incorporates natural light and neutral colors. Modern homes are typically built with energy-efficient materials and technology.
Contemporary
Contemporary design is a more modern take on traditional design. It often features a mix of classic and modern elements.
Eclectic
Eclectic design is a mix of different styles and influences. It often features bold colors, patterns, and textures. Eclectic homes are typically built with a variety of materials and finishes.
Which design style is right for you?
The best way to determine which design style is right for you is to consider your personal preferences and lifestyle. If you’re looking for a home that is both stylish and functional, then you may want to consider a contemporary or modern design. If you’re looking for a home that is both classic and timeless, then you may want to consider a more traditional design.
Where to find your dream home
If you’re looking for a semi custom home builder in Bradenton, Sarasota, or Lakewood Ranch, Florida, Neal Signature Homes is the right builder for your needs. We also offer interior design services from Charlene Neal PureStyle that can help you design and build a home that perfectly meets your needs and preferences.
Conclusion
When it comes to designing your dream home, the possibilities are endless. But you’re not alone, Neal Signature Homes and Charlene Neal PureStyle will take the time to consider your personal preferences and lifestyle, to create a living space that is both beautiful and functional.
Additional tips for choosing a design style:
Consider the location of your home. Living in beautiful southwest Florida, you may want to choose a design style that is open and airy and incorporates outdoor living.
Think about your lifestyle. Having an open and spacious design will also be beneficial if you entertain frequently. If you prefer to relax at home, you may want to choose a design style that is more intimate.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to design. Feel free to mix and match different styles to create a look that is uniquely yours.
It’s important to work with a qualified semi custom home builder like Neal Signature Homes. We can help you create a home that is both beautiful, functional and safe.
Evalyn, Avery and Benny, students at Gene Witt Elementary were winners in the 23rd Annual Neal Communities My Favorite Home Art contest.
Neal Donates Additional Funds for New Digital Art iPad Lab
LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (December 11, 2024) - Three Gene Witt Elementary (Manatee School District) students were chosen for the holiday cards in the Neal Communities’ 23rd My Favorite Home Art Contest.
Approximately 670 students from Gene Witt Elementary in Bradenton, Fla., participated, creating their own “My Favorite Home,” as students in grades K-5 designed their vision of an ideal home, with winners in each grade level - a total of six winners selected - with the top three home designs featured on holiday cards for Neal Communities, Neal Signature Homes and SimplyDwell Homes.
Winners included kindergarten student Benny Burdick, whose design is featured on the Neal Communities Card; fourth grader Evalyn Gale whose design is featured on the Neal Signature Homes card; and first grader Avery Bush whose design is showcased on the Simply Dwell Homes card.
Benny Burdick explained that his inspiration for his house came from his family’s cabin, noting that it is a tiny, skinny house and he just really likes skinny houses while Evalyn Gale says she wants to live in the mountains that that is why she designed her house to be in the mountains.
Avery Bush said that her design inspiration came from a toy she has at home. “It is a mushroom, so I decided to make my favorite home a mushroom house that looked like my favorite toy. The round roof might help in a hurricane, like an umbrella.
Students took an architectural approach to the contest, according to visual arts teacher Kimberly Hoy. After Hurricanes Helene and Milton ripped through the region, the students have taken a step back to think about innovation that would help their favorite home better withstand the storms.
“Following the hurricanes, it was interesting to see how our thinking turned to innovation when we started to look at architecture in terms of challenges that prompted change like weather,” says visual arts teacher Kimberly Hoy. “We saw an “imaginary” house example that was up on pylons, so water could flow through underneath. The kids immediately started talking about the storm surge and how this was the way many of the newer beach houses are built today. We identified this as an innovation in comparison to many older homes that were built at sea-level and destroyed by storm surge. I challenged the kids to think about a problem their favorite home might solve. This prompted some of the kids to revise and add changes to their designs.”
Neal Communities donated $5,000 to the school for its participation in the contest, including $1,500 for supplies to execute My Favorite Home. The remaining donation will go toward the creation of a Digital Art iPad Lab at Gene Witt Elementary. Following the contest, Neal Communities learned that the Digital Art Lab fundraising was $2,500 from its goal and chose to donate that amount to help Hoy reach her goal. “Through a variety of fundraising activities, along with the arts millage funding that is generously provided by our community, and now the generous donation of Neal Communities - I believe we will finally have the funds to purchase our lab,” Hoy says. “Digital Art is really the way of the future for many young artists. I am so thankful for the generosity of our community and Neal Communities in bringing this opportunity to our kids. They are going to be ready to take that leap into the future of art creation and hopefully we will inspire many new “imagineers” of the future.”
Known for its stunning beaches, vibrant arts scene, and welcoming community, Sarasota, Florida, is an amazing place to build a personalized home. Use the steps in this guide to learn about semi custom new construction in this beautiful area of our state.
Step 1: Understand the custom personalized home-building process.
Let’s define your vision. How will your home fit your lifestyle in Sarasota? Consider your design preferences, your favorite Neal community, and your expectations for a semi custom home builder. It’s also a good idea to get inspired by exploring existing Neal Signature communities in Sarasota. Our team of experts works closely with you to ensure your ideas and inspirations come to life, creating a home that perfectly fits your needs.
Step 2: Choose the right location and semi custom home builder.
There are many home builders in Sarasota - but there’s only one Neal Signature Homes. Whether you prefer the coastal allure of Siesta Key or the cultural vibrancy of downtown Sarasota, our team has extensive knowledge of the entire area. We will provide valuable insights to help you find the perfect spot for new construction in one of our existing communities.
Step 3: Design and plan your dream home.
Once you have a vision and a location in a Neal community, it’s time to bring your ideas to life with thoughtful design and planning. Our in-house designers at Neal Signature Homes are committed to creating personal spaces that blend aesthetics and functionality. We offer a variety of semi customizable floor plans and features, ensuring your new home reflects your style while maximizing comfort and convenience.
Step 4: Prioritize quality construction and premium materials.
Quality is paramount in semi custom new construction. At Neal Signature Homes, we pride ourselves on a commitment to excellence. Your vision in Sarasota will be achieved with premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship. Our experienced team manages every detail, so you can have peace of mind throughout the construction process.
Step 5: Experience the Neal Signature difference for years to come.
Why choose Neal Signature Homes as your semi custom home builder in Sarasota? Because we understand that building a home is not just a financial investment; it’s an emotional journey. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, addressing your concerns and celebrating milestones together.
Choosing Neal Signature Homes means partnering with a trusted builder known for integrity, innovation, and excellence. With a portfolio of beautifully crafted homes, inviting communities, and a reputation for customer satisfaction, we are proud to be Sarasota’s premier choice for semi custom home building.
Let’s start a conversation about your dream home in Sarasota. Connect with our team today.
When it comes to insuring your home, new home construction offers significant advantages that can lead to lower premiums and easier policy approvals. At Neal Signature Homes, we pride ourselves on building homes that not only meet but exceed the latest building codes, ensuring safety, durability, and peace of mind for our homeowners.
Florida Building Code Compliance
Homes built to meet recent building codes are designed with improved safety features and structural integrity, which insurers recognize as lowering risk. This compliance includes the use of fire-resistant materials, modern safety features, and adherence to current standards. Additional storm-resistant safety features can be equipped on new homes like impact-resistant windows and roofs, and reinforced foundations, which are crucial during severe weather events.
Builder Warranties Reduce Risk
New homes often come with builder warranties that cover structural or system issues, reducing the chance of insurance claims in the early years of ownership. This increases the likelihood of securing insurance and may result in lower premiums.
Fewer Renewal Challenges
New homes are less likely to face nonrenewals or require extensive inspections and documentation at renewal time, ensuring a smoother policy continuity and typically lower renewal increases.
Clean Claim History
A new home starts with a clean slate, which also increases the likelihood of securing insurance and lower premiums. New construction homes are less likely to have hidden issues such as outdated wiring, mold, or foundation problems, which can be costly to repair and might trigger insurance claims.
Existing Homes May Face Limitations
Older homes with aging electrical, plumbing, or structural systems may be deemed ineligible for coverage due to increased risks. Additionally, these homes will typically require pre-binding inspections by both the client and the carrier, which can add additional time and cost to the approval process that new home construction doesn’t need.
Neal Signature Homes: building new homes to withstand the test of time
When you invest in a new home, you’re not just buying a structure; you’re buying peace of mind. At Neal Communities, we’re committed to building homes that are not only beautiful but also incredibly strong and resilient.
Strong Foundations for Strong Homes
We go above and beyond to ensure our homes withstand even the most severe weather conditions. This includes:
Reinforcing Roof Trusses
We securely attach the top chords of roof trusses to the bond beam and then the bond beam to the footing. This critical step helps anchor your home against powerful wind uplift forces.
Advanced Roofing Technology
To prevent water damage and leaks, we utilize a high-quality seal-and-stick membrane over the roof deck. Our self-sticking membrane adheres to screws, rather than pounding nails through the roof. This innovative approach eliminates the risk of punctures, ensuring a long-lasting and watertight roof.
Conclusion
Choosing a new home from Neal Signature Homes not only provides you with a beautiful, modern living space but also offers significant advantages when it comes to insurance. Our commitment to building code compliance, structural integrity, and meticulous construction practices ensures that your home is safe, sound, and ready to withstand the elements. We deliver new homes that are built to last. Contact us today to learn more about our new home construction process and find your dream home.
Neal Communities employees Ciara Kilian, marketing coordinator, and Julie Ball, assistant to the vice president of design, attend the Junior League of Sarasota’s 47th Annual Tour of Homes, sponsored in part by Neal Signature Homes.
Southwest Florida luxury home builder Neal Signature Homes was a silver sponsor of the Junior League of Sarasota’s 47th Annual Tour of Homes, held February 23rd and 24th.
The event raises funds for the Junior League and offers ticket holders a peek into some of Sarasota’s most noteworthy homes. The Junior League will use the proceeds to help individuals who are aging out of the foster care system. Each year, hundreds of young adults age out of the foster care system without parental guidance to help them establish themselves and their futures. The Junior League of Sarasota partners with local organizations to help 13- to 22-year-olds obtain the life skills and education necessary to become self-sufficient, live independently and maintain employment.
The Tour of Homes experience included live music, art demonstrations, pop-up shops, light bites, wine tastings, a silent auction and more, in addition to the rare ability to walk through five of Sarasota’s most sought-after homes. The home styles ranged from historic and traditional to modern and new construction and included:
A maximalist Mediterranean-style home on the north end of Siesta Key featuring waterfront views
A 1920s home in Laurel Park, surrounded by lush gardens and with ties to Sarasota’s circus history
A modern, resort-like home in San Remo with a chef’s kitchen, fitness room, lap pool and wine room
A new construction home West of the Trail with a two-story great room, grand staircase and outdoor summer kitchen
A custom curated home in the Arlington Park area with high-end finishes and an outdoor courtyard
Neal Communities Marketing Coordinator Ciara Kilian is also a member of the Junior League of Sarasota. “Everything we do at Neal Communities and Neal Signature Homes is about creating beautiful homes and strengthening communities,” said Kilian. “I’m so appreciative of the company’s support for causes like this that employees are involved in and that help people. The Junior League Tour of Homes was a fun opportunity to see different styles of homes and the personal touches and décor that make them unique, while supporting such a worthy cause.”
Pat Neal and the Neal Communities family of companies have given more than $8 million to local charities and causes throughout Southwest Florida. “We encourage our employees to get involved in organizations that matter to them and make a difference in the community, and we are dedicated to supporting those efforts,” said Neal.
Left to right are Neal Signature Homes teammates Carlos Puente, president; Janet Ladwig, director of community design; Pat Neal, founder and chairman; Christina Potts, area sales manager; Mark Borgiasz, land development manager; and Jason Frost, vice president land acquisition, at the site of Waterbury Park.
Southwest Florida luxury home builder Neal Signature Homes has broken ground on Waterbury Park, a community of 21 homes on a 23-acre parcel off of Bourneside Boulevard in Lakewood Ranch.
Four models of homes, ranging from the high 3,000s to 4,000s in square feet and beginning around $1.5 to 2 million, will be available. Flexible options such as casitas, pools and outdoor kitchens, and elevated interior and exterior finishes will be available for buyers to customize the homes.
“We have been a building in and partnering with Lakewood Ranch for many years, and we are happy to continue to build with them and bring this special community to the area,” said Carlos Puente, president of Neal Signature Homes. “Waterbury Park will feature incredible new floor plans, and we’re excited to introduce them to The Ranch.”
The name of the community, Waterbury Park, is a tribute to the grandfather of Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities, and a celebration of the Neal family’s 100-year legacy of building homes.
“In 1923, my grandfather J. Paul Neal, opened an ambitious residential community of 73 homes,” said Pat Neal. “It was called Waterbury Park, and it was located in Des Moines, Iowa. We were proud to celebrate the anniversary of that endeavor with this beautiful site as Lakewood Ranch’s own Waterbury Park.”
Sales for Waterbury Park at Lakewood Ranch will begin in mid to late 2024. Learn more about Waterbury Park and Neal Signature Homes by joining the Signature VIP list at https://nsh.peakseven.ai/.
Top: A 1923 newspaper ad for Neal and Company’s Waterbury Park opening sale. Bottom: Rendering shows the planned entrance and overhead view of Waterbury Park, a luxury community of 21 homes being built by Neal Signature Homes in Lakewood Ranch. Additional photos and renderings available on request.
Southwest Florida luxury home builder Neal Signature Homes has broken ground on Tideline, a small, upscale community near Palma Sola Bay in Bradenton. Surrounded by pristine waters and nature preserves, Tideline will offer residents the feeling of peace and tranquility from the moment they enter the neighborhood.
Located near the intersection of 9th Avenue NW and 99th Street NW and just minutes away from Anna Maria Island’s beautiful beaches as well as Robinson Preserve and Palma Sola Botanical Park, Tideline will combine the ultimate in relaxation with exciting opportunities to explore historic Bradenton. This intimate community will feature spacious, accommodating homesites and maintenance-assisted homes within a luxurious niche community.
“We try to think of everything when we design Neal Signature Homes,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Signature Homes. “These homes are special, and when we can place them in a location with as much natural beauty as this Tideline location, it makes for a unique and wonderful place to live.”
Four exclusively designed floor plans will be offered, each with multiple exterior elevation offerings. The floor plans range from 2,562 square feet to 3,004 square feet with up to three bedrooms and three bathrooms and additional dens or club rooms. An array of options allows buyers to personalize their home for their lifestyle with amenities such as pools and spas, outdoor kitchens and wine rooms.
“We’re excited to break ground on this community,” said Carlos Puente, president of Neal Signature Homes. “It isn’t often that we have the opportunity to build new homes in an established and highly desired enclave of Florida, so we look forward to showcasing what we do best as a semi-custom luxury builder.”
In the dynamic world of construction and real estate development, few success stories shine as bright as that of Jared Cohen. Hailing from Florida State University, where he honed his skills and passion for construction, Cohen’s journey with Neal Signature Homes has been nothing short of remarkable.
Fresh out of college in 2021, Cohen landed his first gig with Neal Communities as an assistant builder. From the get-go, his dedication, work ethic and natural talent for the trade caught the attention of his superiors. Eager to learn and grow, he soaked up every bit of knowledge and experience from the seasoned professionals around him.
“I’m just trying to be really good at what I do,” Cohen says. “I like learning new things and also the challenge of figuring things out myself. They give me the space to learn and grow, and I also know I can call anyone at any level. You don’t get that at every company.”
The company recognized Cohen’s potential early on, and it wasn’t long before he was promoted to the position of Construction Manager. As a Construction Manager, he took on increased responsibilities, overseeing multiple projects simultaneously, coordinating with various teams and ensuring the successful execution of each venture.
Driven by ambition and the desire to challenge himself further, Cohen was presented with an exciting opportunity. His outstanding performance as a Construction Manager opened doors to join the luxury arm of the company - Neal Signature Homes. This subdivision specialized in crafting high-end, bespoke homes, catering to the most discerning clientele. It was a chance for Cohen to step up his game and thrive in a new environment that demanded top-notch expertise and attention to detail.
“Ultimately, the goal is to produce high quality homes for the customer,” says Cohen. “We make sure we’re providing a well-built product, so the customer receives a well-built home the first time.”
Since joining Neal Signature Homes, Cohen’s career has been on a remarkable upward trajectory. His role as a Construction Manager is anything but monotonous. Each day presents new challenges, from designing and planning intricate architectural elements to ensuring seamless communication between contractors, architects, and clients.
One of the aspects Cohen enjoys the most about his job is the variety it offers. “I manage the day-to-day production and scheduling of home building projects, focusing on quality and customer satisfaction, “ says Cohen. “Every day is different.”
He relishes the opportunity to work on diverse projects, from learning about home building conditions and economic statistics in the markets the company operates in to understanding how the general construction operations can be improved and made more efficient. One of Jared’s favorite projects was managing the construction of the new Neal models for Wildleaf at North River Ranch, a new home neighborhood in Manatee County, close to Parrish. “When we started the model homes for that project, there were no utilities or roads yet, so I learned a great deal. It was both challenging and rewarding,” says Cohen.
His ability to adapt to these varied projects and consistently deliver outstanding results has earned Cohen a reputation as one of the company’s rising stars. Cohen’s success can be attributed not only to his technical prowess and managerial acumen but also to his innate ability to connect with people. He values teamwork and fosters a collaborative work environment where ideas are shared freely, and creativity thrives. This approach has not only garnered him respect from his colleagues but has also won over clients who appreciate his friendly demeanor and commitment to bringing their dreams to life.
Cohen’s appreciation for teamwork shows in his interactions with colleagues such as Carlos Puente, president of Neal Signature Homes, and Jason Frost, vice president of land acquisition for Neal Signature homes. “I called Carlos to understand what his deadlines and priorities were on some of the projects. And Jason helped me navigate some land questions. Talking to them gives me insight on what their day-to-day concerns are, and I’ve learned such a great deal from that.”
As he continues to excel with Neal Signature Homes, Cohen serves as an inspiration to aspiring construction managers and builders. His story exemplifies the potential for growth within the industry when talent, hard work and dedication converge.
Looking ahead, Jared Cohen’s bright future as a Construction Manager remains unwritten, and he shows no signs of slowing down. With his passion for construction and his unwavering commitment to excellence, Cohen is sure to leave an indelible mark on the luxury homebuilding landscape, making dreams come true, one signature home at a time.
