3543 Founders Club DriveSarasota, FL 34240Sale Price: $2,400,000

The very essence of elegant refinement, this St. Andrews home by Lee Wetherington exemplifies country club living at its best. Behind the gates of the prestigious Founders Club, this exquisite residence is set on a private lot overlooking the 17th green with sweeping views of the 14th, 15th and 16th fairways of the Robert Trent Jones-designed championship golf course. Embracing the spectacular setting - from virtually every room - is a hallmark of this extravagant retreat, with seemingly endless stretches of glass framing the view and nearly 1,200 square feet of outdoor living space. Step through the leaded-glass double doors to a world of quiet grace comprising 4,666 square feet of air-conditioned living space. From the foyer, the grand room features 14-foot ceilings, a cast stone fireplace and a huge mitered-glass floor-to-ceiling window. A square dining room adjacent to the grand room is set off by stone columns, octagonal ceiling treatment and a triple buffet alcove with a wine station. Gracious formal living space gives way to a huge European bistro-style gourmet kitchen outfitted with stainless steel appliances. An adjacent gathering room features a massive expanse of disappearing sliders that provide the ability to truly meld indoors and out. When thrown open, the entire space becomes integral to the spacious lanai with its tropical lagoon pool and fully outfitted outdoor living area, complete with summer kitchen, gas fireplace and ceiling-mounted television. An oak-floored study also opens to this gracious space, and this side of St. Andrews features two additional bedrooms. Sequestered on the opposite side of the home, the owner's wing offers the ultimate in a private retreat. From the huge owner's bedroom, angled to offer a bay of windows with private views of the lanai, an arched passage leads to enormous dual closets with built-in storage and a luxuriously appointed owner's bath. Upstairs, the spacious retreat room has room for a pool table and a home theater. The wide wraparound veranda boasts views of the pool and golf course below, and a third bedroom suite offers ultimate privacy for guests. Close proximity to downtown Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch and world-class beaches. The private, gated Founder's Club encompasses some 700 lush acres of picturesque lakes, pine groves, oak hammocks and a classic Robert Trent Jones-designed championship golf course. Don't miss your opportunity to own this exquisite residence. Schedule your private tour today.