Valencia at Rosemary Place: Townhomes and Rosemary District Living
Valencia at Rosemary Place offers a different way to live near Downtown Sarasota, combining fee-simple townhome ownership with private garages, multi-level floor plans and a location inside the Rosemary District. Developed beginning in 2017, Valencia sits near Cocoanut Avenue, Boulevard of the Arts and May Lane, within walking distance of many downtown destinations. Original developer materials describe approximately 1,900 to 2,500 square feet across eight floor plans. Unlike a high-rise condominium, Valencia gives owners a private entrance and garage while maintaining an association-managed residential setting close to Sarasota Bay, The Bay and downtown.
For buyers comparing Sarasota real estate, Valencia can be particularly useful to understand because it occupies the middle ground between a detached downtown home and a full-service condominium tower. Buyers get a house-like layout and attached garage, but they should also account for stairs, HOA obligations and a more limited common-amenity package than many luxury high-rises.
Quick Answers About Valencia at Rosemary Place
Where Is Valencia at Rosemary Place?
Valencia is in Sarasota's Rosemary District around Cocoanut Avenue, Boulevard of the Arts and May Lane, immediately north of the traditional downtown core. The location puts residents near Sarasota Bay, The Bay, the performing arts area and the restaurants and businesses of the Rosemary District.
Is Valencia a Condominium?
Current MLS records identify Valencia residences as fee-simple townhouses rather than conventional condominium units. Individual legal descriptions reference lots within Valencia Rosemary Place Townhomes, and owners are subject to a mandatory homeowners association.
How Large Are Valencia Townhomes?
Original developer information describes eight floor plans ranging from approximately 1,900 to 2,500 square feet. Current 2026 resale examples include three-bedroom residences of approximately 2,189 and 2,291 square feet.
Do Valencia Townhomes Have Garages?
Yes. Private attached garages are a defining feature of the community. Current resale examples at 1250 and 1262 May Lane both have attached two-car garages, giving buyers an alternative to the assigned or structured parking common in downtown condominium buildings.
Does Valencia Have Rooftop Terraces?
Private outdoor living was a major part of Valencia's original design, with developer and architectural materials highlighting private terraces. Outdoor configurations vary by floor plan and residence, so buyers should verify the terrace, balcony and rooftop arrangement of the specific home they are considering.
What Is the HOA Fee at Valencia?
Two current October 2026 MLS listings report a required HOA assessment of approximately $635 per month. One current listing reports grounds maintenance, pest control, sewer, trash and water among the included services. Fees, reserves, insurance responsibilities and included services can change, so buyers should obtain the current budget, governing documents and estoppel before making a purchasing decision.
Is Valencia at Rosemary Place a 55+ Community?
No. Current MLS information does not identify Valencia as an age-restricted community. Buyers should evaluate it as a downtown Sarasota townhome community rather than a retirement-specific development.
What Is Valencia at Rosemary Place?
Valencia at Rosemary Place is a boutique fee-simple townhome community developed by ICON Residential in Sarasota's Rosemary District. The project was introduced as an alternative to conventional downtown condominium living, with private entrances, attached garages, substantial interior space and private outdoor areas.
Original 2017 developer materials describe 30 fee-simple townhomes and eight floor plans ranging from approximately 1,900 to 2,500 square feet. However, the Downtown Sarasota Condominium Association and the project's architectural firm have referenced 32 residences. Because those published counts conflict, buyers should rely on current association records and recorded plats for the definitive community count.
Construction occurred in phases. Although the project launched in 2017, current public and MLS records identify 2019 construction for some of the reviewed residences. Describing Valencia simply as a "2017 community" can therefore obscure differences among individual homes.
What Are the Townhomes Like?
Valencia's homes are multi-level townhouses designed to provide more of a private-home experience than a typical downtown condo. Current 2026 resale properties illustrate three-story layouts with three bedrooms, three full bathrooms plus a powder room and attached two-car garages.
Original developer specifications included open floor plans, high ceilings, concrete-block construction, stainless-steel appliances, hardwood flooring in principal living areas and private outdoor spaces. Individual homes have since been customized, so resale finishes can vary considerably.
For example, a current 2026 residence at 1262 May Lane includes approximately 2,291 square feet, three bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms and a two-car garage. Its marketing identifies upgraded kitchen appliances, custom storage, impact windows, hardwood flooring, a primary-suite balcony and additional owner improvements.
Another current residence at 1250 May Lane contains approximately 2,189 square feet with three bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms and a two-car garage. The variation between these properties illustrates why buyers should compare individual floor plans rather than assuming every Valencia townhome is identical.
How Does Fee-Simple Townhome Ownership Differ from a Downtown Condo?
Valencia's ownership structure is one of its most important distinctions. Current MLS records describe the residences as fee-simple townhouses with individual lots and a required HOA, rather than condominium units inside a collectively owned building.
That can change the questions buyers need to ask about maintenance and insurance. A high-rise condominium association may be responsible for substantial portions of the building exterior and common structural elements. In a fee-simple townhome community, the division of responsibility between homeowner and association can be different.
Buyers should review the Valencia declaration, HOA budget, insurance information and maintenance responsibilities to determine exactly what the association maintains and what remains the individual owner's responsibility. Insurance coverage should be reviewed with a qualified insurance professional using the specific residence and current association master coverage, rather than assuming condominium-style insurance applies.
What Amenities Does Valencia Offer?
Valencia focuses more on private residential features and location than on a large high-rise amenity package. Published community information identifies gated access, landscaped common areas and a community pool and cabana, while the townhomes themselves provide private entrances, garages and outdoor living areas.
Buyers looking for a staffed lobby, concierge, extensive fitness center, rooftop common deck or multiple resident lounges may find those amenities more commonly in larger Downtown Sarasota condominium buildings.
Valencia's tradeoff is different. The emphasis is on having a private garage, direct entry, multi-story living space and private outdoor areas while remaining close to downtown.
What Is It Like to Live in Sarasota's Rosemary District?
The Rosemary District is a compact urban neighborhood immediately north of Downtown Sarasota's traditional commercial core. The Rosemary District Association describes an area of approximately 130 acres bounded generally by Fruitville Road, North Tamiami Trail, 10th Street and Orange Avenue.
Its east-to-west and north-to-south dimensions are each less than approximately half a mile, creating a relatively compact neighborhood. Valencia sits toward the western side of the district, close to North Tamiami Trail and Sarasota's bayfront cultural corridor.
The district includes a mixture of residential buildings, townhomes, apartments, restaurants, businesses, arts organizations and newer mixed-use development. Valencia is therefore part of an urban neighborhood rather than a self-contained suburban development.
How Close Is Valencia to The Bay?
Valencia's western Rosemary District location puts it close to Sarasota's bayfront and The Bay. The Bay is the major public park redevelopment along Sarasota Bay north of downtown, adding open space, waterfront paths and recreational areas to this part of the city.
That proximity is different from owning a waterfront residence. Valencia itself is not a Sarasota Bay waterfront community, and current MLS records for reviewed homes do not identify direct water frontage. Buyers are paying for access to the downtown and bayfront environment rather than private waterfront ownership.
Can You Walk from Valencia to Downtown Sarasota?
Many downtown and Rosemary District destinations are accessible from Valencia without a long drive. The exact practicality of walking depends on the destination, weather, route and individual mobility, but Valencia's location is one of its defining advantages compared with suburban Sarasota communities.
Nearby destinations include:
- The Bay
- Sarasota Bay
- Rosemary District restaurants and businesses
- Downtown Sarasota
- Main Street
- Five Points
- Downtown arts and cultural venues
St. Armands Circle, Lido Key and Lido Beach are farther west across the John Ringling Causeway and generally involve a drive, bicycle trip or other transportation from Valencia.
What Are Valencia Townhomes Selling for in 2026?
Current late-2026 asking prices show Valencia operating in the upper end of Sarasota's downtown townhome market, although individual value depends heavily on floor plan, condition, upgrades and location within the community.
As of the current research date:
- 1250 May Lane: approximately $1,050,000, three bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, approximately 2,189 square feet, two-car garage and 2019 construction.
- 1262 May Lane: approximately $1,295,000, three bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, approximately 2,291 square feet, two-car garage and 2019 construction.
These are asking prices, not appraisals or estimates of what another Valencia residence should sell for. Inventory and pricing can change quickly, particularly in a boutique community with relatively few residences. Buyers should review current listings and recent comparable sales with a licensed real estate professional before making an offer.
How Much Are Valencia HOA Fees?
Current October 2026 MLS data for two Valencia properties reports a monthly HOA assessment of approximately $635. The listing for 1250 May Lane identifies grounds maintenance, pest control, sewer, trash and water among the services currently included.
That figure should be treated as a current listing example, not a permanent community-wide guarantee. Association budgets can change, and special assessments, insurance changes or capital projects can affect an owner's total cost.
Before purchasing, buyers should obtain and review:
- Current HOA budget
- Current assessment schedule
- Reserve information
- Association insurance information
- Maintenance responsibilities
- Pending or approved special assessments
- Current governing documents
- Estoppel information
Financial, insurance and legal implications can differ by owner and property. Buyers should review property-specific costs with the appropriate association representatives, insurance professional, lender, tax professional, title professional or Florida real estate attorney as applicable.
Are Pets and Rentals Allowed at Valencia?
Current MLS information supports pet ownership subject to association restrictions, but published details about both pets and leasing are inconsistent enough that buyers should verify the governing documents directly. A current 2026 listing reports cats and dogs permitted with breed and number restrictions, while historical rental and listing information has not been completely consistent regarding pet limits.
Third-party real estate sources have reported minimum lease requirements and limits on leasing frequency, but those rules should not be relied upon without checking the current Valencia declaration, amendments and association rules.
Anyone purchasing with plans to rent the property should obtain written confirmation of current lease restrictions, approval procedures and minimum lease terms before making a decision.
What Are the Tradeoffs of a Multi-Level Downtown Townhome?
Valencia's multi-level design provides separation between living, sleeping and entry areas, but stairs are a meaningful part of daily life. Current resale examples have three levels and do not identify private residential elevators.
That makes Valencia different from a single-level condominium residence with elevator access from the lobby or garage. Buyers who are planning for long-term accessibility should consider the floor plan carefully rather than focusing only on square footage and location.
Accessibility requirements are individual. Buyers with specific mobility considerations should evaluate the actual residence and, when modifications are being considered, consult the appropriate licensed contractor, design professional or other qualified specialist regarding feasibility and permitting.
How Does Valencia Compare with a Downtown Sarasota High-Rise?
The decision often comes down to private-home features versus building amenities.
Valencia May Appeal to Buyers Who Prefer:
- A private street-level entrance
- An attached private garage
- Multi-level living
- Private outdoor space
- A smaller residential community
- Fee-simple townhome ownership
- Rosemary District location
A High-Rise May Appeal to Buyers Who Prefer:
- Single-level living
- Elevator access
- Concierge or staffed-lobby services
- Larger fitness facilities
- Common social rooms
- Elevated city or bay views
- A more extensive shared amenity package
Buyers considering both formats can use Hunt Brothers Realty's Downtown Sarasota condo buyer's guide to compare the broader market.
Who Should Consider Valencia at Rosemary Place?
Valencia is most relevant to buyers who want downtown access but prefer the physical form of a townhome to a condominium tower. The community combines substantial interior space, attached garages and private entrances with an urban Sarasota location.
It may be worth comparing when a buyer prioritizes:
- Living in or near Downtown Sarasota
- Rosemary District restaurants and businesses
- Proximity to Sarasota Bay and The Bay
- An attached two-car garage
- Approximately 2,000-plus square feet
- Three-bedroom availability
- Private outdoor living
- A boutique community rather than a large tower
It may be less suitable for someone who requires single-level living, wants extensive staffed amenities or prefers a direct waterfront residence.
What Should Buyers Verify Before Purchasing at Valencia?
Because Valencia combines fee-simple ownership with an HOA, buyers should complete property-specific due diligence before purchasing.
Important items include:
- Current HOA assessment
- Association budget and reserves
- Owner versus association maintenance responsibilities
- Master insurance coverage
- Individual homeowner insurance requirements
- Pending or approved special assessments
- Pet restrictions
- Lease restrictions
- Parking and guest-parking rules
- Exterior modification restrictions
- Flood-zone information for the specific property
- Roof, exterior and shared-wall responsibilities
Inspection findings should be evaluated with the appropriate licensed home inspector, contractor, engineer or other qualified professional. Insurance availability, coverage and premiums should be reviewed with a qualified insurance professional. Questions involving title, HOA rights, maintenance obligations, leasing restrictions or other legal matters should be reviewed with a qualified Florida real estate attorney or title professional when individualized guidance is required.
Valencia Offers a Distinct Alternative to Downtown Condo Living
Valencia at Rosemary Place stands apart from much of the Downtown Sarasota market because it is not trying to replicate high-rise living. Its appeal comes from combining private-home features with an urban location.
The townhomes provide private entrances, attached garages, substantial living space and private outdoor areas while keeping residents close to the Rosemary District, Sarasota Bay, The Bay and Downtown Sarasota.
The tradeoffs are equally important. Multi-story living means stairs, the common amenity package is more limited than at many luxury towers, and fee-simple ownership requires buyers to understand precisely how maintenance and insurance responsibilities are divided between the homeowner and association.
For buyers who want a townhome rather than an apartment-style condominium, those differences are exactly what make Valencia worth comparing with other downtown Sarasota options.
Explore Downtown Sarasota Real Estate with Hunt Brothers Realty
Hunt Brothers Realty can help buyers compare townhomes, condominiums and other residential options throughout Downtown Sarasota and the surrounding Gulf Coast market.
A useful comparison should go beyond asking price. Buyers considering Valencia should compare HOA obligations, insurance responsibilities, floor-plan accessibility, parking, private outdoor space, current condition and proximity to the downtown destinations they expect to use most often.
Read Hunt Brothers Realty's Downtown Sarasota condo buyer's guide, or contact Hunt Brothers Realty to compare current Sarasota properties.
Informational notice: This article is provided for general real estate and educational purposes only and is not individualized legal, financial, tax, insurance, lending, inspection, engineering or other professional advice. Listing prices, HOA assessments, association inclusions, insurance obligations, pet policies, leasing restrictions and property availability can change. Buyers should obtain current property and association documents and verify property-specific information with the applicable association and appropriate qualified professionals before making a purchasing decision.
Sources
- ICON Residential, Original Valencia at Rosemary Place Development Information
- BDG Architects, Valencia at Rosemary Place
- Rosemary District Association, District Map and Boundaries
- Downtown Sarasota Condominium Association, Downtown Residential Directory
- Stellar MLS-Fed Listing, 1250 May Lane
- Stellar MLS-Fed Listing, 1262 May Lane
Hunt Brothers Realty
46 N. Washington Blvd, Ste 3, Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone: (941) 388-7017
Email: info@huntbrothersrealty.com
Website: HuntBrothersRealty.com
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