Oakbend 12324 Falling Leaf Pl, Venice, FL 34293

Oakbend is an exclusive gated neighborhood that represents the next chapter of luxury in Wellen Park. Tucked in the desirable Playmore District (just north of CoolToday Park and a stone’s throw from Downtown Wellen), Oakbend offers the best of both worlds: a quiet, boutique community of only 181 homes with the excitement of Wellen Park’s attractions at its doorstep. Developed jointly by Toll Brothers and ICI Homes – both renowned for quality and design – Oakbend is crafted for discerning buyers who want a high-end home and a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. The community’s smaller size means less construction, less traffic, and a quicker build-out, giving buyers confidence in what their neighborhood will look and feel like. Oakbend’s streets are thoughtfully curved and dotted with water features, maximizing water views and oversized yards for many homes. Perhaps most enticing, Oakbend is truly walkable – rare in suburbia – allowing residents to stroll to Downtown Wellen’s shops or even catch a spring training game without getting in the car. In Oakbend, luxury is not just defined by the homes, but by the convenience and lifestyle: exclusive amenities at home and all of Wellen Park’s offerings just beyond the gate. It’s no wonder this community is touted as a “smart long-term bet” for those seeking a central, upscale home base in the Venice area.

Oakbend features homes by two builders, giving buyers some distinct choices:

• Toll Brothers Homes: Toll Brothers is offering 5 luxury single-family floor plans in Oakbend. These plans range from about 2,100 sq. ft. to over 3,000 sq. ft., with 3–5 bedrooms and 2–4 bathrooms. They primarily feature 2-car garages (some with storage or golf cart bay) and come in one or two-story configurations. Toll’s designs in Oakbend emphasize an “upscale, low-maintenance, no-frills elegance” – think clean lines, open layouts, and high-end finishes without wasted space. Expect features like gourmet kitchens with wall ovens, 10-ft sliders opening to covered lanais, and luxurious primary suites (often with tray ceiling, huge walk-in closet, and spa-like bath). An example plan might be a 3 BR + study, ~2,500 sq. ft. single-story with an expansive great room and split bedroom layout. Pricing for Toll homes in Oakbend is projected in the $650K–$900K+ range depending on plan and options. Toll Brothers allows some personalization in fixtures and finishes, but overall aims to provide a turnkey luxury experience – meaning the homes come well-appointed as a standard (their “Design Studio” process ensures a polished result).
• ICI Homes: ICI Homes brings a semi-custom element to Oakbend. Their homes in Oakbend tend to be larger on average, with some plans over 3,800 sq. ft. and offering 3-car garages and more flexibility in modifications. ICI might have, for example, a plan that’s 4 BR, 3 BA, 3,000 sq. ft. single-story, and options to add a bonus room or expand the garage, etc. They also may permit structural tweaks or even full custom builds for buyers who desire it. ICI’s pricing is expected to start in the high $700Ks to low $800Ks for base plans, and go up with customization. These homes can go “well under $1.4M” for even the larger ones, as the Sunshine State Co. report notes, making them relatively good value compared to similar builds in, say, Lakewood Ranch. Common attributes of ICI’s offerings: very open floorplans with huge central living areas, lots of natural light, and the ability to incorporate unique features like home theaters, summer kitchens, or multi-gen suites if the buyer desires.
• Shared Characteristics: All Oakbend homes, whether Toll or ICI, feature luxury finishes: expect tile roofs, paver driveways, high ceilings (11-12 ft typically, higher in tray/coffers), and high-performance construction (energy-saving windows, etc.). Because of the lot layout – curved streets, many cul-de-sacs, and mindful positioning – a good number of homes enjoy water or preserve views, and many have room for private pools (and indeed, many buyers will add pools). Oakbend’s architectural guidelines ensure a cohesive upscale look; facades have varied details like stone accents or decorative shutters, and landscaping is lush but low-maintenance (Florida-friendly plants, irrigation provided). In essence, Oakbend’s floorplans cater to upscale buyers who might otherwise consider a fully custom build – here they get a tailored home with the convenience of a master-planned community.

Amenities:

• Resort-Style Pool & Clubhouse: Despite Oakbend’s boutique size, it boasts exclusive amenities just for its residents. A community clubhouse is planned, featuring a social lounge, kitchen, and covered patio – a perfect spot for neighborhood gatherings or private events. Adjacent to the clubhouse will be a resort-style swimming pool just for Oakbend residents. This pool will likely have a cabana or shade pavilion and is set amidst lush landscaping, offering a quiet retreat to cool off or sunbathe. Because there are fewer residents, the pool and clubhouse will feel almost like your own private resort.
• Fitness Center: Oakbend’s amenities include a private fitness center equipped with cardio machines and weights. It may not be massive, but it’s curated to meet residents’ needs without the crowds – you can pop in for a morning workout without leaving the neighborhood. Large windows might face the pool or greenery, making workouts pleasant. For comprehensive classes, Oakbend folks can always join sessions in Downtown Wellen, but having a gym on-site is a huge convenience.
• Pickleball & Bocce Courts: Staying active and social is easy with Oakbend’s pickleball courts – a must-have in Florida communities. Residents can have impromptu matches or set up a regular round-robin. Additionally, a bocce ball court is planned, adding a fun, low-key sport that’s great for all ages (imagine twilight bocce games with neighbors and a drink in hand). These amenities encourage friendly competition and camaraderie.
• Dog Park: Oakbend will have its own dog park, recognizing that many luxury home owners have fur-family too. This fenced area allows dogs to run off-leash and neighbors to chat. It’s also conveniently within walking distance of all homes given Oakbend’s size, making those daily dog outings a social routine.
• Playground: Although Oakbend is likely to have a good number of empty-nesters and retirees (given price points), it’s also open to all ages, and indeed appeals to families wanting a smaller community. For the kids (or visiting grandkids), a small playground is included. It provides a safe place for children to climb and play, perhaps with a swing set or climbing structure, ensuring Oakbend is welcoming to younger residents too.
• Trails and Connectivity: Oakbend ties directly into Wellen Park’s 30+ miles of trails. There are entry/exit points from the neighborhood that lead to those paved paths, meaning you can bike or jog straight from Oakbend to Downtown Wellen (about half a mile) or beyond. Internally, Oakbend’s sidewalks on those curved streets serve as great walking loops for evening strolls. Being able to walk or bike to restaurants, concerts, farmers markets is a huge perk – Oakbend is one of the most walkable in relation to downtown offerings. In car-centric Florida, that’s a true luxury amenity!
• Natural Beauty: Oakbend doesn’t have big nature preserves inside like Gran Place, but it does incorporate water features and parks in its design. There are a few ponds (with lots oriented for views) and perhaps a pocket park or two with benches. The community is also nicely landscaped at its entrance and along its streets with palms and oaks, giving it an established, green feel from day one. While not a specific facility, the overall peaceful ambiance – less traffic and fewer people using the amenities – is itself a luxury amenity of Oakbend, compared to more bustling large developments.

Fact Sheet:

• Builders: Toll Brothers and ICI Homes (each responsible for specific lots and offering their collection of plans)
• Price Range: Mid $500,000s on the lowest end (base price for smallest Toll plan) up to around $900,000+ for larger Toll plans with upgrades; High $700,000s to $1M+ for ICI Homes depending on size and customization. (For context, the press release noted “homes from the mid-$500s”, but most buyers add upgrades, so mid-range homes tend to be in the $700k-$800k zone.) Oakbend is positioned as slightly more affordable than fully custom luxury (e.g., Everly or Gran Place), yet firmly upscale relative to volume-builder communities.
• HOA Fees: Approximately $430 per month. According to a local source, Oakbend’s HOA (~$432) includes lawn maintenance, gated security, high-speed internet and cable TV, as well as upkeep of the private amenities. This all-in approach means residents have few extra bills for home services. CDD Fees: Approximately $3,600 per year (as an example, one Oakbend figure was $3,657.86). The CDD contributes to area infrastructure and possibly the amenities construction.
• Home Types: Single-family detached homes only. Total of 181 homesites. Lot widths vary (some ~55’, many ~65’ or 70’, and a few larger cul-de-sac lots), enabling both ranch and estate-style homes. Homes range 3–5 bedrooms, generally 2–3.5 baths, with both one-story and two-story layouts available. Architectural style is cohesive – a modern take on coastal and craftsman influences: expect clean lines, large front porches or porticos, and use of high-quality materials like stacked stone, siding accents, and decorative trim. Color palettes are coastal (whites, grays, blues) with contrasting shutters or garage doors for pop. There’s an emphasis on curb appeal and landscaping in Oakbend’s design guidelines, ensuring the community will look polished.
• Delivery Timeline: Grand opening late 2025. Oakbend was announced in mid-2025 and began sales with a lot of anticipation. Early VIP releases sold quickly given limited supply. Model homes by Toll and ICI are being constructed; a grand opening is expected by late 2025. First resident move-ins could occur by mid-2026 (the SunshineStateCo blog notes builds might complete by mid to late 2026 for buyers purchasing in late 2025). Because it’s a smaller community, build-out will be relatively swift – likely a 2-3 year project for all 181 homes to be completed (depending on demand). This means Oakbend will transition from “new construction” to fully established faster than large developments, reducing the period of construction vehicles and noise. Buyers who get in early will see their home and community appreciate as it quickly blossoms into an elegant finished neighborhood.

Each of these Wellen Park communities – from the boutique luxury of Oakbend to the all-ages excitement of Palmera – offers a distinct slice of paradise. With upscale amenities, gorgeous new homes, and an unbeatable Gulf Coast location, Wellen Park’s developments are attracting homebuyers from across the country. No matter which community you choose, you’ll be immersed in the upscale, resort-inspired lifestyle that has made Wellen Park one of Florida’s most talked-about new home destinations. Welcome home to Wellen Park!