The Islands on The Manatee River was just awarded BEST OVERALL Community Category 3 in the 2026 Parade of homes for Manatee & Sarasota Counties. Set within a private, gated waterfront boating community along the scenic banks of the Manatee River, this exceptional property offers a rare opportunity to experience Florida living with navigable access to the Gulf, inviting effortless days of boating, fishing and sunset cruising. The community has been designed to preserve the region’s natural beauty, with majestic live oak canopies, protected mangrove shorelines that enhance privacy and environmental integrity, and an abundance of native wildlife that creates a tranquil, park-like setting. This stunning semi-custom residence by renowned builder Lee Wetherington offers refined waterfront living with exceptional craftsmanship and designer details throughout. Thoughtfully designed with an open floor plan, soaring ceilings, impact glass windows and doors and elegant finishes throughout. The home centers around a welcoming family room with a dramatic wall of pocketing sliders, which open fully to an oversized lanai. Here, a heated saltwater pool and spacious screened patio create a private resort-style retreat overlooking tranquil waters beyond. The kitchen blends warmth and functionality with rich stained cabinetry, granite countertops, a large island, five-burner induction cooktop, built-in oven and microwave, refrigerator and large walk-in pantry. An adjacent dining area captures the same picturesque water views, enhancing the home’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle. The nearby flex room offers ideal space for a fitness room, game room or media room. The light-filled primary suite is a serene escape, complemented by a spa-inspired en-suite bath with dual vanities and a makeup area, granite countertops, wood cabinetry, a walk-in shower, soaking tub and two custom walk-in closets. A second bedroom with walk-in closet enjoys convenient access to a full bath adjacent to the versatile bonus room, used as an office. A private third bedroom with en-suite bath and walk-in closet is across from the laundry room. The bright laundry room provides an abundant workspace and storage space, a front-load washer and dryer, laundry sink and closet neatly concealed behind double pocket doors. In addition, this home features an oversized three-car sideload garage, stone-paved circular drive, and an almost half-acre lot with direct water access from the dock equipped with water and electric, a kayak launch and approved for a boat lift. Residents enjoy exclusive access to The River Lodge, a riverfront clubhouse reserved solely for homeowners within The Islands on the Manatee River. This inviting social hub features gathering spaces for events, a fitness center, and outdoor seating areas with grill and firepit. Additional neighborhood amenities include a fishing pier, boat launch, bocce ball court, and shaded park and picnic areas, all supporting a relaxed waterfront lifestyle where nature and community come together seamlessly. The Club at River Wilderness offers dining for lunch and dinner, and opportunities for golf, fitness and social memberships. For buyers seeking not just a home but a lifestyle defined by tranquility, recreation and prestige, this residence is an exceptional opportunity.