Windermere Downs Homes for Sale
Established lakefront community with deeded Butler Chain access and mature oak canopy.
Homes for sale in Windermere Downs
Inside Windermere Downs
Windermere Downs is a non-gated, waterfront community of approximately 218 custom-built homes located between Park Ridge Gotha and Hempel Avenue in Northeast Windermere. Established beginning in 1970 and built through 2015 by various builders including Engle Homes, the neighborhood features homes ranging from 1,800 to over 8,500 square feet across diverse architectural styles-traditional, contemporary, Florida, Spanish/Mediterranean, colonial, and ranch. Every property includes deeded access to Lake Down and the Butler Chain of Lakes, a 4,500-acre protected waterway.
The community distinguishes itself through its lakefront amenities, including a gated beach lot on Lake Down with sand beach, dock, gazebo, and boat ramp for direct water access. All lots are quarter-acre or larger and shaded by mature oak trees, providing significantly more space and privacy than typical new construction developments. Fourteen homes sit directly on Lake Down, while seventeen additional homes front private ponds within the neighborhood. The HOA, established in March 1972, maintains these amenities and enforces architectural standards without any additional Community Development District fees.
Residents have convenient access to Orange County Public Schools campuses, with the zoned elementary and middle schools each about 1.5 miles away and the high school about 2 miles out. Confirm zoning with the district before you make an offer. The location provides proximity to dining and shopping (2-7.5 miles away), with downtown Orlando approximately 11 miles away and major theme parks between 6-10 miles distant. The established neighborhood character with custom homes, lakefront setting, and Butler Chain access appeals to buyers and investors who want waterfront living without the gated-community premium.
Price range for homes spans approximately $250,000 to $1,500,000, offering options across multiple buyer profiles. Current home prices typically reflect the custom nature of properties and lakefront positioning within one of Central Florida’s most established waterfront communities. Buyers should verify current zoning with Orange County Public Schools before purchase, as school assignments may change, and contact the HOA through Trident Management for current fee schedules and special assessments.
The facts
Frequently asked
What is the price range for homes in Windermere Downs?
Homes in Windermere Downs typically range from approximately $250,000 to $1,500,000, reflecting the custom-built nature of properties and their lakefront positioning. Lot sizes vary from quarter-acre to significantly larger parcels, with some homes offering direct Lake Down waterfront access or private pond frontage. Price points accommodate diverse buyer profiles from first-time purchasers to luxury home seekers.
Is Windermere Downs a gated community?
No, Windermere Downs is not a gated community. However, the neighborhood features a gated beach lot on Lake Down reserved for residents only, with a sand beach, dock, and boat ramp. The community has two main entrances via Park Ridge Gotha Road and Hempel Avenue, with tree-lined streets that naturally limit through-traffic.
What schools are zoned for Windermere Downs?
Windermere Downs students attend Orange County Public Schools, with the Pre-K-5th and 6th-8th campuses each about 1.5 miles away and the 9th-12th campus 2 miles away. Attendance boundaries are subject to change; the district maintains the authoritative zoning map. All are Orange County Public Schools. School assignments may change, so verify current zoning with Orange County Public Schools before purchase.
What are the HOA fees in Windermere Downs?
HOA fees in Windermere Downs are approximately $629 annually (about $52 monthly), established and collected by the HOA since its founding in March 1972. Fees cover maintenance of the gated beach lot, tennis courts, parks, playground, common areas, and architectural standards. The community does not have a Community Development District (CDD) fee. Contact Trident Management for current fee schedules and any special assessments.
What amenities does Windermere Downs offer?
Amenities include deeded access to the Butler Chain of Lakes, a gated beach lot on Lake Down with sand beach, dock, and gazebo, a boat ramp, two tennis courts (one with pickleball lines), children's playground, multiple parks and green spaces, and walking trails throughout the community. The 14-acre Lake Down provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and water recreation.
How many homes are in Windermere Downs?
Windermere Downs comprises approximately 218 custom-built homes located between Park Ridge Gotha and Hempel Avenue. The neighborhood includes 14 homes with direct Lake Down waterfront access and 17 homes fronting private ponds within the community. Homes range from 1,800 to over 8,500 square feet across multiple architectural styles.
Is short-term rental allowed in Windermere Downs?
Information regarding short-term rental restrictions in Windermere Downs is not currently available in verified sources. Contact Trident Management or the Windermere Downs Community Homeowners Association directly for specific rental policies and any restrictions on investment property use or vacation rentals.
What year was Windermere Downs developed?
Windermere Downs was developed between 1970 and 2015 by various custom home builders including Engle Homes. The Homeowners Association was formally established in March 1972. This extended building timeline created an established community with mature landscaping and diverse architectural styles that reflect different decades of custom home construction.