The neighborhood
The Sanctuary is a small, 24/7 guard-gated estate community in East Boca Raton, set on the west side of the Intracoastal Waterway between Spanish River Boulevard and Yamato Road, with its entrance off Federal Highway (US-1). It is one of the most security-focused gated communities in the area, with roughly 90 to 107 custom-built homes on one-third to one-acre lots.
About 60 homes have private deep-water Intracoastal or canal dockage, and the community includes a 20-slip marina, Har-Tru tennis courts, and a 27-acre bird and wildlife preserve. The official community site reports homes ranging from $1 million to more than $15 million, and 2025-2026 active listings have run from about $4.5 million to nearly $20 million.
The value story is simple: scarce, secured water lots in East Boca Raton with immediate ocean access. Land and position carry the price, and waterview lots are rarely listed for long.
Buyers come for the combination of privacy, security, and deep-water access; the tradeoff is that the community is land-scarce, so choice lots can take patience or require acting quickly when one appears.
What to know
The character of The Sanctuary.
24/7 guard security
Armed patrols on land and water, a gated entrance off Federal Highway, and one of the most security-intensive setups in Boca Raton.
Deep-water access
Around 60 homes have private deep-water Intracoastal or canal docks, and the community keeps a 20-slip private marina.
27-acre preserve
A bird and wildlife preserve adds green space and privacy within the gated perimeter.
Scarce estate inventory
With roughly one hundred custom homes, turnover is low and the market is supply-constrained.
City & community overview
The Sanctuary at a glance.
The Sanctuary is a low-density, guard-gated estate community with custom single-family homes from roughly 5,000 to 20,000 square feet on lots of about one-third to one acre. Streets are quiet, landscaping is mature, and the community's position on the Intracoastal gives most residents water or preserve views.
The community contains roughly 90 to 107 custom estate homes on approximately 142 acres (community site and brokerage guides, 2026).
Neighborhoods & districts
- Intracoastal estate frontage
- Deep-water canal estates
- Marina-adjacent residences
- Preserve and interior estate streets
History
The community was developed as a low-density, security-focused estate enclave in the late 1990s and early 2000s, filling the last large waterfront parcel between Spanish River Boulevard and Yamato Road.
Commercial districts & employment
Residential only, with a private marina and tennis within the gates; downtown Boca Raton, Mizner Park, and East Boca services are minutes away.
Accessibility & getting around
Entrance off Federal Highway between Spanish River Boulevard and Yamato Road, with I-95 minutes west. Palm Beach International and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood airports are both about 35 to 50 minutes depending on traffic.
Market overview
The The Sanctuary market, in numbers and context.
Figures below are drawn from the cited sources and reporting periods. Markets move, so treat any number as a snapshot, not a promise. We verify current activity, comparable sales, and pricing for the specific property you are considering.
Community site range
$1M to $15M+
Official community site, reviewed October 2026
Active listings 2025-2026
$4.5M to $19.95M
Brokerage listing summaries, 2025-2026
Median list price
$11.95M
October 2026 listing snapshot, brokerage guides
2025 median sold
$3.995M
10 sales in 2025, brokerage guides
The Sanctuary market is a true estate market: a handful of homes trade each year, and waterfront listings dominate activity. 2025 saw about ten sales with a median near $4 million, while active 2026 listings have run from roughly $4.5 million to $19.95 million with a median list near $11.95 million.
The spread between sold and list prices reflects the difference between water and interior inventory. For any specific property we pull current sales, dock permits, and deed restrictions before advising.
Data source
Official community site; brokerage guides; listing summaries
Reporting period
2025-2026, reviewed October 2026
Updated
October 2026
Where to look
Neighborhoods and communities in The Sanctuary.
Each area has its own character, housing stock, and price point. We verify gated status, waterfront access, and association details for the specific property you are considering, since these vary street by street.
Intracoastal frontage
The most coveted section: direct Intracoastal frontage with wide water views and immediate ocean access.
Deep-water canals
Canalfront estates with 60 to 100 foot docks and private access to the Intracoastal.
Marina area
Homes near the 20-slip community marina, convenient for serious boaters.
Preserve & interior
Quiet interior and preserve-adjacent estates; the value tier of the community with full amenities access.
Luxury opportunities
Luxury real estate in The Sanctuary.
Luxury at The Sanctuary means a secured deep-water estate: private dock, Intracoastal minutes from the ocean, and total privacy. Waterview estates run from about $6 million into the mid-teens; the top of the market is any rare listing above $15 million.
Property types
- Custom single-family estate homes, 5,000 to 20,000+ sq ft
- Intracoastal and deep-water canalfront homes
- Preserve-view estates
- Interior estate homes with marina access
What buyers should evaluate
- Waterfront position and dock depth, which drive most of the value
- Documented dock permits and seawall condition
- Security and patrol coverage, uniform across the community
- Floor plan, build quality, and renovation recency
- Resale evidence in the same section of the community
- Insurance and flood costs for the water lots
Ownership, clubs & restrictions
Rules and fees to know before you buy in The Sanctuary.
Ownership is governed by the community association, with architectural standards typical of a secured estate enclave. Any restriction below should be confirmed in the current governing documents.
Architectural review
Exterior changes and rebuilds require architectural committee approval, which shapes what you can build on the larger lots.
HOA fees
Annual association fees cover security patrols, marina upkeep, and common areas. Confirm the current fee and any special assessments.
Rental rules
Lease terms and minimum rental periods are set by the association. Short-term vacation rentals are generally restricted in East Boca Raton; confirm the current policy for the exact property.
Age rules
This is an all-ages community. No HOPA 55+ restriction applies.
New construction status
New construction in The Sanctuary.
The community is built out; new construction activity is limited to estate redevelopment on existing lots. Statuses below use the standard vocabulary; anything we cannot confirm is marked Unverified with current information on request.
Original build-out
The estate enclave is complete; no developer inventory remains.
Estate redevelopment
Individual teardown and rebuild projects occur; permit status varies per lot. Contact for current information.
New sales
Resale only. New homes are built by individual owners on their own lots.
Lifestyle
How people actually live in The Sanctuary.
Life here is water-first: dock at home, marina steps away, and the beaches, Red Reef Park, and downtown Boca Raton minutes by car. The gated perimeter keeps the pace private and quiet, with tennis and clubhouse amenities inside and the full East Boca lifestyle outside.
Lifestyle, dining & recreation
Living well in The Sanctuary.
The beaches, parks, dining, shopping, and culture that shape day-to-day life here. We list established places and districts; confirm hours and current programming before you visit.
Private marina
A 20-slip community marina serves residents who want slips and services inside the gates.
Har-Tru tennis
The community's tennis courts are a social anchor for residents.
Wildlife preserve
A 27-acre preserve protects bird life and gives the community its name and its green core.
Beaches & Red Reef Park
Boca's beaches and Red Reef Park are a short drive east.
Downtown Boca Raton
Mizner Park and Atlantic Avenue-adjacent dining and shopping are minutes away.
Schools, healthcare & getting around
The essentials in The Sanctuary.
Schools
Public school assignments are address-specific and change with zoning. Confirm the current feeder pattern with the School District of Palm Beach County before you commit.
Healthcare
Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital serves central Boca Raton. Confirm current facilities and specialists that fit your needs.
Transport & airports
The entrance sits on Federal Highway between Spanish River Boulevard and Yamato Road, with I-95 minutes west. Palm Beach International and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood airports are both roughly 35 to 50 minutes by car depending on traffic.
Waterfront, insurance & ownership
What to weigh before you buy in The Sanctuary.
The Sanctuary is a coastal environment: most lots are in FEMA flood zones and flood insurance is required. We verify the current flood map, elevation certificate, seawall condition, and dock permits for any property before you commit.
FEMA flood zones
Nearly all water and many interior lots sit within FEMA flood zones. We pull the current map and elevation certificate.
Flood insurance
Required for most properties, separate from homeowners coverage. Premiums vary by zone, elevation, and lot position.
Seawalls & docks
We inspect seawall condition and verify dock permits and boat draft before advising on a purchase.
Hurricane readiness
Impact glazing, generator capability, and post-storm history are reviewed for every home we recommend.
Association health
Reserve funding, security contracts, and any pending assessments are reviewed in the documents.
Nearby
Communities worth comparing.
Palm Beach County
Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club
Intracoastal estate living with a Jack Nicklaus golf course and a full-service yacht club.
Palm Beach County
Spanish River
East Boca's waterfront corridor anchored by the Spanish River Land estates.
Palm Beach County
Boca Raton Beachside
Oceanfront towers and A1A beach homes from Boca's south to north beaches.
Community FAQ
The Sanctuary real estate FAQ.
The questions buyers and sellers ask most about The Sanctuary: the market, condos, new construction, waterfront, schools, lifestyle, and the specifics of buying and selling here. Every answer reflects how we actually work this neighborhood.
Browse all South Florida FAQsHow secure is The Sanctuary in Boca Raton?
The Sanctuary is a 24/7 guard-gated community with armed patrols on land and water, considered one of the most security-focused gated communities in Boca Raton. Its entrance off Federal Highway and low density add to the privacy.
What are the price ranges at The Sanctuary?
The official community site reports homes from $1 million to more than $15 million. Active 2025-2026 listings have run from about $4.5 million to nearly $20 million, with a median list price near $11.95 million in October 2026.
Does The Sanctuary have waterfront and dockage?
Yes. About 60 homes have private deep-water Intracoastal or canal dockage, and the community includes a 20-slip private marina with immediate ocean access via the Boca Inlet.
Is The Sanctuary a country club community?
No. The Sanctuary has no golf course or mandatory country club membership, which appeals to buyers who want security and water without club dues. Tennis and a marina are provided inside the gates.
Provenance
Sourced, dated, and reviewed October 2026.
Information on this page was reviewed in October 2026 and every important fact carries a dated source. Where a fact could not be verified from a dated source, the page says exactly "Contact for current information" or "Not verified" rather than guessing. Markets move, so treat prices and statuses as snapshots and confirm current activity with us before committing.
Sources & citations
- The Sanctuary official community site
The Sanctuary · Source reviewed October 2026 · Opens in a new tab
- Koolik Intracoastal communities guide 2026
The Sanctuary · Source reviewed October 2026 · Opens in a new tab
- Bex Realty community listings
The Sanctuary · Source reviewed October 2026 · Opens in a new tab
- Boca Raton Real Estate guide
The Sanctuary · Source reviewed October 2026 · Opens in a new tab
Work the market
Make The Sanctuary part of your plan.
Whether you are buying, selling, or investing, let us know what you are considering in The Sanctuary and we will respond with the evidence that matters: current activity, comparable values, and available opportunities, public or off-market.
The Sanctuary and South Florida FAQsInquire about The Sanctuary
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