You’re driving down Route 24 in Delaware, past the usual sprawl of Sussex County, and then you see it. Most people think of Millsboro as that place you pass through on your way to Rehoboth or Dewey Beach. But Plantation Lakes Golf & Country Club has turned into this weirdly perfect little bubble that sort of defies what a "golf community" usually looks like. It isn't just a place where retirees wear pleated khakis and talk about their backswings.
It’s bigger. Much bigger.
Lennar, the developer behind the curtain here, didn't just build some houses around a few holes of golf. They created a massive, sprawling ecosystem. Honestly, if you live here, you basically don't have to leave the gates for anything other than groceries or a trip to the actual ocean. It’s got that resort energy, but with a strangely grounded, neighborhood feel that keeps it from feeling like a sterile hotel.
The Arthur Hills Connection and Why the Turf Matters
Let's talk about the grass first because that’s why most people are looking at this place anyway. The golf course is an Arthur Hills signature design. If you know golf, that name carries weight. Hills was known for not forcing a course onto the land; he liked to let the natural topography dictate where the hazards go. At Plantation Lakes, this translates to a lot of water.
Seriously. A lot.
The course is a par-72 championship layout that stretches over 6,600 yards from the back tees. It’s challenging. If you’re a high handicapper, the forced carries over wetlands might make you want to throw your 7-iron into a pond. But that’s the beauty of it. It’s a "Bethel" style course—manicured, green, and demanding. The 18th hole is arguably one of the most scenic finishes in Southern Delaware, with the clubhouse looming over the green.
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What’s interesting is the flexibility. They offer "Golf-In" and "Golf-Out" sections of the community. If you’re a die-hard who wants to wake up and see the fairway, you pay for that. If you just want the pool and the gym, you live in the non-golf sections. It’s a tiered lifestyle that stops people from paying for amenities they don't actually use.
Beyond the Fairway: The Real Daily Life
Living here isn't just about avoiding a slice. The North Village and South Village have these massive community centers. We’re talking 30,000 square feet of "stuff to do."
Most "luxury" communities give you a gym with three treadmills and a leaky sauna. Plantation Lakes went the other direction. There are multiple swimming pools, including a beach-entry pool that actually feels like a club. There are tennis courts, pickleball courts—because obviously, pickleball is taking over the world—and miles of walking trails.
The Landing Bar & Grille is the local heartbeat. It’s the kind of place where you see golfers still in their spikes grabbing a burger next to a family that just spent six hours at the pool. The food is actually good, too. It’s not just "clubhouse good." It’s "drive from across town because the crab cakes are legit" good.
- Fitness Centers: High-end equipment that actually gets maintained.
- Walking Trails: They weave through the entire property, perfect for people who want to hit 10,000 steps without dodgeing traffic on Route 24.
- Social Calendar: There’s always some random event happening, from food trucks to holiday parties.
The Architecture of the Neighborhood
Lennar has several different "collections" of homes here. You’ve got the townhomes, which are surprisingly spacious, and then the massive single-family estates. The aesthetic is very "Coastal Delaware"—lots of light grays, blues, and white trim.
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One thing people often overlook is the "Everything’s Included" approach Lennar takes. Usually, when you buy a new build, the base price is a lie. You want granite? Extra. You want a dishwasher that doesn't sound like a jet engine? Extra. Here, they bake a lot of those upgrades into the sticker price. It makes the buying process way less stressful, though you do lose some of that "custom home" uniqueness since the floor plans are standardized.
Is Millsboro Actually a Good Location?
This is the big debate. If you live at Plantation Lakes, you are about 15 to 20 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. In Delaware summer traffic, that 20 miles can feel like 50.
But here’s the trade-off.
If you lived in downtown Rehoboth, you’d be paying three times as much for a house a third of the size, and you wouldn't have a yard. Plantation Lakes offers a buffer. You’re close enough to hit the boardwalk for dinner, but far enough away that you aren't trapped by tourists every time you want to go to the hardware store. Plus, Millsboro is growing fast. New shopping centers, medical facilities (like the Beebe Healthcare campus nearby), and restaurants are popping up every month.
It’s becoming a hub of its own, rather than just a satellite of the beaches.
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The Environmental Aspect (The Stuff Nobody Mentions)
Southern Delaware is flat. Like, really flat. Drainage is a huge deal here. When you build a massive community like Plantation Lakes, you have to manage water. The community is designed with extensive stormwater management systems—those "lakes" in the name aren't just for show. They serve a functional purpose in keeping the area from turning into a swamp during a Nor'easter.
The landscaping is also surprisingly deliberate. You’ll see a lot of native grasses and plantings meant to handle the coastal air and the sandy soil. It keeps the maintenance costs down for the HOA in the long run, even if the monthly fees feel a bit steep to some.
Practical Advice for Potential Residents or Visitors
If you're thinking about checking out Plantation Lakes Golf & Country Club, don't just look at the model homes. Go sit at the bar at The Landing. Talk to the people living there. Ask them about the HOA. Every community has its quirks, and Plantation Lakes is no different. Some people find the rules a bit strict; others love that their neighbor can't park a rusted boat on the lawn for six months.
Also, play the course at least twice before deciding to move there for the golf. The first time, you’ll be frustrated by the water. The second time, you’ll start to see the lines Arthur Hills intended.
Actionable Steps for Exploring Plantation Lakes:
- Book a Tee Time: Experience the course as a guest. It’s open to the public, so you don't need a member to get you in. See if the layout suits your game.
- Visit During "Off" Hours: Go on a Tuesday morning. See how quiet the neighborhood is. Check the traffic on Route 24 during a weekday to get a realistic sense of the commute.
- Compare the Village Sections: The North and South villages have different vibes. One might feel more secluded, while the other is closer to the main action.
- Review the HOA Docs: Don't skip the fine print. Know exactly what your monthly fees cover (usually trash, snow removal, and common area maintenance) and what the restrictions are regarding fences or exterior colors.
- Check the Local Amenities: Drive five minutes outside the gate. Locate the nearest grocery store (there’s a BJ’s and a Giant nearby) and the nearest hospital. Living in a resort is great, but life still happens.
Plantation Lakes is a massive commitment to a specific type of lifestyle. It’s for the person who wants order, amenities, and a guaranteed place to play 18 holes without leaving their zip code. It’s not for someone who wants a five-acre wooded lot with no neighbors in sight. But for those looking to settle into the Sussex County groove, it’s one of the most comprehensive options on the map.