Windermere · 34786 · Butler Chain Corridor

Lake Down Crest

An intimate 32-home Windermere community in a secluded setting near Lake Down — spacious custom and semi-custom homes, private screened pools, and the quiet prestige of a low-density lakeside address.

Live the MaxLife.

$900K – $2M+

Price Range

2,900 – 8,000+ sq ft

Home Sizes

$425/quarter ($1,700/year)

HOA

32 sites

Homes

Overview

Lake Down Crest is a residential community of single-family homes in Windermere, Florida, in the 34786 zip code. The community was developed between 1993 and 2002 and contains 32 home sites, making it one of the more intimate established neighborhoods in the immediate Lake Down area. Homes range from approximately 2,900 to over 8,000 square feet — a wide range that reflects the custom and semi-custom nature of many of the builds rather than a standardized tract-builder approach. Most homes feature private screened pools, consistent with the outdoor-living orientation of Windermere's luxury residential market. The community sits within Windermere's highly desirable school district and proximate to the Butler Chain of Lakes recreational corridor.

Community Character & Setting

Lake Down Crest's defining characteristic is its secluded feel — 32 homes in a quiet enclave with low traffic and strong lot privacy. The Lake Down adjacency shapes the lifestyle even for homes that are not directly waterfront: the Butler Chain's boating, fishing, and paddleboarding culture is accessible at nearby public launches and through neighboring communities. The community maintains a mandatory HOA with quarterly fees of $425 ($1,700/year), covering common area maintenance and community standard enforcement. The low home count keeps the HOA per-home cost relatively efficient for the services provided.

Schools

Lake Down Crest is served by Orange County Public Schools. Windermere Elementary, Bridgewater Middle, and Windermere High School form the standard feeder for this address. Windermere High is a relatively new school (opened 2019) that has earned strong academic standing and is growing its extracurricular programs. Some addresses in the 34786 corridor may route to West Orange High School — confirm the specific assignment for any parcel at ocps.net before committing. Private options within the area include Montverde Academy (premier boarding/day school) and several faith-based K-12 programs.

Location

Lake Down Crest's Windermere location provides easy access to the Butler Chain of Lakes boating corridor, the boutique retail and dining of Downtown Windermere, and the theme park lifestyle of the Disney-Universal corridor. Walt Disney World is approximately 12–15 minutes south. Universal Orlando is 20–25 minutes. Restaurant Row's dining district is 10–15 minutes east. SR-535 (Apopka Vineland Road) connects the community efficiently to both I-4 and the Florida Turnpike. Orlando International Airport is approximately 30 minutes via SR-528.

Real Estate Market

Lake Down Crest trades infrequently given its 32-home size. Recent sales have demonstrated the market's depth — a home in the community last listed at $1,350,000 and sold at $1,225,000, illustrating both the buyer demand and the need for appropriate pricing in what remains a somewhat negotiating-friendly luxury market. The 2,900–8,000+ sq ft range means that the upper end of the community's size spectrum can approach the pricing of directly waterfront Lake Down communities. Buyers who find the right listing here acquire a low-density, established Windermere address at a moderate discount to actual Butler Chain waterfront.

What Makes Lake Down Crest Special

  • Just 32 home sites — one of Windermere's most intimate established communities
  • Home sizes from 2,900 to 8,000+ sq ft; most with private screened pools
  • HOA $1,700/year ($425/quarter) — no CDD fees
  • Adjacent to Lake Down and the Butler Chain of Lakes recreational corridor
  • Windermere High School feeder (opened 2019, strong academics)
  • 12–15 min to Disney · 20 min to Universal · 10 min to Downtown Windermere

Around Lake Down Crest

Lake Down Crest community entrance, Windermere, FL

Lake Down Crest FAQ

Are homes in Lake Down Crest on Lake Down?

Lake Down Crest is located near Lake Down but is not uniformly a direct-lakefront community. Some home sites may have water frontage or proximity while others are positioned in the community's interior. The community's name references its setting near Lake Down rather than guaranteeing water frontage on every lot. Buyers seeking deeded lakefront should verify individual parcel access before writing an offer.

How often do homes sell in Lake Down Crest?

Very infrequently — with only 32 homes, you may see one or two sales per year, and some years see none. This limited turnover can work in a buyer's favor (patient buyers occasionally find motivated sellers) or against it (inventory is scarce). Working with an agent who specifically monitors this community is the best way to hear about listings early.

What are the HOA fees in Lake Down Crest?

HOA fees run $425 per quarter, totaling approximately $1,700 per year. The fees cover common area maintenance and community standards. There are no CDD fees, making Lake Down Crest's carrying costs more straightforward than newer Windermere developments that stack HOA and CDD assessments.

Recent Work

Recent sales in Lake Down Crest

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Lake Down Crest luxury inventory

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Before making an offer

Verify key facts with official sources

All information on this page reflects market data and research as of April 2026. Markets change, HOA bylaws are updated, school assignments shift, and flood maps are revised. Before making an offer or relying on any of the following for a purchase decision, confirm directly with official sources:

  • School zones & ratings: Verify current assignment at OCPS.net (Orange County) or your local district
  • HOA fees & rules: Request current documentation from the HOA or property manager; fee schedules can change annually
  • Flood zones & elevation: Check FEMA's Flood Map Service Center for current designations
  • Market statistics: These reflect recent closed sales; verify with current MLS data before negotiating
  • Zoning & restrictions: Confirm with Orange County Property Appraiser and county zoning records

Thinking about buying or selling in Lake Down Crest?

MaxLife Realty is a boutique brokerage specializing in Lake Down Crest and the Butler Chain of Lakes. Let's talk about your next move.