Florida LINKSLiving Winter 2012

livingliving

a supplement to LINKS Magazine

LINKSFLORIDA

A UNIQUE COLLECTION OF PRIVATE GOLF COMMUNITIES AND MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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IS THERE ANY GOLFER who hasn’t dreamed of living in Florida someday? Not too many, I’m sure.

Florida and golf are as synonymous as the Yankees and the World Series. Not only is there an abundance

of great clubs and communities from which to choose, but the weather, palm trees, and water features

combine to make it a golfer’s paradise—not to mention a boater’s. Why do you think so many PGA Tour

pros choose to make their home in the Sunshine State?

In fact, some of them even play out of one of the clubs, Old Palm Golf Club, included in this

edition of “FLORIDA LINKS Living.” The driving range, complete with three practice holes and a

high-tech golf instruction studio, is one of the most impressive I’ve ever seen.

The other clubs have amenities that hit it out of the park, too. The Polo Club of Boca Raton has

Titleist Performance Institute-certified trainers on staff to make sure members get the most out of their

games, while the Villages of Citrus Hills has a 45,000-square-foot spa and fitness center complete with

racquetball courts, full-service spa, and indoor pool. And John’s Island offers three championship

courses by the likes of Dye, Fazio, and Nicklaus.

But you don’t need to be a millionaire golf pro (or baseball player, for that matter) to live like one in

Florida right now. Some of the deals are almost too good to be true, but you can’t wait forever because

sales have definitely picked up. John’s Island had record sales of $38 million in November alone.

This is perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase a home in the state that touches all

the bases when it comes to enjoying the golf lifestyle we all love so much. I hope this latest issue of

“FLORIDA LINKS Living” inspires you to take action and make a visit to a community with a pitch that

appeals to you.

Sincerely,

Jack Purcell

President and Publisher

[email protected]

A HOME RUN

WINTER 20122 LINKSliving

livingFLORIDALINKS

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8 Old Palm Golf ClubExclusive, inviting and intimate, this prestigious golf enclave blends the Palm Beach lifestyle with beautiful, luxurious living on a more personal scale

14 Polo Club of Boca RatonWell-established and financially strong, this premier, private golf club is meeting the needs of the next generation of club members without sacrificing its signature lifestyle

18

WINTER 2012 LINKSliving 3

14

8

4

The Villages of Citrus HillsThis amenities-rich, private golf community on the Nature Coastlives up to its exceptional surroundings, while making the dream of club living accessible to nearly everyone

18

John’s IslandWith three miles of undisturbed oceanfront, unparalleled privacy, and Old Florida charm, thismember-owned community sets the standard for acasual, yet sophisticated, lifestyle

4

On the cover: John’s IslandBeach Club

Publisher’s LetterA Home Run2

contents

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LL_WNTR12_JOHNS_ISLANDv5_LINKS template 1/6/12 3:28 PM Page 4

ecord sales of $38 million in

November alone. Seventy-eight

properties sold or under contract

for 2011. These eye-popping num-

bers give credence to a resurgent

Florida real estate market. But even more, they speak

volumes about this remarkable, family-oriented

private community surrounded by water.

John’s Island is located just north of the quaint sea-

side town of Vero Beach, an unspoiled, quiet gem rat-

ed by Money magazine as one of America’s Best Small

Towns. You won’t find jai alai, horse races, or crowds

of tourists on the beaches or the roadways. Instead

you will find the charm of Old Florida still intact.

It’s not surprising that sales soared here. Real estate

values at this fully member-owned community stayed

steady during the worst years of the housing market.

At a time when many clubs continue to tighten

their reins, John’s Island keeps making improvements

to what is an already spectacular community. Just a

few years back, a brand new oceanfront Beach Club

opened to great acclaim. The high-tech Fitness Center,

a favorite of members, debuted about the same time.

This summer the West clubhouse underwent a $3 mil-

lion total renovation.

They say that privacy is the greatest luxury at this

1,650-acre exclusive community, but the luxurious,

world-class amenities certainly give that highly prized

asset a run for its money. No less than Pete Dye, Jack

John’s Island

ABOVE: Every residencetakes advantage of itsnatural surroundings.OPPOSITE: 381-yard18th, West CourseBELOW: 411-yard 17th,North Course

With three miles of undisturbed oceanfront, unparalleled privacy, and Old Florida charm, this member-owned communitysets the standard for a casual, yet sophisticated, lifestyle

R

livingFLORIDA LINKS

WINTER 2012


Nicklaus, and Tom Fazio created the three champi-

onship golf courses. This is the only gated community

in South Florida with both North American doubles

and singles squash courts (air conditioned, of course).

The Tennis Facility has 18 Har-Tru courts with the

nice tradition of all-white attire. Members enjoy three

great clubhouses with superb dining. From the jacket-

and-tie elegance of the Oak Room to the festive pub

vibe at Rafters and the casual atmosphere at the Beach

Club, Chef John Farnsworth’s emphasis is on fresh

and organic.

The golf at John’s Island is just as remarkable. Two

of the courses are in the heart of the island and run

north and south from their shared clubhouse at the

Golf Club. The Nicklaus/Dye South Course is the

club’s original and brings many of the island’s lakes

into play. Dye’s North Course, surrounded by water,

offers spectacular views of the sound. Both are out-

standing courses wonderfully set in the midst of the

island’s natural beauty.

But it is the West Course, six miles or about a

10-minute drive from John’s Island, that really grabs

your attention. Set on 300 acres with its own clubhouse,

but without a home to intrude on the serenity, it is a

singular, pure golf experience. Fazio’s design is also the

more difficult test of golf among the club’s three cours-

es. Perennially ranked among the country’s most chal-

lenging courses, the 6,828-yard layout gives members a

place to get away for an unfettered day of golf.

John’s Island is as family oriented as it is golf orient-

ed. A unique vertical membership program allows

members’ children and parents to play golf (or make

use of any of the amenities or social benefits) under

their membership without paying an additional fee.

During school vacation times, the club organizes every

manner of kid-friendly entertainment, from family

trivia nights to Minute to Win It competitions, cupcake

decorating, and kayaking trips to observe sea turtles.

One of the places everyone in the family will want

to spend lots of time is at the Beach Club. There’s not

a bad seat in the house, as the ocean seems visible

from nearly every single one of its 50,500 square feet.

Swaying palms and an abundance of comfortable

seating surround the illusion pool, which incorporates

a lap pool overlooking the Atlantic. This is the place

TOP: 161-yard 16th, North Course

ABOVE: Privacy is oneof the greatest luxuries

on this 1,650-acre barrier island.



members come to relax, to celebrate, and to play.

No matter how dazzling the amenities, it quickly

becomes obvious that it is the people who make John’s

Island the eclectic, unpretentious, close-knit community it

is. Many of the sales here are by word-of-mouth. Younger

families are attracted to the dynamic lifestyle, too. The

current average buyer is in their 50s.

For members, the lifestyle extends well beyond their

barrier island. They love to get involved in the Vero

Beach community, which for a little seaside town has

quite a bit to offer. The Riverside Theater, Vero Beach

Museum of Art, and the excellent medical care are just

a few of the things members love about it.

Befitting the setting, the homes on John’s Island

are exquisite, luxurious, and in perfect harmony with

their surroundings. Available homes

range from luxury estates to oceanfront

condominiums to golf course cottages,

priced from $1 to $15 million. Select

homesites are also available.

ABOVE: The Beach Cluboffers panoramic viewsof the Atlantic Ocean.LEFT: Members enjoythree miles of privatecoastline. BELOW: The casualRafters bar is a favorite gathering spot for members and their guests.

John’s IslandOne John’s Island DriveVero Beach, Fla. 32963

800.327.3153 JohnsIslandRealEstate.com

SOUTHPAR: 72 YARDAGE: 6,567

YEAR FOUNDED: 1969ARCHITECTS:

Jack Nicklaus/Pete Dye

NORTHPAR: 71 YARDAGE: 6,782

YEAR FOUNDED: 1973ARCHITECT: Pete Dye

WESTPAR: 72 YARDAGE: 6,828

YEAR FOUNDED: 1998ARCHITECT: Tom Fazio

livingFLORIDA LINKS

LINKSliving 7


LL_WNTR12_OLD_PALMv7_LINKS template 1/10/12 1:19 PM Page 8

mpeccably located off PGA Boulevard in

Palm Beach Gardens, Old Palm Golf Club

is a masterpiece of a private golf club

community. Truly among the world’s most

beautiful and luxurious places to live,

it perfectly combines all the modern amenities of

today’s state-of-the-art clubs with the very best

traditions of the country’s most historic and revered.

The clubhouse sets the tone. Authentic details

reverberate throughout, from the pecky cypress

ceilings to the Portuguese tile murals, striking an

elegant, welcoming chord. The interior is infused with

beautiful bright colors, overstuffed furniture, and

fireplaces. Instead of a grand ballroom, there are

intimate gathering spaces everywhere. The inspiration

comes from Addison Mizner, the celebrated 1920s

architect, whose Mediterranean Revival designs

helped define the Palm Beach lifestyle.

Scale is the keyword here. Nearly every amenity,

from the clubhouse to the golf practice studio, is

designed to look and live more like a comfortable

home than the world-class facility it is. The intimate

character of the community begins with its low-

density masterplan. No more than 320 residences will

be built on its 651 acres.

While the feeling of space in a community is its own

reward, there are other benefits. First, it allows for a

“no tee time” policy, one of the great pleasures of

Old PalmGolf ClubExclusive, inviting and intimate, this prestigious golf enclave blends the Palm Beach lifestyle with beautiful, ultra-luxurious living on a more personal scale

I

livingFLORIDA LINKS

ABOVE: 4th hole, 598yardsOPPOSITE: 9th hole, 535 yardsBELOW: Clubhouse

WINTER 2012


membership in a smaller, private club. The scale also

allows for an incredibly high, attentive level of service.

Perhaps that is best exemplified by their full time

concierge, Rolf Schuster, who speaks seven different

languages and whose motto is “Just Ask.”

Its Palm Beach Gardens address puts Old Palm in

the midst of one of the country’s most exclusive and

sophisticated communities. Just six miles from the

Atlantic Ocean and minutes from the upscale shops

of Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, the club offers easy

access to the best of everything.

Like all great clubs, it is the thoughtful details that

speak volumes about quality and luxury. The club-

house is home to not just a spectacular men’s lounge,

but also an equally magnificent women’s lounge,

complete with an intimate living room, full spa, and

ABOVE: The 97-yard19th, or hero, hole RIGHT: Six new model homes just opened atOld Palm.OPPOSITE: 5th hole,423 yards (foreground);6th hole, 172 yards(background))



private locker rooms. The lakes are all lined so the

water levels don’t move and don’t require recharging.

All the grass in the community is Paspalum, which

stays green year round. And instead of achieving

Audubon Gold Signature Sanctuary certification

for just the golf course, the entire community is

Gold certified.

One of the greatest benefits of limiting the number

of homes here is that everyone gets to know each other.

Camaraderie and friendship come naturally, helped

along by a full schedule of social activities and unique

club events like Yappy Hour where

dogs join their owners at the club.

This place is alive with activity and

people; dinner companions and golf

partners are found effortlessly.

With wide fairways and no forced

carries, the Raymond Floyd Signature

course is a superb golf experience,

enjoyed as much by the higher handi-

cappers as it is by the PGA touring

pros that frequent it. Beyond the wonderful convenience

of never having to make a tee time at this members-

only course, one of its great delights is the 97-yard,

par-3 19th, or hero, hole. The postage stamp-sized

island green offers the perfect post-round stage for

settling friendly wagers.

But as pleasurable as Floyd’s course is to play, the

33-acre manicured practice facility is the real stunner.

The Golf Studio features three practice holes that

recreate every shot and condition of the course.

There is also a double-ended, double-tiered driving

range and a technology-filled Studio building with

an air conditioned hitting bay that opens to the

practice range. No wonder that members, from

families to touring pros, love to practice here.

There are three distinct neighborhoods to select

from, each with its own special characteristics. Golf

Estates homes run from 3,400–5,000 square feet and

are priced from $1–$2 million. Grand Estates homes,

on half-acre homesites, are 5,000–

7,000 square feet and in the $2–$3

million range. The Custom Estates

neighborhood, with prices from

$3.8–$15 million, features homes up

to 15,000 square feet on one-acre

homesites. Homes here, of course,

are designed and built to the most

exacting standards.

The fresh, modern design of the

six new builder models that are currently open make

this an especially exciting time to consider Old Palm.

A new ownership group, Clarion, purchased Old

Palm and brought added financial stability to a Club

that was already doing very well. The membership

could not be more pleased with the acquisition. For

prospective members, the financial strength of Clarion

adds yet another layer of attractiveness.

Old Palm Golf Club11089 Old Palm Drive

Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. 33418866.499.6742

OldPalmGolfClub.com/links

PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 7,401YEAR FOUNDED: 2004

ARCHITECT: Raymond Floyd

livingFLORIDA LINKS


ADVERTISEMENT

FREE INFORMATION fromLINKS

ecord sales of $38 million in

November alone. Seventy-eight

properties sold or under contract

for 2011. These eye-popping num-

bers give credence to a resurgent

Florida real estate market. But even more, they speak

volumes about this remarkable, family-oriented

private community surrounded by water.

John’s Island is located just north of the quaint sea-

side town of Vero Beach, an unspoiled, quiet gem rat-

ed by Money magazine as one of America’s Best Small

Towns. You won’t find jai alai, horse races, or crowds

of tourists on the beaches or the roadways. Instead

you will find the charm of Old Florida still intact.

It’s not surprising that sales soared here. Real estate

values at this fully member-owned community stayed

steady during the worst years of the housing market.

At a time when many clubs continue to tighten

their reins, John’s Island keeps making improvements

to what is an already spectacular community. Just a

few years back, a brand new oceanfront Beach Club

opened to great acclaim. The high-tech Fitness Center,

a favorite of members, debuted about the same time.

This summer the West clubhouse underwent a $3 mil-

lion total renovation.

They say that privacy is the greatest luxury at this

1,650-acre exclusive community, but the luxurious,

world-class amenities certainly give that highly prized

asset a run for its money. No less than Pete Dye, Jack

ABOVE: Every residencetakes advantage of itsnatural surroundings.OPPOSITE: 381-yard18th, West CourseBELOW: 411-yard 17th,North Course

FLORIDA LINKS

WINTER 2012

mpeccably located off PGA Boulevard in

Palm Beach Gardens, Old Palm Golf Club

is a masterpiece of a private golf club

community. Truly among the world’s most

beautiful and luxurious places to live,

it perfectly combines all the modern amenities of

today’s state-of-the-art clubs with the very best

traditions of the country’s most historic and revered.

The clubhouse sets the tone. Authentic details

reverberate throughout, from the pecky cypress

ceilings to the Portuguese tile murals, striking an

elegant, welcoming chord. The interior is infused with

beautiful bright colors, overstuffed furniture, and

fireplaces. Instead of a grand ballroom, there are

intimate gathering spaces everywhere. The inspiration

comes from Addison Mizner, the celebrated 1920s

architect, whose Mediterranean Revival designs

helped define the Palm Beach lifestyle.

Scale is the keyword here. Nearly every amenity,

from the clubhouse to the golf practice studio, is

designed to look and live more like a comfortable

home than the world-class facility it is. The intimate

character of the community begins with its low-

density masterplan. No more than 320 residences will

be built on its 651 acres.

While the feeling of space in a community is its own

reward, there are other benefits. First, it allows for a

“no tee time” policy, one of the great pleasures of

FLORIDA LINKS

ABOVE: 4th hole, 598yardsOPPOSITE: 9th hole, 535 yardsBELOW: Clubhouse

WINTER 2012


001. JOHN’S ISLAND One John’s Island Drive Vero Beach, Fla. 32963 800.327.3153 JohnsIslandRealEstate.com

002. OLD PALM GOLF CLUB 11089 Old Palm Drive Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. 33418 866.499.6742 OldPalmGolfClub.com/links

FLL_WNTR12_RSv2_LINKS template 1/10/12 3:54 PM Page 12

ADVERTISEMENT

For faster service go online...LINKSMagazine.com/FreeInfo

FILL OUT & MAIL THE ATTACHED CARD, OR FAX THE CARD TO 888-847-6035


003. THE POLO CLUB OF BOCA RATON 5400 Champions Boulevard Boca Raton, Florida 33496 561.995.1200 PoloClub.net

004. THE VILLAGES OF CITRUS HILLS 2400 North Terra Vista Blvd. Hernando, Fla. 34442 800.511.0814 CitrusHills.com

ush, rolling hills. Incredible, long-

range views. 100-foot elevation

changes. Sound like one of your

favorite Carolina courses? Now add

in coastal breezes that make for

comfortable year-round golf, and a prized location just

north of Tampa and minutes from the Gulf of Mexico.

Incredibly, The Villages of Citrus Hills enjoys this

spectacular topography in central Florida. Rolling hills

are a rarity in the Sunshine State, and until you stand

over a putt on the 7th green of their Skyview course

(260 feet above sea level) it is impossible to fully com-

prehend the magnificence of this setting.

Though you won’t find it advertised, this is where

baseball legend and avid angler Ted Williams chose to

live when his playing days were over. That’s hardly

surprising considering all this enviable location offers:

beautiful views, temperate weather in every season,

low humidity, and a wonderful small-town feel that

still provides convenient access to Tampa, Orlando,

and Ocala—not to mention the excellent fishing that

Ted Williams moved here to enjoy.

Even a short visit here quickly shows how much

the members love the place. Scenic, relaxed, and fun,

the community is full of life. Fully 80–85 percent of

families choose to live here year round, a percentage

that is the flip side of many other seasonal Florida

communities. But there’s good reason.

The good life is more accessible here than at almost

any other private golf community. Not only is there a

wide range of home prices and plans, the club’s amaz-

ingly low monthly membership fee enables all of its

members to enjoy all of the amenities.

ABOVE: 433 yard-17th,Skyview at Terra Vista OPPOSITE: Skyview’s10th is a long downhillpar five.BELOW: The ninth fairwayat Skyview

FLORIDA LINKS

WINTER 2012

Go to LINKSMagazine.com for more information

WINTER 2012

or many of us, by the time we can

dedicate a good portion of our days

to golf, our agility and power are

nowhere near where they were in

our prime. Like Ponce de León, we

would gladly search the far ends of the globe to recap-

ture our youthful swing and ensure years of enjoyable

rounds with our playing partners.

They just may have discovered that secret at The

Polo Club of Boca Raton.

Over the past five years, the Polo Club’s golf pro-

gram has gone in a modern direction. Using their

considerable infrastructure, large staff of golf pros,

and the precepts of TPI (Titleist Performance Insti-

tute), this has become a destination that helps golfers

recapture their youth through training. Today, it’s no

longer enough to have great golf available. The ability

to enjoy that golf by being in great shape is part of

the equation.

One of the ways the Polo Club accomplishes that

and distinguishes itself is through its spa. There, the

club’s fitness trainers work hand in hand with the golf

ABOVE: Water abounds onthe courses but there arefew forced carries.OPPOSITE: The entranceto the 145,000-square-foot clubhouseBELOW: The new BarefootCafe offers members acasual setting to minglewith friends.

FLORIDA LINKS

FLL_WNTR12_RS_LINKS template 1/9/12 1:58 PM Page 13

FLL_WNTR12_POLO_CLUB_BOCAv4_LINKS template 1/9/12 12:08 PM Page 14

WINTER 2012

or many of us, by the time we can

dedicate a good portion of our days

to golf, our agility and power are

nowhere near where they were in

our prime. Like Ponce de León, we

would gladly search the far ends of the globe to recap-

ture our youthful swing and ensure years of enjoyable

rounds with our playing partners.

They just may have discovered that secret at The

Polo Club of Boca Raton.

Over the past five years, the Polo Club’s golf pro-

gram has gone in a modern direction. Using their

considerable infrastructure, large staff of golf pros,

and the precepts of TPI (Titleist Performance Insti-

tute), this has become a destination that helps golfers

recapture their youth through training. Today, it’s no

longer enough to have great golf available. The ability

to enjoy that golf by being in great shape is part of

the equation.

One of the ways the Polo Club accomplishes that

and distinguishes itself is through its spa. There, the

club’s fitness trainers work hand in hand with the golf

The Polo Club of Boca RatonWell-established and financially strong, this premier, private golf club is meeting the needs of the next generation of club members without sacrificing its signature lifestyle

ABOVE: Water abounds onthe courses but there arefew forced carries.OPPOSITE: The entranceto the 145,000-square-foot clubhouseBELOW: The new BarefootCafé offers members acasual setting to minglewith friends.F

livingFLORIDA LINKS


pros to produce maximum results for members.

“I was in the case study with one of Polo Club’s

certified professionals and found it to be absolutely

fantastic,” says member Gerry Zusel. “The key to im-

proving my swing was through strength and flexibility.

TPI helped me reduce my handicap by four strokes.”

The Polo Club, the second largest country club in

the nation in terms of membership (more than

1,700), is definitely not your grandfather’s country

club. While respecting tradition and the luxurious

lifestyle that its members enjoy so much, the club has

embraced forward-looking growth. Amenities, like the

new resort complex with family-friendly, resort-style

pools that opened this past November, are being built

for the next generation. New family dining options

and a clubhouse expansion are also in the club’s cur-

rent master plan. They have accomplished all this

without an assessment. In fact, members here have

never been hit with one.

On the golf course, the club is already promoting

the game to the next generation by taking one of their

courses and integrating it for kids. In the afternoon,

kids (and their parents and grandparents) can play six

holes for $6. The program has been so successful they

have had to extend the concept to both courses.

The golf here, by the way, is excellent. The Equestrian

and the Club are two very good courses. The Equestrian

presents more challenging green complexes, while the

Club is more forgiving, yet both are very playable Tim

ABOVE and RIGHT:The new pool complex

offers a striking, yet romantic, setting where

members can relax. BELOW: Sculpted

bunkers and lakes typify the layouts of

both courses.


Freeland designs. This being Florida, there is plenty of

water to navigate, but few forced carries.

Despite its name, the Polo Club was originally built

around tennis in 1986. The developer of the new

community hired Chris Evert as touring pro, and the

club hosted the Virginia Slims of Florida for years.

With 28 courts, more than 600 tennis memberships,

and a well-rounded competitive program, they were

voted the number one private tennis club in the world

in 2010 by the Professional Tennis Registry.

Once described as like “a cruise ship on land,”

the club offers a very active social program. In

addition to health and wellness programs, cultural

offerings both on and off the property, and their

popular cabaret series, members are entertained by

some of the biggest acts in the business: the Beach

Boys, Air Supply, and the Pointer Sisters to name

just a few.

Located on 1,100 meticulously manicured acres five

miles from downtown Boca Raton and seven miles

from the beach, the community boasts one of the

most comprehensive and spectacular clubhouses any-

where. (Not to mention, at 145,000 square feet, one of

the biggest.) There are plenty of dining venues for

members and the service, provided by 550 employees

in season, is impeccable.

For such a large community, one of The Polo Club’s

biggest strengths is how close the membership is—

the incredible array of activities and opportunities to

gather help bring everyone together.

That largeness, though, allows the club to offer

something for everyone, from condos for the members

flying in from Europe or Boston to

multi-million dollar custom estate

homes. No matter what size house or in

which of the 24 communities you live,

every home features high ceilings,

garages, and a golf course or lake view.

With so many options, you have the

ability to upsize or downsize your home

without moving to another community.

Yes, this is a terrific lifestyle, but not

inexpensive. You have to live at the club

to be a golf member (real estate runs

from $300,000 condos to $3 million

homes), but if you can take years off

your golf game, there really is no way to

put a price on that.

The Polo Clubof Boca Raton

5400 Champions BoulevardBoca Raton, Fla. 33496

561.995.1200PoloClub.net

CLUBPAR: 72 YARDAGE: 6,671

YEAR FOUNDED: 2002ARCHITECT: Tim Freeland

EQUESTRIANPAR: 72 YARDAGE: 6,766

YEAR FOUNDED: 1985ARCHITECT: Tim Freeland

ABOVE: The tropical, zeroedge resort-style pool

livingFLORIDA LINKS



LL_WNTR12_CITRUS HILLSv7_LAYOUT 1/6/12 2:42 PM Page 18

ush, rolling hills. Incredible, long-

range views. 100-foot elevation

changes. Sound like one of your

favorite Carolina courses? Now add

in coastal breezes that make for

comfortable year-round golf, and a prized location just

north of Tampa and minutes from the Gulf of Mexico.

Incredibly, The Villages of Citrus Hills enjoys this

spectacular topography in central Florida. Rolling hills

are a rarity in the Sunshine State, and until you stand

over a putt on the 7th green of their Skyview course

(260 feet above sea level) it is impossible to fully com-

prehend the magnificence of this setting.

Though you won’t find it advertised, this is where

baseball legend and avid angler Ted Williams chose to

live when his playing days were over. That’s hardly

surprising considering all this enviable location offers:

beautiful views, temperate weather in every season,

low humidity, and a wonderful small-town feel that

still provides convenient access to Tampa, Orlando,

and Ocala—not to mention the excellent fishing that

Ted Williams moved here to enjoy.

Even a short visit here quickly shows how much

the members love the place. Scenic, relaxed, and fun,

the community is full of life. Fully 80–85 percent of

families choose to live here year round, a percentage

that is the flip side of many other seasonal Florida

communities. But there’s good reason.

The good life is more accessible here than at almost

any other private golf community. Not only is there a

wide range of home prices and plans, the club’s amaz-

ingly low monthly membership fee enables all of its

members to enjoy all of the amenities.

TheVillagesof CitrusHills

ABOVE: 433 yard-17th,Skyview at Terra Vista OPPOSITE: Skyview’s10th is a long downhillpar five.BELOW: The ninth fairwayat Skyview

Rich with amenities, this private golf community on the Nature Coast lives up to its exceptional surroundings, whilemaking the dream of club living accessible to nearly everyone

L

livingFLORIDA LINKS

WINTER 2012


Here’s how it works: Every property owner auto-

matically has a social membership and for the incred-

ible price of just $100 a month in social dues, mem-

bers receive free golf (with cart rental) at The

Meadows course until 2015, free tennis on all the

asphalt courts, access to three restaurants, four pools,

three gyms, 50 recreational clubs, and more than 200

planned clubs and activities a month.

All of this is thanks to a substantial membership.

The collective buying power of these members helps

keep quality high and costs low. In fact, members

enjoy more than $100 million in amenities and infra-

structure—already in place and all debt free. The

financial soundness of the community is yet another

positive for prospective buyers.

With everything imaginable inside the gates, there is

also a world of outdoor activities beyond them. Along

with great air quality and little traffic, you will find

every form of water in this county—from the Gulf of

Mexico to fresh-water lakes and pristine rivers. Citrus

Hills is also bookended by two great towns: Inverness

and Crystal River. Crystal River, recognized by Yahoo

Travel and Coastal Living as one of the world’s most

unique snorkeling sites, is also one of the few places

where you can swim with manatees. Downtown

Tampa, Orlando, and Gainesville are just about an

hour’s drive; Ocala only 25 minutes.

For year-round golf, Citrus Hills is hard to top.

There are four separate golf experiences to enjoy. The

Meadows is where members play free, the Oaks offers

challenge in a beautiful setting, and 9-hole Brentwood

ABOVE: BellaVita Spa & Fitness CenterRIGHT: One of two tennis centers at Citrus HillsBELOW: 436-yard 11th,Skyview at Terra Vista


is the fun place everyone can enjoy. Free golf clinics

(from beginner to advanced) are included with social

membership, and more than 1,200 members have tak-

en advantage of these clinics.

But the flagship course is Skyview. With its dra-

matic elevation changes, the highest green in Florida

(members used this vantage point to watch space

shuttle launches), and 400-foot corridors, the course

exceeds every expectation. A classic risk-reward

design, it contains very few flat lies and greens that

average 5,500 square feet. The views from atop

Skyview seem to go on forever, and if it were not for

the warm winter weather it would be difficult to be-

lieve this is Florida golf.

Golf isn’t the only game in these hills. Two tennis

centers, one with eight Har-Tru courts and the other

with hard courts, serve an avid tennis group.

Then, of course, there is the magnificent BellaVita

Spa & Fitness Center. While other clubs

were trying to find ways to cut back a few

years ago, Citrus Hills built this exquisite,

45,000-square-foot members-only facility.

With racquetball courts, steam rooms, a

full-service spa, and an incredible indoor

lap and swimming pool, this luxurious

clubhouse measures up against the best

anywhere. And, yes, it is included in the

$100 monthly social membership.

From five-acre equestrian parcels to

maintenance-free golf villas, there are

plenty of living choices, all of them fully

customizable. In the Terra Vista neighbor-

hood, homes run from the $300,000s to

the $700,000s. In the Brentwood neigh-

borhood, homes begin under $200,000.

Currently there are 71 homes under con-

struction throughout Citrus Hills.

If the rare Floridian rolling hills,

affordable lifestyle, and free golf all sound

too good to be true, we understand.

That is why Citrus Hills should be on

your list of must-see private golf commu-

nities. At Citrus Hills, seeing is most

definitely believing.

The Villages ofCitrus Hills

2400 North Terra Vista BoulevardHernando, Fla. 34442

800.511.0814CitrusHills.com

THE MEADOWSPAR: 70 YARDAGE: 5,885

YEAR FOUNDED: 1985ARCHITECT: Phil Friel

THE OAKSPAR: 70 YARDAGE: 6,323

YEAR FOUNDED: 1985ARCHITECT: Mike Andrijiszyn

SKYVIEW AT TERRA VISTA

PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 7,142YEAR FOUNDED: 1999

ARCHITECT: Terry LaGree

BRENTWOOD PAR: 36 YARDAGE: 2,731

YEAR FOUNDED: 1994ARCHITECT: Ken Creech

livingFLORIDA LINKS


ABOVE: Rolling hills are a rarity at most Florida courses.LEFT: The BellaVita Spa& Fitness Center’s lap pool and fullyequipped gym


The all new…

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LINKSMagazine.com

FLL_LINKSCOM_SPREAD_Layout 1 1/6/12 3:06 PM Page 23

658 OCEAN ROAD – $5,475,000

This magnificent 6BR seaside retreat is a rare find.Classic Georgian architecture, high ceilings, plantationshutters and custom millwork are found throughout.Sensitive planning to maximize the private ocean viewsfrom all principal rooms is evident throughout. Featuresinclude a gourmet island kitchen adjoining the familyroom, generous living room with fireplace, office, 6-bedbunkroom, large lower-level family room, and a privateboardwalk over the dune to the beach.

600 BEACH ROAD – $650,000–$1,095,000

John’s Island’s elegant oceanfront condominiumns arenestled along three miles of the Atlantic’s most pristineand private beaches. Units offered for sale in the 600Building range in size from 1,520 to 1,800 square feet,and are two-bedroom, two-bath or three-bedroom, two-bath units. Some are exquisitely renovated, furnished,and move-in ready. Oceanfront lanais, large livingspaces, spacious kitchens, as well as elevators anddirect beach access make these oceanfront condomini-ums an ideal tropical retreat.

225 COCONUT PALM ROAD – $1,425,000

Beautifully sited overlooking peaceful Lake Reams isthis .61± acre homesite. Nestled among magnificentoak trees and palm trees, exotic birds and wildlife com-plement the tranquil atmosphere found here. It is theideal setting to build your custom lakefront home. Thisdesirable homesite enjoys both southwestern and east-ern exposures.

190 OLEANDER WAY – $2,200,000

This architecturally distinguished residence anchors aquiet corner of a cul-de-sac located just off a picturesquetree-lined street with no thru traffic. Overlooking expan-sive golf and water views of the South Course, thisrecently renovated 3BR/3.5BA home offers an attachedguest cabana, hardwood floors, pool, garden courtyard,beadboard ceilings, custom built-ins, center-islandgourmet kitchen, generous living room with fireplace,sunlit lanai, and desirable southern exposure.

620 COCONUT PALM ROAD – $5,850,000

Unobstructed water views, quality craftsmanship andexceptional renovations make this 6BR/7.5BA sound-front retreat a rare find. Boasting 8,142± SF, floor-to-ceiling windows open onto the spacious veranda withsummer kitchen overlooking the pool and spa. Featuresinclude a gourmet island kitchen with Butler’s pantryand wine cellar, master suite with luxurious baths,handsome library with fireplace, serving bar, office,large guest ensuites, and boat dock.

391 SABAL PALM LANE – $3,875,000

New Construction! Sited on a .64-acre corner lot, thismagnificent 5BR retreat was masterfully designed tomaximize privacy, natural light and captivating lake andgolf views. Architectural detailing, 4-car garage andintimate indoor/outdoor spaces make this 7,459± SFhome one-of-a-kind. Enviable features include agourmet island kitchen, loggia with fireplace, privateguest wing with separate garage and entrance, andcourtyard with reflecting pool.

J O H N ’ S I S L A N DR E A L E S T A T E O P P O R T U N I T I E S

john’s island real estate company772.231.0900 • 800.327.3153

www.johnsislandrealestate.com

263 SILVER MOSS DRIVE – $495,000

Nestled along multiple fairways of the South Course isthis charming 2BR/2BA golf cottage. Boasting 1,500±square feet, it is offered fully furnished and features abeamed ceiling lanai showcasing stunning golf and dis-tant water views. Additional features include a generoustrayed-ceiling living room, dining area, and private views.Golf cottages are an excellent stepping stone into thecommunity.

NORTH VILLAGE TOWNHOUSES – $345,000–$595,000

Tucked away along John’s Island’s North Course is NorthVillage, offering comfortable townhouse living in tranquilsurroundings. It is a self-contained community, harboringprivate tennis courts, heated pool, one-car garages, andcommanding views of the golf course and lake. Town-houses range from 1,500–1,900± square feet, with two orthree bedrooms, and may be updated or fully furnished. Itis perfect for the active family or for those needing a sec-ond residence for guests and family members.

201 SANDPIPER POINT – $4,975,000

Showcasing breathtaking views of a palm-tree linedpool and protected cove in a private lagoon-like settingis this sensational recently built 5BR retreat designedand built to perfection. Custom millwork, hardwoodfloors, coffer ceilings, and luxurious finishes grace theexceptional 5,643± SF interiors. Features include agourmet island kitchen with beamed ceiling, diningroom, great room with fireplace, study, lush landscap-ing, summer kitchen, and dock.

FLL_JI_RESALESv3_LINKS template 1/6/12 3:14 PM Page 24

HOW TO HANDLE RUSH HOUR.For getting around the neighborhood, there’s no better vehicle than a Yamaha PTV. Whether you’re running up to the Clubhouse or down to the neighbors, our quiet

engine and nimble handling will get you to your destination effortlessly. Find out why Yamaha is taking golf course communities by surprise at yamahagolfcar.com

Toll Free: 1.866.747.4027©2012 Yamaha Golf-Car Company

yamahagolfcar.com


CHOOSE THE PATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE.

Toll Free: 1.866.747.4027©2012 Yamaha Golf-Car Company

yamahagolfcar.com

Yamaha’s fuel injected PTV is an aerodynamic wonder. Featuring a quiet 11.4 horsepower engine and gas mileage that’s up to 38% better than the competition.

See for yourself. Go to yamahagolfcar.com to fi nd the dealer nearest you and to schedule a test drive. One drive and you’ll know why we’re up to the challenge.


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Florida LINKSLiving Winter 2012