LAKE FOREST, Calif. (PRWEB) February 09, 2014

Confirming the strength of the local new-home real estate market, an estimated 9 to 10 thousand homeshoppers toured the six new residential neighborhoods which debuted yesterday at Baker Ranch, a new 2,380-home community created in partnership by Shea Homes and Toll Brothers, in Lake Forest, CA.

Set within the scenic foothills of Lake Forest and on the Citys largest undeveloped site, Baker Ranch is also the first (and possibly the only) planned community to open in Orange County this year. At build-out, Baker is expected to offer a three villages encompassing neighborhoods of single-family detached homes, townhomes and other attached living residences as well as apartment homes. More than 30 acres of parks and recreational facilities are planned; and Baker Ranch residents will pay NO Mello-Roos taxes.

During the Saturday, February 8 Grand Opening celebration, Village One at Baker Ranch presented its diverse selection of homes within six neighborhoods and several recreational amenities. Homes are currently priced from the low $500,000s to over $1 million. Homes now selling at Baker Ranch include the following:

Yesterdays homeshopper turnout was incredible, said Seth Ring, President of Toll Brothers Southern California Division. Were delighted to see so many people interested in the first village of Baker Ranch and to experience the unique recreational-oriented lifestyle offered to future residents. And, since Baker Ranch residents will not have to pay any Mello-Roos taxes, theyll benefit from a lower cost of living as compared to other Orange County planned communities.

While enjoying light refreshments, live music and family-oriented childrens activities, the thousands of prospective homebuyers also toured several of Baker Ranchs impressive recreational amenities, starting with The Grove. Showcased by a large clubhouse complete with gourmet-style demonstration kitchen and dining area, The Grove also proves a spacious ballroom with tall glass doors opening to an outdoor courtyard for small- and large-group entertaining. Also featured are an open-air bar adjacent to a tall stone fireplace and a covered walkway leading from the clubhouse to a resort-caliber lagoon swimming pool with spa and childrens splash area, covered poolside cabanas, as well as a separate quiet pool with spa and lounging area.

In addition, Baker Ranch visitors were able to walk through the newly completed Baker Ranch Community Park with its lush ready for play athletic fields, a community green surrounded by picnic and grill pavilions, an elaborate play structure, and plenty of open space for a relaxing day. And, the pool, wading pool, spa and expansive play area at The Arbors as well as two additional neighborhood parks also welcomes guests to the grand opening.

From its location atop a broad mesa adjacent to 900 acres of open space, Baker Ranch affords wide panoramas of surrounding foothills, the Santa Ana Mountains, and even distant views of the Pacific Ocean. Baker Ranchs central location to key highways including the Foothill Transportation Corridor (241 tollroad), the I-5 and I-405 makes easy access for residents to major employment centers, shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Ultimately, Baker Ranch is planned to also include a Central Linear Park in the heart of the community and the Borrego Linear Park, highlighted by a multi-user trail system which connects with the County of Orange regional trails network, leading to thousands of acres of open space at nearby Limestone Canyon and Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park. Even more neighborhood parks are expected to be created in the community so that residents are within just five minutes of places to play and socialize.

Baker Ranch is within the acclaimed Saddleback Valley Unified School District, which is ranked among Orange Countys Top 5 Best School Districts. The Saddleback Valley Unified School District features more California Distinguished Schools than any other in the state, including its award-winning El Toro High School which is ranked in the Top 10% in the nation.

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Thousands Attend Grand Opening of 2,380-Home Baker Ranch Community Presented by Shea Homes-Toll Brothers

LAKE FOREST, Calif. (PRWEB) February 05, 2014

Baker Ranch, the first master-planned community to debut this year in Orange County, CA, will celebrate its public grand opening on February 8, 2014, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To date, more than 7,000 homeshoppers have registered on the Interest List for this new community, created through a partnership between Shea Homes and Toll Brothers.

Set within the scenic foothills of Lake Forest and on the Citys largest undeveloped site, Baker Ranch is envisioned to ultimately offer three villages encompassing nearly 2,380 residential units within neighborhoods of single-family detached homes, townhomes and other attached living residences as well as apartment homes. More than 30 acres of parks and recreational facilities are planned; and Baker Ranch residents will pay NO Mello-Roos taxes.

Debuting this Saturday will be Village One at Baker Ranch, encompassing a diverse selection of homes within six neighborhoods and several recreational amenities, including Baker Ranch Community Park. Homes are currently priced from the low $500,000s to over $1 million.

Presented through a unique partnership between Shea Homes and Toll Brothers, two of the nation's most well-respected homebuilders, the six neighborhoods of Village One at Baker Ranch include the following:

Were so pleased to be able to unveil the very first village at Baker Ranch this weekend, said Seth Ring, President of Toll Brothers Southern California Division. Homeshoppers will be invited to tour 18 different professionally decorated and landscaped model homes as well as an impressive offering of parks, pools and other recreational and social amenities. And, since Baker Ranch residents will not have to pay any Mello-Roos taxes, theyll benefit from a lower cost of living as compared to other Orange County planned communities.

Also premiering during the Baker Ranch grand opening is The Grove with its large clubhouse complete with gourmet-style demonstration kitchen and dining area as well as a spacious ballroom with tall glass doors opening to an outdoor courtyard for small- and large-group entertaining. The Grove features an open-air bar adjacent to a tall stone fireplace and a covered walkway leading from the clubhouse to a resort-caliber lagoon swimming pool with spa and childrens splash area, covered poolside cabanas, as well as a separate quiet pool with spa and lounging area.

In addition, Village One at Baker Ranch includes Baker Ranch Community Park with lush ready for play athletic fields, a community green surrounded by picnic and grill pavilions, an elaborate play structure, and plenty of open space for a relaxing day. Several additional neighborhood parks will also be debuting during the grand opening.

Ultimately, Baker Ranch is planned to also include a Central Linear Park in the heart of the community and the Borrego Linear Park, highlighted by a multi-user trail system which connects with the County of Orange regional trails network, leading to thousands of acres of open space at nearby Limestone Canyon and Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park. Even more neighborhood parks are expected to be created in the community so that residents are within just five minutes of places to play and socialize.

Baker Ranch is within the acclaimed Saddleback Valley Unified School District, which is ranked among Orange Countys Top 5 Best School Districts. The Saddleback Valley Unified School District features more California Distinguished Schools than any other in the state, including its award-winning El Toro High School which is ranked in the Top 10% in the nation.

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Grand Opening of the New Shea Homes-Toll Brothers 2,380-Home Baker Ranch Community Set for February 8

Delray Beach, Florida (PRWEB) February 04, 2014

Get ready for Seven Bridges in Delray Beach, the newest luxury, signature community by GL Homes. An exquisite million dollar entryway will lead visitors and residents over a picturesque brook via a scenic bridge to the gatehouse of Seven Bridges. As its name implies, the spectacular water-theme will be carried throughout the community with neighborhoods and amenities connected by a series of beautiful bridges.

Designed with four stunning collections of single family Delray Beach real estate featuring 21 floorplans, Seven Bridges will offer many homesites with cul-de-sac and lake views. The magnificent estate residences in Palm Beach Countys newest luxury community will be complimented by an unprecedented leisure and recreational hub, the centerpiece of which will be a decorator appointed clubhouse that rivals the most upscale resorts.

Seven Bridges will feature the four collections of opulent residences found in GL Homes neighboring community, The Bridges, but tweaked to perfection with added design features, including the option of a four-car garage. The homes will range in size from 2,450 square feet to over 7,500 square feet, with three to six bedrooms, three to seven and one half bathrooms and, depending on the floorplan, specialty rooms such as a library, clubroom, study, media room, in-home fitness room and more. All of the elegant residences at Seven Bridges will be designed with luxurious features and intuitive floorplans that maximize use of space as well as appointed with magnificent, upscale decorator features including curved staircases, wet bars and summer kitchens.

The resort-style clubhouse at Seven Bridges will feature a sweeping grand lobby, decorator appointed lounge, indoor sport court, group fitness studio, caf, multi-purpose room for meeting and small functions, fitness center, mens and womens locker rooms, two facial/massage rooms, card room, poker room, catering kitchen, caf, kid-centric room and game room. Outside, the resort-style swimming pool and spa will be complemented by an expansive sundeck with shaded cabanas, poolside caf, lap pool, and children's aqua lot and wading pool.

The tennis center at Seven Bridges will include 12 Har-tru and one hard lighted tennis courts with shade pavilions and stadium seating and a pro shop with mens and womens locker rooms and showers. Full-court basketball, a fenced playground, large open playing field and party pavilion round out the amenities.

For more information and to register for updates on this community go to the Seven Bridges.

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Get Ready for Seven Bridges, the New Signature Community by GL Homes

Palm Beach Gardens, Florida (PRWEB) January 31, 2014

Old Palm Golf Club the premier private and exclusive residential community in the Palm Beaches announces the first phase of its new Isle Estates neighborhood is nearing completion.

Four model homes, ranging from nearly 5,100 to more than 5,500 sq. ft. under air, are scheduled to open for touring in early March. Each is beautifully sited on a one-third acre home site overlooking one of Old Palms largest lakes and the spectacular Raymond Floyd-designed golf course. To extend views even farther, the parcels are slightly elevated.

Of the 33 planned home sites, 22 will be included in the first release. Home prices will be set in the coming weeks, but are anticipated to range from $2 to $3 million.

Isle Estates is a completely unique concept within Old Palm, says Connie McGinnis, director of sales. The neighborhood looks and feels coastal; so much so that you might think you were in the British West Indies or an exclusive enclave on Palm Beach.

Acclaimed independent builders Courchene Development Corp. (the Hamilton and St. James models) and Hasey Construction (the Bonair and Belize models) constructed the first four homes.

Named for the capital of Bermuda, Courchenes Hamilton reflects the traditional tropical style of the British-influenced island. Its one-story layout encompasses 5,080 sq. ft. under air and features four bedrooms, five full and one half-bath, a great room and media room, and a three-car garage. Interiors are crafted by Insignia Design.

Its a clean, refreshing design thats very open and airy, says Paul Courchene, president and partner of Courchene Development Corp. Oversized 12-foot-high motorized pocket doors open to the outside and lead to a free-form swimming pool.

Courchenes other model, the 5,129 sq. ft. under air St. James, is also a one-story residence with four bedrooms, five full and one half-bath, and a media room set away from the spacious living and family rooms. Inspired by the British West Indies, the St. James features a transitional interior by Insignia Design that takes advantage of the models abundance of natural light. It also offers a three-car garage.

Hasey Constructions two-story, 5,275 sq. ft. under air Bonair showcases four bedrooms and five full and two half-baths. Its traditional great room plan includes a club room, theater and loft. Rogers Design Group created the interiors using light colors that imbue the space with an alluring informality. The model also features a three-car garage.

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New Isle Estates Neighborhood Coming Soon to Old Palm Golf Club

Submitted The coach homes in Player's Cove at Lely Resort.

Stock has completed a new building of coach homes at Players Cove, a private neighborhood within Lely Resort, the Collier Building Industry Associations 2013 Community of the Year.

According to Tim Clark, Lely Resorts vice president of sales, the new building offers a long lake view across to The Classics golf course. Each coach home building at Players Cove offers four residences with prices beginning at $479,990. Two move-in ready homes are available in the neighborhood and eight more inventory units are nearing completion.

Players Cove offers a premier location across from the newly-expanded Players Club & Spa, said Tim Clark, Residents have one of Collier Countys premier amenity complexes at their doorstep.

Two floor plans are available.

The Medallion is a three-bedroom, three-bath coach home offering an island-style kitchen with breakfast nook, bonus room, a two-car garage and 2,743 square feet under air. This second-floor unit also offers an elevator option.

The Whitestone is a ground-floor home with two bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths. With 2,091 square feet under air, it features a den, a gourmet kitchen with a breakfast nook and a two-car garage.

Players Coves entry includes a pond, stacked-stone wall supporting the entry monument, waterfalls on either end of the entry monument that cascade into the pond, a vertical fountain, a bridged entry over the pond, and privacy gates.

Lely Resorts amenities include three championship golf courses, two golf clubhouses and the Players Club & Spa.

Stock Developments two-year long renovation and addition to the Players Club & Spa has reached another milestone with the opening of the East Wing wing housing the new Spa & Fitness Center.

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New building competed at Players Cove in Lely Resort; two coach homes available for immediate occupancy

BY JOSH BOATWRIGHT Tribune staff Published: January 26, 2014 | Updated: January 26, 2014 at 08:01 PM

ST. PETERSBURG The first wave of more than 2,000 new apartments planned in Pinellas County are becoming available to lease, but theyre not likely to fill the huge need for rental housing, especially for people of modest means.

Rising land prices, coupled with exploding demand, is driving upscale rental development near the countys urban centers that caters to ex-homeowners and rising young professionals with solid paychecks.

For instance, tenants in the 326 units at the Beacon 430 in downtown St. Petersburg will pay from $1,000 for a studio to $2,200 for three bedrooms with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a resort style pool and a veranda with grills and cabanas. Leasing is set to begin this spring.

Monthly rents run about $1,800 for a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment at Ibis Walk, a growing development adjacent to newly built shops and restaurants in the gateway area near Roosevelt and Gandy boulevards.

City governments have managed to attract some subsidized, affordable developments in recent years, such as the Urban Landings/Harbours Edge building near the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. It has 85 units restricted to seniors starting around $700 a month.

But in Floridas most densely-populated county, it may be a while before growth in new rental property meets the broader demand from low- and middle-income earners whose housing budget has shrunk as gas, food and healthcare costs have increased.

It comes down to basic economics, real estate experts say.

The roughly 135,000 rental properties across the peninsula are about 95 percent full and a majority are old. Land is 98 percent built out and acquiring large enough tracts for big multifamily developments is increasingly expensive.

Pricing for rental housing is absolutely driven by the key factors of supply and demand, said Michael Slater, president of real estate market firm Triad Research & Consulting Inc. in Tampa.

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Big demand, little space fuels high rents in St. Pete

Naples, Florida (PRWEB) January 24, 2014

After Real Estate Scorecard's trip to the French Riveria, they see where lady real estate developer Margeret Antonier caught her vision for Miromar Lakes built in north Naples, Florida. Originally a deep rock quarry, the white coral bottom provides a perfect floor to reflect the aquamarine water in the two Miromar lakes. Homes and condominiums with terra cotta roofs and white washed walls contrast beautifully against the lakes. One property owner describes the neighborhood as a perfect heaven in Southwest Florida.

Miromar Lakes is a one-of-a-kind master-planned community. A neighborhood where Europe meets South Beach modernism. Italian-style bridges and tall Royal Palm trees compliment the beauty of this gated Florida lake community spread across 1,800 acres. After visitors pass through the grandiose entrance gate, theyre greeted by white sandy beaches and beach cabanas draped in white fabric. The communitys 39,000 square foot beach clubhouse is one of the most luxurious Real Estate Scorecard has seen with an infinity-edge pool overlooking the lake, chic interior decor and impressive lakeside Blue Water Beach Grill. The lakes are a freshwater playground dotted with sailboats, paddle boards and kayaks.

The architectural-style turns to Tuscany around the championship golf course where visitors will find a second clubhouse and dining. More amenities include a full service spa, fitness center and bocce ball courts. The communitys curb appeal and exclusivity has naturally attracted more affluent Europeans and Canadians seeking winter homes. The social calendar is filled with activities creating an opportunity for property owners to get to know one another.

Miromar Lakes has won over 100 design and building awards since 2001. Does Miromar Lakes need another award from Real Estate Scorecard? Probably not, but Real Estate Scorecard wants to be sure readers know about this fantastic Florida lake community with an international flavor. Homes begin in the $500ks and can easily exceed $5 million.

ABOUT REAL ESTATE SCORECARD BLISS AWARDS:

After visiting 241 master-planned communities in the Southeast, only 140 or 58% have made 'the cut' as of 2014 and are worthy of being included on Real Estate Scorecard's 'best list'.

Bliss Awards are presented annually to the best master-planned communities we find in Florida, Georgia, The Carolina's and Tennessee. All 140 communities were given an equal opportunity to participate in the Happiest Community of the Year voting process. Through the Bliss Awards, readers learn about the friendliest neighborhoods, most relaxing places to live, communities with superior amenities and attributes that make them special.

Over 2,400 verified property owner reviews on Real Estate Scorecard's website have been temporarily 'unlocked' - reviews they considered before determining their winners. The fourteen Bliss Awards are selected by category:

Happiest Community of the Year By State - in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee By Lifestyle - Beach, Boating, Golf, Mountain, Lake, Tennis, and Equestrian Best Community Spirit

Excerpt from:
Real Estate Scorecard Announces 2014 Bliss Award Winner for Best Florida Community of the Year - Miromar Lakes

Thursday, January 23, 10:55 AM EST

by Karen Brune Mathis, Managing Editor

Its location in the Flagler Center office and business park sparked a perk: The apartments will provide bicycles for residents to ride to work or just ride around.

President Bob Rohdie said this morning that the 308-unit project community should be completed 15 months later, which would be May 2015.

"I am very bullish on the Jacksonville market," he said.

"The economy has come rebounding back in Jacksonville, there has been very little new (apartment) development in Jacksonville and your employment appears to be robust," he said.

Rohdie said rents aren't set yet.

Rohdie said Gran Bay will be his fifth project in Jacksonville since the early 1990s. The other four have been converted into condominiums or sold, he said.

The city is reviewing plans for the 15.5-acre development along Gran Bay Parkway at Egrets Nest Drive.

The project comprises 14 multifamily buildings, seven garages, a clubhouse with a pool, fitness center and cabanas and a grill area, a playground and a mail kiosk.

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Rohdie plans $30M Gran Bay apartments

Stock Development has released for sale Phase II of Lakoya in Lely Resort. The second phase is the final single-family home neighborhood in Lely Resort.

Stock Development will be hosting a Grand Opening Weekend Event Feb. 22 and 23. This will be the first chance for the public to tour Lakoyas 16 new furnished models and the completion of a two-year expansion and renovation of the Players Club & Spa.

In Phase II of Lakoya, Stock is marketing 216 new homes, available in seven series of floor plans ranging from 1,882 to 4,155 square feet under air.

All of the homes will feature the extraordinary standard features packages that Stock is known for. Stock was named the 2013 Collier Building Industry Association (CBIA) Builder of the Year, the second time the company has won the award in the past five years. It is also a member of this years nationwide Builder 100 list and Lely Resort recently won its sixth consecutive Community of the Year Award from CBIA.

Lakoya has been an amazing success story, said Tim Clark, vice president of sales at Lely Resort. We have all of the homes under construction within Phase I and only a few homes remain. Several are available for immediate occupancy.

Lakoya is a meticulously planned 242-acre enclave with sculptured landscaping, classical gardens, choreographed fountains and paved walking paths. It is surrounded by subtropical woodlands and The Classics 18-hole golf course, which features gentle undulations and tree-lined fairways. An elaborate series of lakes has been crafted throughout the neighborhood, giving the homes an array of water, golf course and nature preserve views.

Lakoya residents have access to Naples most comprehensive amenities package. Lely Resort boasts three championship golf courses designed by some of the greatest architects in the game Robert Trent Jones Sr., Lee Trevino and Gary Player, as well as two golf clubhouses.

Stock is undertaking a two-year expansion plan that will dramatically increase the size of The Players Club & Spa. The Players Club & Spa provides an extraordinary value for nongolfers with an abundance of activities coordinated by a full-time staff. It has already completed 13 new tennis courts in the new Tennis Complex, as well as the new Spa & Fitness Center, which debuts this weekend.

Stocks expansion plan is nearing completion and greatly increases the size of the entire Players Club & Spa and ensure its amenity offerings are the most comprehensive to be found, said Melissa Speach, director of lifestyle. We are adding nearly 13,000 square feet under air to the existing structure. Work is nearing completion on a second resort pool.

The new pool is in addition to a 7,500-square-foot resort style swimming pool plus a 2,500-square-foot exercise and lap pool with cabanas. There is a new full kitchen at the Tiki Bar, which has seven 50-inch flat screen TVs and a tennis facility. A Bark Park is also open for the exclusive use of members who are dog owners.

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Sales underway in Phase II of Lakoya at Lely Resort

The outside world can seem a million miles away when youre enjoying the beauty of your private paradise from the shade of your cabana. Open structures like cabanas and pool houses can bring a whole new level of luxury to your landscape.

The cabana brings all the luxuries of indoors furniture, pillows and carpets, fridge and bar, even a washroom but provides an open-air experience. And the time youre able to savour your outdoor space is extended because theres just the right amount of protection from the harsh sun, rain or wind.

Pool houses are much the same in benefits, but there is commonly more enclosure with full or partial walls and doors. The pool house can be customized into an elaborate and multi-functional outdoor room. Offering much more than storage, it can be equipped with a luxurious lounge area, bar equipment and seating, or a place to safely house your entertainment centre.

Theres really no more perfect backyard feature, both practical and inviting and offering the the best of both in - and outdoor worlds.

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Pool Sheds And Cabanas Oakville | Shademaster Landscaping