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Minaca Family Loves Its Ashton Woods Home in Asturia

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Many factors led the Minaca family to buy an Ashton Woods home in Asturia.

“We wanted a home where I could picture my family cooking together in the kitchen, and one that would be perfect for holiday celebrations,” said Nicole Minaca.

When Nicole and her 16-year-old son, Jordan, walked through Ashton Woods’ Elm model, they knew they had found just the place.

“We both loved it the minute we walked in the door,” said Nicole.

The Minaca family in front of their new Ashton Woods home in Asturia: 16-year-old Jordan, Nicole, Chris and 15-year-old Brooke.

In addition to a floor plan that worked well for the family of four, the home was also located in Asturia, the family’s first choice among the many master-planned communities along the State Road 54 corridor.

“Asturia’s developer did a very nice job laying out the streets so it doesn’t look like a cookie-cutter community,” said Chris Minaca. “We liked how different builders are intermingled – Ashton Woods homes placed next to homes built by David Weekley Homes and ICI Homes. That’s something you don’t typically find.”

Chris and Nicole were looking for a larger home for their family, which includes two teenagers. The two-story Elm model gave the family lots of space, plus it was located on a corner lot with a spacious side yard they could fence for their two large dogs.

“We just loved the openness of the floor plan, and how nicely the rooms flowed for our family,” adds Nicole. “Plus, there is so much storage!”

In addition, the Minacas appreciated the Elm’s floor plan that puts the garage at the rear of the home.

“It was actually our 16-year-old son, Jordan, who pointed out that our family would soon have four drivers,” said Chris. “This house gives us plenty of parking in the back, as well as parking in front of the house.”

Jordan and his 15-year-old sister, Brooke, are students at J.W. Mitchell High School in New Port Richey, and the kids wanted to stay at Mitchell if they moved.

“It was very important that the community we moved to was zoned for Mitchell,” said Chris. “That was one of the most important reasons why Asturia was such a desirable community for us.”

The family also liked the community because their new home was located across from Asturia’s Amenity Center.

“We couldn’t be any closer to the gym and pool,” said Chris. “Plus, we like the unique, modern look of the Amenity Center and the open park area that surrounds it.”

Before moving to their new Ashton Woods home in March, the family lived in Trinity’s Longleaf community. They decided to list their Longleaf house in February, and it sold within a few weeks.

“Our house sold much faster than we thought it would, which meant we did not have time to go through the building process,” said Nicole. “We had already met Allen Johnson at Ashton Woods in Asturia, and he was very kind and informative. So when our home sold so quickly, Allen showed us several inventory homes, and we fell in love with the Elm model.”

Allen Johnson, Ashton Woods’ community sales manager, has worked in Asturia since the community opened two-and-a-half years ago.

“People like how our homes are not on top of each other, with a minimum of 15 feet between homes,” said Johnson. “Buyers also like that Asturia is a smaller community of just 550 homes, and that construction will not be going on for years.”

Johnson adds that Asturia’s lower CDD and HOA fees, especially when compared to other planned communities, is attractive to many families. The CDD is between $1,600 and $2,100 a year, and its HOA is just $76 a year.

Ashton Woods offers affordable, beautifully finished, inventory homes beginning at $279,990 in its charming Grove and Evergreen series of alley-load homes. These spacious, one and two-story homes have over 2,000-square feet of living area and feature three to four bedrooms, two to three baths and two-car garages. Three quick-sale homes are available in three floor plans.

“To get into Asturia for under $300,000 in a 2,000 plus-square-foot home is an excellent opportunity for someone wanting a new home with top-quality construction and premier home finishes,” said John Reny, Florida president for Ashton Woods, the nation’s largest privately held homebuilder.

In addition to its alley-load homes, Ashton Woods also has six inventory homes available in traditional floor plans with the garage in front of the house, on 55- and 65-foot home sites.

“Our goal is to always have a good supply of quick move-in homes in every price range, because so many families need to move fast,” said Reny. “Many buyers have sold their existing home sooner than expected, or they are renting and do not want to renew their lease while a new home is being built.”

Ashton Woods is known for its commitment to personalized design, and every home comes with the same standards of top-quality construction and finishes. It was named the 2017 Builder of the Year by Builder and Developer Magazine, and for the fourth consecutive year, was been ranked among the top three for Most Trusted Builders in America.

Published May 23, 2018

Families and Pets Enjoy Dog Day Afternoon At Asturia

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Ziggy, an Italian greyhound, and Bella, a Chihuahua, stopped by at the David Weekley Homes booth looking for treats and water.

In between rays of sun and on-and-off misting of rain, Dog Day Afternoon was a “barkful” of fun last Saturday in Asturia, a master-planned community in Odessa on State Road 54.

It was an afternoon of curious dogs, creative activities for youngsters, and treats of all kinds for canines and their human friends. About a dozen pet-friendly companies exhibited and helped raise money for Vets4Pets, an organization that provides high-quality, low-cost veterinary care to low-income households.

Butterball with owner Brian, who works at David Weekley Homes.

Dozens of dog owners sat, stayed and played with their pets as they chatted with exhibitors. Children enjoyed a massive bounce house and slide, squealed as they had their faces painted and patiently waited as a balloon artist constructed their favorite shape.

“There’s always something fun to do in Asturia, and Dog Day Afternoon was especially fun,” said Carla Luigs, marketing coordinator for Hines, the developer of Asturia. “Events like this bring our residents together to have fun and get to know each other, and also invites new people to Asturia so they can experience all that Asturia has to offer.”

Braxton is a beautiful black lab owned by Lacy Quick of Lace Ventura Pet Sitting Service.

Most events are held inside or on the lawn of Asturia’s award-winning Amenity Center, which is located at the community’s entrance. In addition to a magnificent resort-style pool and impressive fitness center, Asturia also has pocket parks and playgrounds, and miles of paved trails that meander through wetlands as they connect individual neighborhoods.

Asturia’s builders — Ashton Woods, David Weekley Homes and ICI Homes — offer a variety of home sizes and prices, designed for families looking to buy their first home, homes for growing families with school-age children, and seasonal residents and empty-nesters looking for the latest in technological upgrades.

Learn more about Asturia by visiting its models, registering at the community’s website, AsturiaFlorida.com, or by calling (813) 227-4148.

Published May 23, 2018

Princess and her people, Bill and Emily.
Cory and her beagle, Maddie.
A marmoset monkey added to the fun at Dog Day Afternoon

ICI Homes Specializes in Affordable Customization

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Many people would love to build a custom home for their family, but do not have the time or knowledge to properly oversee its construction, or arrange for construction loans needed in advance of closing.

Instead, they compromise what they really want, and end up going with a traditional production builder that allows minimal customization of their floor plans, which often is expensive, and the builder does reluctantly.

But now, Tampa Bay homebuyers have a third option — ICI Homes, which brings together a buyer’s specific custom requests with the resources of an established and reputable production builder.

“ICI Homes is truly unique among all production builders. We fill a custom niche that buyers won’t find anywhere else,” said Ron Ferguson, division manager of the company’s West Florida Division.

Ferguson explains that ICI Homes even goes as far as moving walls with plumbing, stretching exterior room dimensions, adding bonus rooms and expanding outdoor living areas.

“We routinely do structural changes that other builders will not do,” said Ferguson. “Because we have been customizing homes for over 40 years, we have the processes in place that encourage customization. In fact, that’s what our entire production philosophy is based on.”

And, because ICI builds hundreds of homes a year, the efficiencies of being a production builder brings the cost of customization to a very affordable level.

“We save buyers thousands of dollars for a home that’s uniquely theirs, compared to hiring a private contractor to build a similar home,” said Ferguson.

In addition, since the builder is ICI Homes, the buyer does not need to secure a construction loan, which is always required with a private builder.

“The financial risk is on us, the builder — not the homeowner,” said Ferguson.

As an established homebuilder, ICI Homes pulls building permits faster and completes construction on most homes in just six to eight months. That compares to a year or longer for an individual custom home to be built.

ICI Homes got its start 40 years ago in Daytona Beach. The original founder still owns the company, and over the years expanded into Jacksonville, Orlando and Gainesville. It entered the Tampa Bay market in 2015 in Fishhawk Ranch in south Hillsborough County

The company moved into Pasco County two years later as one of the original builders in Bexley in Land O’ Lakes. Then, in late 2017, it added Asturia in Odessa to its growing list of communities. It also sells homes to buyers wanting to build on their own lot.

The process to customize an ICI home begins with a meeting between the buyers and the company’s architectural designer, who is based at the division’s Wesley Chapel office.

“One of the first things our buyers do is meet with our architectural staff to discuss the custom features they want added to their plans,” said Sales Manager Leah Turner.

ICI’s staff then helps buyers select design features, finishes and colors to personalize their home.

“Our architectural design team works closely with our buyers so they can focus on what they want in their dream home, without worrying about the thousands of details that go into planning their home’s layout and construction,” Turner ads.

ICI Homes has hundreds of floor plans that have been customized over the past 40 years. It’s this experience that enables the company to affordably replicate the most popular custom elements.

“We call these bubble options, because they can be easily added to a plan without causing delays to the construction process,” said Ferguson, “And, because they have already been engineered, the cost for bubble options is reasonable.”

Because everybody wants their home to be unique, ICI Homes has over a dozen floor plans for buyers to choose from. It also has model homes in Asturia and Bexley that are open daily for tour. The Serena model recently opened in Asturia, and more models are planned for later this year in both Asturia and Bexley.

Prices begin at $290,900 for a 1,789-square-foot home in Asturia, and $419,900 for a 2,565-square-foot home in Bexley. Many home sites back up to conservation and water, and all offer privacy. Home sites are 55- and 65-foot lots in Asturia, and 70-foot lots in Bexley.

Open concept floor plans are very popular with families building ICI Homes, as are outdoor living areas with kitchens, grill pads and pavers, according to Sales Manager Turner.

“Our buyers are building their private outdoor oasis,” said Turner. “Our home sites in Asturia and Bexley are some of the most pristine along the State Road 54 corridor, and outdoor living and recreation is a huge attraction for our families.”

ICI Homes is one of Florida’s most premier builders, and for many years has been ranked in the Top 100 Builders in the nation by Builder Magazine. Established in 1980, the company has built over 4,000 single-family homes in Florida, and is the recipient of several prestigious awards for design and innovation.

The Asturia sales center for ICI Homes is at 15134 Aviles Parkway in Odessa, (813) 359-0264. At Bexley, the sales center is at 16754 Courtyard Loop in Land O’ Lakes, (813) 530-9069.

Published May 23, 2018

Amenities, Lifestyle Set Bexley Apart

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Choosing the right home and community are two of the biggest decisions you’ll make. Not only do you want to find a home that meets your family’s needs, you also want to be sure that the community offers plenty of ways to enjoy Tampa’s spectacular year-round weather and fosters a connection with neighbors.

Moving to Bexley by Newland Communities, one of Pasco County’s premier master-planned communities, means having a wide range of activities and amenities minutes from your doorstep.

Located in Land O’ Lakes in central Pasco County, north of State Road 54 and just east of the Suncoast Parkway, Bexley is in a prime location that is convenient to many areas of Tampa Bay.

The community’s 1,825 acres of pastoral ranch lands, mature woodlands and cypress wetlands have earned it numerous awards, including best master-planned community and best recreational facility from the Southeast Building Conference, and a Best in American Living Award for best single-family community from the National Association of Home Builders.

“The amenities at Bexley truly set our community apart,” said Pam Parisi, vice president of marketing for Newland Communities. “We designed Bexley so that residents can be as physically and socially active as they want. Or, they can just relax at The Bexley Club and enjoy the lakefront view.”

The Bexley Club
At the heart of the community is The Bexley Club, where residents and community members enjoy great food and scenic lakefront views at the Twisted Sprocket Café. The restaurant is open to the public for breakfast, lunch and happy hour, and offers an outstanding menu of breakfast items, gourmet lunches, desserts, smoothies, wine, craft beer and coffee drinks.     

Next door to the clubhouse, Suncoast Trailside Bicycles will open soon, offering bike sales, rentals and repairs.

Two additional buildings make up The Bexley Club: a cardio-focused fitness center and a screened-in game room with air hockey, foosball and pool table. There are also two resort-style pools, an outdoor fire pit, and an event lawn for community festivals and gatherings.

Get Fit
Bexley was designed so that residents could enjoy the great outdoors. The community is home to miles of multi-surface Avid™ trails, ideal for walking, biking, jogging and strollers. Along the way, check out the Fit Stations, which add fun and variety to workouts.

Custom Adventures
Some of the most unique community parks in Tampa Bay are located at Bexley. Kids spend hours on the custom-built Wonderland designed by Asheville Playgrounds. And, sports lovers of all ages use Mud, Sweat and Gears Park for impromptu soccer or football games. Bexley’s bicycle pump track is for daredevils who want to try out some new tricks. And, of course, four-legged residents have the BarkYard, a park to call their own with separate spaces for big and small dogs.

Best of all, Bexley allows families searching for a new home to test out all of the amenities through its exclusive Resident for a Day program. To learn more about all that Bexley has to offer, visit BexleyFlorida.com.

Published April 25, 2018

Live in Asturia For Under $300,000 in a New Ashton Woods Home

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Here’s a great opportunity if you’re looking to move up to a new home in one of the master-planned communities along the State Road 54 corridor in central Pasco.

Ashton Woods is selling beautifully finished, inventory homes beginning at $279,990 in Asturia — the prestigious Odessa community that’s known for its award-winning amenity center and miles of nature trails.

While the average home price in Asturia is close to $400,000, Ashton Woods has several quick move-in homes ready for under $300,000 in its charming Grove and Evergreen series of alley-load homes.

These spacious, one and two-story homes have over 2,000 square feet of living area and feature three to four bedrooms, two to three baths and two-car garages. Four quick-sale homes are available in three floor plans.

“To get into Asturia for under $300,000 in a 2,000-square-foot home is an excellent opportunity for someone wanting a new home with top-quality construction and premier home finishes,” said John Reny, Florida president for Ashton Woods, the nation’s largest privately held homebuilder.

For many first-time homebuyers and empty nesters, the Grove and Evergreen series offer an ideal home solution with their unique alley-load garages that open up the front of the house to large living areas and covered porches. Ashton Woods is the only builder in Asturia to offer alley-load homes.

“We call this front-porch living, because it takes advantage of Florida’s wonderful year-around weather and makes it easy to get to know your neighbors,” said Reny.

Heritage and Classic Series
In addition to its quick move-in homes in its alley-load homes, Ashton Woods also has several homes available in quick inventory in traditional floor plans with the garage in front of the house.

“Our goal is to always have a good supply of quick move-in homes in every price range, because so many families need to move fast,” said Reny. “Many buyers have sold their existing home sooner than expected, or they are renting and do not want to renew their lease while a new home is being built.”

In the Heritage Series, families looking for an inventory home on 55-foot lots can choose from two floor plans — the Lincoln and the Truman. The Lincoln is 2,368 square feet with four bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths. The Truman is 1,962 square feet with four bedrooms and two baths.

In the Classic Series, families looking for inventory homes on 65-foot lots can also choose from two floor plans — the Milan and the Athens. The Milan is 2,722 square feet with four bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths. The Athens is 3,366 square feet with four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths.

Ashton Woods is known for its commitment to personalized design, and every home comes with the same standards of top-quality construction and finishes. It is so well-regarded that it was named the 2017 Builder of the Year by Builder and Developer Magazine. And, for the fourth consecutive year, it has been ranked among the top three for Most Trusted Builders in America.

“With Ashton Woods, you’re partnering with more than just a homebuilder. You’re partnering with a team of expert designers and builders whose main goal is to help you create your perfect home,” said Reny. “Not only do we blaze new trails in design, we offer buyers highly personalized service every step of the way.”

Ashton Woods
Quick Move-Ins

Alley-Load Homes
The Arlington – Ready Now
2,003 square feet
3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
2465 Claymore St.: $279,990

The Arlington – Ready late April
2,003 square feet
3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
14810 Caravan Ave.: $279,747

The Ortega – Ready late April
2,193 square feet
3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
14818 Caravan Ave.: $294,490

The Blackwater – Ready late April
2,309 square feet
4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
2514 Portico St.: $349,990

55-Foot Heritage Series

Lincoln – Ready Now
2,368 square feet
4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
14580 Trails Edge Blvd.: $369,990

Truman – Ready Now
1,962 square feet
4 bedrooms, 2 baths
14831 Trails Edge Blvd.: $334,990

65-Foot Classic Series

The Milan – Ready in May
2,722 square feet
4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
14945 Renaissance Ave.: $430,361

The Athens – Ready in May
3,366 square feet
4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths
14963 Renaissance Ave.: $453,120

Published April 25, 2018

48 Beautiful Acre Lots at Lake Hanna Preserve

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Lutz is one of the most desirable communities in Hillsborough County, with its beautiful pastoral lands, many spring-fed lakes, outstanding schools and close proximity to downtown Tampa, the University of South Florida, and Wesley Chapel’s shopping and dining destinations.

It is also one of the most protected, low-growth areas of Tampa Bay, limiting lot sizes to a minimum of 1 acre to retain Lutz’s semi-rural residential character.

The Lutz Community Plan has successfully maintained Lutz’s rural heritage that dates back to the early 1900s, and restricts large master-planned communities like those found in neighboring Pasco County.

And, it’s this conservative land use planning that makes the Meritage Homes new Lutz community, Lake Hanna Preserve, all the more unique and desirable.

“Our community is a hidden gem for families wanting a pristine, waterfront community with private, estate-style homes on very large lots with mature trees and natural surroundings,” said Chris Ryan, division president of Meritage Homes for Tampa.

Ryan and his team recently hosted the groundbreaking of Lake Hanna Preserve with civic leaders and chambers of commerce members at the 148-acre site. The community is tucked away off Hanna Road, south of Sunset Lane between U.S. 41 and Livingston Avenue.

“Lake Hanna Preserve is all about location,” said Ryan. “Just when one thinks there is no remaining land available in Lutz, we’re proud to be developing this beautiful new home community for 48 very lucky families.”

The gated community will have 48 homes built on 1-acre or larger lots that average 120 feet in width and are up to 200 feet in depth.

Eighteen homesites are waterfront, backing up to 42-acre, spring-fed Lake Hanna. All homes in the community will have access to 115-acre Lake Stemper, one of Lutz’s largest lakes, via an elevated boardwalk leading to a community dock and kayak launch.

Before Meritage Homes acquired the land for Lake Hanna Preserve, the property was a palm tree farm and nursery for native and non-native plants. Its agricultural setting allowed hardwoods to mature, and many large oaks remain on the property.

“Before we subdivided the land into lots, we hired an arborist to identify and inspect every tree on the property, to make sure lot lines protected all healthy trees,” said Ryan. “We’ve taken great care to preserve this beautiful landscape full of palm trees, pines and oaks for its future owners.”

This summer, Lake Hanna Preserve will open its Kerrville III model. Families can choose from seven unique floor plans ranging from 2,516 to 5,168 square feet. Homes will be one and two stories, four to five bedrooms, two to four baths and all feature three-car garages.

“There is nothing like Lake Hanna Preserve in the market,” said Ryan. “We are very excited about the strong interest in the community for our future homeowners, and look forward to opening our model home in just a few months.”

Meritage Homes, which has designed and built over 100,000 homes in its 32-year history, is the industry leader in energy-efficient homebuilding and has received the ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year for Sustained-Excellence Award for the sixth consecutive year.

Meritage Homes is also committed to giving back to the communities where it builds, helping to serve those in need. In Tampa, it supports the Angel Tree Program.

For more information about Lake Hanna Preserve, please visit MeritageHomes.com/tampa, or call (855) 679-9942.

About Lake Hanna Preserve
Rural Lutz location
Gated community
Lots 1 acre or more
48 home sites; 18 on Lake Hanna
Private access to Lake Stemper
7 unique floor plans
2,516 to 5,168 square feet
3-car garages
Boardwalk, dock and canoe launch on Lake Stemper

Published April 25, 2018

Always Something Fun To Do At Asturia

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Asturia homeowners love their community almost as much as they love their new home.

There’s always something fun to do in Asturia, from enjoying the resort-style pool and fitness center, to walking and bicycling to pocket parks and exploring miles of trails, to meeting up with neighbors at community events sponsored by Asturia’s builders and developer.

A new event for pet lovers is happening in May for residents, future homeowners and people from neighboring communities. On Saturday, May 19, Asturia is hosting its first-ever Dog Day Afternoon from noon to 5 p.m. Folks are invited to gather with their four-legged friends on the grassy lawn next to the Amenity Center.

While dog owners sit, stay and play with their pets, youngsters will enjoy a bounce house and slide, face painting and a balloon artist. Everyone in the family will appreciate door prizes and live music, and food trucks will offer “ap-pet-izers.”

More than a dozen pet-friendly exhibitors will be at Dog Day Afternoon, including local veterinarians, pet stores and groomers. Exhibit space is still available, with the $50 exhibiting cost donated to Vets4Pets. For more information, please call Carla Luigs at (904) 810-0500 or David Weekley Homes at (813) 422-6166.

Vets4Pets provides high-quality, low-cost veterinary care to qualifying, low-income households, and educates families on how to be a responsible pet owner. The nonprofit is owned and operated by the Hillsborough Animal Health Foundation and 30-member veterinarian clinics.

“Asturia sponsors special events to bring our residents together so they get to know each other, said Carla Luigs, marketing coordinator for Hines. “Plus it’s a great way to invite people to Asturia so they can see all that is happening here.”

A regular event is Front Porch Friday, which is hosted by David Weekley Homes.

“Many relationships and friendships have been formed during Front Porch Fridays. It has been one of the best avenues of bringing “community” to Asturia,” said Diane Walker of David Weekley Homes.

This Friday, April 27, is the next Front Porch Friday at the Eclipse model home at 14796 Trails Edge Blvd.

Other recent events at Asturia were an Oyster Roast and bluegrass band on March 9, and an Easter Egg hunt on March 31. A Movie Night with free pizza and popcorn was held early in April, and more than 150 residents attended — the biggest crowd ever.

Just 550 Homes
Asturia stands out among other new home developments along State Road 54 because of its uniquely smaller size. While nearby master-planned communities have between 3,000 to more than 5,000 homes planned over several years of construction, Asturia is building just 550 homes over the next few years.

“Asturia feels more like a neighborhood than a sprawling community, said Lane Gardner, managing director for Hines, Asturia’s developer.

“Our nature trails, pocket parks, first-class amenities and community events encourage residents to get to know their neighbors. Families choose Asturia because we are a friendly, walkable community that promotes a healthy, active lifestyle,” he adds.

Because Asturia’s builders offer a variety of home sizes and prices, it is ideal for families looking to buy their first home, and for growing families with school-age children needing larger homes. The community also attracts seasonal residents and empty nesters who want all the latest technological upgrades in a smaller home.

Asturia’s Phase Two, which opened in December, offers 157 large home sites, most with conservation and water views, and all providing privacy and peaceful, quiet surroundings.

Ashton Woods Homes, David Weekley Homes and ICI Homes, some of the best builders in the country, are Asturia’s exclusive builders.

“Our buyers are fortunate that they can choose from such premier builders to build the home of their dreams in Asturia,” said Managing Director Lane.

Award Winning Amenity Center
Asturia’s distinctive, 5,800-square-foot Amenity Center and Clubhouse earned the prestigious Silver Aurora Award for the Best Recreational Facility at the 2017 Southeast Building Conference, as well as Best Mixed-Use Community of the Year.

This contemporary-design Amenity Center includes a fully equipped, modern clubhouse; covered outdoor dining areas; a luxurious, beach-entry, resort-style swimming pool; and an expansive event lawn for outdoor games. For kids, there is a Kompan dome, swings, slide and spinners in the playground area.

Asturia has wide, meadow-like spaces, peaceful ponds, thick stands of cypress and hardwood trees, and large tracts of scenic wetlands. It is an exceptionally kid-friendly and family oriented community surrounded by miles of trails interspersed with playgrounds, dog parks and pocket parks.

Make Asturia your new home by visiting its models, registering at the community’s website, AsturiaFlorida.com, or by calling (813) 227-4148.

Published April 25, 2018

Fourth Custom Home Underway At Exclusive Carencia in Odessa

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One of Tampa Bay’s most exclusive private communities, Carencia by Bayfair Homes in Odessa, has begun construction of its fourth million-dollar-plus home.

“The momentum is building at Carencia,” said Ryan Dougherty, Bayfair’s vice president of sales and marketing.

“Our newest home to start construction on is located on Lake Pretty, and has over 5,000 square feet of living area, with splendid views of this beautiful lake from virtually every room. The family that chose Bayfair to build their lakefront home worked with our team of professionals to ensure the design of their home suited their needs and tastes.”

Carencia is a 58-acre gated enclave of 18 homes located between Lake Pretty and Lake Politz, just west of Gunn Highway. The community offers almost impossible-to-find waterfront lots with private docks on 84-acre Lake Pretty — a large, private ski lake that has no public access.

It also encompasses tranquil Lake Politz, a smaller spring-fed lake perfect for fishing, canoeing and kayaking. It also is ideal for families wanting waterfront living in a more serene setting, since no motorized boats are permitted on the lake.

“All of our waterfront lots provide stunning views of open water with natural shorelines and cypress trees that support abundant wildlife,” said Dougherty.

The community also has wooded lots with water views — most with stands of mature hardwoods, including laurel oaks and even a massive live oak that is over 100 years old. All Carencia homes provide exceptional privacy and are built on sites that are an acre or larger.

“This land is unbelievably beautiful, tucked away in rural Odessa, and just minutes from excellent schools, and great entertainment and shopping, including Westfield Citrus Park Mall,” said Dougherty. “Plus, Carencia is just a five-minute bike ride away from the Upper Tampa Bay Trail.”

Homes in Carencia, including the lot, begin at $1 million and start at 3,500 square feet. Sales began last fall, and already several homes are under construction or in the design process.  The first families to build in the community will move in later this year.

“The most personal expression of one’s success is building a beautiful home for yourself and your family,” said Dougherty. “And, when it’s time to move up to the home of their dreams, families are finding that Carencia is the perfect community for them.”

Carencia is also unique as a luxury home community because its developer is also the builder of its homes.

“This is 100 percent a Bayfair Homes community, which means we are overseeing every step in its development and construction, so that 100 percent of Carencia’s vision is fulfilled,” said Dougherty.

“Every home we build will contribute to the community’s luxurious and exclusive streetscape, and all will boast the fine details and high-end finishes that Bayfair is known for as a premier builder,” he adds.

Bayfair Homes has a long history of building luxury homes in Odessa and Lutz. It built many estate homes in Keystone Shores and Stillwater between 1998 and 2005, and also developed New Floresta and Haven Bend in Tampa’s Lake Magdalene area, along with several on-your-lot locations.

In addition to Carencia, Bayfair Homes is also building lakefront homes in Oak Reserve, a 10-home Lutz community located close to Avila, as well as water and non-waterfront custom homes in South Tampa.

Because of its custom quality construction and premier finishes, Bayfair Homes builds just 12 to 15 homes a year — or about 450 custom homes total since the company was founded 30 years ago.  It has been locally owned and operated since it was established, and is one of few custom builders to provide an experienced architecture and design team on staff, as well as in-house warranty experts.

For more information about Carencia and Bayfair Homes, call (813) 906-1000, or go to Bayfair.com. Carencia is located off Gunn Highway in Odessa, about a mile south of North Mobley Road, and then east on Copeland Road another half mile.

 

Available Custom Homes

Lake Politz Modern Farmhouse
This transitional-style home offers the best of lakefront living with an open plan design and incredible outdoor living space.  The rear of the home is filled with windows, maximizing lake views and providing exceptional natural light throughout the home.

5,065 square feet
5 bedrooms / 5.5 baths / study / bonus room
Master suite downstairs with spa-like bath
Outdoor living with pool, grill area and more
Luxurious finishes, including hardwood flooring
Granite counters, enhanced interior trim details, and gourmet kitchen
Gated community with no CDD

French Country Home
Designed to captivate the best of French Country architecture to complement Odessa’s charming equestrian and farmhouse setting. This home offers an open floor plan for one-level living, with an upstairs bonus room for entertaining and flex space.

Wooded one-acre home site
4,335 square feet
4 bedrooms / 4.5 baths / study / bonus room
Oversized rear outdoor covered porch
Side-entry 3-car garage deep enough for a large SUV
Luxurious finishes, including hardwood flooring
Granite counters, enhanced interior trim details, and gourmet kitchen
Gated community with no CDD

Published April 25, 2018

Two Centex Communities Ideal For First-Time Homebuyers

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Talavera now open in Spring Hill; Wesbridge coming to Wesley Chapel

Affordable housing can be challenging to find in a hot real estate market like Pasco County — especially new construction. But, that is changing with two new communities being developed by Centex Homes.

Earlier this month, Centex held the grand opening of its model in Talavera, a new-home community in Spring Hill that’s located on U.S. 41, just north of State Road 52.

While Talavera’s address is Spring Hill, the community is located in Pasco County and children are zoned to top-rated schools in Land O’ Lakes.

Coming soon to Wesley Chapel is Wesbridge, another Centex development with first-time homebuyers in mind.  Located on Wells Road, directly across from the Wesley Chapel public school complex, construction will begin in July, with models opening in early 2019.

“People looking to buy at Talavera and Wesbridge are typically first-time homebuyers, with many right out of college and moving from an apartment” said Sean Strickler, West Florida Division president for Centex Homes.

“Buyers like the openness of our floor plans, and appreciate Centex’s design that puts most of a home’s square footage in rooms where families congregate,” he adds.

Every Centex floor plan features a great room that opens to the kitchen, and a flex room that can be used as a dining room, library, playroom or office. Centex buyers can also personalize their homes with individual choices in flooring, countertops and colors, and even have a selection of pre-planned structural changes to enhance their home.

“Our homes truly offer more flexibility than many lower priced homes offered by the competition,” said Strickler

Large Lots at Talavera
Centex recently began selling homes in Talavera, a community of 760 homes that has been underway for two years. Centex has 100, 65-foot and 75-foot lots available in this community.

“The homesites in Talavera are very large — you definitely get more property with your home,” said Strickler. “People moving to Talavera want a nice home, and are a little bit more willing to sacrifice commute time to ensure for a larger home that meets their budget.”

Centex offers nine floor plans in Talavera, ranging from 1,675 to 4,248 square feet. Homes are one and two story, with prices ranging from $210,990 to $326,990.

With a floor plan that is truly consumer-inspired, the Palm is Centex’s new, fully furnished model in Talavera. Four quick move-in homes will be available beginning in May.

Amenities are in place at Talavera, and include a resort-style pool, cabanas, children’s playground, basketball court and dog park.

Wesbridge Has Premium Location
Wesbridge’s 104 acres of former timberland and pasture is located in the heart of Wesley Chapel — one of Tampa Bay’s most in-demand communities.

It is located east of I-75 and north of State Road 54, between Boyette Road and Curley Road, and is less than a mile from Epperson — a master-planned community with a Crystal Lagoon that is attracting a lot of attention.

“Wesbridge’s location is perhaps its most desirable feature,” said Strickler  “This will be one of the most affordable new-home communities in the area.”

Another draw is the community’s top schools and close-by recreational facilities. Wesley Chapel Elementary, Weightman Middle and Wesley Chapel High schools are literally across the street on Wells Road. And, the 140-acre Wesley Chapel District Park is just a half mile away with its many baseball, soccer and football fields, tennis and basketball courts, fitness trail and picnic areas.

Wesbridge’s location also offers easy access to shopping and dining at The Shops at Wiregrass, Tampa Premium Outlets and the Bruce B. Downs corridor.

Like Talavera, Wesbridge also touts family oriented amenities, including a resort-style pool and splash zone, community clubhouse, children’s playground and dog park.

Many of Talavera’s two-story floor plans will be available at Wesbridge, where homes will be built on 40-foot, 50-foot and 60-foot lots. Home prices will begin in the mid $200s.

More information about Wesbridge, including home designs, pricing, pre-sales and site, can be found by signing up for the community’s VIP registration at Centex.com/Wesbridge.

About Centex
Centex is a division of Pulte Homes, the third largest homebuilder in the U.S. Pulte understood the demographic boom coming for first-time homebuyers, and in 2008 bought Centex Homes, which was a national brand targeted to this first-time buyer. Today in the Tampa Bay area, nearly half of Pulte’s business comes from its Centex brand.

“In an era where many potential homebuyers are feeling priced out of the market, Centex is proud to be in Pasco with affordable homes that are within 20 to 35 miles of Tampa,” said Strickland.  “Our two Pasco communities offer first-time homebuyers family focused, suburban living close to the area’s major traffic arteries.”

Strickler also adds that Centex Homes are built using the same quality materials and workmanship found in its more expensive Pulte and Del Webb home brands.

“Our Centex buyers get the same quality construction materials and processes, just at lower cost per square foot,” he said.

Talavera
Land O’ Lakes schools
Fast access to U.S. 41 and Suncoast Parkway
760 home sites
Large lots
Prices begin at $210,990
9 floor plans; 1 and 2-story homes
1,675 to 4,248 square feet
Model Home – Palm
Resort-style pool and cabanas

Wesbridge
Wesley Chapel schools
Fast access to I-75
350 home sites
Models open in early 2019
Prices begin in the mid $200s
1,500 to 4,000 square feet
Resort-style pool and splash zone

Published April 25, 2018

Connerton — Much More Than Just A Place To Live

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In the heart of Pasco County in Land O’ Lakes, the community of Connerton continues to grow, as hundreds of new homes are built for people of all ages, fulfilling their dreams to live in a community that offers much more than just a place to live.

Connerton provides more for its residents than other planned communities because it has been designated a “New Town” by the Florida Legislature. Being a New Town means Connerton can create opportunities for a diverse tax base and future job generation, offering residents a community where they can live, work and play!

More Amenities.
Club Connerton serves as the community’s social hub and sports recreation center. Its resort-style pool and its unique giant water bucket is a favorite of Connerton youngsters, who rush to get drenched by the fast-falling water. An outdoor grill and game area were recently added for residents’ enjoyment, and the latest in exercise equipment is found at the Fit and Flourish room. Tennis, pickleball and basketball courts are part of the amenity complex, where residents are always welcome to join in pickup games.

More Family Fun.
A full-time activities director and support staff offer a complete spectrum of activities designed to please the little ones, teenagers and adults. These include yoga, Pilates, girls’ night out, cigar night, dive-in movies, community yard sales, Winter Wonderland and the annual Independence Day Celebration that draws more than 7,000 attendees.

In January, Connerton was the proud recipient of the 2018 Gold Award for Best Lifestyle Program for a Community during the National Association of Home Builders Sales and Marketing Awards gala in Orlando. Entries were submitted from around the nation, and Connerton walked away with the top award, edging out communities from California, Texas and South Florida.

More Nature and Trails.
With Connerton’s appreciation of nature, green space and conservation areas, residents enjoy more than 7 miles of trails and oversized sidewalks to bike, walk or simply enjoy a family stroll. A scenic 2-mile trail winds its way through natural wilderness, lakes and wetlands, and includes elevated boardwalks for bird watching and viewing other Florida wildlife.

Adjacent to Connerton is Conner Preserve — almost 3,000 acres of wildlife habitat donated by Connerton and managed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District.  Biking, camping, hiking, equestrian use and model airplane flying are some of the recreational activities found in the Preserve.

More Quality Schools.
Connerton Elementary is conveniently located within its borders and offers many school-based activities, including band and chorus, a Fall Festival, Science Fair and PTA special events. Residents can also register their children at close-by Sanders Memorial Elementary, a STEAM magnet school specializing in science, technology, engineering, art and math. 

Older students attend Pine View Middle School, which has the distinct honor of being Pasco County’s first International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme Candidate School. Land O’ Lakes High School is located right down the road and is the assigned high school. An A-rated school and designated International Baccalaureate World School, Land O’ Lakes High has been named ‘One of America’s Best Public Schools’ by U.S. News & World Report. Private, charter and parochial schools are also in the area.

More Parks.
Who doesn’t love a park? Residents looking for a place to picnic, or just a quiet place to read, visit one of the many neighborhood parks – Connerton Cove, Garden Party Park, Magnolia Park or Storybrook Park, which is also home to the community dog park.

More for All.
It’s easy to see why Connerton is “The Community of More…” If you’re looking to move, a visit to Connerton is well worth your time to visit. Five quality builders offer many floors plans and homesites. Models by M/I Homes, Lennar, Homes by WestBay and Inland Homes are open seven days a week. Luxury custom homebuilder Arthur Rutenberg Homes has 90-foot homesites available in the gated area of Rose Pointe.

For additional information, call (813) 996-5800, or visit Connerton.com.

Published April 25, 2018