GOLF Magazine

Finding the Perfect Life on the Links

With interest rates generally lower and the climate for second and retirement golf course living better than ever, we’ve found some of the best choices in the Southeast. It’s just a matter of calling those of interest (and there are many below), visiting their websites, or completing the Reader Service Card, and then planning a visit. With the ideas below, it’s easy to find the perfect life on the links!

IBIS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

Ibis Golf & Country Club is one of the preeminent residential communities in the region. Nestled in a pristine setting of nearly 2,000 acres bordering the 12,800-acre Loxahatcheee Preserve Nature Center in suburban West Palm Beach, Ibis is Southeast Florida’s links living at its finest.

It all starts with some superior Nicklaus family golf. Incredibly, three Nicklaus signature courses are available at Ibis. Jack Nicklaus built The Legend, Jack II (Jackie) designed The Heritage, and Steve designed The Tradition.

The Legend has water fronting many greens and the bunkers tend to be large with deep faces. The Heritage features even more water and sand, while The Tradition has fewer bunkers and more undulating greens than the other two courses.

Ibis features more than 20 designer models, available throughout 25 different neighborhoods. Homes range from golf villas from the $160s to country clubs homes to $2 million. Throughout each picturesque private neighborhood, you'll discover a montage of homes that add softly hued elegance to colorfully landscaped gardens, yards, and patios. The collection of stylish villas, gracious single-family homes, and exclusive estate residences offer lake, golf, or nature preserve views.

The irresistible selection of homes appeals to all, offering floorplans and prices for everyone who wants to enjoy the finest of country club living. The one- and two-story residences and villas provide all the luxurious standard features desired, including deluxe or designer appliances, large garages, fully-equipped laundry rooms, exceptional architectural detailing, exquisite landscaping, and a long list of exciting extras.

Other upscale amenities at Ibis include: a 50,000-square-foot clubhouse; Bath & Tennis Club; and the state-of-the-art Fitness Club. Just outside the community, residents will find the Shoppes at Ibis, anchored by a new 51,000 square foot Publix Superstore.

A short drive away are the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Worth Avenue, museums, the Garden’s Mall, the PGA’s world-class spa, and the natural beauty and wildlife of the Loxahatchee Preserve Nature Center.

For more information visit their website at www.ibisgolf.com, complete the Reader Service Page, or call (800) 741-4500.

DANIEL ISLAND

Within the City of Charleston, in a setting of sweeping marsh and creek vistas, forests of live oaks, and verdant meadows and parkland, Daniel Island continues to grow.

Conveniently located just minutes from historic downtown Charleston and the beaches of Sullivan's Island and the Isle of Palms, this 4,000-acre master-planned community features residential and commercial areas, a school, a church, medical facilities, a general store and all the other elements of a self-contained island town. In addition, beginning in 2001, Daniel Island will become the new home to the world-renowned Family Circle Cup women's tennis tournament.

More than 300 island families are already enjoying a relaxed, yet at the same time active, lifestyle. Twenty miles of beautiful waterways are easily accessible from neighborhood boat ramps and docks. Neighborhoods - six so far - are named for and connected to parks by winding bike paths. Gorgeous homes reflect the designs of traditional Lowcountry architecture, with generous front porches encouraging family and neighbor get-togethers on quiet streets lined with sidewalks and trees.

Here in Daniel Island Park, renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio has created his latest legacy. This extraordinary course serves as the centerpiece for the Daniel Island Club. Together with the Park Club--the swim, tennis, fitness, and social facility--members and their guests will be offered an incomparable private club experience.

Fazio's vision has created an 'in-town' club, an opportunity he says few golf course architects get the chance to experience. Appropriate to its setting, the course incorporates the softer and subtler nuances of golf course design evident in many old-line clubs. Nine holes feature creek or marsh views, taking advantage of the island's lushly forested edge; while the others are equally breathtaking, thanks to an abundance of preserved natural beauty on Daniel Island.

Residential areas back up to the golf course and face across streets to golf, but do not 'double-load' the fairways, thus maintaining a park-like and flowing feel of greenspace. In the tradition of Fazio courses, an outstanding practice facility adjacent to the Clubhouse includes driving ranges, putting greens, and a chipping green. The Clubhouse itself (including a golf shop, locker rooms, a grill room, and lounge) will capture the spirit and gentility of country homes from the 30s and 40s, with a design that reflects traditional Lowcountry and historic Charleston influences.

The golf course opened for play last fall. The Daniel Island Park land plan allows the opportunity for a second 18-hole golf course to be added at a later time.

The first release of property in Daniel Island Park was extremely well received. Homesites in this neighborhood currently range from $100,000 to over $400,000, with home prices from $500,000 to well over $2 million. Daniel Island Park is surely destined to become Charleston's pre-eminent suburban neighborhood.

For further information or to request "The Complete Guide to Daniel Island Living,” visit their website at www.danielisland.com, complete the Reader Service Page, or call (800) 958-5635.

PUNTA CANA RESORT AND CLUB

Living the Caribbean links lifestyle may never be the same, thanks to the new Punta Cana Resort and Club in the Dominican Republic. With a new P.B. Dye-designed golf course, one of the island’s best beaches, a 400-room resort with all the amenities (64 are already newly renovated and all will be done by the end of 2001), and real estate development and design by the likes of Dominican native Oscar de la Renta, Punta Cana is tropical living on the links at its best!

Located on 15,000 acres of swaying palms and warm sea breezes on the northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, the resort is just five minutes from Punta Cana International Airport. Along with great golf and more than 2,000 palm trees, the property features a variety of recreational amenities, including more than 800 yards of sandy beach, tennis, lots of watersports, a deep-water marina, a fitness center, a nature preserve with freshwater springs, horseback riding, and a kids club for ages four to 12. The restaurant and entertainment scene includes a choice of Italian, Caribbean, pizza, continental, and more.

The new P.B. Dye championship layout features 14 holes with views of the Caribbean and four holes playing along the sea itself. The course’s fairways are carpeted with Seashore Paspalum, a revolutionary hybrid grass that can actually be irrigated with seawater, thereby protecting the resort’s freshwater supply. The course has to be experienced to believe its beauty, with a round often leading to a desire to live there.

Newly added to the resort’s inventory are luxurious Golf Villas, featuring interiors by renowned couturier Oscar de la Renta. Designed in an English Colonial architectural style, the villas overlook the Caribbean and the resort’s beach. Other options include single-family homes of differing styles and sizes, as well as homesites on which buyers may build their own dream houses.

Punta Cana is the brainchild of Dominican businessman and hotelier Frank Rainieri and Theodore Kheel, a prominent New York attorney. Both pioneers of Punta Cana tourism (they also own the airport), their vision was to create a resort community that respects the flora and fauna of Punta Cana and offers visitors and residents a first class experience. Celebrities Julio Iglesias and Oscar de la Renta are co-developers and also own oceanfront estates, while Mikhail Baryshnikov is building a vacation home at Punta Cana.

For more information, complete the Reader Service Page, visit their website at www.puntacana.com, or call (888) 442-2262.

THE RESORT AT SEABROOK ISLAND

Located just 23 miles south of historic Charleston, The Resort at Seabrook Island is unlike any other Charleston area resort. Seabrook is a combination stay-and-play resort and private equity club. Seabrook’s courses are not open to the local public. Resort guests stay in member owned villas and enjoy full member privileges. This unique private club environment assures resort guests superb playing conditions, an uncrowded atmosphere, a refreshing pace of play, available replay rounds, and attentive service.

Seabrook Island offers 36 holes of Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and Willard Byrd championship golf. Lush fairways take golfers through timeless oak, magnolia, and loblolly pine forests, tidal creeks, and sun drenched Carolina dunes. After it’s $2.3 million renovation in 1999, Seabrook’s Crooked Oaks is the only course in the entire Charleston area that features bentgrass greens. The Ocean Winds course takes you to the Atlantic Ocean and, with its swirling ocean breezes, provides an ever changing and challenging test of golf.

Seabrook Island’s courses were the first in South Carolina to earn the designation of Fully Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary member. This commitment to environmental friendly practices and management adds to the overall high quality Seabrook experience.

A fully-equipped fitness center, racquet club, equestrian center, deep water marina, miles of spectacular beaches, restaurants and lounges, and all the charms of nearby Charleston offer pleasant diversions away from the links.

Living along the coast of the Atlantic offers Seabrook Island owners the unusual opportunity of residing in the private natural paradise of which they’ve always dreamed. The bulk of real estate transactions on the island are handled by Seabrook Island Realty, a subsidiary of the member-owned club.

Seabrook Island Realty is located in the Reception Center, just before the entrance gate. Seabrook Island offers dream home settings--ocean, golf course, marsh, lake, or wooded views. The community features an array of homes, homesites, and villas for sale in a variety of price ranges. Homesites are from $97,000 to $1.5 million. Homes and villas range from $120,000 to more than $1.5 million. Seabrook Island Realty is open daily for information and property tours.

For those wishing to experience the resort before buying, Seabrook’s Ultimate Golf Package benefits include: spacious villa or private homes accommodations, daily greens fee, cart for 18 holes each day, club storage, arrival day golf at half price, and full breakfast each morning. Ultimate Golf Package rates for four golfers in a two-bedroom villa start at $90 through March 17th, $112-118 through April 21st, and back to $97 through June 23rd. Depending on the rate season, available replays are just a $15-25 cart fee per person for either of Seabrook’s outstanding courses.

For more information, complete the Reader Service Page, visit their websites at www.seabrookrealty.com or www.seabrookresort.com, or call Seabrook Island Realty at (800) 358-6556 or The Resort at Seabrook Island at (800) 845-2475.

PGA VILLAGE

PGA Village, located in Port St. Lucie, Florida, has become one of the most noteworthy golf and residential resort lifestyles in the country for two very good reasons-an unprecedented number of PGA owned-and-operated amenities and one of the widest selections of residential lifestyles in a single community. The combined efforts of Kolter Property Company, an international leader in real estate development, and The PGA of America, the world's leading organization of professional golfers, have resulted in the consummate lifestyle for golfers at every level. Better still, the gated community offers residences of every type, priced to accommodate virtually every budget.

The PGA Premier Club Resident Golf Plan at PGA Village offers preferred access to the PGA Golf Club, owned and operated by The PGA of America, with dining, golf shop and three on-site courses--two designed by Tom Fazio, one by Pete Dye. PGA Premier Club participants also become members of the private, non-equity PGA Country Club, featuring an 18-hole Jim Fazio course, tennis, swimming, dining. and social activities.

The on-site, 35-acre PGA Learning Center features outdoor practice areas, state-of-the-art evaluation equipment, pro shop, delicatessen, and a HEALTHSOUTH fitness facility.

Set on 3,000 acres in Port St. Lucie, minutes from the shore, 39 miles north of Palm Beach, PGA Village has homes, from $129,900 to more than $2 million, for vacationers, seasonal visitors and full-time residences alike. They include golf villas, townhomes, single-family homes. Another residential village and the community's fourth, on-site golf course are in the planning stages.

Additionally, plans have recently been finalized for a major, on-site restaurant and lounge. For owners not in residency year-round, there are on-site property rental and management services through Villager Realty.

PGA Village is located on the west side of I-95 at exit 63C, 39 miles north of Palm Beach. The sales center and 20 furnished models are open daily 9 a.m to 5:30 p.m.

For more information, complete the Reader Service Page, visit their websites at www.pgavillagehomes.com or www.kolterresorts.com, or call (800) 682-5551.

WCI’s COMMUNITIES

If you want one-stop shopping for Florida real estate, Watermark Communities (WCI) has it all. “We offer customers a truly unique situation where they have only one entity to work with in their lifestyle choice,” ways Mike Curtin, WCI’s senior vice president of marketing and sales. “We not only own and develop the land, but we are responsible for the construction of the homes and we own and operate the majority of our communities’ clubs, golf courses, and marinas.”

Curtin adds, “In addition we can provide mortgage, title, and interior design services through WCI-owned companies. We have architectural services in-house. We are even affiliated with Prudential Real Estate, through our subsidiary Prudential Florida/WCI Realty, to provide convenience for our customers should they need to sell their home”

Founded more than 50 years ago and headquartered in Bonita Springs, WCI and CEO Al Hoffman, Jr. are leading the way in Sunshine State golf course real estate. Nearly 150,000 residents now live in WCI homes in a total of more than 30 communities throughout Florida.

Florida features a panorama of golden sunshine, azure waters, lush green forests, and great golf, all set under an ocean of deep blue sky. Within this vibrant landscape, you will find the communities of WCI, masterpieces that further enhance their native paradises with world-class amenities and award-winning homes. From the west central Florida pine forests to the white sugar sand beaches of southwest Florida and on to the tropical splendors of southeast Florida, today WCI's nationally acclaimed residential and waterfront tower communities embrace the native environment to provide locations and lifestyles whose beauty, luxury, and comfort are unparalleled.

It all began in Naples with Pelican Bay, a waterfront community which encompasses more than 2,100 acres and features villas, luxury tower residences and estate homes. The latest tower, Montenero, is seeing serious interest. In addition to 27 holes of championship golf, an array of cultural opportunities, shopping and secluded Gulf beaches add to the allure.

The exclusive community of Bay Colony features an incomparable Naples location and luxury towers overlooking the Gulf and Naples Bay. Unmatched luxury is now available at the community's grand finale and final luxury tower, Trieste. Along with great golf opportunities across the street at Bay Colony Golf Club, sporting and luxury amenities abound.

The Estates at Bay Colony Golf Club provide another WCI luxury choice. Only a handful of exclusive, oversized homesites remain in this 280-acre community of tranquil lakes and waterways, award-winning Cocohatchee Strand Nature Preserve, and gently rolling Carolina-style fairways designed by Robert von Hagge. On adjacent land, Pelican Marsh is a 2,075-acre master-planned WCI community, with another 18 holes by Robert von Hagge, other country club amenities and a wide range of single-family and multi-family luxury residences.

The Colony Golf & Bay Club is a private community with estate homes, luxury tower residences and classic, Mediterranean-style villas overlooking the fairways. The first luxury tower is Sorrento, with golf, bay and Gulf views. Jerry Pate, 1976 U.S. Open winner, designed The Colony's brand new 18-hole championship course. The Bay Club, overlooking the pristine Estero Bay, is now under construction and progressing rapidly.

Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club, recipient of the prestigious AURORA Award for Best Residential Community in the Southeast U.S., unveiled its new Chip Powell-designed course last December, with stunning visual effects and a liberal use of orange coquina sand, sculpted bunkers, and emerald greens and fairways. Single-family estate homes, condominiums, villas and penthouse condominium homes range from the $300s to more than $1 million. Other amenities include a 190-slip deep water marina, a spa and fitness center, tennis, and a waterfront clubhouse.

Wildcat Run Country Club offers wide and gently rolling fairways among emerald greens with an Arnold Palmer-designed layout. Home choices include single-family residences, condominiums, villas, and homesites from the $170s to $1 million, with additional amenities including tennis and a fitness center.

Pelican Sound Golf & River Club features an 18-hole championship course of contrasts, with the first nine embracing the land of established foliage and trees and the back nine integrating a series of expansive lakes and wide fairways. Ideally located between Ft. Myers and Naples, the lifestyle choices abound with single-family homes, condominiums, and coach homes from the low-$100s to the $300s. Additional amenities include the new River Club, tennis, fitness facilities and beach access.

The ‘Shark' awaits you at Tiburo’n, a Greg Norman-designed masterpiece of 27 holes. Contrasting elements, such as stacked sod wall bunkers and the use of an orange-red coquina sand in the waste bunkers, contribute to the character of this course. Luxury villas, penthouse condominiums, and single-family homes range from the $400's to more than $1 million.

WCI continues to expand, with an array of new projects. Waterlefe Golf & River Club near Bradenton is one of WCI's most recent community developments. Situated on the banks of the tranquil Manatee River, Waterlefe residents live in complete harmony with nature, including numerous trails and boardwalks meandering through the community. The Ted McAnlis-designed golf course winds through the conservation areas and along the river. The 73-slip marina provides easy access to the Manatee River and Gulf of Mexico, as do private docks for residents who prefer keeping their craft at home. There is a variety of two- and three-bedroom villas homes and carriage homes, as well as three-, four-, and five-bedroom single-family options and elegant estate homes. Prices range from $140,000 to $600,000.

One of the most successful and fastest-growing areas of WCI has been the Tower Division, with a variety of previous and upcoming luxury residential towers from which to choose. WCI is in the process of many major tower communities, including a bayfront Sarasota site adjacent to The Ritz-Carlton, a luxury tower intracoastal marina residence in West Palm Beach with views to the Atlantic, the first tower residence at West Bay Club in Estero, and a luxurious Marco Island tower in Cape Marco.

With past successful alliances with the likes of Hyatt Regency, The Ritz-Carlton, and Greg Norman, WCI is now working with Audubon International to provide a positive foundation for sustainable development on current and future WCI properties. One of the first projects is a gold-certified Audubon International Signature Community with the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort in Bonita Springs (when completed, the first gold certification resort in the U.S.). The other Audubon program is the Cooperative Sanctuary Program, which focuses on protecting and enhancing wildlife habitats and conserving and sustaining natural resources. Many WCI resorts will be fully accredited by Audubon this year, with the rest following suit next year and all future developments meeting Audubon's requirements as standard practice.

In addition, WCI has many other options in Florida. Beyond the Naples area, WCI features communities in: Estero; Ft. Myers; Punta Gorda; Sarasota; Bradenton; Sun City Center (between Tampa and Sarasota); and Plant City. Over on the east coast, WCI features options in: Coral Springs; Coral Gables; North Palm Beach; Palm Beach Gardens; Jupiter; and Jensen Beach.

Being a developer, builder, and finance company (via their in-house mortgage company, Financial Resources Group), WCI is able to offer many more options than the average builder, including in-house design experts to work with you in the creation of your dream home.

For further information, visit their websites at www.wcicommunities.com and www.wcigolf.com, complete the Reader Service Page, or call (800) WCI-2290.

HOMECREST INDUSTRIES

Many of the world’s finest golf course homes feature outdoor furniture from Homecrest Industries. Based in Wadena, Minnesota, since 1945, Homecrest is one of the country’s leading manufacturers of casual outdoor furniture.

The company started out as a locally-owned two-man furniture store. Founded by Mert Bottemiller and his brother-in-law, Al Engelmann, Mert’s son, Don, is now at the helm.

Homecrest currently offers a total of 14 frame finishes and more than 130 fabric choices in a variety of colors. They use only fabrics which offer strength and durability, as well as being easy to clean. Fabrics are treated with UV stabilizers and mildew inhibitors to minimize the effects of outdoor exposure.

As can be seen in their colorful brochures, catalogs, and website, Homecrest’s steel- and aluminum-framed outdoor furniture line features choice, quality, and a unique difference--action. Starting with the first swivel rocker patent granted Mert Bottemiller in 1956, Homecrest now has chairs that swivel, rock, glide, and recline, as well as tables that fold and adjust to many heights.

The furniture is shipped throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as to more than 20 other countries in South America, Europe, and the Middle East. It obviously ends up at many golf courses and golf course homes, where quality outdoor furniture is as important as the next tee time.

The company is a four-time winner of the Manufacturer Leadership Award, presented by the Casual Furniture Retailers Association for business ethics, product design, customer service, and quality. Their Wadena headquarters includes a huge new manufacturing facility built in 1999, as well as a retail store.

For more information, complete the Reader Service Page, visit their website at www.homecrest.com, or call (800) 346-4852.

THE CLIFFS COMMUNITIES

The Cliffs Communities are truly the pinnacle of mountain golf and wellness living in the Carolinas. Situated at the southernmost edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains are four extraordinary communities, each with a uniquely different golf setting. Together, they are known as The Cliffs Communities, with a common thread of quality and unwavering respect for the land and the game of golf.

These perfect settings require the perfect locations. Although private and secluded, the communities are as close as 35 minutes from the cities of Greenville, South Carolina and Hendersonville, North Carolina, and are two hours from Atlanta and Charlotte.

The Cliffs Communities are known for unparalleled quality, recreation amenities, and a wellness program promoting a healthy body, mind, and spirit. The Cliffs devotion to the preservation of the natural environment is paramount. Some communities may be known for their 'monuments to man,' but The Cliffs Communities are monuments to nature's beauty, where homes and amenities are designed to complement the natural grace of the land.

Highly respected developer Jim Anthony began The Cliffs Communities with the 3,500-acre Cliffs at Glassy atop a 3,000-foot plateau overlooking downtown Greenville. The award-winning golf course was designed by Tom Jackson and includes dazzling mountain views on 15 of its 18 holes. The atmosphere is enhanced by a 22,000-square-foot clubhouse, which offers formal and casual dining, as well as conversation by the hearth or overlooking the mountains. Like the homes throughout The Cliffs at Glassy, the clubhouse's architectural elements have been taken from nature to strike a perfect balance.

Anthony followed this successful development with Cliffs Valley in 1993. This 1,500-acre property offers a sanctuary nestled between the rising mountain ridges. Lush fairways on the links-style course wind along the valley floor, while quarried stone bridges carry golfers over rushing streams. The course is bordered by thousands of acres of forest protected by The Nature Conservancy. With a variety of lots averaging about an acre, the Cliffs Valley has several gorgeous new facilities including a 28,000-square-foot Old World style clubhouse that just opened and a Wellness Center which is opening in early-2001. Of Course, great golf is a hallmark at Cliffs Valley, a community which offers an ideal lifestyle and mountain retreat located just minutes from city life.

Two new properties introduced by The Cliffs in 1999--The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards and The Cliffs at Keowee Falls feature 15 miles of shoreline on a spectacular lake, plus an award-winning golf course by Tom Fazio. With eight holes running along the shore of Lake Keowee, the Fazio course opened to rave reviews. Along with the Fazio layout, another remarkable feature is the pristine surroundings of the community, including one million acres of protected wilderness and a private gateway to Lake Jocassee. With a full-service marina and boat storage on the lake, one phone call has a resident's boat ready to board on either lake. The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards and The Cliffs at Keowee Falls feature a private white sand beach for swimming and more than 400 acres have been set aside for walking trails, park areas, and private camping and picnic grounds.

On the heels of the success of all four developments, Anthony is also active in furthering the growth of the area by giving back to the community. This includes the 500-acre youth Christian Wilderness Camp, Pinnacle Point.

Homeowners who choose a golf membership at The Cliffs Communities are treated to reciprocal privileges at all three courses. For more information, visit The Cliffs Communities website at www.cliffsgolf.com, complete the Reader Service Page, or call (800) 884-2958.

SEA TRAIL PLANTATION & GOLF LINKS

If you’re looking for an ideal mid-Atlantic coastal golf course community, then go see Seat Trail Plantation & Golf Links. You’ll like what you see on and off the links.

Just south of historic Wilmington, North Carolina, and north of the bustling golf mecca of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, lies the beautiful coastal village of Sunset Beach. This quietly kept North Carolina secret of natives and dedicated golf and beach addicts features thoughtful and limited residential and commercial development that has ensured a protected and unspoiled coastline (and a great place to live on the links).

Cross the Intracoastal Waterway on a piece of history--the last swinging bridge on the east coast--and you¹ll come to Sea Trail Plantation & Golf Links, with more than 2,000 acres of winding creeks, man-made lakes, and lush woodlands.

Sea Trail’s three distinctly different signature courses, designed by Rees Jones, Willard Boyd, and Dan Maples, can be enjoyed by players at all levels. Recently renovated and reopened to rave reviews, the Rees Jones course is straightforward, with wide fairways, large mounds, swales, and big bunkers providing an extraordinary golf experience (landscaping changes make the scenic views better than ever). Built around several man-made lakes, every hole of the Willard Boyd course requires a unique approach, with the scenic 18th hole between two ponds finishing the course at the Jones-Byrd Clubhouse.

The Dan Maples signature course, long regarded as one of his finest designs, features huge waste bunkers, twisted ancient oaks, tall Carolina pines, and tifdwarf greens. Residents enjoy two clubhouses with fully-equipped pro shops, snack bars, lounges, and restaurants, as well as two private owners’ swim and fitness facilities and lighted tennis courts. There is also a PGA-sanctioned Golf Learning Center, a lighted driving range, and putting greens. Many visiting golf groups (and residents) have responded with great reviews of the new Carolina Conference Center, with approximately 30,000 square feet of meeting space.

Because potential Sea Trail buyers have a variety of housing needs, there are different neighborhoods to reflect those requirements. Much of the property is on or adjacent to fairways, and every home has a fairway, water, or woodland view. You can pick your favorite lot and choose a custom home or let them build a house to your specifications from one of several options.

If you desire an affordable retirement hideaway for two, you¹ll want to see their townhomes or golf villas. If your dream is a palatial home on a fairway or a low country home overlooking one of many lakes, you¹ll also find it at Sea Trail. Regardless of your choice of housing, you’ll enjoy a serene and wooded setting, miles of private paths for walking or biking, and one of the most beautiful coastline communities you¹ll ever find.

Sea Trail recently completed the first building in The Champions at Sea Trail, a new golf villa project adjacent to the conference complex. Buildings have two-bedroom units, elevators, and a planned free-standing activity center and pool. They¹ve also opened Eastwood Park, a new residential community located along the Willard Byrd Course.

The Village at Sunset Beach is the most recent Sea Trail addition and plans for mixed-use development will include retail, residential (including assisted living), office, lodging, and recreational activities. The Village at Sunset Beach brings to fruition a long-held dream of Sea Trail owners Miller Pope, Ed Gore, John Williams, and the late Paul Dennis--to develop a total community--a pedestrian-oriented town center with easy access to all types of shopping, services, and living spaces. Upcoming openings on the exciting agenda include a planetarium being developed by the Museum of Coastal Carolina and Charlotte¹s Discovery Place, as well as the assisted living facility.

To learn more about the varied Sea Trail real estate options, visit their website at www.seatrailproperties.com, complete the Reader Service Page, or call (800) 847-6449.

THE POINT

Two Normans have combined near Charlotte, North Carolina, to make one of the Southeast's best golf course communities. With the beauty of Lake Norman and the Greg Norman-designed golf course, The Point promises to be a match made in golf heaven.

Located just north of Charlotte, Lake Norman is the region's largest lake and features 500-plus miles of shoreline. The moderate climate allows for golf in all four seasons.

The Norman layout is at the heart of this 1,200-acre development, which is Crescent Communities' last golf course community on Lake Norman. With 13 of 18 holes playing along or over the lake, the 'Shark' took full advantage of a setting that literally had his name all over it.

With a Nantucket-style, The Village features a Meeting House, separate men's and women's locker rooms, the Tavern for lunch, dinner, or drinks, The Lake Club for casual fine dining, a coffee shop, a driving range, and a Family Activity Village with tennis courts, pro shop, four pools, a teen room, a kid's movie theater, and a year-round Club Activities Director.

Extra-large homesites in this majestic suburban setting average more than an acre, with nearly every piece of property viewing the golf course or lake. Home prices currently range from the $400s to $3 million, with homesites starting in the $60s and ranging from the $200s to the $600s for waterfront properties, truly the best home values in the Southeast. Buyers at The Point can choose a homesite and a Feature Builder or choose from a selection of homes already under construction or completed.

The Point's developer, Crescent Communities, is known for creating some of the finest country club and luxury communities across the Carolinas, Florida, and Georgia, with 6 additional golf course communities, many other lakefront developments, and several other communities around Lake Norman's 500-plus miles of shoreline. Utilizing architectural controls and meticulously landscaped entrances and common areas, Crescent has created communities of lasting beauty. The Point is obviously a perfect example, especially from the perspective of two different Normans that go very well together.

For more information, complete the Reader Service Page, visit their website at www.pointonnorman.com, or call (877) 542-3030.

GRANDE DUNES

Destined to capture both local and international recognition, Grande Dunes brings an exciting new dimension of luxury living to Myrtle Beach. Located along the Intracoastal Waterway in northern Myrtle Beach, Grande Dunes is a multi-billion dollar, exclusive master-planned community encompassing approximately 2,200 acres of prime coastal real estate. Residential opportunities include a wide selection of golf and Intracoastal homes, luxury single family homes and oceanfront condos.

Stretching from a mile of pristine beach on the Atlantic Ocean to a thousand acres along the western side of the Intracoastal Waterway, Grande Dunes will be one of the largest and most diverse upscale, master-planned developments in the Carolinas. The rich mosaic of its master plan helps ensure that Grande Dunes will be a premier residential community where people will live, work, shop, dine, and enjoy a variety of recreational pursuits such as boating, tennis, and golf.

Boaters traveling the Intracoastal Waterway will be delighted with the Marina Village located along the Waterway's eastern side. Featuring an exquisite Italian-style ‘Piazza’ the refined elegance of the Marina Village will be conveyed through its architecture with delicate wrought iron balconies and graceful terra cotta roofs.

A four-star oceanfront hotel is also planned for Grande Dunes. In the tradition of grand hotels around the world, guests will be surrounded by elegance, gracious service, and exquisite dining experiences.

Initially, six private neighborhoods will showcase the finely detailed residences of the Grande Dunes preferred builders. Castillo del Mar, the first upscale single-family residential neighborhood in Grande Dunes, is delicately positioned within a forest of pines and oaks just one block from the Atlantic Ocean. The neighborhood will have 39 homesites available. An initial choice of models, priced from the $500,000s, will be available for showing in the spring of 2001.

Siena Park, a neighborhood of 66 single-family homesites, is near the prestigious Dunes area of Myrtle Beach. Models will be ready for occupancy in the Spring of 2001, priced from the $300,000s.

Bal Harbor is a planned Intracoastal Waterway neighborhood of 48 very special 3/4 acre homesites beginning at $285,000 with direct waterway sites starting at $495,000. The neighborhood is planned to reflect the unique experience of waterway living and homes there are expected to approach $1 million.

The Golf Villages of Grande Dunes, a variety of single-family patio and custom homes interwoven among the lakes and fairways of Grande Dunes Golf Course, will be offered later this Spring. Eight to ten new designs and models will be priced from the $400,000s. Vista Del Mar, a gated oceanfront village of low-to-mid-rise condominium villas is priced from the $600,000s.

A beachfront "Ocean Club" in excess of 12,000 square feet is planned as a signature social and recreational focal point for Grande Dunes. The Club will offer a unique array of experiences for property owners and guests.

Arching over the Intracoastal Waterway, a Mediterranean-style fixed spanned private bridge approximately 65 feet high will serve as the entry to the exclusive residential neighborhoods of the Grand Dunes "Golf Village" and its country club golf courses.

The initial Grande Dunes Country Club resort course is a spectacular design by The Roger Rulewich Group, which is comprised of former key members of the Robert Trent Jones (Sr.) design staff. Expected to open in March 2001, it features a dramatic finishing hole that plays along the bluff adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway. Exclusive and upscale, this club will be open to property owners and guests of the resort's hotel. Membership will be available to property owners. Land for a second golf club has been set aside and, depending on suitability and demand, could be delivered at a future date.

For more information please visit the Grande Dunes website at www.grandedunes.com, complete the Reader Service Page, or call (877) 3GRANDE.

REYNOLDS PLANTATION

It all began with one man’s wish--a quiet retreat for his family. Once home to the Creek Indians, these rolling Georgia hills 75 miles east of Atlanta were chosen by Mercer Reynolds, Sr. as the one place he knew he could always count on to refresh his spirit. Today, Reynolds Plantation is doing that for many people, on and off the links.

Reynolds Plantation is a 7,000-acre lakeside residential and resort community located midway between Atlanta and Augusta. Lake Oconee, the second largest in the state, actually cuts through Reynolds Plantation. The original Plantation community lies on the east side of the lake and Great Waters, a 680-acre peninsula community featuring a Jack Nicklaus-signature course of the same name, lies on the west shore of lake.

All three of Reynolds Plantation’s courses provide reason enough to move there, as does the upcoming Rees Jones layout and the 250-room Ritz-Carlton Lodge (opening in spring, 2001).

The Plantation Course opened in 1988 and was ranked by GOLF Magazine as one of the “Best 10 New Resort Courses.” The Great Waters course is a Nicklaus classic, which GOLF Magazine named one of the “Best 10 New Resort Courses” in 1992. While the challenging early holes weave their way through scenic forest and rolling hills, the waterfront holes provide an even more spectacular test.

The third jewel in Reynolds Plantation’s golf crown is the National Course. It features a collection of water challenges, including several ponds, intimidating creeks parallel to the fairways, and the shores of Lake Oconee. It was a perfect canvas for the talents of Tom Fazio and was so well received that they added nine more holes to the existing 18.

Other amenities at Reynolds Plantation include Linger Longer Park, the Plantation’s swim and tennis center. Tennis enthusiasts will also enjoy the courts at Great Waters, as well as an additional swimming complex. Yet more offerings include the 1,000-square-foot Fitness Center; a pedestrian trail; two- and three-bedroom cottages for guests; and a wide variety of dining, including spectacular views from the Great Waters Clubhouse on Lake Oconee and the course’s 18th green.

Of course, Reynolds Plantation owners can take advantage of 19,000-acre Lake Oconee. The marinas at both Reynolds Plantation and Great Waters offer launch ramps, docks and dry-storage for 400 boats, and boat rentals and service.

Reynolds Plantation first began to market homesites and cottages in 1987. A variety of homesites, ranging in size from 1/2-acre to 9+ acres, are available for prices ranging from $75,000 to more than $1 million. The average home size is 3,000 to 4,000 square feet, with prices ranging from $500,000 up to $3 million and more. Reynolds Plantation resale properties are also available through Reynolds Plantation Realty.

For more information visit their website at www.reynoldsplantation.com, complete the Reader Service Page, or call (800) 733-LAKE.

BERKELEY HALL

In the tradition of Hilton Head’s highly-acclaimed private golf course communities, Belfair and Colleton River, now comes Berkeley Hall.

Located just seven miles west of Hilton Head Island, Berkeley Hall is an 860-acre private golf club community blessed with more than a mile of scenic frontage on the Okatie River.

“Berkeley Hall’s masterplan contains several noteworthy features, including a pair of core 18-hole world-class golf courses,” says managing partner John Reed. “Once members step onto the first tee of either course, they will enjoy a pure, traditional golf experience without interior streets and homes or long walks from greens to tees.”

The first core course, designed by Tom Fazio, opens this spring and will feature dramatic elevation changes on an open coastal landscape framed by colorful seaside grasses. The second course, also a Fazio design, will be a more traditional parkland layout, with tree-lined fairways and slightly smaller greens, and will open this fall.

Fazio has designed Berkeley Hall’s Golf Learning & Practice Center, which is one of the finest and most complete teaching and practice facilities in the country. Encompassing 30 acres, its array of features will include a comprehensive short game practice area and a 2,000-square-foot Golf Center with indoor hitting rooms and state-of-the-art video equipment for swing analysis.

Berkeley Hall’s warm and welcoming Clubhouse will be approximately 25,000 square feet and is designed in a traditional Carolina Lowcountry style, with panoramic views of the first course. In addition, a Health and Fitness Center, located near the Clubhouse, will offer modern exercise equipment, sauna and steam rooms, Jacuzzi, spa treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor swimming, tennis courts, and outdoor recreation areas (including more than two miles of walking paths).

The distinguished Hilton Head Island land planning and architectural firm, Wood + Partners, created the community’s unique masterplan, with the two golf courses and homesites placed only around the perimeters. This unprecedented plan makes Berkeley Hall one of the lowest-density golf club communities on the east coast.

Berkeley Hall will have a total of 770 members. Homesites, elegant Golf Cottages, and equity club memberships are available for purchase. Homesites are priced from $209,500.

For more information, complete the Reader Service Page, visit Berkeley Hall’s website at www.berkeleyhallsc.com, or call (800) 587-7710 or (843) 815-8400.