Enjoy striding the first tee of the superbly crafted Lloyd Clifton par-72 Harbor Hills Golf Course and gazing at its verdant fairways, hilly bunkers and emerald greens rising from the landscape like bread baking in an oven. Revel especially in an early-morning round, when dew hugs the blades of grassy fringes.

After an energizing round of golf, unwind in the 35,000-square-foot Georgian-style clubhouse
perched on a ridge overlooking 9,200-acre Lake Griffin, which connects to eight lakes in the Lake Harris chain, St. John’s River and the Atlantic Ocean via Jacksonville.

Then traverse the acreage over landscaped roads to your custom-built home, located in the heart of Harbor Hills. Along the way, pass wild peacocks strutting with their mosaic-colored wings spread, cranes along the sun-kissed shoreline, and other wildlife inhabiting the 14-acre Lakeview Park.

“Harbor Hills is an ideal community,” said Dr. Claudia Thomas, an orthopedic surgeon in Central Florida, calling it “unequivocally the best place I’ve ever lived. What appeals to me most is that it’s truly secure while also beautifully landscaped … tranquility in a lovely setting.”

Harbor Hills is a hidden treasure cloaked by shaded hardwoods on winding scenic roads that weave through the Central Florida terrain. Its residents — doctors and healthcare professionals among the elite — appreciate the privacy of the hallowed grounds and convenience of the location near Villages Regional Hospital, Leesburgh Regional Medical Center and of course the boutiques and bistros of New Sumter Landing.

Carefully etched into Florida’s “highlands” and aptly named Bella Vista, Harbor, Hills’ newest enclave sits 128 feet above sea level. With 141 lots surrounded by six golf holes, ponds and Lake Griffi n, Bella Vista is part of the cozy web of neighborhoods and spectacular homes that comprise the exclusive neighborhood.

“The neighborhood embodies privacy,” said Michael Rich, general partner and developer of Harbor Hills Country Club. “Our entire community is gated, but Bella Vista will be a gate within a gate, its own private enclave.”

Harbor Hills also features Lake View Village, which crests at 68 feet above sea level. Now in its fi nal stage of development, homebuyers may take advantage of special closeout prices to build the custom-designed home of their dreams.

Rich has to his credit 30,000 award-winning homes throughout the Sunshine State, spanning four decades. With Bella Vista, he set the bar even higher with an unprecedented partnership. The Lake County retreat now features a highlight no other country club or designed luxury development in north central Florida can claim: collections by two world famous architects, Affi niti Architects and homes by The Sater Design Collection.

Throughout the United States, these two architectural/design firms have become synonymous with
luxury, and are constantly courted by America’s most prominent corporate executives and medical professionals. For example, the Boca Raton team of Affiniti Architects is known for its multi-million dollar residences gracing Fisher Island, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables.

“Individuality is the key to the beauty of the homes,” said Thomas. “In other words, no tract housing. It’s indeed a rare advantage that Harbor Hills offers custom made homes, especially for
families.”

As a medical professional, she emphasized, “The quality of life is appropriate for the physician community. It’s family-oriented, so if you’re a young physician with children, it’s very comfortable and the peace of mind (that comes from living at Harbor Hills) is immeasurable.”

Harbor Hills features six model homes and nine distinctive fl oor plans highlighting amenities such as marble fl oors, eight-foot doorways, thick crown molding, solid surface sills, bay windows, tray ceilings, Whirlpool appliances, Delta faucets, Energy Star water heaters and much more. Cabana-style entries, detailed foyers, Jack & Jill bathrooms, expansive walk-in closets and stunning fi replaces also exemplify the homes’ special qualities. The Bella Casa model features a stunning radial bay of frameless glass overlooking a picturesque courtyard. Custom features are limitless. “We just completed a $1 million home with its own theater,” said Rich.

Harbor Hills’ amenities are top-of-theline. Known not only for its beauty, Harbor Hills Golf Course has won numerous accolades for its playability. Golf Digest ranks it among the nation’s prestigious “Places to Play.” The private, 12-slip Harbor Hills Marina, expanding to 27 slips by 2011, hosts sailboats ready to glide atop Lake Griffin’s tranquil blue waters. Harbor Hills features 10 Har-Tru clay courts housed in a tournament stadium setting. The Har-Tru surface is rarely found in planned communities, and is the high-tech surface of choice for tennis aficionados.

The clubhouse, which has been recently renovated, features a new pool deck and mahogany pub with panoramic views of the golf course and Lake Griffin. The upper level pro shop markets upscale golf clothing and accessories. The lower level dining room features cuisine by acclaimed resident executive chef Richard Opanowski.

When completed, Harbor Hills Development will have fewer than 1,000 homes on 800 acres. Before it’s too late, discover why its residents insist life is lovelier in Harbor Hills.

For more information, visit Harbor Hills Country Club at 6538 Lake Griffin Road in Lady Lake, call (352) 753-8700 or (800) 822-5558, or view www.harborhills.com.


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August 2008