Photo Credit: BAREFOOT BEACH PROPERTIES℠
Typically thought of as a seasonal winter escape, the Paradise Coast of Naples and Barefoot Beach are becoming increasingly popular as a year-round destination, not only because it’s a natural beauty and endless beaches (almost 20 miles of it), but also because of Florida’s comparatively attractive tax laws. Whatever your reason might be for wanting to live in Paradise, we are always eager to help clients find the perfect spot, where they can enjoy the relaxing Florida luxury lifestyle.
As with most searches...it all starts on the internet. However, pictures on web pages alone simply cannot convey the respective unique vibe, character, advantages or pitfalls associated with each area or neighborhood, which only an insider, who lived there for many years, may know. Therefore, it is still crucial to seek sound advice from a local real estate expert, in addition to doing your research online. Always remember the old adage: the wrong house at the right price is still the wrong house.
In this connection it is important to note, that real estate agents in Florida are permitted to act as “transaction brokers”, unless you specifically retain them in a different capacity, meaning they represent the ‘transaction’ rather than either party exclusively. Thus, for obvious reasons, listing agents are very eager to work with both their sellers as well as the buyer in a given transaction. We always recommend that buyers retain their own Realtor in order to avoid any potential conflicts of interest, particularly since there is no additional cost to the buyer to have their own trusted real estate agent represent them. In fact, your own ‘buyer’s representative’ may be able to help you save money and trouble by negotiating on your behalf and asking questions you would have never even thought of. And that goes double if you are purchasing a new or pre-construction product from a developer.
Photo Credit: BAREFOOT BEACH PROPERTIES℠
Location, location, location...The most in-demand neighborhoods are typically on or very close to the water: case in point, a pristine barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico called Barefoot Beach. Boasting more than six miles of sandy beach and 342 acres of beach preserve, it is the perfect spot in paradise for those seeking solitude and being one with nature. Whether you are looking for a single-family beach house or a condo, either way, you can enjoy unforgettable sunsets overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
For more lively boating, beach and party ambiance, pick Vanderbilt Beach, a 3 plus mile white sand beach full of activity located between The Ritz Carlton Beach Resort and the ever humming LaPlaya Resort Hotel. This area offers condos with either Beach or Bay views and waterfront single-family homes with private boat docks.
If carefree resort-living is more your style, then Pelican Bay, or its gate-guarded beachfront Bay Colony subdivision, will cater to your every need. A master-planned community with over 3 miles of manicured beach, complete with beach chairs, umbrellas, and beachfront dining. Choose from Gulf-view condos or luxurious single-family homes. Relax on the beach or be active with golf, tennis and fitness center, world-class philharmonic, museum, luxury shopping, and dining, all within the confines of the community.
Photo Credit: BAREFOOT BEACH PROPERTIES℠
If you are looking for even more elegant surroundings, then posh Park Shore Beach and The Moorings offer beachfront condos as well as waterfront homes. Anchored by the Venetian Village shops and surrounded by Bay and Beach, the views are always breathtaking.
The epicenter of the Naples, lifestyle is no doubt the village of Olde Naples and adjacent Aqualane Shores. Here one finds true Florida character and charm, single-family ‘cottages’ along tree-lined streets, blooming bougainvillea, farmers’ markets, quaint boutiques, fine dining, theater, tennis, marinas and of course miles of glorious beach. It’s all about small-town living and walkability.
Located at the very southern tip of Olde Naples is its quintessential crown jewel, Port Royal, which is anchored by its very private Port Royal Beach Club. In keeping with its quirky logo featuring a swashbuckling pirate, this exclave of 703 predominantly waterfront estates big enough to park your private yacht in your backyard, is home to politicians, captains of industry, trust fund beneficiaries, and yes, the occasional ‘privateer’. It’s where the finest and most valuable residential real estate can be found in Naples: Beach Club membership is reserved exclusively for owners in the subdivision, which at a minimum will set you back about $5 million for a mediocre lot or tear-down property. Yet, if you really want to impress your new neighbors, you would probably want to acquire an ever so slightly dated fixer-upper directly on the beach, which could cost you up to $65 million, only to tear it down and build new, of course.
Servicing the transportation needs of those fortunate enough to be able to call Old Naples or Port Royal home, or perhaps their second or third home, the FBO at the nearby local private jet airport (KAPF) offers world-class service and, certainly during the winter months, is one of the busiest in the country. If you are located in the north Naples area, in Vanderbilt or Barefoot Beach, you will probably find the FBO located adjacent to the newly built Southwest Florida International Airport (KRSW) more convenient. For the rest of us, RSW also offers frequent commercial airline service to almost anywhere, assuming you don’t mind stopovers. However, it has added numerous direct flights from the northeast and midwestern states, as well as non-stop service to Europe on selected days.
