8 Plover Close, Hill Head, Hampshire, PO14 3PX, UK
Telephone No: +44 (0)1329 665849 Email:
Thank you very much for your interest in our villa in Florida, we are delighted to enclose a brochure that will provide you with information about the villa and the area in general. Our stunning villa can be found in a friendly, quiet community close to all amenities and only a short distance from some of the most superb beaches in Florida.
Should you decide to book we would ask for a deposit of 20% at the time of reservation, and a payment of the remaining balance eight weeks prior to departure. Special rates are available for long term bookings (excess of 21 days). In addition we ask for a refundable security deposit of £200 to cover accidental breakages etc, to be paid with the balance of the rental.
We hope that this brochure provides the information that you require, however, please do not hesitate to call us should you have any further questions.
In the meantime we look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely
Nigel and Barbara Linfield
Visit our website: homepage.ntlworld.com/n.linfield1/villawebsite.html
FLORIDA’S BEST KEPT SECRET
It is remarkable that although Florida has become one of the World’s tourism Mecca, it is still possible to get far away from the madding crowd.
Florida’s South West Gulf Coast hides mile upon mile of breathtaking natural beauty, pristine beaches and crystal clear water, and yet it is close enough to everything that matters.
From elegant Sarasota, South to picturesque Venice, and on the unspoiled seaside community of Englewood. You will discover a string of islands offering a unique blend of old world charm and new world sophistication.
Clearwater and St Petersburg may act as more famous lures to holiday hoards as they seek rest from the pace of ‘doing’ Orlando and more are aware of fashionable expensive Naples and Fort Myers which attract North Americans in droves as they strive to escape winter and head as far South as possible.
In between those more recognised magnets for vacation makers is a less well known stretch of glorious coastline, with dazzling white beaches, turquoise seas, lush green landscapes, and vivid sunsets. With an average year round temperature of about 75 degrees and the ocean temperature usually around 80, it is not surprising that those who have discovered Florida’s best kept secret have not been in a hurry to tell others.
Although you will find plenty of ‘snowbirds’ there from the Northern United States and Canada during the winter months it has been largely undiscovered by Europeans who still tend to go where the package operators point them. Consequently, it is much less commercialised, less developed, and less frantic. Your will find beautiful beaches and communities which provide a taste of how Florida living should be.
Its attraction is that it offers a laid back life of tropical paradise you dream about and yet conveniently provides a broad range of activities, entertainments, shopping and eating opportunities, which European visitors to America regard as part of their holiday. As a bonus it is central enough to make a perfect for days out, whether to explore the famous Everglades to the South, Tampa Bay to the North or even Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World in Central Florida.
The pristine coastline comprises a series of Keys. In effect giant sandbars, which have matured into a chain of islands, running along the entire length of the coast. High rise hotels are few in number, instead you will find a mixture of small motels, small apartments, and private residences, mostly set in an abundance of sub tropical vegetation.
PLACES TO SEE
Golfing: is a challenge and a pleasure in this area, with courses for both the avid golfer and the week-end hacker. There are numerous excellent courses within an hour’s drive, and at least twenty within 30 minutes.
Activities: If you feel more energetic there are many opportunities to play tennis, take part in water sports including parasailing and jetskis, or to just simply mess about in boats - power boating or sailing. Why not try scuba diving and get to see the life under the sea. Back to more the more sedate, take a day out to try deep sea fishing or even the more traditional kind.
Busch Gardens: This theme park is located near Tampa, about 1½ hours North. There are many different shows, ice skating reviews, excellent dolphin and seal shows, water rides, zoo animals, and food galore.
Disney World: What needs to be said about Mickey Mouse Land, located just three hours Northeast of the villa. Give yourself all day, out of season, if you want to see everything, and a couple of days in high season.
Epcot: is located just three hours Northeast of the villa, and presents a display of shows to tempt the cultural enthusiast. It can be completed in one day normally.
Sea World: This is a fantastic oceanographic theme park, located again, about three hours North East of the villa. There are various shows ranging from water ski performances to killer whale shows. This is a very entertaining and educational day’s outing.
Universal Studios: As well as thirty five different movie sets experience the terrifying attack of the Great White Shark, ‘Jaws’, visit the Extra Terrestrial ‘ET’. A great day of family fun, located just three hours North East of the villa.
Universal Island of Adventure: A new theme park situated next to Universal Studios, experience the white knuckle rides The Incredible Hulk, The Duelling Dragons and the unforgettable Dr Doom’s Fearfall, as well as getting thoroughly soaked on The River Adventure and Dudley Do-right’s Ripsaw Falls.
Cape Kennedy: Located on the East coast of Florida. View present and past exploration exploits, and wander about the rocket collections. The earlier rockets are so primitive I would not send my worst enemy up in one. The latest spaceships are a breathtaking work of modern technology.
BEACHES
PORT CHARLOTTE BEACH
Port Charlotte Beach complex is a public beach at the south-east end of Harbol Boulevard in Port Charlotte. The Beach complex offers a beach club, fishing pier, tennis volleyball and basketball courts, horseshoe pits, a pool (at annual or one time rates), a snack bar, boat ramps and barbecue grills. Parking is very cheap. The beach is open from 6am to 9pm. No lifeguards are on duty.
ENGLEWOOD BEACH
Englewood Beach is along State Road 775 near the Charlotte-Sarasota county line. This is a beach with light coloured sand and turfs of sea oats growing along the dune line. The beach is open 6am to 11pm. Facilities include freshwater showers, picnic tables and sheltered barbecue areas. Parking is very cheap. No glass containers, dogs, alcohol, surfboards or motor vehicles are allowed on the beach, and no lifeguards are on duty.
BOCA GRANDE BEACH
Boca Grande is a public beach and can be reached by driving along State Road 771 in Charlotte County. There is a small toll for cars and for parking. The public beach is noted for its light green surf and white sand. There are three lighthouses along the beach and large shade trees near shore. The beach offers full facilities, including freshwater showers, picnic tables and grill. There are no concessions available or lifeguards on duty. The beach closes at dusk. The best fishing and shelling is at the Southeast public beach, however there are not facilities available.
FLORIDA – GOLF HEAVEN
If you desire sunbathed golf refreshed by gulf breezes, the clean Florida air and clear sunshine make a variety of sports activities a joy, especially golf as, without exception, the golf courses are superb.
Over 40 golf courses locally, with 72 holes and 4 amazing courses within 5 – 10 minutes drive of the luxury villa, situated on Rotonda on Florida’s gulf coast, you will discover the Hills, the Palms, the Links, Long Marsh …..
The Hills, Rotonda’s first course was constructed in 1989, featuring clever water hazards and narrow greens, next came The Palms, with its wide open design, multi-tiered to test the golfer’s skill – and patience! The Links saw Rotonda’s reputation for fine golf and a fine lifestyle become well established.
Rotonda’s newest offering is Long Marsh – a course with attitude, designed by Ted McAnlis and fabulously unique it takes the player on an intricate, wonderful journey, winding through woodlands, across wetlands and rolling greens, allowing you to appreciate breathtaking views along the way! Take advantage of our unique relationship with the golfing personnel at this course. They will, with an introduction from us, be delighted to tailor the perfect golf package to suit your requirements, utilising local knowledge of the courses in the Rotonda and Port Charlotte area.
These are fairways for the enthusiastic golfer looking for challenge and entertainment, accompanied by a luxurious and relaxing lifestyle to suit the most discerning visitor.
Charlotte County has, for the past two years been rated in the top 5 places to live in America! With such a fabulous choice of golf courses who can be surprised?
The Rotonda West Association’s web site www.rotondawest.org/index.html contains very detailed information on all the golf courses nearby plus a rundown on the weather you can expect, which generally boils down to how many hours of sunshine there are!
Please see over for a short list of the many golf courses to be found in and around the area. If you require a more extensive list please request this at the time of booking.
WEST FLORIDA GOLF CLUBS
Duffy’s Golf CentreEnglewood East, Charlotte County. Tel: 941 697 3900. Charlotte County’s only lit golf course.
Boca Royale
Englewood Road, Englewood. Tel: 941 474 7475. Driving range available.
Englewood
White/Blue, South River Road, Englewood. Tel: 941 474 1745. Open all year round.
Englewood Golf & Country Club
Englewood Road, Englewood. Tel: 941 474 7475. Snow capped mountains give a stunning backdrop.
Lemon Bay Golf Club
Eagle Preserve Drive, Englewood. Tel: 941 697 3729. Open all year round, 18 lakes on course!
Myakka Pines Golf Club
South River Road, Englewood. Tel: 941 474 3296. Open all year round, driving range available.
Oyster Creek Golf & Country Club
Oriole Boulevard, Englewood. Tel: 841 474 0334. Putting Green, driving range. / Stoneybrook
Stoneybrook Golf Boulevard, Englewood. Tel: 941 996 1800.One of the longest courses in SW Florida at 7353 yards.
Wildflower Country Club
Gasparilla Pines Boulevard, Englewood. Tel: 941 697 1200. Driving range and rental clubs available.
Deep Creek Golf Club
San Cristobal Avenue, Port Charlotte. Tel: 941 625 6911. Putting Green and driving range.
Riverwood Golf and Country Club
4100 Riverwood Drive, Port Charlotte. Tel: 9417646661. This gem of a course is well worth a visit, only ten minutes from Rotonda. www.riverwoodgc.com
Maple Leaf Estates Golf Club
Kings Highway, Port Charlotte. Tel: 941 629 1666. Open all year round, putting green.
GREAT PLACES TO EAT
Prime Time 5855 Placida Road 697 7799
Strong Mexican flavour to both the décor and the food!!! Tortilla chips + salsa dips are served with compliments of the house.
Fishery Restaurant Fishery Road 697 25441
The speciality is ….fish! The shrimp are delicious, so are the tuna scallops and mahi-mahi
Backwater Bar + Grill 2080 McCall Road 474 2206
Overlooking the water, you can choose to eat inside or out; menu, food and service are all good – and again fish is the speciality …
Rum Bay Restaurant Palm Island 697 0556
Catch the Ferry over to Palm Island and take a short boat ride where you may see dolphins playing; sit at the bar sipping cocktails, luxuriate in the surroundings and the view and enjoy dinner …..booking recommended!
Barnacle Bills 1975 Beach Road 474 9703
Very casual atmosphere, HUGE burgers, near Englewood Beach
Johnnie K Leverock’s 7092 Placida Road 698 6900
One of the most popular restaurants in the area – as can be seen by the waiting queues usually about 20 – 40 minutes (the main season is from Thanksgiving to Easter) worth waiting for, the menu is varied and food is of a high standard.
Ponderosa Steakhouse 1789 Tamiami Trail 624 3400
Order your main meal before you sit down then help yourself to as much as you can eat from the buffet; to finish off the meal children can create their own deserts either from the buffet or the ice cream machine!!
Interior and view from the Fishery Restaurant
Mamma’s 2091 McCall Road 475 5656
Here is the Pizza to end all Pizzas – the king of Pizzas! If you can’t eat it all they will box it for so you can finish it the next day …and the next….
Nicola’s Italian Kitchen 4343 McCall Road 474 6195
Situated at the slip road at the junction of Sunny Brook and the 776, it has a good menu and friendly service and the food is GREAT – the chef usually makes an appearance to see if all is well.
The Red Lobster 1331 Tamiami Trail 625 7745
Next to the Port Charlotte Shopping Mall, is you wish you can choose your own unsuspecting lobster from the tank ……. Good menu and well worth a visit
Sefano’s 401 Indiana Avenue South 475 0819
Good and Cheap! The atmosphere has a strong Greek flavour, the menu is limited but at the time of writing you can have a 3-course meal for around $10.00 per person!
Chantelle’s 38822 Tamiani Trail 766 1251
If you are planning a celebration or an elegant night out you must give this a try, a lot more expensive than most other places, but you get white linen tablecloths and napkins, along with friendly service and excellent food – it is advisable to book.