FRONT PORCH

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Beginning this month, Neal Communities, southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, is returning to sell and build in Verandah, a 1,456-acre community located on the banks of the Orange River in Fort Myers.

Kolter Homes announced the company has successfully concluded its new home sales operations at Verandah. The remaining 320 home sites have been sold to Neal Communities. Kolter Land Partners will continue to have an active role in the community, developing the home sites for Neal Communities, managing the Homeowners Association and maintaining ownership and oversight of the golf and club operations.

Originally developed and built by Bonita Bay Group, Verandah opened in 2003. The community currently has 1,200 homes, and at completion, Verandah will include 1,800 homes. Neal Communities plans to build new models and a sales center, which is slated to open in fall 2018. Ranging from 1,616 to 2,379 square feet, Neal Communities will offer 10 distinctive floor plans and a maintenance-assistance home package.

“We are very excited to be coming home to Verandah,” said Michael Greenberg, southwest Florida regional president for Neal Communities. “Verandah is an award-winning lifestyle community with exceptional amenities and wonderful, friendly residents. We had the pleasure of launching our south regional operations here, and our success and love for this unique community attracted us back when this opportunity presented itself. We look forward to bringing the distinct Neal brand to Verandah’s future homeowners.”

The environmental-friendly and sustainable community utilizes green building practices. Nearly two-thirds of Verandah has been set aside as open space, including nine miles of trails, natural preserve areas, parks, wetlands and golf courses.

The private, master-planned golf community features Old Orange, an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Bob Cupp, and Whispering Oak, which was named one of the top five private courses in the country by Golf Inc. and designed by a Jack Nicklaus and Jack Nicklauss II. An onsite pro shop is also available to residents inside the River Village.

The River Village, the social centerpiece of the community, overlooks the Orange River. It offers full-service dining and the Blossoms Café and Sports Bar, a dog park with covered areas, kayaks and launch access along the Orange River and nine miles of boardwalks and trails for walking, jogging and biking. The state-of-the-art spa and fitness center features a dedicated spin room, a yoga studio, specialized spa services and a resort-style pool.

Its other amenities include a Riverfront Clubhouse, full-time activities and fitness directors, planned social events, an additional dog park, a playground and various clubs and activities for residents. The all-inclusive community’s other fitness and recreation options include five har-tu tennis courts, pickle ball courts and two bocce ball courts.

Located at 11571 Verandah Boulevard in Fort Myers, Verandah is located two miles from Interstate 75 and State Road 80. It is in close proximity to The Shops at Verandah, which is home to popular retailers like Publix, Walgreens and Wells Fargo.

Private, guided-tours are available by appointment. To get on the waitlist or to schedule a tour, call 239-220-1743.