Luxury condos boosting market

COURTESY PHOTO Ronto Group's latest project in the Gulf Harbour Yacht and Country Club. Paramount at the Shores. For a mere $1.5 million, it's available right here in Fort Myers in the Ronto Group's latest project in the Gulf Harbour Yacht and Country Club.

Paramount at the Shores is 11-stories of breathtaking views, elegant appointments and tons of space - up to 4,880 square feet of estate condo living. That's the grandest unit in the 45- condo project that features private elevators to each unit, luxurious common areas such as a gym and a resortstyle swimming pool.

But the best is the view.

"It's significantly chokable," said Robin Driskill sales and marketing director for the Ronto Group.

Perched on a spit of land at the entrance to the Gulf Harbour marina, Paramount overlooks the golf course, marina and one of the widest parts of the Caloosahatchee River. Those are views you can't get anywhere in town, Driskill said.

Each of the five units on the nine top stories (the bottom two floors are common areas, amenities and parking) is serviced by personal elevators that open directly into the suites. Service elevators open to interior hallways for grocery deliveries or workmen.

Ronto Group's latest project in the Gulf Harbour Yacht and Country Club. Paramount at the Shores. Inside, the units start at 3,720 square feet with three bedrooms and three-andone half baths. Kitchens are spacious and floor to ceiling windows and sliding doors keep the view unencumbered.

The penthouse unit, called the Cavallino, is priced at $3 million while the lowerfloor, smaller units go for $1.5 million.

Custom cabinets adorn the kitchens and baths. Marble is choice for shower, tub decks and bath floors. Walk-in closets are enormous as are the guest bedrooms.

So, who's the typical buyer?

Driskill said it's people who have business interested up north and need quick access to a major airport. A few are doctors who need to be close to the hospital while others want the spectacular views and still be close to the beaches.

"It took a lot of time for a Fort Myers address to be okay for someone spending $1 million for a condo - we're there now," Driskill said.

Only 12 units remain in the project that was completed about one year ago and traffic has been brisk.

"Everyone one I've talked to said the high-end stuff is selling," Driskill said. "Our traffic has significantly increased." ¦