Bella Terra appeals to all ages

COURTESY PHOTO Bella Terra Entrance Although residential development in Bella Terra is not yet complete, Lennar Corp. representatives believe the Estero community already features a population of multi-generational residents.

Lennar officials cite the residential offerings and amenity package of the 999-acre gated site off Corkscrew Road as the foundations to a diverse family community.

"I think it's in one of the premier spots in Southwest Florida," said Darin McMurray, Lennar regional vice president. "It really is intergenerational. It's got amenities that everyone can enjoy."

When Bella Terra's complete, which McMurray estimated at 2010 or 2011, the community is set to have 1,500 single family and 324 multifamily residences. Lauren Engelman, Lennar marketing coordinator for Southwest Florida, said the first residential closings were in November 2005. As of Sept. 18, 1,020 homes had closed, said David Meyers, director of sales for Lennar.

Meyers said the community east of Interstate 75 has embraced families to empty nesters from all parts of the country and noted that the majority of purchasers are full-time residents.

COURTESY PHOTO Hampton Model The community offers six types of residences. Beazer Homes built the twin villas, while Lennar built the two-story condominiums and town, executive, manor and estate homes. Units from each of the residential types front some of the 24 lakes on the tract.

The twin villas have sold out, Meyers said, but the other designs remain available. "We've almost sold out the condos," McMurray said.

The two-bedroom, two-bathroom condos start at $264,990, according to the Lennar online site. New townhomes start at $304,000; the executive at $387,990; the manor at $447,990; and the estate at $539,990, the site shows. Buyers can choose from at least three floor plans for each of the single-family residences, of which select models offer pool and spa options.

"They find it is a very innovative floor plan" and appreciate the space, Meyers said of the feedback he has received from buyers into the community. For example, the executive Stockton model contains five bedrooms and three bathrooms. A center loft upstairs has entrances to the four bedrooms, including the master.

COURTESY PHOTO Colonade Model The estate homes provide the most square footage. The highest-end design, the Colonade Grand, is priced from $696,990. Its floor plan of 3,814 square feet allows for four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Another floor plan has four bedrooms and four bathrooms with a two-car garage.

Units are situated on the site plan per design, so as Meyers said, "They're all individually distinct neighborhoods."

Two rows of condos and three sections of villas are to the left of the community's entrance, and townhomes are to the right, nearest to the clubhouse and amenities. The single-family units border the conservation preserves of the inner sprawl.

Because of its affordability to younger families and older retirees, the community has inclusive amenities. An 8,000-square foot clubhouse complete with offices and conference room was built first, Engelman said, and the amenities were finished early this summer. Less common extras such as an inline skating park and bocce court are near the 216,000-gallon community pool with waterfall and spa. Assorted athletic courts and fields also are on the site, which provides biking and walking trails.

COURTESY PHOTO Solarno Model "It's got probably one of the nicest amenities packages in Southwest Florida," McMurray said.

Bella Terra is close to Miromar Outlets, Germain Arena and Southwest Florida International Airport. Some of Lennar's other area efforts are in Fort Myers, Naples and Immokalee. ¦