Naples, Florida was ranked No. 3 by MSN Money’s 10 Best Places to Retire in US!

The month of March typically represents the pinnacle of the winter season in southwest Florida and Fiddler’s Creek is no exception with homeowners enjoying world-class dinner shows, special themed parties, sporting events, educational classes, children’s activities and more.

A highlight of the month was the Fabulous 50’s Party in which members danced to classic hits, many of whom dressed in vintage clothing and costumes. The evening also featured a delicious buffet dinner with special desserts from the soda fountain, including vanilla and chocolate shakes, all American apple pie, and lemon squares and brownies. Live music entertainment was provided by Jason DeSimone, a Fiddler’s Creek favorite.

Also on the party list is the St. Patrick’s Day celebration. This annual event attracts more than 200 people to The Club & Spa. The day is filled with traditional Irish sing-a-longs, a River Dance performance by children from Tir Na Nog Academy of Irish Dance, and authentic Irish cuisine.
Fiddler’s Creek homeowners enjoyed the return of award-winning entertainer Craig Karges after a wonderful appearance a couple of years ago. Nationally recognized, Karges has made over 4,000 appearances in 17 countries on four continents and in all 50 states. Karges combines the art of magic with the science of psychology and the power of intuition to create the impression that nothing is impossible. During his performances, tables float, minds are read, metal bends and your imagination is challenged because you won’t believe your eyes.

Homeowners gave a standing ovation to Michael Dutra for his “Strickly Sinatra” performance at the Concert on the Green. The casual afternoon was hosted on the Tennis Lawn at Fiddler’s Creek and featured many of the crooner’s biggest hits. A talented entertainer, Dutra stuns audiences along the East Coast from Florida to Maine with his dead-on Sinatra renditions. Fiddler’s Creek homeowners Hubba Costello, Sandra Rose Rommel and Vivian Grace were the opening acts for Dutra. The opening acts were so good that the performance videos were placed on YouTube so everyone could enjoy it over and over again!

Sports enthusiasts were able to take in an exciting spring training baseball game at the new jetBlue Park in Fort Myers between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays. This was no ordinary day at the ballpark, though, as residents were treated to drinks and delicious food elaborately prepared and set up by Fiddler’s Creek staff. Once inside the ballpark, residents were seated in the shade, making a hotter than normal day much more enjoyable.

Fiddler’s Creek LLC President and Chief Executive Officer Aubrey J. Ferrao announced that Stock Construction has signed a $10 million contract to purchase 48 single-family homesites within the Isla del Sol, Mahogany Bend and Majorca villages of Fiddler’s Creek.

The Stock family name has long been synonymous with quality real estate. Throughout Southwest Florida, there are several communities and 1,700 homes that bear the distinctive brand of Stock Construction. Stock Construction has been honored with many national, state and local awards which are a reflection of Stock’s mission to give its customers the very best home and buying experience in Southwest Florida.

The purchase represents the company’s entrance into the community. Stock Construction plans to break ground on the sites this Spring in the Isla del Sol, Mahogany Bend and Majorca villages within Fiddler’s Creek.

The highest honor — Realtor of the Year — was awarded to Brett Brown, director of sales for Fiddler’s Creek Realty Inc. The annual award recognizes a member who has distinguished themselves through outstanding contributions in the community, and on the local, state, and national association level.

The final touches are being done to the first five residences in the village of Amador, an enclave of 38 classical Mediterranean style single-family homes in Fiddler’s Creek, being offered by D.R. Horton.

A distinctive neighborhood, the village of Amador offers a choice of three expansive three-bedroom floorplans, ranging from 1,840 A/C square feet to 2,738 A/C square feet. They include the single-story Chelsea and Astor residences and the two-story Emory residence. Additionally, most of the homesites to be built in Amador have desirable water views.

The first five inventory homes are either complete or near completion and will be ready for occupancy by the end of April.

There are two Chelsea residences currently available. One is traditionally appointed with dark cherry cabinets and rich deep brown granite tops throughout, cherry wood floors with mixed porcelain tile and an elegant pool. The other Chelsea offers a Tuscan design with buttercream glazed cabinetry and plantation shutters with a spacious yard and plenty of room for a future pool.

There also are two Astor homes. One is available with a pool and boasting tile on the diagonal. The second Astor is dramatic and contemporary with striking contrast in the ivory granite counters and the popular Expresso cabinetry with sleek accents of stainless steel.

For those who desire soaring ceilings and entrance foyers that make a statement, D.R. Horton is offering the two-story Emory residence. This three bedroom, four bath home offers a master suite and a study that is perfect for a second bedroom on the first floor with two additional bedrooms and two baths upstairs. The decor will compliment many tastes with natural maple cabinetry and contrasting ebony tones in the wood flooring along with ivory granite and tile flooring, crown molding and plantation shutters, overlooking a lanai and pool and potential outdoor kitchen area.

Each of the available inventory homes in the village of Amador has the added options of stainless steel appliances, crown molding and extensive landscaping packages. Prices currently range from $412,000 to $519,000, including selected options.

Fiddler’s Creek Realty Director of Sales/Broker Brett C. Brown has been honored by the Naples Area Board of Realtors (NABOR) as its 2011 Realtor of the Year. The award is one of the highest honors bestowed upon a member and honors those who contribute countless hours over years of service to help build, strengthen and protect the business environment that afford Realtors the opportunity to succeed and be respected in the community. NABOR started giving this award in 1965.

Jeff Lytle from the Naples Daily News was the guest speaker at the Fiddler’s Creek Village Council Meeting. He spoke about the Collier County politics and the Fire District, two topics of great interest to those attending the meeting. Attendees enjoyed the breakfast meeting and light humor.

Fiddler’s Creek has reported a significant increase in the number of home sales this year.

According to Aubrey J. Ferrao, president and CEO of Fiddler’s Creek LLC, the residential community has signed 28 sales contracts since Feb. 1, 2012. These contracts were valued at over $13 million. Total closed sales in the Fiddler’s Creek community increased by 94 percent for the period February 1, 2012 to March 15, 2012 compared with the same period in 2011.

“This season has been exceptionally strong at Fiddler’s Creek,” Ferrao said. “The increased activity is being driven by D.R. Horton and Lennar Corp., two national homebuilders who joined our community toward the end of last year. We also are seeing considerable buyer interest in our shrinking inventory of season-ready, move-in homes currently available at Fiddler’s Creek.”

Lennar Corp. will start construction this month on the first single-family residence in Runaway Bay, a newly released village situated along the Creek and the Creek Course at Fiddler’s Creek.

Runaway Bay will offer four unique floor plans. The first phase will include five pre-construction residences and two model homes that are unique to Fiddler’s Creek and have never been built anywhere else in the United States.

The first two model homes are the Bougainvillea and the Laurel. Each model will be fully furnished with professional interior decorating and furnishings provided by Jill Cotton.

Since the recent release, seven homes have been sold in Runaway Bay.

The Bougainvillea is a one-story design offering 2,800 air-conditioned square feet of living space. The model features three bedrooms, three baths and a study, base priced at $599,990.

The model will showcase the optional extended tile in the living areas, upgraded cabinets, pool and spa package, winter kitchen as well as Ponderosa pine entry and lanai ceiling.

The Laurel is a two-story floor plan encompassing 3,659 air-conditioned square feet and features four bedrooms, three baths, a study and a bonus room. The base price of the Laurel is $699,990. The model will also showcase many of the available options.

The other single-family residences to be offered at Runaway Bay include the one-story Camellia encompassing 3,043 air-conditioned square feet with four bedrooms, three baths and a study with a base price of $629,990; and the two-story Lantana, with 3,542 air-conditioned square feet, four bedrooms, three full baths, two half baths and a study, and bonus room, is base priced at $669,990.

Each residence at Runaway Bay will be constructed of steel reinforced concrete block and will feature a three-car garage. Standard features will include gas cooktops, Howe style wood casing, granite kitchen countertops, Victorian style baseboard, crown molding, and designer bath fixtures. Options include a two-level pool and spa and outdoor kitchen.

Homes situated along the Creek will have a dock option at the time of purchase. The Creek allows for electric boats, kayaks and canoes for homeowners to enjoy. Other homes will offer views of the Creek Course.

D.R. Horton has just announced the release of Chiasso, their second distinctive village within Fiddler’s Creek. Chiasso, a sanctuary of peace and luxury consists of 59 single-family residences intertwined amid lakes and waterways at Fiddler’s Creek.

Located within the Veneta section at Fiddler’s Creek, the village of Chiasso will feature four unique floor plans, ranging from 2,583 square feet to 3,522 square feet under air.

The Hawthorne, a one-story design offers 2,583 square feet of air conditioned space. This beautiful model features three bedrooms, three baths, den and a three-car garage with a base price from $484,990.

The Washington is a one-story residence with 2,788 square feet under air. It features three bedrooms, 3.5 baths, den, and two-car garage with a base price from $499,990.

The Madison also a one-story residence features three bedroom, four bath, den and two-car garage residence offers 3,246 square feet under air with a base price from $534,990.

The Emerson, a two-story residence in Chiasso offers 3,522 square feet under air, three bedrooms, 3.5 baths, loft and 2 car garage with a base price from $554,990.

Each residence within Chiasso will feature classical Mediterranean architecture and be built of structurally engineered reinforced concrete block wall construction. Each home will have brick paver drives and a two- or three-car garage. Interior design features will include a luxury kitchen with granite counter tops and cabinets with decorative finishes; designer bath fixtures and cultured marble countertops; ceramic tile flooring; and a number of energy saving features.