Women taking part in an enrichment and wellness program at Fiddler’s Creek recently raised funds for the Naples Shelter for Abused Women and Children.

Participants donated $30 to attend the Women’s Wellness Circle, a 3.5-hour body, mind and spirit workshop led by Fiddler’s Creek residents Martine Amundson, a registered nurse and spiritual director, and Sylvia Pazolt, a licensed social worker.

The circle is offered three times during the winter season and provides an opportunity for Amundson, Pazolt and their fellow residents to help the shelter while connecting to themselves and others. Amundson and Pazolt donate all of the money to the nonprofit organization.

“I’m a part-time resident, and the shelter needs volunteers who are available year-round,” said Amundson. “This is our way of helping and also raising awareness among other Fiddler’s Creek residents of the shelter’s needs. We try to direct ladies to the website so they can also donate on their own and volunteer.”

The Women’s Wellness Circle is one of many enrichment and wellness programs, personal fitness classes, seminars and clubs offered by The Club & Spa at Fiddler’s Creek. The activities are designed to appeal to a variety of interests, and also include cooking demonstrations, history lessons, ballroom dancing, art classes and exhibits, book clubs and more. Many of the programs are offered year-round. Circle workshops typically average about 20 women per session and collectively raise $2,000 annually.

“This is another example of how the residents of Fiddler’s Creek give back,” said Aubrey Ferrao, president and CEO of Fiddler’s Creek. “They embrace every opportunity to support the local community, whether they’re donating to the shelter, Manatee Elementary School, participating in our Volunteer Day or donating time and resources toward a variety of worthy causes. Their contribution to these organizations demonstrates an innate culture of giving back that is shared by many of our Fiddler’s Creek residents and benefits the community.”

The January Women’s Circle attracted a record number of attendees. “It’s really grown over the years,” Amundson said. “We started it among friends and began offering it to the community four or five years ago. The Women’s Circle is always mind, body and spirit related with an intellectual learning component, creativity and guided meditation.”

Subjects have explored aging well, the meaning of dreams, and giving back to the community. On the creative side, women have made inspirational tiles and collages, and written poetry.

“I think the circle is so popular because it gives women time for themselves – they’re not on duty,” Amundson said. “We always say everything that happens in circle stays in circle. It’s a powerful experience, and Fiddler’s Creek is very supportive of our mission.”

Fiddler’s Creek announces that only two move-in ready coach homes remain available in Sonoma, a village of 44 classic Mediterranean residences. The three-bedroom, two-bath homes by national homebuilder Lennar Homes represent the Florence floor plan, a first-floor residence designed for convenient, maintenance-free living.

The Florence offers a living room, kitchen, breakfast area and dining room within its 1,741 square feet of air-conditioned living space. It also has a two-car garage, screened patio and 2,338 total square feet.

Upgraded features include 20-inch diagonal tile in main living areas and entryways; granite countertops and raised panel wood cabinetry in kitchens and baths; and Colonial-style wood casing and baseboards.

The Florence kitchen offers a closet pantry, an extended peninsula breakfast bar, and stainless steel Energy Star-rated GE appliances.

The Florence features a split floor plan separating the master suite and guest bedrooms. The owner’s retreat offers his-and-her walk-in closets and a spacious bathroom with a glass-enclosed shower, Roman tub, vanity with two sinks, linen closet and water closet. The floor plan is base priced from $304,999.

The village of Sonoma at Fiddler’s Creek features 11 two-story buildings offering only four residences in each, with most homes overlooking lakes. Buildings have brick paver entryways and are designed with numerous green and eco-friendly features.

Fiddler’s Creek raised $9,000 during its second annual Bosom Buddies tennis exhibition and silent auction, more than doubling its contribution to the Naples charity from the inaugural event in 2015.

“Fiddler’s Creek is a compassionate and generous community,” said Aubrey Ferrao, president and CEO Fiddler’s Creek. “We’re pleased to make this contribution on our residents’ behalf to such a worthwhile organization.”

Bosom Buddies provides physical, emotional and educational support for women with breast cancer and lymphedema.
The Jan. 30 exhibition featured Scott Pennington and Desislav Borov, tennis pros at The Club & Spa at Fiddler’s Creek, who competed against two local players and attracted so many attendees the staff had to expand the available spectator seating.

Silent auction items featured ballroom dancing lessons; tennis, wine and food-themed baskets; boating and fishing excursions; kayak ecoadventures; rounds of golf and more, which were donated by Fiddler’s Creek tennis league members, residents and local businesses.

“We are thankful for everyone who donated and bid,” said Ron Albeit, general manager. “It helped us double our contribution to Bosom Buddies in two years – and we hope we can double it again next year.”

Because of the success of the exhibition and silent auction, Fiddler’s Creek is recruiting a volunteer tennis committee to plan the 2017 event. “We are already planning for big things next year,” Albeit said.

In 1997, Fiddler’s Creek responded to Collier County Schools’ “Building Bridges” program by forming a partnership with nearby Manatee Elementary School in which residents of the master-planned community collected toys to help students in need have a brighter Christmas. Today, that partnership has flourished; while the community’s support still includes the toy drive, Fiddler’s Creek residents organize an annual school supply effort, collect funds through an annual Turkey Trot to help teachers purchase classroom supplies, and volunteer in classrooms as mentors and aides to work directly with kids in the Title I school.

Title I schools are those with a large enrollment or a high percentage of children from low-income families.
Last week, residents’ efforts were celebrated at Fiddler’s Creek by Collier County Commissioner Donna Fiala, Collier County Public Schools Superintendent Kamela Patton, Manatee Elementary Principal Wendy Borowski, and school board members Kathy Curatalo and Roy Terry, who were among the luncheon’s 40 guests.

Aubrey Ferrao, CEO of Fiddler’s Creek, thanked his residents for their commitment and generosity and challenged communities throughout Collier County to adopt Title I schools. “Education is one of the most powerful, transformational advantages any child can have,” said Ferrao. “By helping our Title I kids be successful, we are strengthening the fabric of our communities, while helping to brighten the future for these students, their families – and for us all. I join with our education leaders in encouraging other communities and residents to adopt a Title I school, and to help nurture the students with your time, treasure and talents.”

“Our residents have made such a positive impact on the lives of Manatee Elementary students and their families because they feel it’s important to give back,” said Ron Albeit, general manager of Fiddler’s Creek. “We know there are other schools that would benefit from a similar partnership with a master-planned community.”

Last summer Fiddler’s Creek residents donated 59 backpacks, 10 uniforms, 39 pairs of shoes, 139 composition books, and enough school essentials to check off the back-to-school supply lists for dozens of Manatee Elementary students.

“Fiddler’s Creek has supported us for a long time, and the residents have seen the different needs we have had over the years,” said Borowski. “We can assure our children not to worry, that we will have what they need and that is because of what Fiddler’s Creek does for us.”

Fiddler’s Creek has been awarded the prestigious Distinguished Emerald Club designation, an honor attained by only the top five percent of private clubs in the world. Fiddler’s Creek earned top scores following an October 2015 on-site visit evaluating the member experience in 10 categories, including golf, dining, fitness and clubhouse. Distinguished Achievement in Leadership awards also were presented to nine club employees.

The annual Distinguished Clubs of the World awards program is conducted by BoardRoom magazine, one of the most respected trade publications serving private clubs, and is designed to recognize and preserve the private club tradition.

“We’d like to congratulate Fiddler’s Creek for earning Distinguished Emerald Club status and inclusion in an elite list of the world’s best club experiences,” said John Fornaro, the magazine’s publisher. “Special recognition also goes to the management team, as well as the club’s board of directors, department heads and the entire staff for their efforts in providing an excellent member experience.”

“Being named a Distinguished Emerald Club is an incredible honor,” said Aubrey J. Ferrao, president and CEO of Fiddler’s Creek. “We are dedicated to providing an unrivaled golf and club experience at Fiddler’s Creek, and this award recognizes our commitment. Our members will be proud to belong to one of the top clubs in the world.” To be considered as a Distinguished Club of the World, clubs must be nominated by a committee representing their peers – the most well-respected private club general managers and industry experts. BoardRoom executives, who have visited more than 5,000 clubs worldwide, use a proprietary club-specific rating system focusing on food and beverage service, golf operations and courses, tennis, aquatics, spa and club facilities, as well as intangible qualities such as reputation, traditions, history and lore.

Fiddler’s Creek’s signature 18-hole Creek Course, designed by acclaimed golf course architect Arthur Hills, has created legendary moments and rich traditions since its opening in February 2002. Named among Golfweek Magazine’s Top 100 Best Residential Golf Courses in the country for 11 consecutive years, the course was designed within existing marshlands, nature preserves, creeks and waterways in the approximately 4,000-acre Fiddler’s Creek, a luxury master-planned community on Collier Boulevard on the way to Marco Island.

The Creek Course and Fiddler’s Creek also have received recognition in Links magazine as one of America’s 100 Premier Properties, Travel + Leisure Golf magazine’s America’s Top 100 Golf Communities, and GolfCourseRealty.com’s Top 10 Best Residential Courses in the Sunshine State. Fiddler’s Creek has been selected by the readers of the Naples Daily News and Bonita Daily News as “Best Community” in the Southwest Florida Readers’ Choice Awards.

Amenities include the 54,000-square-foot Club & Spa at Fiddler’s Creek, a fitness center, tropical lagoon-style swimming complex, tennis courts, and both casual and elegant dining. The Club & Spa offers a luxurious resort lifestyle and hosts numerous community-wide parties and special events for residents of all ages.

In addition to joining The Golf Club, residents also have membership opportunities in The Tarpon Club, which offers a beach and boating experience that includes beach access at the Marco Beach Ocean Resort, ranked among the Top Resorts in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards and by Conde Nast Traveler. A limited number of non-resident annual and seasonal memberships with term date flexibility are currently available at both The Golf Club and The Tarpon Club.

Pre-construction and move-in-ready homes at Fiddler’s Creek are priced from the $400,000s to over $2 million and are offered by five well-respected homebuilders – Ashton Woods Homes, D.R. Horton, Lennar Homes, Stock Signature Homes and Taylor Morrison.

Fiddler’s Creek announces four new inventory homes by D.R. Horton in the single-family village of Lagomar. A village of 42 residences, Lagomar is located in the Veneta section of Fiddler’s Creek, the luxury master-planned community located on Collier Boulevard on the way to Marco Island.

With cul-de-sac and east, west, north and south exposure options, Lagomar is intertwined with scenic waterways providing tranquil lake views from three spacious floor plans. Residences feature covered lanais and optional pool and spa, and outdoor summer kitchen upgrades. In addition to pre-construction offerings, there are currently four inventory homes under construction with an expected completion later this fall.

The Madison is a one-story home featuring three bedrooms, four baths and a den. The bedrooms are located in separate wings of the home to ensure maximum privacy. The den, directly off the lanai, is large enough to accommodate a fourth bedroom. The large entry foyer features a coffered ceiling that leads to the formal living room and dining room. The largest floor plan available, the Madison offers 3,246 square feet under air and 4,294 total square feet. The Madison floor plan is base-priced from $634,990, and one inventory Madison residence is currently under construction.

The Washington, a single-story home with classic Mediterranean architectural detailing, offers 2,788 square feet under air and 3,721 total square feet. The home features three bedrooms and three and one-half baths, just steps away from the centrally located great room. The Washington’s well-appointed kitchen features an adjoining café dining area.

Soaring 12-foot ceilings and glass sliding doors that retract into the wall create an ambiance of openness between indoors and out, inviting residents and their guests to enjoy the best of Florida living. The home also offers a separate den/study and formal dining room, which is connected to the kitchen by a butler’s pantry. The Washington floor plan is base-priced from $599,990, and currently, there are two Washington inventory homes under construction.

The Hawthorne emphasizes southern-style Florida living within 2,583 air-conditioned square feet. The home features three bedrooms and a den, three full baths, and a great room-styled plan with a large dining space off the kitchen area and sliding glass doors that retract into the wall. An optional lanai extension is available for the home, creating a generous covered living area with a seamless glass corner window from the kitchen/dining room and a pool bath. The home includes a three-car garage, and distinctive pool and spa packages are available options. The Hawthorne floor plan is base-priced from $574,990, and one inventory Hawthorne residence is currently under construction.

Each residence within the village of Lagomar is constructed of structurally engineered, reinforced concrete block wall and high-profile concrete roof tiles. The homes feature brick paver driveways and walkways plus impact glass doors and windows. Interior design finishes include seven-inch crown molding in all living areas and the master suite; the luxury kitchen includes granite countertops, GE Profile™ Series stainless steel appliances with gas range top, and cabinets with decorative finishes. Baths feature ceramic tile flooring, designer bath fixtures, granite countertops and custom-framed mirrors in the master baths. As a closing incentive, D.R. Horton will pay all Community Development District (CDD) debt service fee charges for buyers in Lagomar.

Fiddler’s Creek announces the introduction of Lagomar II, a new village of 35 single-family homes created exclusively by Lennar Homes. The national homebuilder is offering six floor plans in Lagomar II, designed to accommodate a variety of lifestyles within Fiddler’s Creek, the 4,000-acre luxury master-planned community.

Lagomar II, nestled against lakes and waterways, features three and four bedroom homes, ranging from 2,244 to 3,025 air-conditioned square feet. Lennar’s popular floor plans emphasize an alfresco lifestyle – with walls of sliding glass doors opening to screened lanais – and feature an open design that flows between the kitchen and breakfast nooks and the adjoining family and great rooms.

Homes offer elegant exterior architecture accented with arches, columns, decorative metalwork and medallions, corbels and crown molding.

Lennar’s home designs include the four-bedroom, two-bath Princeton, offering 2,244 square feet of living space. With a central great room, open concept kitchen, breakfast nook and formal dining room, the home is ideal for entertaining. The Princeton is priced from $443,999.

The Stanford has four bedrooms, three baths, 2,267 square feet of interior space and a three-car garage. The kitchen offers a freestanding center island and a curving peninsular breakfast bar overlooking an expansive great room. The Stanford is currently priced from $438,999.

The Napoli’s 2,394 square feet of living space offers three bedrooms and a den, dining room, two full baths, powder room and a kitchen equipped for a chef. The floor plan is currently base-priced at $544,999.
At 3,025 square feet, the two-story Napoli Grande is the largest home offered in Lagomar II. Offering the same first-floor design as the Napoli, the Napoli Grande offers three large bedrooms and a den. Its second floor adds 631 square feet, with a full bath and a bonus room offering a wet bar. The Napoli Grande is currently base-priced at $609,999.
The 2,553-square-foot Toscana features a dramatic rotunda entry accented with columns and arches – a fitting introduction to Lagomar II’s most formal floor plan. Designed for entertaining, the Toscana offers formal living and dining rooms and a family room open to the kitchen and bay-window breakfast nook. The four-bedroom, three-bath home is currently base-priced at $554,999.

The Bougainvillea II is a three-bedroom, three-bath residence that offers a dining room, den and breakfast nook nestled in a bay window. The interior is accented with arches throughout, and the master suite has his-and-her walk-in closets. The Bougainvillea II is currently base-priced at $659,999.

Master suites in Lagomar II are designed with large walk-in closets and bathrooms offering separate Roman tubs, showers, vanities with his-and-her sinks, linen closets and private water closets.

As part of the Lennar’s emphasis on green building, homes in Lagomar II are built with concrete, block, drywall and insulation containing recycled content; energy-efficient and EnergyStar-rated water heaters and appliances; and paint and carpeting containing low volatile organic compounds for improved air quality.

Fiddler’s Creek announces that the popular single-family Lazio VII home by Taylor Morrison is now available in the villages of Amador, Mussorie and Oyster Harbor within the luxury, master-planned community.

The Lazio VII is a one-story residence featuring 2,275 air-conditioned square feet and 3,061 total square feet. The open floor plan features three bedrooms, three baths and a den situated around a great room and dining room with adjoining kitchen and island bar. Located off the entry foyer, the den features an office that is large enough to accommodate two desks, with ample room to work separately or plan together.

The Lazio VII emphasizes outdoor living with wall-to-wall sliding glass doors leading out to the screened lanai, which is ideal for entertaining with an optional covered outdoor living area. The home has a two-car garage with an optional tandem third-car garage. The Lazio VII is base priced from $458,900, plus homesite premium.

Interior design features of the Lazio VII include Colonial-style wood casing and baseboards; decorative lighting fixtures in the breakfast nook, dining room and foyer; and ceramic tile floors in the foyer, kitchen, bathrooms and utility room. Other features include 42-inch maple or cherry cabinets with hidden hinges, and GE stainless steel appliances in the kitchen. The master suite of the Lazio VII offers an oversized shower with clear glass enclosure and separate his-and-her vanities.

Exterior design features of the Lazio VII include barrel profile roof tiles; a steel-paneled garage door; paver driveway, walkway and entry; exterior garage coach lights, and galvanized storm panels. The home also offers a number of high-efficiency, energy-saving features throughout.

Taylor Morrison also offers three Lazio VII move-in-ready homes in the villages of Amador and Mussorie, single-family enclaves set amidst lush landscaping and meandering waterways. A fully furnished model is priced at $633,913; the other homes are priced at $610,778 and $619,845. Showcase model homes are open for touring daily.

The Lazio VII residence is also available in Taylor Morrison’s Oyster Harbor, which features 1,000 single-family residences and 16 floor plans ranging from 1,689 to 3,439 air-conditioned square feet. Most homesites offer scenic lake views. Indoor and outdoor living spaces are designed to enhance the way residents live, relax and entertain.

Fiddler’s Creek announced that construction is nearly complete on two new inventory homes in Marsh Cove, a gated village which will initially feature 112 single-family residences within the luxury master-planned community located on Collier Boulevard on the way to Marco Island.

National homebuilder Ashton Woods is offering the inventory homes, which represent the Sevilla and Cantabria floor plans. Featuring Spanish Colonial-inspired architecture and expansive outdoor living areas, both homes offer stunning views of creeks and the Fiddler’s Creek championship golf course and are expected to be complete this summer.

The Sevilla is a one-story residence offering 2,570 air-conditioned square feet and 3,488 total square feet. The home is designed for livability and allows room for personalization with three bedrooms and three baths. The residence also features a spacious great room with adjoining kitchen and dining areas, a courtyard, and an outdoor living area with pool and summer kitchen. The home’s three-car garage is standard and includes three individual doors for convenient access. The Sevilla inventory home is priced at $1,090,107.

The Cantabria is a single-story design offering 3,048 air-conditioned square feet and 4,033 total square feet with an open floor plan that includes three bedrooms, three and one-half baths, and a formal dining room that may be used as a study. The residence also offers a large, open family room and outdoor living area with pool and summer kitchen. The home’s three-car garage features separate doors. The Cantabria inventory home is priced at $1,052,921.

Each home in the village of Marsh Cove is built of structurally engineered reinforced concrete block wall construction with high-profile concrete roof tiles and concrete pavers. Interior design features include luxurious kitchens with custom-made Veneta Cucine cabinets and KitchenAid appliances, 10-inch baseboards throughout the main floor, insulated impact windows, and a number of energy-efficient features throughout.

Fiddler’s Creek now has eight new, move-in-ready, single-family homes available for purchase in the luxury master-planned community’s villages of Amador and Mussorie.

Among the available homes are two fully furnished, turnkey residences that are ready for immediate occupancy.
Offered by Taylor Morrison, Amador and Mussorie are intimate villages featuring ornamental detailing and lush landscaping. The move-in-ready homes showcase three individual floor plans, ranging from 1,856 to 2,275 square feet of air-conditioned living space.

The Lazio VII is a 3,061-square-foot, one-story residence with 2,275 square feet of interior living space. The design features an open floor plan with three bedrooms, three baths, and a den situated around a central family room and dining room, with an adjoining kitchen and island bar. The Lazio VII also includes an ample den that can easily accommodate two desks. The spacious screened and covered lanai of the Lazio VII is ideal for entertaining; an optional covered area expands the outdoor living space. Three available Lazio VII residences are priced from $610,778.

The 2,889-square-foot Farnese VII offers 2,100 square feet of interior living area. This one-story, move-in-ready home features an open floor plan with two bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths. The kitchen includes a breakfast nook, and a sizeable den – located just off the foyer – offers space for a his-and-her office. The Farnese VII also features a spacious, screen-covered lanai and an optional covered outdoor living plan. Two fully-furnished Farnese VII residences are priced at $586,090 and $598,497.

Two additional Farnese VII move-in-ready residences are priced at $601,215 and $613,304.
The Piceno VII is a one-story home with 1,856 square feet of interior living space. The home includes two bedrooms, two baths, and a den around a central family room and dining room, with an adjoining kitchen and island bar. The move-in-ready Piceno VII is priced at $544,072.

Taylor Morrison offers two additional floor plans in Amador and Mussorie: the Trevi VII and Carina VII.
The Trevi VII is a two-story residence with 2,843 square feet of living space, two bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and a den. A bonus room, located on the second floor, may be converted into an optional third or fourth bedroom, or a home entertainment room. The base price for the Trevi VII is $478,900, plus lot premium.

The two-story Carina VII is the largest floor plan currently offered in Mussorie, with 3,144 square feet of living space. The home features three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a den, and a second-floor bonus room that can be converted into a fourth bedroom or a game room. The base price for the Carina is $493,900, plus lot premium.

Taylor Morrison offers enhanced interior design features in Amador and Mussorie, including Colonial-style wood casing and baseboards; decorative lighting fixtures in the breakfast nook, dining room and foyer; ceramic tile floors in the foyer, kitchen, baths and utility room; 42-inch wood cabinets with hidden hinges; and GE stainless-steel appliances in the kitchen. Each model also offers an oversized master bath with a clear glass shower enclosure and separate his-and-her vanities.

Exterior design features include barrel-profile roof tiles, a steel-paneled garage door, galvanized storm panels, and brick-paver driveways, walkways and entries, with high-efficiency, energy-saving features throughout.