It’s the winter in Naples 1932 when a lone plane descends for a safe landing at the end of Fifth Avenue near the beach. “Lucky” Lindy and wife Ann have stopped by to pick up supplies for their Sanibel retreat from the few businesses that existed at Four Corners and maybe drop in to Club 41. With not much more than the train station, local garage, gas station, dry goods store, Chamber of Commerce and telephone building life was fairly slow in this ostensibly remote and largely undiscovered paradise. But… things have changed.

Fast forward to 2013, let’s take a look at the revealing demographic evolution. From the estimated “handful” of residents in 1930, Collier County grew from 15,753 people in 1960, to 152,099 in 1990, and to 321,520 in 2010 according to the U.S. Bureau of Census. That’s an amazing 20 fold growth in just 40 years! Yes, Naples has grown since these slower days of yore but without a doubt has retained a small town charm throughout the past 100+ years.

These days, traveling the streets of greater Naples reveals a vast array of things to do and see from music, art, restaurants, performing arts, nature preserves and shopping and of course soft white sand beaches. While the best way to find the very “best of” in the area might be to ask a resident or frequent visitor, a few of the notable ones would have to be the Naples Philharmonic Center, Naples Art Museum, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and the shopping and dining experiences along Fifth Avenue and Third Street South. Of course, let’s not forget the Naples Pier at the foot of 12th Street South and the numerous silky sand beaches like Lowdermilk Beach Park in the central area and Vanderbilt Beach to the north to name two. Seemingly a world away from the hustle bustle of everyday life, Naples is a great place to be.

Corresponding to the demographic snap shot, the number and style of homes in SWFL grew as well. The Naples area offers homes in many different styles with greatly varying community amenities to fit any budget or recreation desires. Golf, tennis, boating, fitness facilities, swimming, social centers and more… it’s all here for your enjoyment. From modest condos offered under $200,000 to estate sized single family homes and luxury high rise condos offered at over $10,000,000, Naples has something for virtually everyone.

So, whether you currently own a home in the area and are considering upsizing or downsizing or you’re just here on a visit and find yourself dreaming of the possibilities, let’s take a look at the type of homes your real estate dollar can buy courtesy of Downing-Frye Realty, Inc. and Gulf Coast International Properties.

Let’s start with a beach front high rise located in Seasons at Naples Cay. With 4 bedrooms plus den and 6 ½ baths this private penthouse offers 360-degree views from its beachfront, central Naples location! Comprising the entire top floor of the luxury 22-story tower it has 11,698 sq. ft. and includes fifteen sets of nine-foot windows and seven outdoor terraces providing spectacular views of sunrises, sunsets and everything in between. Ready for designer finishes to accompany the spacious kitchen with a Gaggenau cooking center, home theater room, wine cellar, private fitness salon and service kitchen with butler’s pantry this home is one of a kind.

Offered at $11,995,000   MLS # 212039487

Moving inland a short distance we find and estate home in one of the finest exclusive golf communities, Bay Colony Golf Club in Pelican Marsh. With over 8,700 sq. ft., 5 bedrooms plus den and 6 ½ baths this home provides the utmost in privacy & security in an environment offering world-class amenities and expansive vistas of the 7th & 8th fairways of the Robert Von Hagge designed course. With a multi-level pool area complete with summer kitchen, veranda and spa you can relax indoors or out in a perfectly serene setting.

Offered at $5,690,000    MLS# 212028873

Traveling a bit further east located in the private Enclave of Venezia Grande Estates in the Vineyards we find this home with over 4,300 sq. ft. and 4 bedrooms plus den and 4 ½ baths. Entertaining is a pleasure in the gourmet kitchen and the home features dramatic architectural detail and 9 Chandeliers hovering over imported marble flooring with a carved marble gas fireplace and an abundance of windows to capture all the outdoor beauty.

Offered at $2,450,000      MLS# 212018829

Now let’s head back to the west to one of the most prestigious, non-gated addresses in Naples. This custom built home located in The Moorings has over 4,050 sq. ft. with 5 bedrooms plus den and 5 ½ baths and is within minutes of the Gold Coast beaches fabulous shopping, and great restaurants. Total outdoor privacy and wonderful southern exposure for those sun worshipers among us.

Offered at $1,795,000    MLS#212028424

Returning again to north Naples, this home is located in Portofino with over 3,100 sq. ft. and 3 bedrooms plus den and 5 baths. With southern exposure and golf course views the popular great room kitchen is everyone’s favorite layout. Rich wood built in entertainment center in the family room provides functional beauty and the master bedroom overlooks the golf course and pool area.

Offered at $1,249,000     MLS# 212038843

In south Naples, we find this home located in the Majors at Lely Resort with 4 bedrooms plus den and 4 ½ baths. At over 3,100 sq. ft. this affordable elegance features a gourmet kitchen and is situated on an expansive lot providing the privacy you want in this golf community. And… experience Lely’s Players Club spa and fitness facility to swim, workout or enjoy the Tiki bar. Offered at $849,900     MLS# 212027832

For the boating enthusiasts in the group, here is a sky high 15^th floor condo with exceptional views of the gulf and dazzling Naples nightscape. Located in the marina community of Tarpon Cove in The Caribe at Cove Towers with over 1,850 sq. ft. and 3 bedrooms and 2 bath this home has top quality and easy to maintain Teak hardwood floors and a kitchen that can only be described as a chef’s delight overlooking the great room! Custom built in entertainment center, coffered ceilings featuring recessed lighting and 8 ft. double doors open to a spacious master bedroom. Lots of crown molding, elegant study, electric storm shutters & more!

Offered at $649,900   MLS#212025974

And finally, located just to the north in Verona Walk, this home boasts over 2,000 sq. ft. under air and features 3 bedrooms plus Den, 2 baths and an open floor plan perfect for entertaining & enjoying the SWFL weather. Best of all perhaps is huge lanai and custom free form saltwater pool and spa. Sit back and enjoy your surroundings.

Offered at $425,000   MLS#212035807

Southwest Florida has been a destination for many years and the real estate choices are vast. As at this writing there are over 5,500 properties offered at prices from $200,000 and higher in Naples and neighboring Bonita Springs and Estero. Inventory levels continue to decline while activity remains high and with prices arguably at the “bottom” or even beginning to see slight appreciation, the time to consider change is now.

Don’t know where to begin? Selecting a home seems to come down to two main questions, the answers to which, form the basis for a good decision.

1. What type of community and amenities do I want?
2. What type of home and features do I want?

While I am not trying to over simplify, the answer to these two questions will help you narrow your search to a manageable list so you can enjoy the process.

So many clients tell me “You know, we have been waiting, planning and dreaming of owning a home in SWFL for years. And now it is a reality.” You can realize your dream too. When was the last time you took a look at a new home?

Chip Krespach is a luxury home specialist in SWFL and can be reached at 239-823-6768 or Chip@LuxuryHomesSWFL.com

www.LuxuryHomesSWFL.com

by Chip Krespach