The House Surroundings:
The house and the surrounding area offer a holiday that will appeal to active families, golfers or those just wishing to relax in the Florida sunshine in a beautiful area. The on site facilities include: River Strand and Stoneybrook Golf Courses; Baseball/Basketball/Soccer; Jogging and Cycle Tracks; Canoeing/Boating/Fishing Lake; Children's playground; Picnic Area. The gated community and quiet roads provide a safe environment for children and the many wetland areas around the golf courses and houses are teeming with water birds and other bird life.
The Local Area:
As well as the numerous restaurants, shops and tourist attractions the local area has plenty of wildlife to see. At Myaka State Park boat rides and tram rides with local rangers offer the opportunity to see vultures, osprey, many wading birds and, of course, alligators! Anna Maria Island is a haven for pelicans which can be seen diving for fish close to the shore. The beautiful white sand beaches have many different shells and ancient sharks' teeth can also be found. There are also opportunities along the coast for boat trips to see Dolphins and the elusive Manatee, to enjoy snorkelling and to try your hand at diving.
Golf:
The area is a golfer's paradise with over 50 courses to choose from within the Sarasota/Bradenton area. There are four courses within 5 minutes of the house, each of which is challenging and well worth playing and boast plenty of wildlife. Green fees vary by season/time of day, but are very reasonable. River Strand - 27 holes of great golf course with 3 distinct 9 hole courses some adjoining the Manatee River. Temporary membership is available for long term renters. Stoneybrook - A real test of golf off the back tees. Suitable for all standards and played through mature Preserve landscape, lakes and ponds. The Links at Greenfield Plantation - A good public course just down the road with open fairways but plenty of water/out of bounds. Waterlefe - A real challenge for any level of golfer offering 5 sets of tees. There are some unforgettable holes carved out alongside the Manatee River.
