As I'm sure you are no doubt aware, there are a number of villas springing up across Florida, so our job is to make Villa Carmen a little special and ahead of its rivals. We spent two weeks in October 2004 choosing a villa, and we viewed in the region of 40 different sites, (including off-plan and resale).

We finally decided on buying Villa Carmen for a number reasons. First and foremost we absolutely loved the location. Not only was it within touching distance of all the major theme parks, it was on the highly respected Highlands Reserve with its prestigious golf course. But unlike so many other communities, this one felt particularly cared for, with manicured lawns and impeccable villas. Despite our villa being brand new in January 2005, Highlands is an established community with mature trees and shrubs. So, unlike many other developments, this one does not give you the feeling of living adjacent to a building site.

With regard to the villa itself....our location within the community is ideal, opposite the golf club, off the main road and backing onto the course with no villas behind us. The internal design is well thought out and aesthetically pleasing. Being new, it has all the latest features and is right up to date in respect to Florida's strict building regulations, which could be advantageous should Florida experience another summer like 2004..!!

Because the Villa can sleep up to 9 people, it is ideal for a large family, two families, or 5 maybe 6 adults wishing to enjoy a golfing holiday. We have a Management Company located 2 minutes away who will be able to welcome you on arrival, familiarise you with everything connected to the villa, offer extensive advice and of course be on hand for any emergencies.

The villa is brand new and furnished to an executive standard. As you would expect, it is fully air-conditioned and enjoys all the mod-cons of a modern home, with a fully fitted kitchen, separate dining room, utility room, and spacious family room equipped with 52” wide screen TV and DVD with the all-important surround sound. Villa Carmen comes complete with full internet access, either by cable or wireless.

The master bedroom opens out onto the pool deck, and has a spacious en-suite with walk-in shower and “garden tub” bath. To the front of the house we have a bay-fronted bedroom with Queen-size bed and private bathroom. There are two further bedrooms, one a twin, the other with a ‘double-single’ bunk bed. These two share a “Jack’n’Jill” bathroom. Every bedroom has its own individual TV with in-built DVD. You will also be able to utilise the excellent laundry room and double garage. The Villa is also fully equipped for our "little" guests. We don't charge extra for use of the high chair, crib (travel cot) or potty..!!! We have also purchased a BBQ for guests to use, (this comes with fairly strict use and cleaning conditions)

But we think the main reason to choose our villa, is our beautiful west-facing pool and deck. We have extended our decking to provide a wide and spacious area to socialise, entertain or simply sunbathe and relax. The pool (heated if you wish) is 28’ long and provides the perfect alternative to the theme parks or the golf course. It backs onto a small lake and the tenth tee. You can finish off the perfect day with a glass of wine watching the golf buggies glide silently by as the sun sinks behind the pine trees.

It gets the sun almost all day but offers shade either under the covered part of the pool deck or later in the afternoon, as it drops behind the trees. Because of its slightly raised elevation, you can sit and happily watch the golfers without feeling that you are being watched. Unlike many other villas, you are not over-looked by anyone backing onto you. You do have neighbours on either side, and this is usual in Florida, but with suitable landscaping, privacy is retained.

We believe the pool is probably the most important aspect of the villa, as this is where you'll be spending most of your time, and this is why we bought Villa Carmen...!!