Turn to tile for a high-impact finish that can offer design choices from traditional to modern. Tile trends for 2019 will appeal to those who like their home decor bold, dramatic and colorful or more subdued, timeless and classic. “The tile world is in consistent evolution,” said Laura Grilli, senior product development manager at manufacturer Daltile. Innovation is the key not only from a design standpoint but in terms of technology and installation, she said. Tile Uses and … [Read more...]
Florida Is the Big Winner as the Wealthy Move Out of Northern States
Roughly 5 million Americans move from one state to another annually and some states are clearly making out better than others. Florida and South Carolina enjoyed the top economic gains, while Connecticut, New York and New Jersey faced some of the biggest financial drains, according to a Bloomberg analysis of state-to-state moves based on data from the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Census Bureau. Connecticut lost the equivalent of 1.6% of its annual adjusted gross income, as … [Read more...]
How to Buy a Vacation Home in 5 Steps
Owning a vacation home may be easier than you think. Turn your getaway daydreams into reality — this guide will walk you through it, step by step. Dream of owning a vacation home but find the idea of buying one too intimidating? Here’s a guide to help you analyze your options. 1. Match housing choices to your lifestyle Many people assume they must own a primary residence before owning a vacation home, but that’s not necessarily true. What’s really important … [Read more...]
The Quiet Side of Florida – Discover Useppa Island
Discover Useppa Island - Southwest Florida's Paradise Coast provides a stark contrast to the I-95 corridor and high rise beach development of some of the more populated areas of Florida's east coast. Just imagine, 25-miles of pristine barrier islands, from Sanibel north to Boca Grande, with a 3-story height limit, and an ecosystem largely preserved as it was 100 years ago. Now, imagine forever views of sea, sky and foliage, to the north and south along Pine Island Sound. A protected area … [Read more...]
Easing the Process of Moving
The act of moving from an estate can be a stressful process. Packing and transporting your belongings to ensure their safe arrival at your new home may be worrisome, however, there are a few simple practices to make the transition go more smoothly. With prudent planning, your high-end dècor and family heirlooms will be displayed throughout your new home promptly and with ease. Catalog All Items to be Transported Knowing what items will be moved and their condition before being handled by … [Read more...]
5 Signs You’re Ready to Buy a Vacation Home
You've just returned from a trip to the beach. You ask yourself: Why should I continue to pay rental fees when I could own a vacation home and rent it out? Unless you're fairly wealthy, you'll need to make sure you can commit to buying a seasonal home before you start shopping around. Here are five indications that you're ready to take the plunge: 1. You can afford one Can you afford to own a vacation home? If the answer to that question is yes, that's probably the most obvious sign that … [Read more...]
Living on a Sandbar of History
The preservation of human history and the environment that shaped it is a fascination to most people. Proof of that is found in the dedication of many volunteers and a few professionals to building and maintaining museums, even for the smallest of communities. Useppa is certainly one of the smallest, with our 100 acre, 1 ¼ mile long island occupied by just 115 homes, a club, and the Barbara Sumwalt Museum of the Useppa Island Historical Society. Created by passionate residents and a … [Read more...]
Fun, Fitness and Fresh Air
If you’ve never set foot on Useppa Island, you are in for a treat! Occupied over the years by Calusa Indians, pirates, Spanish explorers and Cuban fisherman, Useppa Island is also the former home of Florida land tycoon, Barron Collier. Today’s unique private enclave offers not only a fascinating historical past, but also peaceful surroundings, an escape from the rat-race with many ways to unwind and a host of activities to pursue. With lots of recreation, fitness and fun, staying active is … [Read more...]
Unequalled Waterfront Value
Southwest Florida a national housing news continues to report the rapidly escalating prices of waterfront homes. The Useppa People have the wise alternative offering tremendous waterfront value. Priced from $529,000, our private island inventory offers fee simple Townhouse style attached Villas that offer the best value for waterfront living. Boasting BIG views across Pine Island Sound, the ICW or Charlotte Harbor, with free dockage for boats to 24 feet. Here, you’re not on a canal or back bay … [Read more...]
The Perfect Nature of Useppa
Have you ever wanted to live in the pristine heart of nature? Then Useppa Island should be your home. Located in the north sector of Pine Island Sound, 3 miles south of Boca Grand Pass, the Sound is a designated Aquatic Preserve. Florida’s highest ranking, it is one of six aquatic preserves that make up the Charlotte Harbor complex of preserves. The Gasparilla Sound-Charlotte Harbor Preserve is located just north of Useppa and extends easterly to Burnt Store and Punta Gorda. Wildlife Pine … [Read more...]