We first stayed in the area in 2003, and completely fell in love with the place! I timed the drive from the driveway to the parking lot of the Magic Kingdom, and it was under fifteen minutes, yet the villa was located in a very quiet and safe conservation sub-division, that was really hidden out of the way. The homes in the area were not built with no personality and right on top of each other like so many vacation rental developments are. As business owners we were intrigued by the aspects of running a vacation rental business, and began watching the real estate listings for the home we had stayed in, and when it came up for sale (six years later), we bought it! The conservation subdivision where our home is located has a good mix of owner residents and vacation homes, so the area is safe and kept in good repair. It is very beautiful, designed around a central 40 acre lake, and is very pleasant for a morning or evening stroll, when one can enjoy many birds, the odd small wildlife and a pleasant 'Hello' from neighbours.
In late 2011, while visiting our first Florida home (which has been a very successful vacation rental for us), we discovered this property was for sale. We were able to immediately purchase it, but knew it would take some work to bring it up to a standard suitable for our guests. After a year of work and renovations (not just decorating - we jack-hammered out floors, moved plumbing, tore out and built walls) we welcomed our first guests in December 2012. Since then we have been accumulating rave reviews!
This particular villa is located at the edge of the development against some tropical forest on the back side of the home where the pool and lanai are situated. The closest rear neighbor is a full lot away, and we have put in privacy landscaping to beautify and separate the pool area from neighbours. This affords our guests privacy, and a wonderful environment, without being alone in the country.