FLORIDA LIVING LIKE YOU ALWAYS IMAGINED IT TO BE

There aren’t many opportunities for lakefront living near the region’s major attractions in a location that seems secluded and luxuriously laid back. Bellalago, though, manages to be near the action but seemingly far removed from the hustle-bustle.

Boasting a full mile of shoreline along 20,000-acre Lake Tohopekaliga — one of the state’s best bass-fishing lakes — and sitting just 20 minutes south of Walt Disney World, beautiful Bellalago has a relaxed resort vibe and a family-friendly ambiance. Call it everyone’s idea of what traditional Florida living ought to be.

Located in Kissimmee, the gated AV Homes community boasts a Mediterranean flair, with beautiful, Tuscan-inspired homes. There are neighborhood parks and heavily wooded nature preserves with century-old oak hammocks. 

But the star of the show is world-famous Lake Tohopekaliga, which is known by locals as Lake Toho. Bellalago residents can enjoy the lake’s legendary sunsets from a gazebo and a 1,300-foot boardwalk along the shoreline. 

There are more than 300 acres of inland lakes and waterways also great for fishing and boating. The community has two boat ramps, two boat lifts, a fishing pier and covered areas for just sitting and relaxing. 

Not a particularly avid boater? Bellalago’s amenities also include two multimillion dollar clubhouses with state-of-the-art fitness centers, multi-pool aquatic centers, children’s water parks and tot lots, tennis and basketball courts and a bandshell as well as walking and biking trails.

Club Vialago is the community’s vibrant social center. You’ll love The Grille, a recently remodeled neighborhood restaurant offering poolside service and dining with a lake view.

Residents who don’t feel like cooking often place carryout orders for sumptuous sandwiches, fresh salads, enticing entreés, delectable desserts and cold drinks. 

Adding to the advantages for families, there’s even a school within Bellalago’s gates. State-of-the-art Bellalago Academy, a K-8 charter school, guarantees admission to every child who lives in the community.

 Neighboring Liberty High School (grades 9-12) opened its $49 million campus just a few years ago.

And we mustn’t forget shopping. The Village Shops at Bellalago is an upscale center that includes a grocery store, restaurants and banking facilities as well as an array of retailers. 

Bellalago was named Best Master-Planned Community by the Florida Home Builders Association and by the HBA of Metro Orlando (now the Greater Orlando Builders Association) in 2004. Since then, the community has earned more than 30 awards for excellence. 

Although the overall architectural theme in Bellalago is Tuscan, there are still plenty of choices for buyers. There are three collections of homes: The Classic Collection, the Estate Collection and the Grand Estate Collection. Within each collection are from four to seven plans.

Homes in the Classic Collection range in size from 1,813 to 3,043 square feet and are priced from $183,990 to $278,990. Homes in the Estate Collection range in size from 2,410 to 3,968 square feet and are priced from $243,990 to $324,990. Grand Estate homes range in size from 4,575 to 5,646 square feet and are priced from $380,990 to $495,990.

For more information, visit avhomesinc.com.