LUXURY HOMES IN THE REGION'S COOLEST CITY

Who wouldn’t want to live in Orlando’s “coolest suburb?” Although Winter Garden residents might argue (rightfully) that their historic and happening city is much more than a suburb, they likely wouldn’t argue with the reasons given by Thrillist, a popular lifestyle website, in describing the coolness of “the charming little city with a juicy past,” as it has been dubbed by local boosters.

Here are just a few reasons why buyers are charmed by Winter Garden: It boasts a lively historic district filled with owner-operated restaurants and eclectic boutiques; the West Orange Trail runs right along Plant Street, the main drag; and a converted movie house, the Garden Theatre, provides an intimate setting for concerts and plays. All this and more — including two delightful local-history museums packed with quirky artifacts — contributes to the “unique personality” that sets Winter Garden apart from other cities on Orlando’s periphery.

Residents of Canopy Oaks, being developed by Canopy Oaks Development Company LLC and A.R. Bailey Homes, get all that plus beautiful homes that boast custom-quality design, detail and craftsmanship. 

Canopy Oaks Development Company is headed by Mason Simpson, one of South Florida’s most respected luxury builders. Over the past 35 years, Simpson has spearheaded development of more than 2,000 homes throughout Florida. 

Tom Garver and Rob Smith, owners of St. Cloud-based A.R. Bailey Homes, have built more than 10,000 homes over the past 20 years. This summer, the company was named to the Orlando Business Journal’s “Fast 50,” which recognized the region’s fastest-growing companies.

Canopy Oaks is aptly named, since grandfather oaks provide a stunning canopy along Roper Road and within the community. It’s gated, of course, and boasts an advanced virtual security system.

Luxurious homes, situated on oversized 75-foot homesites, are priced from the low $600s. Three models — the Sanibel, the Delray and the Lockhart — range in size from 3,600 to 4,600 square feet of living space with four, five and six bedrooms. A choice of Mediterranean, French Country and Italian elevations for each model ensures variety.

The floorplans are highlighted by sprawling entertainment areas that flow into gourmet kitchens, second-floor game rooms, gathering rooms and theater rooms. Master suites are particularly lush, and all models come with tile roofs, three-car garages, and paver driveways and walkways. 

The Sanibel model features a particularly notable owner’s suite, with a rotunda entry through double doors. Beyond the rotunda is the master bedroom, with a huge walk-in closet, and a circular owner’s bath featuring a large double shower wrapped around a soaking tub.

Homesites have backyards with plenty of room for a pool and play space. And all schools are A-rated, including Lake Whitney Elementary, SunRidge Middle and West Orange High.

And yes, it’s close to cool downtown Winter Garden and just minutes from the huge Winter Garden Village shopping and dining complex. State Road 429 (also known as the Western Beltway) and Florida’s Turnpike are about five minutes away.

“We studied the market for luxury move-up homes and created designs that are distinctively different,” says Garver, president of A.R. Bailey Homes. “Canopy Oaks feels like a custom-home neighborhood without the custom-home price. You won’t find another community like it in Orlando.”

For more information, visit canopyoaksfl.com.