BELLALAGO WOWS BUYERS WITH A VERDANT SETTING ON BEAUTIFUL LAKE TOHO

The Bellalago community off Pleasant Hill Road in Kissimmee has some of the biggest granddaddy oaks dripping with Spanish moss, some of the tallest magnolia trees with shiny deep green leaves and some of the most colorful aquatic plants blooming in the waters of Lake Tohopekaliga, which skirts its eastern edge. 

The community, which began in November 2002, has expanded to encompass 1,330 acres. But through all the growth, its commitment to eco-preservation remains steadfast. And today, Bellalago is truly blessed with an abundance of mature foliage — something that’s often absent in Central Florida’s newer communities. 

Adding to Bellalago’s appeal are lakes and ponds within the gated community, many with waterfront homes. Seventeen neighborhoods boast names like Bella Vista, Lakeview Estate, Eagle Isle, Stillwater Landing and others. 

Earlier homes were built by Avatar Properties. Then, in October 2018, Taylor Morrison purchased the project. Stacie
Cornell, regional marketing manager with Taylor Morrison, says that one of the community’s most important selling points is its vacation-style amenities. 

There’s certainly no shortage of those. Bellalago has four resort-style pools: a zero-entry pool, a recreational pool (with a water slide!), a junior Olympic lap pool and a toddler pool. Other sports-related amenities include tennis courts, beach volleyball, basketball courts and, of course, boating with access to one of Central Florida’s premiere lakes. 

Club Vialago, the community’s social epicenter, is where residents enjoy classes from Zumba and Pilates to water aerobics. Besides its community room, gym, pools and a restaurant called Flip-Flops Bar and Grille, the club has a boat lift, a boardwalk/pier and a waterway to Lake Toho. 

Residents, from families and singles to retirees and empty nesters, are finding that Bellalago checks all the boxes. More recently, people who work from home have discovered the community, along with out-of-area buyers. 

“We are now seeing more prospects walking through the door from South Florida, Maryland and Virginia. Previously, we had huge traffic from the Northeast,” notes Cornell.

She adds that there are no single-family homesites remaining in Bellalago for to-be-built homes and, as of press time, there were fewer than 40 remaining quick move-in homes under construction.

Taylor Morrison builds six different floorplans — three one-story and three two-story homes — that range in size from 1,768 to 3,422 square feet. All homes are stylishly Mediterranean and have tile roofs.

Next on the drawing board for Bellalago are townhomes. Cornell says there’ll be about 110 units available, ranging in size from 1,373 to 1,555 square feet with one-car garages. They’ll be conveniently located within walking distance from Club Vialago.

Outside the gated community, residents find everything they need from a Publix supermarket and a CVS Pharmacy to a brand-new Starbucks. Schools include Bellalago Charter Academy (K-8); Mater Brighton Lakes Academy (K-8); and Valencia College, Poinciana Campus. 

—Patricia Letakis