Clearly if John had Donne his homework, and visited this charming Divosta Abacoa neighborhood rimmed by lush green golf courses and lazy little lakes, he would have known just how beautiful that concept can be.

In The Island, well-established trees line the streets. Three, four and five bedroom homes are amply endowed with big welcoming front porches and portachaches. Houses on the outside back up to rather spectacular views of the golf course & lakes.  And even though the street names ring of Barbados and Bermuda…the architecture is far more Cape Cod than Caribbean. But don’t worry.  The net effect is pure charm.

It’s a family environment. Contiguous to the best of Abacoa, but slightly removed as its name implies. Quiet, lush and lovely. And the prices are surprising for all Divosta built in to these delightful homes. Finished in 2001 or thereabouts, still fresh enough to feel new, and incredibly well kept up…these houses will hold more than their value for many years to come. They’ll hold people who know you can live happily in an island of tranquility and still feel comfortably connected 

I’m a New Jersey girl. My sole experience with fish before I moved to Florida was ordering it Sunday morning at the local deli. But, when I moved to Miami and married an honest-to-Pete Floridian, I got a crash course in everything with gills.

Five years ago, we escaped to Jupiter. Two fugitives from congestion, urban sprawl, high crime rates. Moved into a townhouse on a lake, just across from where we were building our dream house.  We were home in Valencia at Abacoa.

Now, in those days, we still commuted daily to work down south. And they were long days we put in. So every night that first summer, when we got back home, we went out to the lake to unwind, kick back, fish for bass.

I learned to cast and I learned to jig. But most of all I learned to appreciate the consummate skill of my husband, the bass master. As this picture will attest, the lakes in Abacoa aren’t mere decoration.  They constitute an eco-system that makes fish stories like ours possible.

So how big was he? He was THAAAAAT big!

Located within the town of Jupiter, in the heart of Abacoa (the last word in master-planned communities), sits the charming neighborhood of Mallory Creek. Created with Built-Solid construction and Key West Architectural styling,  Mallory Creek is the latest jewel designed by Divosta Homes. It is set among preserves and waterways that complete its tropical feeling. And encompasses a delightful mix of villas, townhomes and single-family homes with front porches and balconies that overlook lushly landscaped, tree-lined streets. With its immediate access to downtown Abacoa amenities and  all that Life in Jupiter entails, Mallory Creek is a neighborhood not to be missed or viewed lightly. The amenities alone built into each home far exceed the norm…and, in fact, include many things other builders consider upgrades! You can get in on pre-construction pricing with builder incentives if you buy now. And if you register through Seacrest Florida Properties, you’ll also get a plasma TV!

"The Martello" starting at $595,900

"The Nautica" starting at $379,900

"The Magnolia" starting at $239,900

If you moved into 196 Barbados Drive, in The Island at Abacoa, you’d be happy just sitting on the big porch swing with bare toes, looking out at the lovely tree-lined drive. And you’d never get wet coming in from the car, with that portacache alongside.

Of course, you’d be equally happy lazing about in the huge screened-in backyard…big enough to add a pool, but incredibly charming as is. Looking out on a quiet lake with the view of golf beyond.

But if you did decide to wander indoors, you’d never be at a loss. Every detail of this charming 3 bedroom, 1900+ square foot, single level, Cape Cod-style home is crafty, comfy, stylishly smart. From the ample laundry room filled with light to the cozy den, to the master suite with a walk-in closet large enough to store a Sex & the City wardrobe for the whole cast!  But what’s really great about the floor plan is the great room, with living space flowing into living space gracefully, purposefully. And the fact that both the living room and master bedroom open onto that glorious lake view.

 Just listed at $495.000…this one is all charm wrapped in solid value. See it before it sells!

The address is 124 Santiago Drive in Valencia at Abacoa. The neighborhood alone should tip you off. But nothing will quite prepare you for this house. Not for the Brazilian cherry and mud set porcelain floors (that you’ll probably mistake for marble). Not for the dream kitchen with two extensive islands (one a work station), two built-in stainless fridges, and the commercial gas stove. Not for  the adjoining family room with the hand-coffered ceiling (the cost of which could have paid for a year away at college). Or, just past the family room, the wall of French doors the length of the house that looks onto a perfectly shaded oversized lap pool with a lion’s head fountain.

Impressed yet? Guess what? The French doors end by a private staircase leading up to a separate guest apartment. And where, you may ask, are the four other bedrooms and baths in this 4000 square foot Mediterranean delight? The master sweet (and it is) is downstairs…the other three are up. And I tell you the layout, the architectural detailing, the level of taste throughout is not to be believed. It must be seen. So what are you waiting for? Even in this market, this one won’t last long.

Yesterday, May 31^st, the neighborhoods of Abacoa came together in quite a remarkable way. Their residents competed at tennis, golf and track in a 5K run. The contests began at 8 am and by 3 pm Valencia was pronounced the Grand Champion…the neighborhood that had swept in almost all categories. And in the process, my husband, Dane, and I managed to snag a second place for Valencia at golf. Second overall was the New Haven neighborhood, followed closely by Charleston Court. Plaques were awarded in Downtown Abacoa amid live music and delicious munchies (served up as a Taste of Abacoa). Clearly a good time was had by all in this first annual Battle of the Neighborhoods. Possibly the only battle in history to foster a real sense of community!

There’s always something fun going on in Abacoa! Visit www.BristolManagement.com right now and see for yourself. And while you’re at it, sign up for The Battle of the Neighborhoods scheduled this weekend.  There’s a pep rally and baseball game at Roger Dean Stadium on May 31…followed by neighborhood competitions in golf, tennis and a 5K run on June 1, along with live entertainment. Now how’s that for community involvement! Isn’t this the kind of neighborhood spirit you’d enjoy. So if you live in Abacoa…don’t miss out. If you don’t…check it out. Jupiter is a great place to live. And Abacoa is one huge reason why.

In many parts of Florida, busy season ends with the flight of tourists and snowbirds. But Jupiter is a  ‘year-round town for most of its residents. And with summer comes a whole raft of new things to do. Why, the Jupiter Community Center Newsletter alone has a jam-packed schedule. You’ll find everything from sports for adults and camps for kids, to bridge games, shopping excursions, weekend getaways and casino night at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino. There’s live theater, movies galore, outdoor dining, AAA baseball, bass fishing, surfboarding…the list goes on and on. In fact, you’ll find locations for all that and more right on my website. And while you’re there, check out what’s going on with Jupiter housing this summer. Whether it’s a gated community, condo, horse acre or a home in Abacoa…this summer is a great time to make your move. So come explore Life in Jupiter…where busy happens all year round!