One of the most interesting subdivisions of Manatee County is located on an island northwest of Palmetto, right under the foot of the Skyway Bridge leading to St. Petersburg. Most people assume that Terra Ceia is just a very large nature preserve devoid of housing; what they don’t know is that this island is home to an attractive country club complete with an 18-hole golf course and condominium towers.

Development of Terra Ceia Bay Club started in the early 1990; since then, various mid-rise condominiums and waterfront villas with great amenities have been completed. As one of the most secluded country clubs in Southwest Florida, not many people are aware of the real estate opportunities that the Terra Ceia Bay Club has to offer.

In this quiet gated community, you can find a two-bedroom and two-bathroom condo unit priced under $120K; a veritable bargain considering that this is a golf and tennis club where most units offer views of the fairways as well as of lakes and ponds. The condo units that attract more buyer interest were built over the last 10 years, and they can be found in an imposing tower that features Mediterranean and Art Deco designs; prices in this building start around $200K for three-bedroom units with two full bathrooms and more 2,000 square feet under air conditioning. Some of the extras in the newer Bay Club tower include natural stone counters, designer cabinets, panoramic balconies, and personal spas.

The Bay Club golf course is rated at par 62 and includes quite a few water hazards. Players enjoy water and mangrove views; they can also practice at putting greens and sand bunkers. Other amenities include a clubhouse, community swimming pool with hot tub, tennis courts, a private fishing pier and lots of nature trails overlooking the aquatic preserve. Blackstone Park is located right next door to the neighborhood.

Terra Ceia Bay Club is ideal for home buyers who commute to the Tampa Bay area or Bradenton. Holmes Beach and Anna Maria Island are less than 40 minutes away.