Englewood and the Cape Haze Peninsula
The Cape Haze Peninsula is the name of the tongue of land south of Englewood. It is approximately 30 miles long, and three significant bodies of water frame the peninsular. The Gulf of Mexico is on the western border, Charlotte Harbor is in the south, and the Myakka River is in the east.
The peninsula encompasses the communities of Gulf Cove, South Gulf Cove, Cape Haze, Placida, Boca Grande, Rotonda, El Jobean, Englewood, and the surrounding islands of Gasparilla, Little Gasparilla, Palm Island, Don Pedro, Cayo Costa, Useppa, Cabbage Key, and Manasota Key.
The communities on the peninsula are incredibly diverse, including modular/mobile homes, condominiums, and upscale bayfront properties. Access to some island communities is limited to ferries or private boats.ached by ferry or private boat.
Oyster Creek Golf and Country Club - a Community where Home-Buyers have Choices
When Vernon Construction began developing Oyster Creek Golf and Country Club in 1990, there were only a few gated golf communities in Englewood. This presented an opportunity to establish a new community with over 400 homes.
The initial phase of the development marked a significant milestone, introducing smaller homes without pools and with no golf course views. However, this was just the beginning. The next phase, situated on the opposite side of Oyster Creek, was designed to be the heart of the community. It would include the community center, golf club, and a sprawling golf course, signifying a major stride in the growth and potential of the Oyster Creek Golf and Country Club development.
The appealing price tags on the smaller homes in the first phase led to rapid sales. Subsequent sections featured larger homes (at least three bedrooms, some with oversized garages, or three garages, and a pool) and were more upscale. Construction activities were completed with the introduction of paired villas. The villas come in different sizes and some have a pool. In 2005, the last construction vehicles left the community.
Four builders were involved in the community: Vernon, Arthur Rutenberg, Sun Quest, and Johnson. All the homes are of good quality and craftsmanship. However, they may require some updates or renovations.
Having been an integral part of the community since 1992, we can offer you comprehensive background information to empower you in making sound decisions.
Named after the creek that runs through the community and flows into Lemon Bay, Oyster Creek Golf and Country Club was originally developed by the Vernon Group, who also built a lot of the homes in the community. However, Arthur Rutenberg, who is also recognized for craftsmanship and long lasting value, was another builder in Oyster Creek.
Phase I
The development of the Oyster Creek community started in 1990 with phase one. Smaller single family homes (1,200 - 1,700 sq ft) with two or three bedrooms are in Phase I, which is located between the main gate and the Oyster Creek. Many of them are facing ponds and nature preserves (Oyster Creek) while others have nice garden views. Some of them have pools, but most of them don't. Map
Phase II
Once the golf course and the clubhouse were completed, Vernon launched the second phase. That was around 1995. Slightly bigger and more expensive single-family homes are in phase II. Many of the homebuilders opted for a caged pool and some for a 3-car garage; many homes back up to lakes, nature preserves or fairways. The two and three bedroom homes are ranging in size from 1,500 to 2,100 square feet, but some of them are over 2,000 square feet with 3 baths and 4 bedrooms. However, Oyster Creek Golf and Country Club is not known for mansions. If you are looking for homes in the 3,000+ square foot range, you won't find any in this community.
Phase III & IV
The last phases also included 25 paired villas. About 16 years after groundbreaking the community was eventually completed and sold out in 2005/2006.
The overall architecture in Oyster Creek has Mediterranean influences throughout. All homes in Oyster Creek have beautiful tile roofs. The always perfectly groomed landscaping adds to the beauty of the community.
No - Oyster Creek is Not a 55+ Community
Legally, Oyster Creek is not a 55+ community, but at this point the majority of the residents are retirees. Some residents are semi- retired while a minority is still working. Of course, the community doesn't discriminate against families with kids, however, it seems that families have other ideas where they want to live. If you are the only kid in a community - you are not too happy.
Quite a few retired homeowners are snowbirds who use the home only during the pleasant winter months. Once it gets warmer up north, they are leaving. The 24 h gate and the general ground maintenance make the community ideal for people who want to use their home as a second/vacation home. No worries. The home will always look the same when they are returning months later.
Oyster Creek can be described as a very active community. Check the "community features" page for all activities offered at the clubhouse. And now the best: Everybody gets along very well, and everybody's goal is "to have lots of fun in the sun." The community also has an international touch with residents from Canada, Germany, Ukraine, France and other parts of the world.
Do you need a place for your furry friends? Maybe you found one. This community has no restrictions when it comes to pets, but they need to behave, and the pet owners need to clean up after them. That is common sense, right?
Oyster Creek - a Place to Feel Homey
