Author: Jasmine

  • Creating a Coastal Home

    Creating a Coastal Home

    A coastal-styled home is absolutely necessary for the summertime. Nautical decorations can give you that beach home feel all season long. Take a look at some of our favorite coastal inspired decor that will have you feeling like you’re right on the water.

    Voluspa Maison Candle

    Voluspa’s Casa Pacifica candle takes us back to the beach with marine-like notes. The scent is made up of a blend of California driftwood, sea salt and shore brush. Set this candle in an open space, such as a great room, so it can fill up the entire house. You better order two of these so you have a second one on-deck after the first runs out.

    White Spike Coral

    Carefully modeled after the artful form of natural spike coral, this sculptural cast-resin object lends an aquatic note to any space. It’s the perfect addition to a mantel or table!

    Barefoot Dreams Throw

    Relax and take comfort in the velvety softness of the CozyChic Lite knit throw blanket. Simplicity and style with a luxurious touch makes this blanket perfect all year round. The pearl, sand and pewter colors will compliment any neutral toned couch for the warmer months.

    Monteith Blue Cloche Bottles

    This trio of glass bottles would make a simple yet elegant statement atop a coffee table. You could also use them to keep chilled water at the dinner table rather than getting up to refill a glass. There’s no wrong way to use them! The complementary hues will bring out any blue or green tones throughout whatever room you place them in.

    Glass and Iron Lantern

    With elegant simplicity, this metal candle lantern strikes the right chord to create a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere. The metal framework features soft white paint and a domed roof with a wide loop at the top. Clear glass panels let the light of your favorite candle shine through. Set these around your lanai or pool to brighten up the space. These lanterns look chic in both day and night.

    It only takes a couple pieces to brighten up your home for the summer. Tag us on Instagram at @nealcommunities if you have some nautical decor in your home!

  • Linger Under Your Lanai

    Linger Under Your Lanai

    Lanais are an essential space for all Florida homes. But if you live in a region that is especially cold or subject to rain, you might not be familiar with them. In its simplest definition, a lanai is similar to a porch: it has a roofed entrance yet remains open to the elements. While porches are typically located in the front of the home, lanais reside exclusively at the back of the home. Lanais originated in Hawaii, but they’ve become a fixture of stunning living spaces worldwide. They have been widely associated with a connection to nature and the pursuit of a life well-lived. At Neal Communities, all of our homes are built with lanais for your using pleasure.

    There are countless ways to style a lanai. When designing, stick to bright shades that will complement the outdoors. You’ll also want to get weather-proof furniture and classic options like wicker or rattan to heighten your lanai’s vacation aesthetic. Roll out a patterned outdoor rug to define the seating arrangements, and space out plants for color and texture. Finally, arrange pillows that will encourage settling in. With a space that inviting, you’ll never want to leave.

    Once you have your lanai decorated, it’s time to enjoy. See below to for a guide on the many purposes a lanai can serve in your home!

    Gardening If you’ve got a green thumb, consider planting an outdoor garden. Set out planters in an area with partial sunlight and select herbs and flowers that thrive in your region’s climate. It’s a simple way to connect your lanai to your surrounding landscape seamlessly.

    Winding Down Lanais are also a tranquil space for relaxation. Create and outdoor reading nook set with a bench adorned with weather resistant pillows and maybe even a blanket for cooler temperatures. Candles, incense and a plush cushion would be ideal decor options for meditation. Keep a mat handy to easily transform your zen den into an outdoor yoga studio.

    Dining Take your meals outside with a dining set-up in your backyard. It’s divine dining under the stars when it’s warm and breezy out. You can also construct a stainless steel outdoor kitchen equipped with a grill under your lanai and cook an entire meal outside. Cook up an array of your favorite seasoned vegetables, marinated meats served with a light salad and you’ve got a delicious meal. And for dessert, try out these grilled s’mores–you can thank us later.

    Entertaining Lanais make the perfect retreat when having company over. It’s a great space for your overflow guests to graze when your home is filling up. Install speakers and additional lighting to set the ambiance for your event. Great for when you’re entertaining a crowd, several friends or just you and your family.

    Have we sold you on this concept yet? If you’d like to learn more about buying a home with a lanai built in, or you’re looking to build, then connect with one of our Online Sales Consultants. They’ll be happy to arrange an in-person or virtual appointment to answer any questions you may have about lanais or other home inquiries.

     

  • Pick Your Perfect Homesite

    Pick Your Perfect Homesite

    When it comes to home building, there are so many exciting decisions to be made. Finding a convenient location, deciding what features you want in a community, and selecting home design elements just to name a few. Check one off of the list now by following our step-by-step guide about how to settle on a homesite.

    Begin by envisioning what you want to see across your backyard. Your options when building with Neal Communities include a waterfront view, a scene of the preserve, or your home can back up to the community’s perimeter or a neighbor. If you’re the outdoorsy type, the water and preserve views are just for you. You’ll feel one with nature having the view of either one of these sights out your back window. On the contrary, opt for a home facing homesite if you’d be happy with a landscaping view. You can spruce it up with the addition of planters, patio furniture and even a sparkling pool!

    Next, take into account the direction your home is facing. Would you rather watch the sun set or the sun rise from your lanai? If you’re a morning person, then we’d recommend selecting an eastern exposure homesite. If you’d prefer to watch the sun set over being up bright and early, then we’d suggest a western exposure homesite. Want lots of sun on your lanai all day long? Then a southern exposure might suit you best. Think about your hobbies, habits, and lifestyle–like how you’ll use your outdoor space–and it will play a role in guiding your decision.

    Another factor you should consider when selecting a homesite is location within the community. Do you want a homesite that resides closer to the community’s entrance for quick access in and out? Another option would be to select a homesite near the community’s amenity center; have easy access to the pool, fitness center and clubhouse. Or, if you want your home to be tucked away, choose a homesite a bit further into the community.

    Once you’ve decided what’s most important to you, you should have a better idea of what you’re looking for. After settling on a homesite, it’s time for the real fun: building your dream home! Ready to move in now? Select from one of our quick move-in homes that are already under construction to get your home sooner. Either way, you can start the process today with Neal Communities.

  • All-American Dishes to Commemorate Memorial Day

    All-American Dishes to Commemorate Memorial Day

    This Memorial Day may feel a little different than those in the past. While there may not be a parade in your neighborhood to honor service members, you can still practice gratitude for those who sacrificed their lives serving our country and embrace those you’re with at home. We have compiled some all-American dishes you can create to partake in remembering those who have served.

    Watermelon Blueberry Sparklers

    These fruit skewers are the perfect snack to have on hand during a long day of swimming. And all it takes to make is two ingredients! They’re a great pick-me-up that will get the kids out of the water for a nutritious snack before they’re back in the pool again.

    This New World take on a classic favorite makes a simple yet flavor-filled side dish. No need to pre-soak or pre-shuck the corn before grilling it. Just put the whole ears on the grate and the husks and the silk will slip right off. You’re going to be making this side all summer long!

    Southern Barbecue Ribs

    Go all out on Memorial Day Bring with this star-studded recipe! These tender oven-roasted ribs are basted with our a sweet and tangy combination of several regional Southern sauces. The recipe calls for tomatoes, light brown sugar, vinegar, and yellow mustard. While these ribs are oven-roasted, it may not be for pit-loving purists, but they’re undeniably good.

    Freedom Bark
    Wrap up the meal with this sweet, chocolatey treat. Swirl together melted red, white and blue candy melts and garnish with star shaped sprinkles just before it goes to set in the fridge. If you have some extra helpers, get your children involved with mixing the candy melts together and decorating. Just make sure they don’t go too crazy on the sprinkles. Fair warning that the bark won’t last long once it’s ready to eat!
  • Five Can’t-Miss Virtual Model Tours

    Five Can’t-Miss Virtual Model Tours

    Now is as good a time as any to begin your home buying journey. While our model centers and offices are open by appointment only, we have several ways of sharing our array of model homes with you right from where you are. For each model home, we have Matterports to virtually transport you inside the homes. They give you a 3D experience to feel as if you were actually standing inside. Another option is our YouTube channel, where we’ve curated dozens of videos from our model homes. Today, we are sharing five model home tours that showcase a variety of our floor plans. So get comfortable, grab a snack, notepad and pen so you can recall your favorite parts from each home.

    Bright Meadow Model Home at Boca Royale

    This charming three-bedroom plan in Boca Royale is the newest model to join the community. The Bright Meadow comes with a variety of personalizing options. First, the master suite can be designed with coffered ceilings in the bedroom if preferred. In addition, you also have the option of transforming one of the bedrooms into a guest suite with a private bath. The customization options make this a fantastic option for someone looking for a flexible floor plan. Don’t miss the blue sliding barn doors that lead into the den–a beautiful highlight from the home.

    Whitehaven Model Home at Seychelles

    You’ll feel right at home in the Whitehaven. Spacious and cozy, the three bedroom, two bath carriage home at Seychelles in Naples offers the opportunity to live well. An expansive family room, open to the gourmet kitchen and dining nook area leads out to the roomy lanai with a breath-taking view. The designer kitchen features an island with a breakfast bar, pantry with lots of space and stainless steel appliances. The master suite includes a large walk-in closet, dual sinks, walk-in shower and private water closet. Two additional bedrooms, a large outdoor lanai and 2-car garage complete the home.

    Captiva Model Home at Verandah

    The Captiva is sure to capture your imagination. Designed to accommodate a comfortable lifestyle, this plan has an open-concept main living area that includes the great room, kitchen and dining room. The kitchen features a center island, a large pantry and brick detail which gives the space an industrial feel. Besides the den, Captiva also includes a club room–perfect for entertaining. At the back of the home, a large lanai offers the option to add an outdoor kitchen wall and a sizable extension to create an outdoor living area. The luxurious master suite includes a spacious bedroom, two walk-in closets and an elegant bath with dual sink vanities, garden tub, separate shower and water closet. One of the remaining bedrooms is designed as a guest suite with a private bath.

    Tidewater Model Home at Poinciana

    The Tidewater two-bedroom, two-bath twin villa home features a spacious layout with open living areas. The home includes an expansive great room, dining area and gourmet kitchen with an island. A den offers the perfect space for a home office, while a covered lanai provides an optimal space for watching the sun set. The master suite includes the option of either a window or door to the lanai. It also features two closets and a bath with dual sink vanities, walk-in shower and private water closet. A walk-in closet in proximity to a full bath make the second bedroom an inviting guest room.

    Meadow Brook Model at Cielo

    The Meadow Brook floor plan offers an open layout for the common living areas and several customization options. Choose between a one or two story design, based on your needs for space. Opt for a den in lieu of the leisure room. Add an outdoor kitchen wall or pool bath to the spacious lanai. You can also create a guest suite with a private bath in place of one of the secondary bedrooms with a walk-in closet. The open gourmet kitchen comes with an island, corner walk-in pantry and cafe area. A spacious great room has the option of a coffered ceiling for an extra touch of elegance. In the master suite, a door from the bedroom to the lanai can be added. The suite also includes dual walk-in closets and master bath with large walk-in shower and private water closet.

  • 3 Tips to Design Your Second Home

    3 Tips to Design Your Second Home

    Charlene Neal is President of Charlene Neal PureStyle and Vice President of Design at Neal Communities. She posts regularly on her website: www.charlenenealpurestyle.com

    If it’s been on your mind and heart to have a second home that you can retreat to either for the holidays, a weekend, or for the long Northern Winter, then welcome to Southwest Florida and the endless possibilities. Neal Communities has been successfully building homes and communities that are perfect for a second home. There are many to choose from that will fit your needs.

    Once you choose your home the next question is how to design a second home that you love and that’ll live up to your dreams? Here at PureStyle, we are poised to help you do just that!

    Decide and Define

    Well, it begins with deciding and defining the purpose of the second home.

    ● Will it serve as an escape and a respite for you alone or will you share it with others?

    ● Is it a space designed to help you to slow down and reconnect with nature?

    ● Or will it be a gathering place for your extended family where meals will be lovingly prepared and served to help you to reconnect your loved ones.

    Deciding on the function of the home will guide the design process so that it’s a breath of fresh air the moment you arrive.

    Let’s look at the design elements of this single family home in the Cruise Series at Vicenza in Venice Florida.

    Liberty 3

    It’s perfect for a second home in size and the location. We worked to create an attractive interior design that is simple yet sophisticated.

    If your home is to be an escape for you to get away from busy then choose a color palette that will gently suggest that you unwind, take a deep breath, slip into a light cotton caftan and get started on that book you’ve been wanting to read. Here in Liberty 3 we used soft neutrals paired with a modern pastel pink that provides the blush that nods towards exciting without the drama.

    3 tips to design your second home:

    ● Consistently using the same colors throughout the home adds to a cohesive feeling that is relaxing in itself.

    ● Using high end materials, a touch of metallics, large scale art, and fresh flowers will give the home a touch of luxury without overwhelming the space with things.

    ● Using natural elements throughout the home will in itself give the home a grounded feeling which will help you to unwind, relax, and enjoy your space the moment you arrive.

    So, pack your bags for the last time because you have a vacation home to go to and it has all of the comforts of home without all of the distractions.

    We would love to design your second home with PureStyle. It starts with a conversation and determining your expectations of how you would use your second home. The Charlene Neal PureStyle team would love to link arms with you and design a second home that you love and that’ll live up to your dreams!

  • At-Home Easter Crafts

    At-Home Easter Crafts

    With all this time at home, it’s healthy to release a bit of creative energy in the spare time you have. With Easter this weekend, we wanted to share some crafty activities to get you and your family up and moving. In this list, we’ve included decorations for your home in addition to favors you can share with family members after brunch as a sweet surprise.

    Flower Stem Straws

    Starting off with something simple you can enjoy throughout the spring season. Simply cut dogwood-shaped flowers from paper and decorate the edges with markers or watercolors you have on hand. Then, punch a hole in the center of the flower, and slip the straw through the hole.These dainty stem straws make staying hydrated look cute as can be. It’s a great way to get littles drinking water and a festive garnish to any drink, like this citrusy punch delight.

     

    Washi Tape Easter Egg

    Not only are these easter eggs so simple to make, but turn out absolutely adorable with minimal effort. Once made, they can be framed, pasted on the outside of a card or strung together to make an Easter garland. No one will know you only spent just minutes crafting these egg-cellent washi tape Easter eggs.

    Floral Favor Boxes

    Top a small box with dogwood flowers cut from white paper and decorated with markers or water colors. Hot-glue tiny pieces of green pipe cleaner to the centers, then cut leaves from green paper and hot-glue them to the bottoms of the flowers. Fill the boxes with a treat of your choice, wrap them with twine, and tape the flowers on top. Disperse them amongst your family after Easter brunch for the perfect end to the meal.

    Bunny Party Hats

    The last craft is for the littles! These bunny party hats were made to help you celebrate the holiday in true bunny style. All you need to make is colored paper, scissors, a permanent marker, glue, a craft knife and some twine. Your “bunnies” will look precious in these party hats and they’ll have lots of fun making them too.

     

  • A Message About COVID-19 from Neal Communities

    As we all continue to navigate these uncharted waters, Neal remains committed to the health and safety of our team members and home buyers alike. Due to the growing concerns regarding the health situation in our state, we are making immediate changes to our business operations in order to do our part.

    As new home construction is deemed an essential business, starting Friday, April 3rd, all Neal model centers and offices will be open by appointment only. This will ensure that people who need to find a home are still able to be helped, while we reduce non-essential visits to our centers. We have also put new processes and systems in place to allow for customers to see homes virtually before setting up an in-person visit, if at all.

    The safety of our customers and associates is our #1 priority, so we kindly ask you reach out to one of our sales professionals at the number below and they will be able to assist you.

    Please note that we are adhering to CDC-prescribed social distancing, so we will be simply greeting you with a smile. Thank you for your interest in our homes.


    FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2020  |  COMMUNITY, NEWS

    The home buying journey is typically a personal, memorable and exciting one – and while the current situation regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus) is disrupting everyone’s daily lives, Neal Communities remains committed to building the American Dream of homeownership. After all, Where You Live Matters.

    However, with the current circumstances in mind, we want to update you on how Neal Communities is addressing concerns stemming from this and assure you that we have the health and safety of our customers (you), as well as that of our team members, trade partners and vendors, as a top priority.

    Our model homes and sales centers are open by appointment only, and maintained to the highest standards, and we are taking heightened precautions to increase the frequency of our cleanings, as well as focusing on door knobs, handles, light switches and countertops. Additionally, our on-site sales professionals are instructed to wipe down those same surfaces multiple times daily.

    If you plan on visiting us, we kindly ask that you book an appointment online or over the telephone first, and if you or those close to you have recently traveled to a destination which the CDC has listed as Level 2 or 3, been on a cruise ship, or have experienced any flu-like symptoms, please wait two or more weeks before you visit one of our sales centers.

    Furthermore, we ask that during your visit to one of our sales centers, you observe social distancing practices and also avoid touching things such as surfaces and artifacts within our homes. To keep the experience even healthier, when you do come to see us, we will gladly greet you with a smile rather than our preferred handshake.

    In addition to our sales offices being open by appointment only, we continue to offer resources both over the phone and online. Our Online Sales Consultants are ready to answer any questions you may have about our communities and homes, on the phone or via the Chat function. From there, they will be able to set up appointments for private tours of our homes and communities with our sales professionals.

    Should you prefer to get a virtual (live) tour of our homes and/or community via Facetime or WhatsApp, we are happy to accommodate those wishes. We will continue to add information, photos and virtual tours to our community webpages to help you with your home search.

    For now, we continue to closely monitor this fluid situation and act in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) recommendations to help slow the spread of the virus. For that, we are applying social distancing measures, as well as personal hygiene (i.e. proper handwashing, wiping surfaces after use, hand sanitizer use), as prescribed. Further, we have instructed any employee who feels any kind of sickness and/or is (has been) exposed to any known sickness, to visit their healthcare provider and stay home until they are fully cleared to come back.

    We look forward to serving you throughout your home buying journey and hope that you and your loved ones are healthy and safe.

  • Get Cooking With Neal

    Get Cooking With Neal

    An increasing number of people are staying in, and chances are, you’re looking for some at-home entertainment. You’re probably all caught up on your favorite TV shows, finished the book you’ve been meaning to read and have disinfected your home from top to bottom. Now what?

    This new found free time is a great opportunity to sharpen your cooking skills. Luckily, Neal Communities has you covered with a mouth-watering recipe for you to add to your stockpile.

    Over the past couple of years, we’ve compiled some family favorite recipes from employees into a cookbook. Similar to most families, food plays a key role in our culture. Whether it’s a brief morning meeting or a company-wide celebration, the Neal family enjoys sharing culinary creations. While the book is for sale in our office, we’ve decided to share one of the recipes in hopes it will inspire you to get creative in your kitchen. We hope you have a wonderful time connecting with your family while making this creamy, delicious meal.

    Chicken Cannelloni

    Ingredients

    Cannelloni Filling:

    8 oz. chicken breasts (about 2), cooked thoroughly

    1 oz. fresh, chopped spinach

    1 oz. sun-dried tomatoes, sliced

    16 oz. ricotta cheese

    3 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded

    ½ tsp black pepper

    1 tsp salt

    12 lasagna noodles

    Cannelloni Sauce:

    16 oz. Asiago cream sauce

    16 oz. tomato sauce, jar

    3 oz. Parmesan Cheese, grated

    Directions

    First, allow chicken breasts to cool once they are cooked thoroughly.

    Secondly, dice the cooked chicken breast into ½ inch pieces and place into a large mixing bowl. Add spinach, tomatoes, ricotta, mozzarella, pepper, salt, and mix thoroughly.

    Begin arranging the pre-cooked pasta sheets on a cutting board by placing two or three rounded tablespoons of filling mixture down the center of each pasta sheet and carefully roll pasta around filling in a cigar fashion. Place the rolled cannelloni, side by side, into a shallow baking dish. Next, place Asiago sauce and tomato sauce in a bowl and mix until well incorporated. Pour sauce over cannelloni covering completely. Finally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over top of sauce.

    Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 20 minutes.

    Remove foil and continue to bake for an additional 20 minutes. Lastly, remove from oven and serve immediately.

    What have you been cooking? Let us know by sharing a photo and tagging us at @nealcommunities so we can see your culinary creations!

     

  • Step Inside for a 3D Tour!

    Step Inside for a 3D Tour!

    Get an in-person feeling of walking through your new home with our Matterport tours.  These tours give an exceptional experience when using VR goggles! Below is just a sample of the homes we have available to tour virtually. Explore our website to see even more.

    Some tours are below, but you can view all of them here.
    Have fun viewing these beautiful model homes!

     

     

    Fresh Spring at Boca Royale in Englewood

     

    Crystal Sand at Canoe Creek in Parrish

     

    Liberty 3 at Vicenza in Venice

     

    Bright Meadow at Canoe Creek in Parrish

     

    Meadow Brook at Cielo in Venice

     

    Kiawah at Grand Palm in Venice

     

    Silver Sky 2 at Indigo in Lakewood Ranch

     

    Applause at Silverleaf in Parrish

     

    Endless Summer 3 at Indigo in Lakewood Ranch

    Kendal at Richmond Park in Naples

     

    Sea Star at Verandah in Fort Myers

     

    Sandcastle at Marquesa Isles in Naples

     

    Windemere at Richmond Park in Naples

     

    Keswick at Seychelles in Naples

     

    Captiva at Verandah in Fort Myers

     

    Bright Meadow at Daniels Place in Fort Myers

     

    Whitehaven at Seychelles in Naples

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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