|
Winter Haven Farms:
The gently undulating emerald pastures of Winter
Haven Farm are situated in one of only four major
thoroughbred-producing regions in the world. This spellbinding,
approximately 1,100-acre equestrian wonderland features endless
perimeter- and cross-fenced meadows peppered with majestic live oaks,
while
it also hosts 65 acres of virgin forest abounding
with wildlife. This timeless and thrillingly scenic property
encompasses historic Stagecoach Road, famed as a byway of Florida's
original settlers, and borders prestigious Millionaire's Row, so named
for the many premier horse farms that stretch for miles alongside.
THE TERRAIN: Five gated entrances, six
complete residences, and eight fully equipped barns appoint this
magnificent ranch, located in Florida's celebrated Marion County. This
storied region's outstanding climate and mineral-rich soil and water
have produced numerous Kentucky Derby winners including Affirmed, the
last horse to win the Triple Crown in 1978.Neighboring legendary
equestrian facilities such as Roberts Quarter Horse Ranch, Bo-Bett
Farm, and Cloverleaf Farms, Winter Haven Farm sits on the highest
quality loam to be found in the fertile southeast.
The land also boasts highly improved pasture
throughout, with nearly 1,000 acres of coastal Bermuda and Pensacola
Bahia grasses. This enchanting property's plentiful water supply is
linked directly to the Florida aquifer, providing consistently clean
and calcium-rich water via numerous wells. Part of a newly created
farm preservation area, all of Winter Haven boasts A-1 agricultural
status, providing for a very moderate tax base.
THE FARM: An outstanding professional equestrian estate,
equipped with a five-eighths-mile turf training track and four
caretaker's residences, this subtropical idyll has a longstanding
tradition of raising quality animals. In addition to horses, it
currently supports a large herd of cattle and once served as an exotic
game preserve specializing in raising several African species. Also,
Rugged Lark, one of the most recognizable names in the quarter horse
world, was raised on Winter Haven's scenic fields.
Multiple equine accommodations exist
throughout the landscape and include barns that total 144 stalls. The
principal barn includes 22 stalls plus an executive office and an
adjacent covered round pen. The shedrow-style barn provides 16 more
stalls and generous storage space, while a courtyard-style stallion
barn includes a breeding shed and two luxury apartments ideal for
visiting clients and guests. Further maintenance
buildings, hay-storage, and horse barns round out
the facilities.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Numerous home sites with astounding scenic
vistas grace the property, while spring-fed creeks, pristine ponds, and
such delights as a nesting pair of bald eagles and a population of
sandhill cranes stand as testament to Winter Haven's commitment to
stewardship of the natural environment.
Winter Haven Farm is comprised of some of the
most rolling land to be found in Florida, with changes in topography
ranging from 90 to over 200 feet above sea level. The property offers an
amazing feeling of privacy yet has close access to two airports capable
of handling jets of any size. Numerous parts of this
property are ideal for helicopter landing sites as
well.
THE POSSIBILITIES: Winter Haven Farm may represent one of the last
opportunities to own a large, quality piece of property in this very
special part of Florida. Kept as a single piece, Winter Haven is capable
of continuing its legacy in producing exceptional thoroughbred horses,
standing as an exclusive
family compound, being utilized as an upland
hunting preserve, or becoming a blue-ribbon cattle operation.
Its development potential includes the opportunity to build one of the
finest equestrian residential communities anywhere in the world, or to
be divided into saleable parcels. Whatever the intent, Winter
Haven Farm represents a great opportunity to own
one of the premier properties in Ocala, Florida,
"The Horse Capital of the
World."
George de
Benedicty
Lic. Real Estate Broker
Office: 352-629-4505
Mobil: 352-895-8900
Toll Free # 800-375-5474
E-mail
|
|
