This house at 11728 Rive Isle Run in The Islands on the Manatee River, Parrish, is listed at $980,000 through Judy Arnes of Coldwell Banker. Built in 2009, it has three bedrooms and three baths in 3,168 square feet. It also has a pool with summer kitchen, and a dock with lift on a manmade waterway that leads to the Manatee River. Staff photo / Harold Bubil; 2-2-2016.
The Islands on the Manatee River in Parrish, a subdivision of the River Wilderness Golf and Country Club, has a much different atmosphere than the rest of the community. Separated by a scenic bridge, it is a true waterfront neighborhood of luxury estate homes nestled among the tranquil waters of the river.
On hiatus after the housing bubble burst, The Islands has taken off again and is about to expand its offerings. “Rive Isle, the first-phase section to the east, is nearly finished,” says Mike Longobardi, sales manager for The Islands. “We’re opening up our second section, called Harbourside. We got the area platted a month ago.”
The British spelling of the new subdivision’s name offers a clue to the architectural styles — a combination of British West Indies and Spanish Colonial estates, in contrast to the Florida contemporary and Tuscan designs of its sister neighborhood. Buyers will be able to choose among three custom builders — John Cannon Homes, Arthur Rutenberg Homes and Javic Homes.
The force behind finishing The Islands on the Manatee River is The Islands Development Group. Based in Coral Gables, it has created upscale communities for more than three decades, including Longboat Key Moorings Marina, Debary Golf & Country Club and Oyster Creek Golf & Country Club in Englewood.
The Islands has much to offer to people who like boating, nature and a secluded, yet active Florida lifestyle. It’s a great place for fishing, wildlife photography and kayaking. The picturesque manmade harbors, islands and natural shore wetlands attract manatees, dolphins and a host of birds.
This house at 11728 Rive Isle Run in The Islands on the Manatee River, Parrish, is listed at $980,000 through Judy Arnes of Coldwell Banker. Built in 2009, it has three bedrooms and three baths in 3,168 square feet. It also has a pool with summer kitchen, and a dock with lift on a manmade waterway that leads to the Manatee River. Staff photo / Harold Bubil; 2-2-2016.
About 100 of the total 225 acres have been set aside as conservation easements and nature preserves. Mature oaks festooned with Spanish moss overlook nature walks, fountains and scenic bridges.
Many of the homes have gorgeous waterfront views.
Nearly two thirds of the 178 sites offer private docks with direct access to the Manatee River. “No lift system is required to get past the seawall, as in many other boating communities,” says Longobardi.
Judy Aarnes, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker, has sold 10 properties and houses here, including two lots that haven’t been built on yet. Currently, she has the only resale listing in the subdivision at 11728 Rive Isle Run, a three-bedroom home built in 2009 and priced at $980,000.
Arthur Rutenberg Homes' model in The Islands on the Manatee River in Parrish. Staff photo / Harold Bubil; 2-2-2016.
Having lived next door in River Wilderness for the past 18 years, Aarnes has had a front-seat view of The Islands’ history.
“It started out as Rive Isle and then became the Islands of River Wilderness before settling on its current name,” she said.
What set the development of the neighborhood back was the recent real estate debacle. Aarnes mentions a home that sold for $2.4 million before the crash, plunged in value to $950,000, and recently made a comeback, selling for $1.4 million.
The view from the pool area of a house at 11728 Rive Isle Run in The Islands on the Manatee River, Parrish, that is listed at $980,000 through Judy Arnes of Coldwell Banker. Built in 2009, it has three bedrooms and three baths in 3,168 square feet. It also has a pool with summer kitchen, and a dock with lift on a manmade waterway that leads to the Manatee River. Staff photo / Harold Bubil; 2-2-2016.
Other sales reflect the rebound, too. In the past month, model homes built by John Cannon and Arthur Rutenberg sold for $1.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively.
According to Aarnes, residents in The Islands on the Manatee River are mostly retirees — VPs of companies, high-level corporate managers and business owners. Most live here all year.
They appreciate the fact that all of the home sites are raised above the floodplain, so flood insurance is not required for homes with mortgages. There is no Community Development District (CDD).
Residents have access to all of the facilities of River Wilderness, including the golf course, tennis courts, clubhouse and separate fitness center. But they will have their own amenities, as well; notably a community dock with 10 boat slips and a meeting place, River House.
John Cannon Homes' model in The Islands on the Manatee River in Parrish. Staff photo / Harold Bubil; 2-2-2016.
Master HOA dues are $1,380 a year with an additional annual $1,000 fee for upkeep of the subdivision and 24/7 guard gates.
In addition to the bridge to River Wilderness, the back entrance on Fort Hamer Road is less than a quarter-mile from the new bridge being built across the Manatee River.
According to Longobardi, when it is completed in 2017, the bridge will be a game-changer, providing direct access south, only three miles to Lakewood Ranch’s hospital and shopping and restaurant opportunities at Lakewood Ranch Main Street and the UTC mall.
“People who have not considered this area as an option will come in then,” Longobardi predicts. “We are looking at about a four years’ time frame for completion.”
“It’s a great community, because it offers everything,” says Aarnes.
