It was the opening of the fabulous River Club facility directly on the St. John’s River that convinced me to build a home in RiverTown back in the summer of 2018. Mattamy Homes was just beginning to sell lots in the Homestead neighborhood, directly across SR 13 and within walking distance to the new club and a short bike ride to the Riverfront Park, not far away. It was early enough in the development that I could still build from scratch, selecting my lot, floor plan, finishes, and upgrades, and I was so excited to create the home of my dreams. I selected a protected preserve lot in the Homestead II neighborhood where the lot sizes (55′ wide) and upgrades were a step above. While many of the ”preserve” lots in the newer neighborhoods have only a thin ”preserve” barrier of trees behind the homes, no-one will ever build in the wetlands, ensuring my backyard will remain completely private. I chose the open and flexible Beauclerc floor plan because I love to entertain. see supple Several of my circles of friends have 12-15 members, and I wanted to be able to seat them for dinner. I fell in love with the Beauclerc floor plan the minute I entered the model home because of its open living area built around a fabulous kitchen. The large open dining room easily holds a table for 8 or more, a huge kitchen island seats 4 easily, and the flex space/office which is open to the central living area allows me to use my table desk to seat another 4 when needed. The 10′ long granite island is the center of activity where friends can visit over horsd’euveres and a glass of wine while I put the finishing touches on dinner. The TV is visible from all corners of the large living space so we were able to watch the Jaguars lose their championship game over dinner. Guests could also catch the game from the extended covered lanai which offers an additional table for 6 and seating area. The other features I love are the corner walk-in pantry, and the huge laundry room with plenty of space for a spare fridge and an ironing board! The master suite is amazing, especially the spacious bathing area featuring a huge glass shower, a double quartz top vanity, and an extensive walk-in closet.

I have enjoyed watching the golf cart parades every 4th of July and Christmas, and welcoming the numerous trick or treaters from my large front porch every Halloween. I will miss my wonderful neighbors, my weekly Mahjongg games, monthly Bunco and game nights at the RiverHouse amenity center, and my morning swims at the adjacent lap pool. And oh, how my grandkids will miss the large curly slide and the many youth activities at the soccer field there. They love joining me on the lazy river at the newly commpleted River Lodge and the fun concerts at the riverfront amphitheather. Morning exercise at one of several gyms and evening bike rides down to the dock on the St. John’s River to watch the sunset encourage an active, connected lifestyle, unmatched in the Jacksonville area!