MuraBella: Italian Living On The First Coast

MURABELLA, ST. JOHNS COUNTY, FL –

The Wood Development Company of Jacksonville proudly unveils MuraBella, a 740-home master-planned community in northern St. Johns County. Starting from the $250s, this beautiful neighborhood of single-family homes draws its inspiration, design, and lifestyle from Tuscany, one of Italy’s most magical and well-known regions.

Located just 3 miles west of I-95 off International Golf Parkway, MuraBella will be perfectly situated to enjoy some of the best golf courses, beaches, boating, entertainment, shopping, and schools found on the First Coast. To be built in two phases by four prestigious builders, the community offers breathtaking 65’, 75’ and 85’ wide homesites that will serve as canvases for the area’s next architectural masterpieces to be created by CornerStone Homes, Coppenbarger Homes Inc., Woodside Homes/North Florida Builders, and Classic American Homes, a Lennar Company.

The inspiration for MuraBella’s splendor can be found on any summer evening at any country estate in Tuscany. The light of the setting sun floods a landscape that unfolds before your eyes in a striking palette of color ranging from straw yellow, ochre, dark violet, silvery green to deepest black. The ridge of the soft undulating hills melts into a contour flecked by ancient stone walls, centuries old villas and hilltop villages.

"As we traveled through Tuscany recently, we were struck by the beauty of the countryside, the art, architecture and warm friendly atmosphere of the area,” said Rick Wood, president of The Wood

Development Company of Jacksonville and managing member of MuraBella, L.L.C. "MuraBella will embody this same sense of comfort, hearth, and home we experienced in Italy. It is truly going to be a first-rate, family-oriented community."

As co-founders of The Wood Development Company of Jacksonville, Rick and his wife, Susan, have a proven track record of creating desirable family-friendly communities. Among the company's best-known projects are WaterMill, Whisper Ridge, Waterleaf, Stonehurst Plantation, Kernan Forest and Espanita.

Jacksonville-based Basham & Lucas Design Group has created an architectural and landscaping plan that blends classic Italian elements and contemporary Florida style. The entrance gates and clubhouse incorporate clay tile with the sun-softened appearance of an Italian piazza. The exterior of MuraBella’s breathtaking 3,842-square-foot clubhouse captures the feel of a grand Tuscan villa with its amazing fountains, columns, terraces and pavilions. The interior spaces embrace the feel of a drawing room that brims with the most modern conveniences, including a spacious party room, kitchen, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

MuraBella's developer, MuraBella L.L.C., has created a tremendous super pool with waterslide tower for families to enjoy. Residents of MuraBella can play the world's most popular sport on an expansive soccer field. For those who prefer our own national pastime, the softball diamond provides the perfect place for neighbors to interact. MuraBella will also host tennis courts, a sand volleyball court, playground, multi-purpose court and amphitheater.

"MuraBella not only has tremendous recreational opportunities for families, but also spectacular educational ones," said Wood. "We are blessed to be located within one of the best school districts in America. St. Johns County schools rank nationally in the top 14%, and there are more A-rated schools here than in any other Florida county."

The county school district ranks regularly among the top school districts in Florida. Earning its reputation as an educational mecca for families relocating to North Florida, it ranked fourth out of sixty-seven in the 2004 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. Mill Creek Elementary, Switzerland Point Middle School and Allen D. Nease High School are all nearby, while those pursuing higher education can easily commute to Flagler College, Jacksonville University, The University of North Florida, and Florida Community College of Jacksonville.

"When it comes to amenities, MuraBella has access to some of the finest on the First Coast," said Wood. "You will find golf courses, tennis facilities, beautiful white sandy beaches, family parks, shopping, fine dining and entertainment all just minutes away.”

Located nearby is the beautiful World Golf Village, home of the King & Bear golf course, the first Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus collaboration, as well as the Slammer & Squire, a Bobby Weed designed course inspired by the expert input of Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen.

If shopping is your hobby of choice, MuraBella is conveniently located and just a short drive to Jacksonville’s two regional malls, and only minutes away from the St. Augustine outlet centers which host over 150 specialty stores.

Shopping in St. Augustine is a buyer's delight with boutiques, unique gift shops, antique stores, and museums tucked behind quiet courtyards, waiting to be discovered. Only fifteen minutes from MuraBella, St. Augustine, America's oldest European city with its picturesque Spanish streets, is just made for you to explore.

Experience life's best everyday. Experience life at MuraBella.