The Forest Golf and Country Club

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The Forest Golf and Country Club

The Forest Golf and Country Club is among the more esteemed and historic of private golf communities in Southwest Florida. Located off of Island Park Road in sunny Fort Myers, Florida, the land which comprises The Forest Golf and Country Club would likely have never been imagined suitable for establishing two championship golf courses, not to mention, amenity enriched neighborhood, without the vision of two remarkable developers. But to put that in proper perspective requires looking back to an era in the 1920s when city leaders sought to establish canals that would allow inland waters to more easily drain from locations east of the Tamiami Trail into Hendry Creek and Estero Bay, Florida’s first Aquatic Preserve. When completed, the canals ultimately marked the northern and southern boundaries of a 600 acre expanse which was regarded as largely uninhabitable except for the feral hogs, alligators, rattlesnakes and other critters. To complicate matters, invasive Melaleuca trees had proliferated to slowly choke-out the native flora, yet the challenges of the terrain as well as public perception of Fort Myers (historically known as a cow town due to the cattle trade) would not thwart Developers David Swor and John Santini. It was in the 1970s that Swor & Santini resolves to create a new residential models in a gated-community complemented with two championship courses. This was a novel concept at the time, and there were plenty of detractors who felt the mosquitoes and snakes would negate any hope of creating what Swor and Santini set-out to do, but they pushed forward. They secured investors, cleared out the invasive plants, sought guidance from leading golf course architects and The Forest Golf and Country emerged as a pioneering master-planned community. The successful establishment of this scenic neighborhood, complete with lakes and lush green preserves, actually help spur the wide array of similar communities which can now be found throughout Southwest Florida. In fact, when Developer David Shakirian sought to create the national award-winning, master-planned community of Bonita Bay, he consulted with Swor and Santini because they were so esteemed as pioneers of this new kind of residential model. So, for all of the natural beauty, architectural quality and recreational amentiies that await within The Forest Golf and County Club, it deserves mention that this neighborhood, more than most any other, has exacted a lasting influence on the landscape of Southwest Florida.

Home Options

Home buyers have many options at The Forest Golf and Country Club. In addition to large, single-family homes, there are villas and condominiums. Depending on the residence, average prices can range from the $200s to $700s. There’s excellent potential to secure resales which have been refurbished and upgraded. The range of price points and homes style ensure buyers can fiind something that aligns with their budget and lifestyle at The Forest Golf and Country Club.

Amenities

Clubhouse

The 45,000 square-foot clubhouse at Forest Golf and Country Club features three dining venues that accommodate both casual and fine dining. The atmosphere and professional staff have helped make this one of the more popular of regional venues for hosting wedding receptions and a busy calendar of society events. Throughout the year, residents have routine opportunities to come together for seasonal celebrations, special events and activities involving the range of special interest clubs.

Fitness & Fun

Recreational options at The Forest Golf & Country Club include swimming, bocce ball and a wide range of activities to help you maintain your peak physical condition. In addition to the fitness center which features treadmills, free weights and other apparatus, there are classes involving yoga, water aerobics and more. For those who enjoy tennis, there are six HarTru courts which cater to the variety of men’s and women’s tennis programs available for neighborhood residents.

Golf

Southwest Florida is regarded as “The Golf Capital of the World,” and The Forest Golf and Country Club is home to two of the top courses in our region.  The Bobcat course offers 6,419 yards of play with wide fairways, while “The Bear” course, as its name might suggest, is a bit more challenging. It offers 6,870 yards of play. The Bear course has served as host for U.S. Open qualifiers, numerous Florida State Golf Association events and has been heralded among Florida’s “Top 25” Distinctive Courses by GolfWeek Magazine.

Location, Location, Location

Location is also among the advantages of life at Forest Golf and Country Club. Residents are conveniently close to a number of popular attractions.

Play Ball

Baseball fans know that Fort Myers serves as the official home-away-from-homes for the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins. Residents of Forest Golf and Country Club are less than ten minutes from spring training games at nearby Hammond Field or JetBlue Stadium. The neighborhood is also close to collegiate competition as it is only minutes from Florida Gulf Coast University or Florida Southwestern College. Florida Gulf Coast University has emerged as a dominating force of athleticism in the Atlantic Sun Conference and at nearby Alico Arena, there’s victories to cheer in basketball, volleyball, soccer, wrestling and other sports.

Great Shopping & Dining

For those who enjoy shopping & dining, the neighborhood is only minutes from big box retail options and popular destinations like the Bell Tower Shops, Gulf Coast Town Center and Coconut Point Mall. From fashions and home goods to novelties and all manner of flavors one may savor, residents have many options only a short drive from the door of their home.

Arts & Entertainment

Cultural enrichment is provided at destinations like the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Center. Located only a few minutes from The Forest Golf and Country Club, the B.B. Mann hosts lavish stage productions and concerts featuring legendary recording artists. More in the way of theater can be found at places like the Broadway Palm Theater, BigArts Center on Sanibel Island and of course, downtown Fort Myers. Concerts, art exhibits and some of the nation’s leading arts & crafts shows, Fort Myers features something for everyone.

The Imaginarium Science Center dino display

Family Fun

Families with growing children will appreciate the proximity to schools, parks, healthcare services and kid-friendly attractions. From The Imaginarium Science Center, Lakes Park and Calusa Nature Center to nearby water parks and nature trails among The Six Mile Slough Preserve, families have plenty of possibilities when looking for ways to entertain the kids. Though the region has been nationally distinguished among America’s Best Places to Retire, Southwest Florida is made home by young, single professionals and young families alike.

Beautiful Beaches

For all who love fishing, boating or simply taking in a scenic sunset, each day offers unceasing opportunity for adventures on the Gulf of Mexico or strolling along the shores of Fort Myers Beach or Sanibel Island. Part of the beauty of life here is having so many days of sunny weather that one feels constantly beckoned to enjoy the outdoors.

The Forest Golf and Country remains one of the best options for a home location in Fort Myers. When you’re ready to learn more about any of the current available properties, please don’t hesitate to connect with our community specialists. When homes come on the market here, they typically sell fast because the price, location and access to amenities are truly that spectacular. If you have any questions about homes at The Forest Golf and Country Club, simply submit the contact form below.

Current Listings in The Forest