Located 30 minutes north of downtown Jacksonville, FL., and about 90 minutes from Savannah, GA., the historic town of St. Mary’s is one of the hidden treasures along Georgia’s southeast coast. The gateway to Cumberland National Seashore, the town – founded by the Spanish in the 16th century – has over the past few years become a popular, quiet retreat for families and retirees.
The Esplanade at St. Mary’s resort lifestyle community – the first Esplanade resort lifestyle community in the Greater Jacksonville market – is bringing bring more attention and popularity to the area, with famed builder Taylor Morrison showcasing a Chris Wilczynski-designed, 18-hole golf course as the centerpiece of the new 1,250-acre community that will feature more than 1,300 single-family homes, signature resort-style amenities, and wellness programs.
“To get a new golf course in this area is fantastic,’’ Mike Block, the community’s general manager told me at the course’s recent grand opening. “It has easy access (less than one mile off of Interstate 95) and is a great layout – very fair to all golfers.’’
Indeed. Wilczynski created a course (7,107 yards, par 72 from the tips) with holes that play along the Lowcountry marsh, through Georgia pine trees, and with a links-style feel. There are five sets of tees on each hole.
“Something for every golfer,’’ Block said. “It’s never boring. The movement of the golf course is my favorite thing about it. There are not many straight lines out there. Every hole as something different.’’
Wilczynski, who has built courses for Taylor Morrison since 2012 and currently has courses under construction for the company in Port St. Lucie, FL., and Naples, FL., likens the challenges of the St. Mary’s layout to bunny hills and black diamond slopes at ski resorts.
“It goes all the way down 3,500 yards,’’ Wilczynski said. “So, as people age, I want them to move forward and play the tee that is appropriate for them.
“You’ll see a lot of angles out here, where we ask you to hit to a certain spot for the best approach into the greens or for your next shot.’’
The golf course – managed by Troon – is currently open for public play. It perfectly complements the Esplanade Resort Experience “Spirit of Wellness’’ that the company emphasizes at its properties throughout the country, most of which are in Florida.
“Our (Esplanade) brand represents community, life and purpose,’’ Cammie Longenecker, president of Esplanade Resort Experiences, told me. “Mind, body and spirit. It’s a holistic approach. Our opportunity is to create a location where you feel you’re on vacation every day of your life. Make it approachable, not only from a liveability standpoint, but from a community standpoint and economic standpoint. To being a ‘true’’ resort community experience behind the gates.’’
In addition to a Wellness Center, Esplanade at St. Mary’s eventually will include a culinary center; spa; racquet sports; resort-style pool with full-service dining; dog park and walking trails.
Priced from the $400s to $1 million+, homes at Esplanade at St. Marys range from 1,580 –3,730 square feet.
It all adds up, Block said, to having a positive impact on the town of St. Mary’s and the surrounding area.
“We’ve already had eyeballs on this area from other states who know the Esplanade brand,’’ Block said. “In terms of accessibility, if you are a homeowner here, you can hop on the freeway to Jacksonville, Savannah or St. Mary’s. There are a lot of options.’’
Photo Courtesy of Esplanade at St.Mary’s