Subscribe to AfterDawn's weekly newsletter.
Poinsettia Landings: the Ideal Residence for Gay Europeans
FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida, September 20 /PRNewswire/ -- - It is luxurious, affordable and near Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale Retired British motor company executive Stewart Sinclair and his partner, Bruno Forrest, are searching the world for the optimal lifestyle. A few years ago, they traded in their Florida home for a farmhouse in the lovely French countryside in order to be nearer to England. "In retrospect, it was a mistake. We're too far from everything," says Sinclair. Now they dream of returning to South Florida, mostly because they miss Wilton Manors so much. "We found life there absolutely wonderful. It was so relaxing to be in a totally gay community without the attitude or competitiveness that some locations possess. There is no where else in the world, not even in America, where a place like Wilton Manors exists," says Sinclair. If they return, they'll look at buying a unit at Poinsettia Landings, he says. In the battle for the "pink pound," Poinsettia Landings wins hands down for luxury and location and value. This 60-unit development in the heart of Fort Lauderdale only a few blocks from Wilton Manors appeals to them very much. Poinsettia Landings has 1- and 2-bedroom apartments and villas ranging in size from 50.63 to 67.35 square meters and costing from US$160,000 to the low US$200,000s -- "Peanuts, in terms of London prices," says Stewart. When they toured the development, they were attracted by the quality not normally associated with bargain prices. This impressed Sinclair and, especially, Forrest. A retired London interior decorator and antiques dealer, Forrest has a sharp eye for detail. "We both liked the high quality of finish in the units, which provided a feeling of wellbeing that can be difficult to find in Florida. The kitchens have granite worktops and stainless appliances, and the open floor plan gives the units a feeling of spaciousness," says Sinclair. "Lock and Go" Makes Sense Owning a freestanding vacation home 6,500 km away can be a worry as well as a financial drain. Owning at Poinsettia Landings is worry-free. "Poinsettia Landings is what the South Africans call a 'lock and go.' The great benefit for a foreign investor is this: you end your vacation, close and lock the door, and walk away with full knowledge that the yard, pool and development will be maintained. A set monthly service charge takes care of everything, whether you are there or not," Sinclair explains. Excellent value for the pound or euro As property prices continue to rise in Europe and the U.S. dollar continues to drop, investing in U.S. real estate is accessible and irresistible. "In terms of value, one has tremendous opportunity to own a vacation home at what by English standards are low prices. Clearly, the year-around sunshine and incredible beaches are appealing. Fort Lauderdale is very easy to get around, and there are plenty of wonderful restaurants of all kinds," says Sinclair. For foreign buyers who do not want to pay cash, Poinsettia Landings is partnering with the Fort Lauderdale's Pride Mortgage to provide financing options at competitive rates. Coming Home to Wilton Manors The town of Wilton Manors, a suburb of Fort Lauderdale, offers a total lifestyle for gay men and women of all ages. "We loved the atmosphere of friendliness in the neighborhood, irrespective of age. It didn't matter if you were 18 or 80, people would smile and say hello without sexual innuendo," says Sinclair. Sinclair and Forrest enjoyed the variety of gay-oriented restaurants, clubs, bars, discotheques and shops within a 5- to 10-minute drive, but were equally happy about the laid-back lifestyle. "There was no pressure. If you wanted to go out and about, you could do so. If you just wanted to lay by the pool, that was okay, too," he says. Sinclair also misses the warmth of his neighbors, who did not hesitate to stop and roll down their car windows for a chat, even when they didn't know him. "A very great difference between Europe and America is the incredible friendliness of the people. Living there was a wonderful experience. We love America and Americans for all the positive things they offer," he says. For more information please visit their web site, www.PoinsettiaLandings.com, or contact the broker, Atlantic Properties International, Inc. at +1-954-564-8182. Web site: http://www.poinsettialandings.com






