At a time when most residential developers were waiting out the downturn of the Southwest Florida housing market, Canadian home builder Minto Communities decided to take a chance on the looming real estate recovery.

In 2010, Minto began to develop land it had previously acquired on Perico Island, located on the western end of Manatee Avenue between Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. With the Harbour Isle project, Minto set out to make a difference in the Manatee County housing market. First of all, the developer broke the mold of Mediterranean-inspired architecture and instead chose an attractive design based on Caribbean and Southern Coastal styles. Second, Minto has selected floor plans loaded with extras that complement the great location and the numerous neighborhood amenities.

Mangrove Walk is a residential section within Harbour Isle that features five very elegant floor models inspired by Caribbean island villages. The largest model is the Harbour Grand Retreat, which sits on 3,564 square feet of living space and features three bedrooms, three bathrooms, foyer, den, sun room, covered lanai, and many other extras. Even the cozier Bimini model features 2,497 square feet of interior. Depending on the floor plan and custom features, home buyers can expect to pay between $485K and $825K for a Mangrove Walk residence. It is important to note that property values in this community have considerably appreciated in just a few years, and this is a trend that is likely to continue.

Nature lovers will feel right at home in Harbour Isle; the island can be explored by means of a nature trail that spans two miles and connects with a 38-acre lake as well as with a mangrove preserve and kayak launch. Sightings of manatees, dolphins, egrets, and ospreys are not unusual. Other neighborhood amenities include a swimming pool and clubhouse. A marina and a small shopping center may be developed in the future.