The Sanctuary Golf Club in Sanibel, Florida - "where paradise is preserved" - is America's only private golf course located in the heart of a national wildlife preserve. The story goes that in the early 1990s after a three year, $3.5 million permitting process, developer John Naumann deeded 220 acres surrounding the Arthur-Hills course to the US Fish and Wildlife Association which became part of the "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The preserve is named after the Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist and noted conservationist Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling, who vacationed on Captiva island for many years and campaigned for the federal protection of 6,400 acres of precious ecosystem that is now home to over 380 different kinds of animals ranging from birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals.
Encompassed on three sides by the wildlife refuge, the Sanctuary community is an exclusive 465 acre golfing community offering the ultimate privacy along with panoramic views of the Pine Island Sound and exotic mangrove forests. The Old Florida charm of the community epitomizes the luxurious, island lifestyle of Sanibel with elegant, yet understated homes of all different styles and magnitudes. Each home is one of a kind, however making the residences even more distinctive are six custom homes that are believed to be the only properties in Florida's entire west coast to share views of the golf course and the bay - classifying them as both golf and waterfront properties.
Creating a golfing experience you will not find anywhere else in the U.S., the Arthur-Hills designed golf course is the piece de resistance of the Sanctuary as it winds through a habitat full of bald eagles, ospreys, roseate spoonbills, alligators and bobcats. The 6,657 yards of challenging fairway outline the preserve as well as a 22 acre bald eagle buffer zone, sparkling lakes and the Gulf of Mexico delivering breathtaking views that will make anyone want to play all day long.
However, magnificent views are not the only warming features of this community; the camaraderie amongst the residents is as warm as a glowing Florida sunset. Despite the opportunity for big egos and pretentiousness that is associated with successful entrepreneurs and top executives which make up the majority of the community, these neighbors and friends have described the atmosphere here as uncompetitive and laid back like one big family.
The Sanctuary Golf Club is a place where members can encounter majestic wildlife and the natural beauty that Sanibel, Florida is famous for when they walk out of their back door or step onto the green of their favorite past time.
For more information about this community or any other in Lee County, please email me at Michael@MichaelPolly.com or call me at 239.689.7653.
MICHAEL POLLY
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