Bonita Bay Now Winter 2021 | Page 17

SHARON KNIGHT AND George Triantafillis have been visiting Bonita Bay from Pennsylvania since the late ’ 80s . “ My parents were some of the first people to build there ,” says Sharon . “ I remember our first visit . Right after driving over the bridge onto Bonita Bay Boulevard , I thought to myself , ‘ Oh my goodness ! Is this heaven ?’ It was so beautiful .”
After the death of Sharon ’ s father in 2005 , the couple bought her parents ’ home in Cracker Cove . “ Though we loved the house , we were both working full time and could only go down twice a year ,” Sharon recalls . When George retired six years ago , the couple fell in love with the Oak Knoll neighborhood and vowed they would live there one day . “ Unfortunately , there was nothing available at the time , so we sold my parents ’ home and moved into Tavira , which better suited our needs ,” she said .
Tavira is an impressively appointed high-rise luxury residence with an extraordinary culture . The redesigned lobby , Club Room , and Mezzanine are unmatched in the chosen materials and style . The unique character of Tavira is where the community interacts and socializes together .
About a year-and-a-half ago , a home in Oak Knoll became available and the couple bought it . “ We decided to rent it out until we were able to sell the condo ,” says Sharon . They turned to Angela Lutzi Dellatorè and Scott Dellatorè to list the property . “ We ’ d gotten to know them through fitness and seeing them when we work out ,” she says . “ Plus , they have a stellar reputation in Bonita Bay , Bonita Springs , and Naples .”
Bay to be a privilege . George and I look at each other and say , ‘ What did we do to deserve this ?!” she exclaims .
The couple is especially appreciative of the community ’ s natural surroundings . “ They really did an incredible job of preserving the environment and wildlife here ,” notes Sharon . “ We live alongside them — the alligators , the bobcats , the birds — not to displace or harm them .”
Over the years , Sharon and George have noticed the population of Bonita Bay shifting . “ It ’ s not just a community of 55 + and retirees . I am seeing lots of children , adults in their 30s and 40s .
" It ’ s wonderful ,” Sharon observes . “ Also , we ’ re becoming more geographically diverse year after year . There are residents who come from Canada and European countries .” She loves comparing notes with residents from the Midwest . “ It ’ s fun to share stories and look for commonalities ,” she says .
Bonita Bay offers something for everyone , according to Sharon and George . “ Whether it ’ s the architecture or the lifestyle , you ’ ll find it ,” says Sharon .
Oak Knoll is made up of 33 estate home sites on a curving street lined with mature oak and pine trees . Eleven of the Oak Knoll home sites border the Imperial River and offer private boat docks and gulf access . Homes at Oak Knoll were constructed starting in the early 1990s . Homes sizes vary from the mid-three-thousand-square feet of living space and up .
“ We love Oak Knoll because it ’ s one of the oldest neighborhoods ,” notes Sharon . “ The area also has some of the larger lots and the streets just feel wider . The home we purchased has a spectacular view of the lake and is close to the Marina .”
Until their condo is sold , the couple continue to take advantage of their building ’ s amenities . “ We love to swim or go to the gym ,” says Sharon . “ Sometimes we ’ ll just take a walk and relax at the Promenade .” The proud owners of a new puppy named Luke , the couple enjoy taking the dog on walks along Bonita Bay ’ s 14 miles of hiking trails . “ Whenever we ’ re out with Luke , everyone stops to play with him ,” she laughs . “ Our walks are taking a lot longer these days .”
They also enjoy the variety of dining options offered in and around the gated community . “ We ’ re big fans of Backwater Jack ’ s and DeRomo ’ s Gourmet Market & Restaurant ,” says George .
Sharon admits she keeps having to pinch herself to be reminded of how lucky she is to live in Bonita Bay . “ Even after 30 years of visiting here , we consider living in Bonita
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