Trisha is one of our homeowners from the UK.  She lives in Yorkshire with her partner Mandy.  Together, they own the beautiful Anchor’s Away property on the Tuscan Ridge community in Davenport.

Browse Trisha’s home here.

We caught up with Trisha to ask her about being the owner of a vacation home in Florida and what she loves about her home and the state of Florida.

What made you decide to buy a holiday home in Florida?

We were looking in Spain originally, but then a friend told us about a company selling houses in Florida.  They flew us out for a week and showed us a load of homes.  We fell in love with the second one we saw, right on the first day.

How long have you had your home in Florida?

We bought it in 2003 and we’ve never looked back!  When we bought it, it was brand new.  We bought it with the intention of keeping it for five years, but we’ve had it now for 17 years.  We love the house and the area and we absolutely love Florida.

When did you first fall in love with Florida?

I went for the first time in around 1989, I think.  We’d been a couple of times in the 1990s.  But now it’s a home from home that we really love.  When it was my sixtieth birthday, we went out and stayed for a month.

Did you always know where you wanted to buy?

Osceloa county is Disney county and the homes there are much more expensive.  We bought just over the county line in Polk county.  At that time there was quite a few neighbourhoods going up and it was a lot cheaper to buy in Polk county.  What I love about it is the close access to the I4.  Within fifteen minutes of leaving our home, we are driving under the Welcome to Disney arch.

What is the area like?

When we first bought the home, there were just a few restaurants nearby.  Now, there’s everything you could want right on the doorstep.  There’s an English café that serves English food like Sunday roasts.  We love Bob Evans and Mani’s Chop House and Longhorn Steakhouse.

It’s just five minutes onto the Interstate and, from there, you can explore the whole of Florida.

Did you always know you would rent your home?

If we can’t rent a home, we won’t buy it.  This home has been great for us, especially with White Rose Villas managing it. Every year it’s already booked up for most of the next year!

How did you find White Rose Villas property management?

We had various nightmares with other property management companies.  We were even robbed by one of them!  But White Rose Villas property management is the best we’ve ever had.  Everything gets done if they say its going to get done.  They go above and beyond; we can’t fault them.   After all the nightmares we’ve had, White Rose Villas property management is like a godsend – they’re absolutely the best!

Do you have any advice for other people thinking about buying in Florida?

You need to be aware of all the financials.  You need your own accountant because you have to be IRS registered.  If you are going to rent out your home, you’ll be paying tax.  You have to consider the admin and the community charges, the homeowners’ association fees.  And the utilities cost a lot more than they do in the UK.  Get the right advice before you buy.

Have you got any tips that guests should know before booking your home?

We’ve tried to make it a home from home – so that nobody ever thinks ‘I wish this home had…’. It’s got everything you might need.  The only thing we don’t allow is barbeques because it can really stain the covered area around the pool.

What is the best thing about your home?

What’s the best feature – besides the pool?  I think the games room we’ve created by converting the garage.  There’s table football, pool, ice-hockey, a big TV with games. 

White Rose Villas comment: the heated hot tub on the pool deck is another superb extra.

Have you got any advice for anyone considering a holiday in Florida?

Everybody should go!  It’s every child’s dream.  And once you’ve been, you’ve got the bug!  I know two or three people who’ve bought a home there after going there on holiday.  It’s a fabulous place.  Last November, one of our guests went swimming with manatees!

We love to take our granddaughters to the parks.  When you watch the Disney parade with the fireworks over the castle afterwards, it has brought tears to my eye every time I’ve watched it!

We also love St Augustine.  It’s about an hour and a half to St Augustine but the drive is really interesting.  We’ve been to Anna Marie Island and Key West.  Miami is 240 miles away but it’s like a different planet altogether!  It’s so fabulous!  We’ve been all over, but we like Clearwater and Treasure Island.  We just book overnight at a cheap hotel and go and explore.

You can have your own Florida adventure by booking Trisha’s home.

View Anchor’s Away here.

Or browse all homes managed by White Rose Villas property management here.

We’re so pleased to bring you tips from our homeowners about their favourite days out in Florida.  The first blog in this series has been kindly written by Ruth Moriarty.

Why should you go?

If you are searching for a complete change of pace from the Parks, space to breathe and quietly appreciate nature, then Bok Tower Gardens awaits.  The gardens are centrally located in Lake Wales between Tampa and Orlando in Polk County and they have been welcoming visitors since 1929.

What can you expect?

You quite simply relax and slow down.  The stunning gardens cover more than 7 acres and include a 1930s Mediterranean-style mansion to visit and the unique Singing Tower Carillion, from where you hear the tinkling of bells drifting through the air as you wander around. 

You can also sit and appreciate a free half hour concert at set times of the day. The Tower is located at the side of a Reflection Pool and creates fabulous opportunities for taking photos or watching the Koi Carp as they gently swim around in the tranquil waters.

How much does it cost?

Entrance per day costs $15 per adult and $5 for children aged 5-12… quite a bargain when you consider entrance to many other places in Florida!

Who should go?

Bok Tower Gardens is for everyone.  If you are looking for something a little quieter than the theme parks, you will love this day out.

Is Bok Tower Gardens accessible?

There is good access for people in wheelchairs or scooters and a little “train” runs from the Tower back to the entrance for those whose feet may be a little tired and who may be in need of some refreshment.

Will children enjoy Bok Tower Gardens?

There are all sorts of active and creative things for children as well.  Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden incorporates cooling water features, a boardwalk, play areas with climbing features, a stage for little performers, paintings and plenty of space to dig, create and explore.

On arrival at Bok Tower Gardens

When you arrive you pass through a gate with the founder, Edward W Bok’s grandmother’s words inscribed on it: “make you the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it”.  You then pass into the most peaceful of spots and one of my favourite spots in Central Florida.

Owner’s visit: Ruth’s day out at Bok Tower Gardens

We had lunch at the Blue Palmetto Café, where there is a wide choice of light lunches and ice-cream! I had the Avocado Tuna Salad, which was delicious and filling but there are burgers, dogs, sandwiches, wraps etc… oh and did I say ice-cream?!

The Shop at Bok is a lovely way to end your day, to collect a few souvenirs.  There is a good choice, many items are a little out of the ordinary if you are looking for a slightly different gift.   You don’t have to walk through the shop to get out of the gardens, which I liked, but it didn’t stop me going in and buying a couple of things.

We came away from Bok Tower Gardens feeling refreshed, revitalised and inspired.  It’s a very special place and I recommend it highly for people of all ages.  Take your time, slow down, sit a while and think a little about the ethos behind the gardens: Make the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it.

Ruth’s “don’t miss” attractions at Bok Tower Gardens

• Pinewood Estate – view from the back of the Mediterranean-style mansion.

• The Tower and Reflecting Pool – there are tantalising views of the Tower from many areas of the garden – the Carillion bells were tinkling as I took this photo – which was quite magical.

• The beautiful flowers and trees – these photos were taken during my visit in January 2020.  If you enjoy taking photos of nature, then you couldn’t come to a better place.  There are so many varieties of flowers and trees and everywhere you turn there is somewhere to sit, to think and to Be.

Coronavirus update: What is the situation at Bok Tower Gardens concerning COVID-19?

As with so many places, the Gardens have been closed due to COVID-19.  They are rescheduled to open as of 1 June, though do check the website for updates.  As I write this, they will only be accepting pre-booked entrance tickets.  Find more details here.

About Ruth’s home

If you’d like to book your stay in Florida to enjoy Bok Tower Gardens and central Florida’s other wonderful attractions, please check out our homes here.

Ruth’s home is the very wonderful Sapphire Sky Villa at Orange Tree.  See more – and book – here.

Would you like to share your tips for great days out in Florida?

We’d love to share contributions from our guests and homeowners about great days out in Florida.  If you have tips or ideas you’d like to share on our blog, please reach out to our team. 

The Governor has finally announced a plan to facilitate the re-opening of your vacation rental homes in the State.

It requires every County to submit a plan for the safe operation of vacation homes to the Department of Business and Professional Regulations (DBPR). The DBPR will then allow those counties to re-open or request further information. We are, naturally, hopeful that this process can be completed as soon as possible.

 

News for White Rose Villas vacation home owners

We at White Rose Villas are anxious to comply with the stringent DBPR sanitary guidelines and follow the CDC recommended guidelines for home cleanings and the staggering of bookings to allow a 3 day gap. We await any further requirements and will implement them without delay.

From May 18th gyms can open and restaurants, retail, museums and libraries may operate at 50% capacity; theme parks can submit plans to re-open. Along with further testing and the ability of pro sports teams to gather without fans, there are gradual but positive signs for our industry.

 

What’s next for Orlando vacation home owners?

We will, of course, keep you updated as the situation develops; rest assured that we’ll be ready to go as soon as the green light is given!

If you have any questions, please get in touch. Reach out to us at admin@whiterosevillas.com

 

 

 

It’s the most wonderful time of year! If you’re visiting Orlando this holiday season, why not indulge in these favourite festive holiday experiences, as recommended by the White Rose Villas team?

 

#1. Take a walk around Disney Springs

At this time of year, the shops and restaurants are decked out in their festive finery.  Enjoy the holiday atmosphere while you pick out a few gifts for the folks back home.

 

#2. Whizz down the ice slides at ICE! Gaylord Palms

See the beautiful ice sculptures at this Kissimmee Resort and, at the end of your tour, you get to slide down giant ice slides.  A firm family favourite.

 

#3. See the giant gingerbread houses at Disney’s Grand Floridian

At Disney’s Grand Floridian hotel, the foyer is filled with Christmas decorations – including giant gingerbread houses.  Plus, you can buy more pocket-sized gingerbread Christmas treats to take home.

 

#4. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the town of Celebration

Celebration is a picture-perfect lakeside town just a short drive from the main gates of Disney.  At this time of year, you can expect carol singers, lights and even snow!  For a really Christmassy feel, take a tour around town in a horse-drawn carriage.

 

#5. Walk down Main Street and watch the special Christmas fireworks show

It’s hard to imagine a more magical experience than your first Disney parade, but it is extra special at Christmas time. 

 

#6. Meet Santa!

Most of the theme parks offer opportunities to visit with Santa.  Outside the parks, the most highly regarded Santa meet and greets can be found at Disney Springs (he has a chalet on the Christmas Tree Trail), at the Mall at Millenia and you can also find his chalet beside the lake in Celebration.

#7. Enjoy the “snowfall” in Celebration

Snow falls every night in Celebration at this time of year and it’s super fun! 

 

#8. Take a festive cookie stroll at Epcot

As you wander around the world showcase, you can collect Christmas cookies as you go.

 

#9. See Hogwarts decorated for Christmas

If you’ve ever wondered about Dumbledore’s taste in tinsel, take a wander around Hogwarts castle at Universal’s Islands of Adventure at this time of year and all your questions will be answered!  Definitely better than the Dursley’s!

 

#10. Listen to the carols at Epcot

Epcot’s Christmas highlight is the Candlelight Processional.  It features a 50-piece orchestra and takes place three times each night.

 

#11. Enjoy a butterbeer!

Head down to Diagon Alley or the village of Hogsmeade at Christmas and you can enjoy a delicious draught of warm butterbeer – it’s bound to fill you with Christmas cheer.

 

#12. Breakfast with the Grinch

Bah humbug!  You’ll need to book in advance if you want to start the day with the Grinch at Universal’s Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast.  You can meet a variety of Dr Seuss characters before heading into the park to enjoy the Who-liday Spectacular show.

 

#13. See a classic Christmas ballet

The Orlando Ballet’s annual performance of the Nutcracker at the Dr Phillips Centre is something of an Orlando institution.  A magical way to celebrate the season.

 

#14. Sit in a giant Lego sleigh

Of course, Legoland is decked out in all its finery at this time of year too – and if you have Lego-mad kids the giant sleigh is going to be a highlight.

 

#15. Party with Mickey and friends

What better way to celebrate the season in Orlando than the all-singing, all-dancing Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?  The party atmosphere on these select nights through November and December will have you dancing in the Magic Kingdom, plus you can enjoy Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade and Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks.

 

We’d love to hear about your favourite seasonal events and activities in Orlando and Central Florida at this time of year. Please share your thoughts with us!

Or for more tips, ask our team!

US – 321-710-8779

UK – 0333-332-1411