By Jamie Swann, Contributing Writer
Along the banks of the peaceful St. Johns River, tucked away under the oak tree canopies of scenic Mandarin Road, is River Story, the area’s newest luxury home community.
The river has been a driving force of bringing people to Mandarin since the 1800s and the most recent addition to the area is no exception.
The latest creation of Jacksonville developer Hawley Smith, River Story boasts miles of uninterrupted river views in one of Jacksonville’s most historic neighborhoods.
Other waterfront neighborhoods Smith has been a part of include Riverplace, Palencia, Marshwinds and Silverleaf.
Located in the heart of old Mandarin, the area has been captivating homeowners for generations.
“The area is rich with history,” said Nate Day, vice president of H. Smith Inc. “Just down the street is Walter Jones (Historical) Park and the historic Mandarin store and Post Office.”
A small collection of custom homes is being crafted behind the gated entrance off winding Mandarin Road.
Maintaining the beautifully wooded estate setting of the area, each 1-acre homesite is nestled among century-old oaks, reminiscent of the more open feel of yesterday’s neighborhoods.
River Story will be about 50 acres with 49 homesites, 12 of which will be riverfront. Each riverfront lot is 100 feet wide and more than 400 feet deep, with southern exposure and newly constructed bulkhead with individual dock permits in hand.
“It’s really a unique opportunity to build a custom home on the river,” said Day. “Especially on a 1-acre lot in a gated community on Mandarin Road.”
An award-winning preferred builder team is bringing the area to life, creating homes to complement the quiet riverfront community at 14254 Mandarin Road.
Glenn Layton Homes, Legacy Builders and Andy Reynolds Homes are adding their signature touches to the community.
With property along the river limited in the Mandarin, it is no surprise the exclusive community has already seen success. To date, 14 of the 49 lots have been sold or reserved, including a builder spec home.
“Whether it’s relaxing in a hammock or watching the sun set over the St. Johns, this really is a perfect story,” Day said.
River Story marks a return to Mandarin for H. Smith, which is where the company developed its first neighborhoods in the 1970s and built River Bay Plantation in the 1990s.
It’s also where Smith raised his children and continues to live.
For more information, visit riverstorymandarin.com or call (904) 584-9778.