by Amy Limbert
Staff Writer
The thermometer outside may still read mid-70s or higher but inside Palencia’s Holiday Showhouse, it’s a winter wonderland.
About six local interior designers decked the halls of the two-story furnished Valencia model home in Palencia’s Villas of Augustine Island community, said Nita Roberts-Sullivan of Palencia. Decorated trees, santas, reindeer, snowmen and more fill the house with holiday cheer. Nearly every room is decorated, from the kitchen and living room to the bedrooms and bathrooms. The three-story model next door, although empty, also will be decorated and open to visitors. The showhouse will be open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and on Sundays from noon-5 p.m.
Naomi Lumley, Palencia sales and marketing director, suggested the showhouse at Palencia, a project she’d participated in at other communities. Admission to wander through the showhouse is free, but visitors don’t have to come empty-handed. Palencia will be collecting new toys and nonperishable canned goods to be donated to the needy.
David Owen of Trident Development Corp said he was very pleased his company’s community was chosen to host the showhouse.
With plans for 40 homes — currently six are completed and six more are under construction — the showhouse is a great way to show off the new villas, he said.
“This is a brand-new model and product,” Roberts-Sullivan said. “This is a chance to show the lifestyle of a private gated island with Mediterranean-style villas.”
Augustine Island has two- and three-story attached villas, offering maintanence-free living. Owen said the community appeals to the 45-and-older crowd who may be looking to downsize from larger homes in communities like Marsh Landing.