Stonelake Ranch on Lake Thonotosassa marks 1st anniversary of Community Lodge

Residents of estate homes in 685-acre lakefront community enjoy natural beauty, boating, aviary and more

LAKE THONOTOSASSA, FL: In a serene private enclave tucked away between Tampa and Lakeland in Hillsborough County, residents of Stonelake Ranch mark the first anniversary of their clubhouse, Stonelake Community Lodge, in the same style they live their daily lives: quietly. It's hardly the stuff of a breaking news story, and that's just the way they like it. Stonelake resident Sheryl Cornelius, for example, says she appreciates "sitting outside, listening to the sound of birds singing in the morning or sitting on the pool deck basking in the natural beauty of the community."

Her experience confirms the success of developers Charles Funk and Jeff Meehan in achieving their vision. They planned Stonelake Ranch as a "gated, master-planned community that would be a residential preserve guided by the same reverence for Florida land that once drew native peoples to this lakeshore centuries ago."

Stonelake Community Lodge fits easily within that vision. As does the 685-acre community of Stonelake Ranch, the Stonelake Community Lodge hugs the eastern shore of Lake Thonotosassa. Nestled within a manicured area of green grass and bright flowers, the stacked-stone, 3,000-square-foot lodge is encircled by wraparound porches, accented with a stone chimney and complemented by a path leading through natural foliage to a boat dock. Its homey exterior belies the casual elegance inside, where stone floors, traditional lighting fixtures, a cheery fireplace, full kitchen and abundance of seating areas allow homeowners to meet, relax and entertain. They can view the tranquil scenery through a wall of French doors or step outside to experience the grandeur of breathtaking Florida sunsets. The more athletic residents can gravitate to the state-of-the-art fitness center, hitting the treadmill while viewing the lake.

General manager Brian Funk expresses satisfaction with the progress of Stonelake Ranch, which welcomed its first residents in 2006. The community has sold over 60 percent of its 161 large-acreage homesites, and 28 families are in residence. "We are on track with our plans, and in some ways we are ahead," he says. "Stonelake's families bring their own warmth and vitality as they enjoy the natural beauty of this community." Among others in Stonelake, the resident families include medical professionals, entrepreneurs, business owners and professional athletes, according to Funk.

The community provides over 10,000 feet of waterfront property along 880-acre Lake Thonotosassa—Hillsborough County's largest lake—with additional waterfront homesites along Stonelake's private, 37-acre Lake Hendry. Homesites range from 1.5 to 8.6 acres, with an average size of 3.5 acres, although one exceptional site boasts 18 acres and its own private entrance. Prices for homesites begin in the high $200s, Funk says.

No cookie-cutter homes line Stonelake's streets. The individually designed residences are a mix of architectural styles, custom-built by six carefully chosen builders: Alvarez Homes, Arthur Rutenberg Homes, Bartlett Homes, Campagna Homes, The Fechtel Company and John Cannon Homes. The minimum home size is 3,000 square feet and there is no maximum. In fact, one family enjoys life in a three-story, 16,000-square-foot home while another family has sited a baseball diamond and batting cage in their yard. One of the newest homes, currently under construction, will enclose nearly 20,000 square feet under air. "Although the size sounds daunting, this home is perfectly placed in a generously sized lot so that it blends in naturally with its surroundings," Funk says.

Stonelake Ranch provides hundreds of acres of open meadows, brooks, diverse woodlands and an avian sanctuary, along with 240 abundant acres of common area and an extensive trail system for walking, jogging, biking and horse riding. Those interested in fishing or bird-watching find unlimited opportunities, Funk says. Boating enthusiasts can choose between Lake Hendry, which allows non-motorized water vehicles, and Lake Thonotosassa, which is open to most types of water sport.

Stonelake Ranch is located just minutes from Interstate 75, Interstate 4 and Metropolitan Tampa on the eastern edge of Hillsborough County. Residents have easy access to public and private schools, retail shops, offices, banks, restaurants, beaches, amusement parks, sporting events and entertainment venues.

The Welcome Center at Stonelake Ranch is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m. For further information, or to arrange a private tour, please contact the Welcome Center office at 813-986-0062, visit the website at www.stonelakeranch.com or write to john@stonelakeranch.com.

To reach Stonelake Ranch from Tampa, take I-4 east to exit 14. Turn left (north) on McIntosh Road and travel approximately 2.5 miles to Thonotosassa Road (stop sign). Turn left (west) on Thonotosassa and travel approximately 1 mile to the Stonelake Ranch entrance on the right.

Stonelake Ranch on Lake Thonotosassa marks 1st anniversary of Community Lodge--quietly

The gated, master-planned community of Stonelake Ranch is a private, natural sanctuary offering over 10,000 feet of waterfront property along the eastern shores of Lake Thonotosassa. Located 20 minutes from downtown Tampa, the 685-acre community permits just 161 large-acreage homesites. Its residents enjoy hundreds of acres of open meadows, brooks, diverse woodlands and an avian sanctuary; 240 acres of common area; an extensive trail system for walking, jogging, biking and horse riding; fishing and water sports; a community lodge for social gatherings and exercise; and more. Developers Charles Funk and Jeff Meehan have created over $1 billion in residential real estate developments to date. Prior projects include Arbor Greene, a 650-acre community in the New Tampa area of Hillsborough County; Bellagio a 142-unit residential community in Venice; Triano, a 108-unit condominium community also in Venice; Cypress Pointe, a 334-residence community in Coral Springs; and Crystal Ridge Estates, a 350-acre residential community in Hartford, Connecticut.