Isn’t this impressive? It’s even more so in person. Ave Maria, pronounced just like you think, NOT ‘Avenue’ as the GPS seems to think, is a community of approximately 25,,000 about 45 minutes east of Naples.
It is in the middle of nowhere, but in spite of that, is growing. The heart of the town is the University, which accounts for the nice mix of students and retirees, with a sprinkling of young families thrown in for good measure.
The inside wasn’t as ornate as expected, but elegant in its simplicity.
I probably should have called this post ‘model homes in Ave Maria’. If you’re like me, you enjoy visiting homes that have been tastefully and professionally decorated, perhaps getting inspiration for your own home.
I took far more photos than I will show you, but take heart.,,you’re seeing the best of the best.
I like the creamy white cabinets and light fixtures in this modern/traditional kitchen, as well as the comfy bar stools. Too often we see interesting stools that ‘look’ nice, but clearly would not be comfortable to sit on for extended periods.
One of the most inspirational aspects of the rooms we saw were the creative wall treatments. In this next photo, the light wood wall in the dining area really helped to warm up the space and blended nicely with the neutral furnishings.
While I’m not a huge fan of dark cabinets, these were quite elegant, and the backsplash was gorgeous in person.
This next space was located on a second floor and was spacious and welcoming, perfect for a relaxing time in front of the tv.
Here’s another wall treatment that caught my eye: grass cloth trimmed in molding.
This next wall treatment, also located in a second floor family room, was eye catching yet so simple! It’s all paint!
Heres a quick peak into a master closet. It was about four times larger than what you see, and I loved the light wood shelving.
Here’s a slightly closer look at the previously mentioned wood wall. Notice the interesting corners on the table?
Another creative use of paint on this wall.
Do you prefer large, dramatic art on walls, or galleries? I prefer this type of look, but admittedly I’ve seen some drop dead gorgeous gallery walls.
In Other News…
We are enjoying our time in Naples this year. The weather has been nearly perfect, and we love that there’s a pickleball court here. We play several times a week, often at night when it’s cooler.
The homes that are close to the beach are simply stunning! Tons of character and rich in architectural detail. I should take some photos, but for some reason this trip I have yet to pick up my camera. (The above were taken with my cell). Once we are in Venice I’m sure that will change as there is a photography club there which I enjoyed last year, and plan on an instant replay :).
Meanwhile, I understand you northerners are experiencing very cold, icy weather! I’ll do my best to send you some sunshine.
Edited to add: it seems many don’t know what pickleball is! It’s super popular among retirees! Think tennis, but with a paddle and the court is slightly smaller.
Marilyn @ Pink Paper Cottage says
Some beautiful homes there… did you actually go visit them.. were they model homes or something? That is always fun to do… go in and actually walk around those gorgeously decorated homes! Still cold here but not as bad (central Oregon) and alot of our snow is melting as yesterday was 50 degrees! We can actually walk on pavement again.. it’s been 4 weeks since we’ve seen it. Enjoy your vacation.. and what pray tell, is pickleball? Hugs….
Nana Diana says
Isn’t that an awesome community. All the Del Webb communities are fantastic, I think. We have looked at them a couple of times over the years. Hope you enjoy the remainder of your trip. Blessings to you- xo Diana
AnnMarie says
That sky in the first picture is gorgeous, and then the rest of the pictures just followed suit! I don’t like dark cabinets either but that kitchen is stunning. What exactly is pickleball? Glad you are having a great time.
tammy j says
ditto. pickleball?
do you play with a sour face or what?
LOVE this luscious post! XOXOβ₯
Rita C at Panoply says
Wonderful! We love Naples too – so clean, so well-maintained. We’ve been keeping a watchful eye on properties ($$$$!!) for a few years now…. I’ll be curious to know more about your personal experience there. Thanks for sharing about this community too.
Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says
Yes Yes please send us some warm air and sunshine!!! Naples is such a beautiful area. Enjoy my friend.
xo
Kris
Vickie says
The photo of the exterior of the church is so beautiful! And the blue skies and warm weather sound heavenly right about now. Enjoy!
Karen says
I grew up in Florida and sure do miss all the palm trees. The homes you visited are just beautiful! My brother-in-law lives in Bonita Springs and has taken us on some home tours in that area when we go down to visit all the family. Enjoy your time down there and catch some rays for me π
Emily McGriff says
Such a lovely community. Love the second photo showing inside, not what you’d expect but beautiful. I always enjoy touring new home open houses. They show the latest in colors and decor, so much fun and inspiration. Sounds like your trip started out great. I know you are not missing the cold one bit………
Jane says
This is definitely my dream home and I don’t think there’s a better place in Florida than Naples. Enjoy!
Jane x
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
Thanks for the sunshine… It made it to Brittany, but not the warm temperatures! And thanks for the home decor inspiration!
Marsha says
Oh what fun, Doreen. There are some beautiful interiors. I love the various use of material for walls. I would love to tour model homes with professionally designed rooms. I am glad you are having great weather in Florida. We could use some sunshine in Wisconsin. Send some my way. Have great fun!
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
Yes I WAS going to go off and Google what-in-the-world-pickle-ball was
Southwestern PA Jan 21 / 64 degrees in the afternoon; outside on the porch reading a book. SECOND time for that this month. Crazy.
As to Ave Maria I thought that I was going to see a cathedral or something, ha ha! Interesting post as always π
Cecilia says
I love looking through model homes! So much eye candy. π Glad you are enjoying good weather. Love the ceiling in that church…beautiful! Have a great week!
Mary - the boondocks blog says
Doreen ha I had to laugh about those super cool chairs that are so uncomfortable. Above all else a piece of furniture must be comfortable. These are quite stunning interiors. I’ll be looking forward to some tips when you go for your photography class.
Right now I do believe the weather is warmer here in the NE than it is in Greece. Enjoy your time in Florida!
Mary - the boondocks blog says
My bad Doreen they were stools not chairs. π
Red Rose Alley says
Doreen, Ave Maria looks beautiful. I’m so glad you’re enjoying your time there. One of Jess’ favorite parts of the wedding ceremony was when they sung a version of Ave Maria. Is this community a newer community, because Naples goes way back in history? I love walking in model homes, so many great ideas. It sounds like you are having the time of your life!
Have fun and enjoy your pickleball!
~Sheri
Poppy says
Beautiful, beach inspired interiors; my favourite is the grass cloth bordered by the molding, but all are very inviting.
Ave Maria sounds lovely, Doreen. So glad you are enjoying your time there.
I’d definitely be in a permanent pickle attempting to play pickle-ball!
XXX
Poppy
Benita says
All so gorgeous!! I would never want to leave. And how do you decide which model home is a favorite??!! I would never be able to make up my mind…they all have something I like! Thanks so much for explaining pickleball…I had no idea what it was and I’ve never even heard of it!! Safe travels! Love and hugs!
Kim says
A) You lucky duck!! I am freezing my tail off, send sun quickly, reinforcements needed! B) That first kitchen is lovely. Great light fixtures. Shiny! AND C) Thank you, I was going to google pickleball! π Have fun!!
Carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Hey Sweets! I love that church – truly beautiful in its simplicity.
And I love seeing all of the houses too – you’re such a Gal after my own heart. π I think it’s really cool when walls are painted in neat treatments like that striped wall. Or with neat embellishment around a set of prints. That grasscloth wall reminds me of our first house where my Hubby and I lived. It had a whole accent wall of grasscloth that we didn’t like and took it down when we changed up that room. However, now that I’m older (& of course so much more sophisticated) I think it’s a really nice look.
I think it’s wonderful that you’re getting such fabulous weather and having fun exploring new places!! And I LOVED pickle ball when I played it in high school. I always tell folks it’s like playing life sized ping pong. Ha! π
Have a great week my dear Doreen! xoxo
kelly says
I’m glad that you explained what pickleball was. I had no idea! That house was very pretty! So many great ideas in it. I love looking at model homes. But, then I have to come back home to mine and wish I could move. Ha! Glad you’ve having a good time in FL. I’m sure you’re making a lot of people up north jealous.
Judy says
Really beautiful, Doreen. Love the sound of Ave Maria. Visiting model homes is a favorite pastime of mine and the ones you saw are certainly beautiful..Happy Thursday..Judy
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
I love visiting model homesβ¦you get such great decorating ideas. We are on the east coast of Florida but the next time we cross the state I’ll make sure we drive through Ave Maria as I hadn’t heard of it before.
Melanie says
What a beautiful community! Thanks for showing us the inside of the model homes. Interesting wall coverings. Yes, please send some of that sunshine my way. It’s been non-stop gray and dreary for days on end!
Julie says
Hi Doreen, you are so lucky to be away in the warm weather!! My mom is there too and she LOVES bragging about how hot it is there. LOL. Enjoy your time there, have fun and relax for me in the sun! Take care.
Julie xo
Cindi says
I’m glad you explained pickle ball!
Lol!
I envy you enjoying that great weather.
It’s really cold here and I’m so tired of it.
Can’t want to see the results of your photography class on Instagram! π
The model homes remind me of one of my aunts homes. Maybe that’s why I don’t really care for them. To me they seem too decorated, “styled” and formal. I much prefer a cottage. π
But still, thanks for sharing!
Xoxo