Last week the new construction community of 212 residences in South Naples put its Pet Friendly Policy front and center to recognize its homeowners’ many and much loved pets for the sheer joy and constant companionship they bring. Founded in 2006 by an animal welfare advocate and celebrated on April 11 every year since, it may lack the standing of historically significant commemorations, but not the enthusiasm. Statistics abound on the mental and physical health benefits of devoted pet ownership, and Antilles’ homeowners are a testament to their veracity. Pets seem to be more present in our daily routines than ever before, with 67% of U.S. households owning pets and 95% of that group considering their pets to be part of the family. As service animals have proven through the ages, dogs may be the only creatures who can love their people more than themselves, a perfection worthy of celebration loving owners hope never needs to be tested.

National Pet Day ranks on a worthiness scale for multiple reasons, not least of which is that it also introduced one more happy pretext for Antilles’ homeowners to have a party, share a little kibble and toast their buddies. As season continues, Antilles’ monthly activities calendar continues to reflect multiple and increasingly inventive ways for its homeowners to get together and celebrate the good life they are building together in Naples. The early spring holiday observances and the community’s upcoming Dazzleball event on April 22 - pickleball played in the dark - will soon become more occasions for socializing. The golf and bocce sport courts are also in wider use as owners, their families and friends pour in to enjoy our Southwest Florida attractions and Antilles’ luxurious poolside resort lifestyle. It is enhanced by the community’s quiet location set back from the Collier Boulevard corridor and the general sense of fellowship and good will that can be seen in every neighborly exchange. JMD Development and the John R. Wood on-site marketing team have been gratified to note that some of those same visiting friends and family members have chosen to also become Antilles homeowners themselves based on their own experiences in the community.

Phase 2 construction in the 54 acre community has expanded as more units have been released and pre-sold, allowing owners to select their personalizing options before they are built. As the multiple advantages of luxury vinyl tile flooring have become more widely recognized, it has been included on Antilles feature sheet in addition to wide profile ceramic tile as a construction standard. Its superior durability in all respects and wide variety of available finishes have made it a smart alternative for many buyers, particularly pet owners.

The first new 4-unit Grand Coach Home to be completed in Phase 2 is in its final weeks of preparation. Brick paver walk and driveways are being sand set and the phases involved in the building’s landscape installation are also underway for its Spring completion date. Grand Coach Homes are Antilles largest units, offering 3-Bedroom floorplans ranging from 1,980 to 2,444 square feet under air. The new Phase 2 designer model for the first floor Nevis will not be available for viewing until the end of this year, but the original Phase 1 model can still be seen when accompanied by an on-site agent. It is the only Coach Home in Antilles with a Side Entry, which accesses the unit at its widest point and showcases its wide Great Room floorplan to great advantage. The model’s high contrast interiors reflect a striking design concept underscored by subtle textural details in a balanced and contemporary presentation. The premium quality of Antilles’ standard fittings and finishes enhances the value and livability of every residence. High ceilings, wide wood trims and casings, solid core 8-foot interior panel doors, stainless steel Kitchen appliances, quartz countertops, custom designed wood closet shelving systems and wind rated windows and Entry doors distinguish every home in Antilles.

Phase 2 Nevis floorplans are priced from the upper $500,000’s and include 2-car Garages and screened-in Lanais. Lake and preserve orientations are available.

The recently completed decorator model for the Grand Coach Home’s upper floor Montserrat floorplan is Antilles’ largest. It features a ground floor Entry that sets it apart for its single family home ambience. The floorplan mirrors the first floor Nevis, particularly in the Great Room, and is a showcase for the Grand Coach Home’s cook’s Kitchen with oversized central island and gorgeous, curved edge quartz countertop, which commands center stage views over the entire indoor and outdoor living areas. It also includes 2 wide walls of solid wood cabinetry with 42-inch uppers, soft close hinging and a separate Pantry. Its treetop views are uninterrupted in all directions and are often enhanced by the soaring beauty of Rookery Bay’s bird and wildlife sightings, Antilles’ next door neighbor to the west. The Bay’s proximity means no development can encroach upon its 110,000 acre Estuarial Reserve - nor Antilles’ views for that matter. The Montserrat offers higher ceilings enhanced by dramatic cove ceilings in the Living Room and Master Suite. The Phase 2 Montserrat decorator model uses elegant crown molding in the main living area’s oversized cove and backlights it to dramatic effect. It is now available for accompanied viewing. Phase 2 Montserrat Grand Coach Homes are priced from the low $600,000’s.

Phase 2 Classic Coach Homes are also under construction They are smaller 4-unit Coach Homes priced from the upper-$400,000’s. The new designer model currently being fitted out for its first floor Saba unit showcases a revised Classic Coach Home Kitchen layout that relocates Phase One’s Pantry to a side wall, significantly opening up its Great Room footprint without expanding the floorplan. The Saba is a 3-Bedroom floorplan and includes 1,537 square feet under air. It offers direct Garage access and all Classic Coach Homes include individual, single car Garages and screened-in Lanais. Though the Phase 2 Saba designer model is still being decorated, it can be viewed when accompanied by an on-site agent.

The somewhat smaller, upper floor Tobago Classic Coach Home is also a 3-Bedroom floorplan at 1,509 square feet. It features higher ceilings and cove detailing in its peninsula style Kitchen, plus the relocated Pantry noted above. Its top floor views in particular are horizon wide in all directions. The Tobago echos the Saba floorplan and is arranged in a split Bedroom format, with the Master Suite located across the residence from the other Bedrooms.

Antilles’ Flamingo Club amenity center is located in the heart of the community. It offers resort level amenities within its 14,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor appointments, including everything from a huge Pool and adjacent Spa, Fitness Center and Sonny’s Coffee Bar to a Fire Pit, Tiki Hut, Putting Green and regulation Bocce and Pickleball Courts.

Antilles is a short drive from the fine dining and shopping opportunities of Old Naples and Marco Island’s world class beaches and fishing spots, which are equally close. It is a gated community 2 miles south of Tamiami Trail East (US 41), off Collier Boulevard (SR 951). Turn east on Port Au Prince Road and continue to The Flamingo Club, 155 Indies Drive East, Naples, FL 34114. Antilles is represented by JRW Developer Resources, a division of John R. Wood Properties. Please refer to AntillesNaples.com to register for the most current updates or call 239-691-4455 for an appointment. The Sales Center is open daily 10AM to 5PM and Noon to 5PM on Sundays. Jaime and Kerry are on site to present the property.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Antilles unleashed its 1st annual National Pet Day celebration