I love my new home here at Outrigger Harbour and I'm delighted to be part of this warm, friendly community!

This adventure started several years ago when I wanted to return to Martin County and to be near Stuart in particular. I'd lived in Florida before and knew that Stuart is a lively, charming sort of town, large enough to support the arts and many other interests and yet small enough to get to know and be known by name by the local business people. I especially loved the fact that it was a real town, with a business district and not just a lot of malls strung out along a highway. And I had fond memories of great meals in small charming restaurants, lots of different kinds of events and many opportunities to participate in and give back to the community. I also knew that the local government was committed to maintaining a vibrant business community while keeping a strong residential feel which seems especially important in these economic times. It reminded of the kind of towns I’d always been drawn to - like the town where I grew up and the town where I raised my family. My earlier research had also led me to conclude that Martin is a very well run county. Martin County is far enough north on the Atlantic coast line to escape the intense congestion of the urban areas south of here and the four story limit on building means that it has maintained a more residential feel rather than being a strip of high rise part time shelter. Additionally, as I will still be commuting for awhile, and expect to have lots of visitors, the convenience of the West Palm Beach airport was a real plus.

When I started looking at what was on the market, however, I began to be a bit concerned, rather like Goldilocks in the Three Bears. This community was too big, this one too isolated, this one too small, or, if I bought this house, I’d need This Old House's Bob Villa on a full time retainer! You can imagine my excitement when I “refound” Outrigger Harbour. I'd seen it a couple of years ago when I first began looking at property. I thought it attractive and beautifully located, positioned there between the waterway, the marina and the park. It was under construction, however, and I was looking for a completed property. When I resumed looking late this summer, I had driven by the property and saw that there were some units for sale. I asked my realtors to set up a meeting with the Outrigger agents, Nancy and Joie. We met the next day, and they were so knowledgeable and helpful that I felt good about the property even before I toured the units.

But when Nancy turned the key and we first walked through the front door of my now home, I was overwhelmed. The size and scale of the rooms, the wonderful panoramic views, and the layout of the condo took my breath away. Clearly, the architect was amazingly talented, using the space and architectural detail to create an exciting, sophisticated, very livable environment. And the builder had done his part – the quality of the work was immediately obvious - from the attention to detail such as self closing cabinetry drawers to the meticulous finishing of the tile work, everywhere I looked I was delighted. And when Nancy reviewed for me the storm safety aspects of the condominium and the security and convenience including the backup generator, I couldn’t imagine wanting to live anywhere else. And, I must admit that since I've moved in, the more time I spend here the more pleased I am with my choice! I love sitting on my bedroom balcony and seeing the sun set in a brilliant red sky, or seeing (as I did the first night I stayed in my Unit, though I probably can’t credit the management with that timing!) a huge, full moon laying a path of light across the waterway. It’s also a pleasure to have and make use of all the conveniences provided, from the well appointed clubhouse with its great pool and views to the shopping carts provided in the garage that make it super easy to keep my pantry full; it's as though the staff has thought of everything possible to make life easy and wonderful.

It is especially important to me that this great experience hasn't stopped now that the closing has occurred and the funds have changed hands. Both the staff and my new neighbors have made my rather drawn out process of moving in a most pleasant one, from neighbors providing support, to Jeff helping me with some practical things, to Nancy and Joie expediting the delivery of furnishings and even providing the names of well vetted crafts people to make it easy for me to get storm shutters, interior design help, etc. I haven’t yet had much opportunity to have an interaction with our dock master, Ray, but I'm looking forward to getting to know yet one more great person here at Outrigger Harbour!

Thanks to all of you for making living here be very special!

Juanita Lovett