The Hidden Beauty of BallenIsles
On a sweltering summer day, when many clubs across Palm Beach County are closed for the off-season, the staff at BallenIsles Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens has its doors wide open, cordially greeting members and guests, inviting them to attend the upcoming Nantucket Lobster Bake, and apologizing for its mid-construction clubhouse appearance. The warm welcome begins as soon as residents pass through one of the three manned guard gates. With a genuine smile and friendly wave, the security guards greet members as they enter while efficiently checking names and drivers licenses of other guests. Upon leaving the guardhouse, residents relax as they follow the meandering streets, which are flanked by tropical flora and fauna, mature banyan trees, and colorful inflorescence, and drive to their Spanish Colonial or Mediterranean inspired estates. These estates typically feature wide driveways, Spanish barrel tile roofs, private backyard swimming pools, high-end interior appointments, and views of the pristine freshwater lake or immaculate golf course. Comprised of more than 1,500 homes and condos spanning across 1,300 acres, BallenIsles is ranked a top 20 country club by The Platinum Clubs of America. Becoming a homeowner automatically opens the door to transferable membership options, which include sport, tennis, or golf levels. Recently, Benjie Moser, who specializes in BallenIsles real estate, led a private tour of the neighborhood to showcase its grandness and opulence. When asked about the home prices in BallenIsles, Benjie notes that prices are intentionally adjusted due to the mandatory membership criteria. “Here, you can find homes from $300,000 to more than $3 million, and the community is not segregated based on subdivisions. In fact, no one even asks; everyone is treated like a BallenIsle member,” he adds enthusiastically. Whether one lives in a modest golf condo or custom estate, residents enjoy the same amenities and attractions, which are all first class. In fact, the Board Room Magazine repeatedly presents BallenIsles Country Club with the Distinguished Club Award, an accolade that places the community in the top five percent of clubs in the world!
BallenIsles Greens & More
Known as the golf capital of the world, Palm Beach Gardens is home to several highly revered, championship golf courses. As such, many clubs in the area tout their courses as the main attraction. With three courses on the property, BallenIsles is no exception. In fact, the fastidious fairways, immaculate greens, and picturesque scenery yield course play that is mirthful and memorable. Originally designed by Dick Wilson and Joe Lee and later remodeled by Gene Bates Golf Design, the golf courses challenge and reward the mental aspect of the game as much as the physical. The practice facility includes two driving ranges, chipping bunkers, putting greens, professional instruction, and a golf shop. BallenIsles Golf Academy regularly presents teaching clinics and incorporates current technologies into individualized instruction. Members are pleased to be associated with the Toon Prive Program, which entitles them to reciprocal golf privileges at other distinguished clubs around the world. Locally, BallenIsles members are welcome to tee off in the summer at Admirals Cove, Bear Lakes, Frenchman’s Creek, The Club at Ibis, Palm Beach Yacht Club, Jupiter Country Club, and Trump National to name a few.BallenIsles Tennis Complex is as equally impressive as its golf courses. Ranked the number one tennis facility in the country, the center features a 500-seat stadium, two hard courts, 20 Har-Tru clay courts, a skybox, and a premier pro shop. Venus and Serena Williams frequently practice on the well-maintained courts, and many famed tournaments are held here each year. Additionally, the club hosts themed mixers, exhibitions, leagues, round robins, tournaments, and pickleball matches. The professional tennis staff is comprised of seven United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) instructors, and a separate approach is provided for junior tennis competition. Lilibet Iken, who is also affiliated with NV Realty Group and specializes in BallenIsles real estate, notes that more and more European families are spending their summers at BallenIsles so that their children can be involved with the tennis camps. “The reputation of our tennis facilities, instruction, and camps extends worldwide, and we are seeing an increase in summer rentals from tennis enthusiasts, many of whom describe our community as a tennis resort and vacation,” says Lilibet, who has lived in BallenIsles since 1995.
Brand New BallenIsles Clubhouse Opens This November
While golf and tennis may be the hallmarks of BallenIsles, the two are certainly not the only amenities within the gated community. The 62,000 square foot sports complex features a resort-style swimming pool, a full-service spa, state-of-the-art fitness facility, yoga and pilates studios, private massage rooms, physical therapy services, card room, and fine to casual dining options. “Unlike other clubs in our region that lean towards masculine decor, the design and color scheme of the sports complex is coastal transitional, yielding a zen-like ambiance,” describes Benjie. Certainly as soon as one walks inside the complex, he or she is greeted by a cordial concierge personnel and is welcomed into the modern-transitional foyer, which resembles a five-star hotel. The Cosmo & Company Spa and Salon is located on the first floor along with the well-appointed locker rooms, pool entrance, and popular 105 Bistro. Upstairs is the expansive fitness center and exercise rooms, lounge area, and open terrace. Situated directly across the sports complex, the clubhouse boasts panoramic views of the beautiful golf course. Opening in November after a $35 million renovation and expansion, the clubhouse features an open, light-filled lobby and lounge, a central bar, grill room, dining al fresco, and a “19th hole” outdoor seating area. “The opening of the new clubhouse coupled with our already outstanding sports complex, tennis facilities and golf courses, separates us from other communities in our area,” explains Lilibet. “BallenIsles is the perfect place for those who desire both athletic amenities and a luxury lifestyle.” Additional amenities in this community include a shaded playground for children, bike paths, green spaces, and two dog parks for both small and large dogs.Exceedingly more than the occasional social mixer, the activity calendar at BallenIsles features everything from yappy hour with the pups to family trivia night to competitive duplicate bridge games. Each month, a new social calendar presents members with daily exercise classes, dinner options, holiday events, game nights, and golf and tennis clinics. Interesting activities such as escape room challenges, pastry decorating classes, paint and sip art opportunities, and much more are also held each and every month as well. “Residents rarely have to leave the property...BallenIsles has delicious food, beautiful scenery, friendly neighbors, and more ongoing events than any other club in our area,” opines Benjie. Members often exchange their vehicles for golf carts once they enter the gates, adding to the resort-like lifestyle. Plus, residents easily find their niche by joining a specialty club such as gardening, photography, art, or literature.
ETHOS
More than its activities, amenities, tennis facility, and golf courses, BallenIsles is most proud of its commitment to charities, both locally and nationally. The community is firmly founded upon generous giving, environmental endeavors, academic outreach, and philanthropic support. Collectively, members support a host of not-for-profit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Harmony House, Play for Pink, Toys for Joy, local food banks, and educational grants. In 2011, the BallenIsles Charities Foundation, Inc. was established to extend the community’s philanthropic arm. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $2,300,000 to 62 area organizations.Alongside the BallenIsles Charities Foundation, the community also established the BallenIsles Wildlife Foundation (BIWF). The mission of this volunteer-based organization is to rescue and rehabilitate injured animals and to educate members and nonmembers alike on Florida’s indigenous wildlife and tropical environment. As part of this initiative, the East Course designated a special birdhouse for Purple Martins, a type of broad-chested swallows who migrate between the United States and South America. Moreover, the Audubon Society recently certified all three BallenIsles golf courses.
REAL ESTATE
Benjie encourages all potential buyers to preview real estate in BallenIsles. “Even if the community isn’t on their radar, often once clients witness the natural wonderment, majestic homes, and active lifestyle firsthand, they get a genuine glimpse of how special it is to call BallenIsles Country Club home,” he explains. Currently, NV Realty Group is showcasing two pristine properties: 126 Grand Palm Way and 122 Pembroke Drive. The first property is situated on a gated street within Grand Palm Estates and boasts sensational views of the water and golf course. The stately residence features a formal foyer with mosaic tile, high ceilings, impact resistant glass, whole house generator, gourmet kitchen with Thermador and Bosch appliances, custom closets, covered lanai, summer kitchen, and a three-car garage. A full golf membership is associated with this three bedroom, four and a half bath estate, which is listed at $1,429,000. The second property is the crown jewel of Sabal Pointe and boasts southern exposure, water and golf course views, and high-end interior appointments. The opulent residence offers 3,157 square feet of indoor living space and features three en-suite bedrooms, four bathrooms, a spacious den, 2.5 car garage, and a private backyard swimming pool. Listed at $979,000, this well-designed home is associated with a golf membership.If you would like to tour BallenIsles properties for sale, please contact NV Realty Group for an exclusive tour.