General Info About The Villa
Getting to the Villa
Our Villa is located on the US27 a short distance from the Interstate 4 ( I4 ) which passes through central Florida and as such due to this central location ideal to get to all the attractions and both coasts. We are a straight drive from all Airports that serve Orlando and also Tampa. If arriving into Sanford or Orlando International exit the Airports and head along the road that is signed for I4 WEST for Tampa. On leaving the Airports you will encounter Toll booths and therefore have some change ready. Most hire companies do supply general maps for your use. When on the I4 follow the road through central Orlando until you see the signs for Haines City US27 go under the bridge and turn off right. The road curves round up to the lights and at the lights turn right for Haines city. Follow the US27 until you see the signs for Southern Dunes about a mile to go. Carry on down the US27 until you see a built up area with traffic lights above the road and a Bank and shops on your right. Filter into the left lane and turn left at the lights into Southern Dunes Boulevard. Wall-mart is on your left and Dollar shop on your right carry up the road until you get to the Gate House. You will need to register with the Gate house and they will give you a pass to hang in the car and a map of the community. After clearing the Gate house take the next left and follow the map to our Villa in Kokomo Bay. Parking is not allowed on the main roads and you will need to display the pass in the window whilst on Southern Dunes. Each time you leave and return to Southern Dunes you will be able to enter through the quick barrier with your pass visible.
Security
Southern Dunes is classified as a Gated Community which means to access the Community you have to pass through a Gate controlled by a security person who then records your details and issues you with a pass. Gated communities are formed for extra peace of mind and to ensure the community within the area is maintained to a very high standard for all residents and guests. Security patrols are carried out and this ensures all properties are checked and all visitors and guests abide by the by laws so everybody can enjoy the lovely community. It also gives anybody who may have any concerns about the area added peace of mind. The security guards also can assist if you have any questions when entering and leaving the community. Please check the Southern Dunes HOA website for more information. A link is provided.
Access to the Villa
We operate a simple system to access our Villa with a Key Box holding the entrance key and access to the box via a 4 Digit code which we change each month. This code will be sent to you the week before you arrive. Put the numbers in the box and slide the lock which release the front and the key is inside. Our standard arrival time is after 3.00pm and departure before 10.00am. If we have no guests arriving on your departure date we can allow a later leaving time to suit flights but this is subject to local arrangements with our cleaner.
Inside the Villa
Once inside the Villa you will see the spacious layout and you will find a general information book which we ask you to have a general read through. On the right hand side as you enter you will see the Air conditioning controls please do not change the general temperature as this has been set for the option comfort and efficient running of the system.
Air Conditioning and Heating
Dependant on the time of year the Air Conditioning or Heating will be on depending on the outside temperature. When the system is turned on DO NOT LEAVE WINDOWS AND DOORS OPEN as this can make the system over work and burn out which will be very costly. We do however recommend in the spring and autumn when the temperature outside is cooler to switch the unit off and open the doors and windows .This gives a through breeze which can be very nice. Also if you are on the pool deck the door to the pool deck does not need to be kept shut.
Main living areas
Our Villa is split into tow distinctive areas one at the front and one at the back. The front area has a seating area with settees and occasional tables and the main dinning area with a large table and 8 Chairs. This area has a large vaulted ceiling. We call the front lounge the quiet area. The rear area is reached through a Arched opening and comprises the kitchen area with nook comprising a table and four chairs for occasional eating and then the rear area which has more settees and occasional tables. This area also has the main TV and DVD player with the cable box. Some DVD are available to watch or can be rented from the Local shop on the other side of the US27. When electrical storms are around we recommend you turn the TVs off in case we get a strike which will blow the TV. Also when a storm is around the Cable box may stop working for a period of time but will soon come back on when the storm has passed.
Kitchen Area
All the cooking pots and pans together with the crockery is located in the Kitchen for your use Please note that NO glass drinking cups are allowed in the pool area. Plastic beakers are provided for around the pool
Games Room
The Games room is not Air conditioned as it is in the Garage but has a large fan. Therefore from this please keep the door closed at all times. The pool table is a full sixe and will have a cover on it please keep it covered when not in use to prevent the surface getting dusty and damaged. We also have electronic darts and a Air Hockey Game these will need to be plugged in behind the TV. The Games console is also in this area together with the Internet Modem. A bar stool and stools are also provided for your enjoyment. The recycling boxes are also kept in this area.
Internet
The internet modem and WI-FI box is located in the Garage and may need to be plugged in. It is not pass word protected and you will get a signal all around the house and pool deck. Please un-plug the WI-FI when not in use.
TV
We have Cable televisions in all bedrooms and the main lounge for your use. If you use the Cable box in the lounge you can find out what is on the many stations.
Pool
Before opening the pool door please pull back the blind and flip down the stops. When you enter the pool area you will see the Florida Child Safety Fence in place between the deck and the pool this is required by Florida law to prevent children falling in the pool and drowning. Please ensure if you have young children this is kept in place. If you do not have young children and want to remove the fence please undue the middle panel and roll it up taking each post out of its socket as you go and roll it up to each side. When you depart the Villa at the completion of your stay please ensure this fence is put back in position. Depending on the time of your stay the Pool blanket will be covering the pool. Please keep the cover over the pool to retain the heat when not using it. To remove the blanket roll it up onto the roller making sure it is level and even. In the warmer months the solar panels on the roof heat the water and you can decide how warm you want the water by the use of the blanket. Water looses the heat very quickly at night so we recommend keeping the blanket on at night. Please do not touch the pool equipment as it is very complicated and expensive to repair due to the Solar / Electric system. The pool is checked and cleaned at least once a week as required. Coloured Pool towels are provided and are kept in the main bedroom dressing area.
Bedrooms
We have 4 Bedrooms for your use and all come with sheets, pillow cases and blankets. Our Beds are the best we could buy as you do not want a poor night’s sleep. The main Bedroom has as en-suite shower, toilet and bath together with a large walk in wardrobe. The second Bedroom has an en-suite which has a bath with shower over and a toilet. The other two bedrooms are twins and share a bathroom with a bath, shower over and toilet. All bedrooms have ample wardrobe space and towels.
Rubbish/Trash
All rubbish / trash and recycling has to go out on a Friday or as you retire on a Thursday night. When the garbage men have arrived and finished please retract all bins from the kerbside. If any reciprocal is left out after Friday we are charged. If this happens it will be passed on to the occupants present at the time.
Southern Dunes Facilities
As a guest of Southern Dunes you can use the Communal pools, Play Area, Gym and of course the Golf Course with its lovely Club House and ranges. Visit Southern Dunes Golf Course web site for more details and booking tee times.
Watering System
The grass and plants are watered by an automatic watering system during the late evening and night
Local Shops/Restaurants
One of the benefits of Southern Dunes is the Wal-mart supermarket which stocks everything so you are only a couple of minutes to the shops for your groceries. We also have Win-Dixie supermarket and Pharmacies. Also Banks along with a liquor store in case you need something which isn’t sold at Wal-mart. We also have a variety of fast food restaurants and the well known Manny’s just up the road. If you go further up the US27 and head to Winter Haven there is all kinds of restaurants on Cypress Garden Boulevard and this is not a tourist area so more choice and less queues. It is best to just pop out and look around the area at the entrance to Southern Dunes at all the eating places. Also some do deliver and leaflets are in the house. The Chinese First Wok are very good supply big portions.
Telephone
A telephone is provided for your use and includes FREE calls in North America so you can book up eating places or arrange things. The number of the villa is (001) 863 421 8690
Villa Managment
Our Villa is looked after by an English couple David and Marion Cloke they are happy to answer any questions you may have and to resolve any problems. They are available every day either by land line or their mobile.
Orlando Team Management David and Marion Cloke
Telephone 863 424 8684
Cell 863 242 8504