Luxury returns to Avila

The chance to own a new golf course home in one of Tampa's more prestigious communities is fast approaching after Avila Golf & Country Club unveiled plans to build its first homes in the community in eight years.

Alvarez New Concepts says it will break ground in May on the first of 12 estate homes, inspired by Spanish eclectic architecture, and complete with guest “casitas.” Home prices, with views of the Avila golf course, start at $1.3 million.

Avila is located just north of Tampa, in an area generally described as Lutz. Its high walls and heavily guarded gates make it a must-live community for tennis and golf stars, as well as some NFL and baseball stars. It was the home of New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter until he built his 30,000-square-foot mega-mansion in Tampa's Davis Islands.