The northwest boundary of Southwest Florida is defined by the entrance to the Skyway Bridge on the way to St. Petersburg. This is where you will find Terra Ceia, a pristine island connected to Florida by a bridge over Bayshore Point, I-275 and a labyrinth of mangrove canals.

Terra Ceia is a large nature preserve of wetlands, mangrove islands, bayous, lagoons, and natural waterways. Along with Palmetto and Anna Maria Island, this is one of the most cinematic spot in Southwest Florida; a recent film production that took place in Terra Ceia was Wind Walkers, starring Rudy Youngblood.

Most of Terra Ceia is protected by state or federal environmental agencies, the sparse residential development is granted exclusively to local developers such as Bruce Williams Homes, which has been granted 41 acres to create a new and intimate neighborhood.

Terra Ceia Preserve has been platted for 15 properties. The floor plans mix the Old Florida architecture with the Mediterranean revival style of Sarasota. Available lots start at $162K for 8,700 square feet near a bayou; this is an ideal spot to build a waterfront property. A two-acre lot next to a mangrove can be negotiated for $200K.

The floor plans offered by Bruce Williams start with two-bedroom, 1,330 square feet homes that evoke the look of Old Florida bungalows from the 19th century. Since the lots at Terra Ceia Preserve tend to be larger, a more adequate selection would be the Blue Cypress floor plan, which can be built in a Tuscan or Caribbean style and features three bedrooms on 3,225 square feet.

Terra Ceia Preserve is the perfect neighborhood for families who wish to raise their children closer to nature in a traditional setting. The community kayak launch is the perfect starting point to explore the intricate waterways of Terra Ceia, which are teeming with wildlife.

Driving to St. Petersburg from Terra Ceia takes only 20 minutes; Downtown Bradenton is even closer. This neighborhood is very quiet and private but not isolated; crossing the bridge at Sea Breeze point is all it takes to reach the town of Palmetto, where you can dine at waterside restaurants or drive a few minutes south to the nearest Publix.