Open House will Reveal Palencia's Spectacular homes, lifestyle

St. Augustine, Fla. (February 21, 2007) — This weekend Palencia will not only open the doors to 11 spectacular models but also over 20 new and resale homes during a community wide open house Saturday and Sunday. It's a perfect time to discover Palencia and find out why this wonderful, growing community has gained the attention of astute and savvy buyers from across the country.

Perfectly nestled in a serene and historic setting on 2,300 acres along the Intracoastal Waterway off US 1 between St. Augustine and Jacksonville, Palencia has lived up to all the billing and has surpassed expectations.

Visitors are astounded. For those who have not experienced Palencia this weekend is the perfect time!

Palencia, an award winning master planned community developed by Hines, is fostering new excitement to parallel the stunning landscape and world-class amenities. The community is designed for 2,642 residences featuring a variety of housing options by lifestyle and price.
Visitors during the open house will quickly learn that Palencia offers something for most segments of the new home market (homes range from the $200's to over $3 million), including new innovative Village Center live/work units, cottages, villas, condominiums, single-family, multi-million dollar homes and pristine estate lots.

"Our outstanding amenities and quality construction throughout have put Palencia on the map for high-end, luxury residences being sought as a primary home, secondary residence or outstanding investment value as well inventory homes," said Naomi Lumley, director for sales and marketing for Hines at Palencia.

Soon Palencia will be unveiling stunning, marsh front and heavily wooded lots in the Reserve II that provide the perfect home site in a picturesque setting, reminiscent of Old Florida. These beautiful tree-canopied estate lots accurately capture the essence of Palencia's beauty and ambiance.

Bella Terra, Palencia's newest neighborhood, will soon feature a new European Collection of fine homes by ICI. Four models are now under construction.

Palencia is setting a historic high mark for multi-million dollar estate homes to rival the unmatched beauty of their surroundings. Each home in Promenade Pointe, also known as "million dollar row," has a private entrance for leisurely strolls along a promenade next to a lake. Promenade Pointe also offers great views across the water to the clubhouse and ninth and 18th holes. It's a must see this weekend.

Homebuyers throughout Palencia can expect superior quality construction and design.

"Buyers comment that they came to Palencia because of our extra effort to preserve the environment and surrounding beauty. They also rave about the innovative and family-oriented atmosphere," Lumley noted. "Visitors this weekend will find numerous amenities, attention to detail and protection of the natural landscape are some of the features that are most inviting to buyers looking at Palencia."
Visitors will also marvel at Palencia Village. The central gathering point of the community, featuring the Palencia golf club, swim and fitness center, the Village Green, tennis center, golf practice facility and nearby athletic fields. Their proximity to one another creates a sense of vitality and promotes neighborly interaction from a by-gone era.

The Palencia Club, the community's private championship golf club, features 18 holes of demanding and dramatic golf over the 7,017-yard course. The par-72 course, designed by Arthur Hills weaves through a terrain of ancient live oaks, coastal scrub oaks and open marsh, creating a one of a kind golf experience.

Other neighborhood recreational choices include green spaces and nature trails, athletic parks with ball fields, pocket parks and playgrounds woven throughout the community and even a pirate ship playground. These natural, common spaces provide great locations for family gatherings, neighborhood social events and exercise.

To see Palencia this weekend take U.S. Highway 1 south to Palencia Village Drive, located east of International Golf Parkway in St. Johns County. The Information Center is located approximately one mile inside the entrance.

For more information about Palencia, call (904) 810-0500, or visit Palencia online at www.VivaPalencia.com. The Sales and Information Center, as well as all model homes, are open seven days a week, Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and Sunday 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.