Living the dream, but pub and Ro
Perfectly manicured lawns, impeccably presen strict rules against blighting the perfect street something out of The Stepford Wives But this is of the Bennett family from Bearsted. They told they swapped rural life for a gated community
From having a pint at The Bell Inn, to buying bacon for breakfast at Rook & Sons and daily walks down to the village green, there are many things that the Bennett family miss about living in Bearsted, outside Maidstone.
But in November 2016 they decided to make the biggest change of their lives, by uprooting their life and moving 4,000 miles away to an idyllic estate in southwest Florida.
In Sarasota, along the Gulf Coast, lies Lakewood Ranch, a 33,000-acre ‘planned community’ and home to more than 50,000 people.
The vast stretch of land is described as ‘bigger than all of Disney World’ and boasts 10,000 acres of lakes, 150 miles of trails and 25 villages.
Six years ago, the Bennetts, who now have two children – Rafferty, seven and threemonth-old Roma – had just bought their first house and had welcomed their first baby.
They were settled in Kent village life when, in May, Craig Bennett received a once-in-alifetime offer to work abroad at a new office.
The 36-year-old, who is in events credentials, said: “It was kind of one of those moments where you think life is short, let’s just go for it and see what it’s like.
“I made the decision pretty quickly that I wanted to do it, however Melissa is more of a homey person.”
Melissa, a 38-year-old copywriter, added: “We had just bought a house; it was a family home that you dream of. It had the the schools nearby and was right near the green.”
However, the couple decided to take the plunge and decided to make the move.
Lakewood Ranch seems a far cry from the small, tight-knit neighbourhood the couple once had in Kent.
Nonetheless, Melissa insists they still do a lot of community events in Lakewood Ranch.
“We have regular outdoor cinema nights with food trucks and the schools do lots of fundraisers,” she said.
“They can easily raise like $80,000. I remember thinking of my little school that I went to, which would probably only make a few hundred pounds – it’s crazy.”
This ‘go big or go home’ attitude is also reflected in each village within the complex, as Lakewood Ranch possesses a wide variety of amenities, including shopping centres, parks and A-rated schools.
Melissa said: “The first time we went on Main Street, we felt like we were like in a Disney movie: there was snow falling, people were giving out free donuts and we were like... where are we?”
Craig added: “The local park is really well kept. It’s great for the kids and to walk the dog.
“We have mini water play areas within the park and there’s also beautiful tennis courts and a huge soccer field – sorry, I say soccer now – football!
“I think the thing that shocks people the most when they visit is how clean it is here.”
But behind the white picket fence community and the pristine facilities, there is a catch: the cost of all that perfection.
The couple reveal that in order to keep the community looking so flawless, there are rules that every homeowner has to follow – and if they don’t, face the consequences.
‘I think the thing that shocks people the most when they visit is how clean it is’
Melissa says: “Your drive has to be so clean.
“The other day I parked my car on the side of the road instead of the drive, as I literally just had a newborn baby and it was easier to get out that way.
“The car was only there for a few days, but we got a letter about that, because they want it on your drive instead of it being parked on the street.”
So what can’t you do in Lakewood Ranch?
Leaving inflatables by the pool is a definite “no-no”, and Melissa mentions that you can’t hang washing outside to dry,
ted homes and very scene. It all sounds like no movie, it’s the home Cara Simmonds why in Florida...
saying: “I guess it looks messy?”
The couple also has to fork out $100 a month for a landscaper.
They don’t seem to mind though, with Craig saying: “It’s a bit petty, but at the end of the day they’re not asking you to do a great deal, and it’s all part of keeping everything looking nice.”
It seems like the proof is in the pudding, as house prices at Lakewood Ranch are rising significantly
every year.
The Bennett family bought their three-bedroom 2,200 sq ft bungalow in 2019 for $408,000, and have more recently completed the sale of their £525,000 four-bed detached house in Bearsted.
Craig says that since they have been there, their Florida pad has gone up at least $200,000, adding: “At the moment there is so much building going on, but they can’t make the houses quick enough.”.
The couple are adamant they
don’t want to sell up, but say they still miss their home comforts in Bearsted.
Craig says: “I miss going to the The Bell In. It had just been refurbished when we left, it was so beautiful. We would also go to the The White Horse.
“You would have your rituals; on Sunday, you’d get your newspaper and go down to the butchers on the green – I think it was Rook & Sons. You’d get something for Sunday dinner, or some bacon for breakfast.”
Melissa added: “I miss strolling down to the green or a playground, pub, or cafe. You can’t do that here.
“I didn’t even drive in the UK. I had to do a refresher course when I got to the US.”
After living in America for five years, the Bennett family are firmly set on staying in the Lakewood community and are currently in the process of applying for a green card.
Craig adds: “I think we will always consider ourselves very British… and we do love where we’re from.
“We’re desperate to go back for a visit, to see friends and family. We do snigger at some of the American ways, but for now we are definitely taking advantage of all the great benefits this country has to offer.”
‘I miss strolling down to the green the pub,orcafe–you can’t do that here…’