The original target site was 575 acres with consents for 600 residential units, with a previously constructed 18-hole golf course and $40m investment ‘in the ground’ with partial infrastructure including circa130 finished lots. This parcel of land was secured and the adjacent 807 acre ranch was also put under offer. Both were acquired simultaneous, in an all cash deal, creating a significantly larger canvas for a luxury development that would be more suitable for a large masterplanned community with a full amenity package. Three additional strategic neighbouring sites of approximately 4, 10 and 16 acres were rapidly acquired to improve the entrance experience for the planned community spine road and to enhance the access to the main public road. The largest of the three additional parcels included a traditional home with significant outbuildings that was a useful addition to the existing storage buildings and works yard on site. The maintenance yard was given a light refurbishment and used as the main site office for the development. This was complimented by a downtown office in Austin as the business headquarters in addition to the original Miami office. A full masterplan was created that demonstrated the ability to increase the yield as high as 1,000 units without compromise. The optimum scheme was ultimately determined to be approximately 700 units with two 18-hole golf courses, worked around the previously constructed 18-hole golf course with some holes changed to improve the layout resulting in more spectacular holes that played over new water features, and to widen certain fairways to improve playability. A best in class course designer was consulted and a new 18-hole course designed on the Eastern side of the property to utilise the flood plane areas that could not, in any event be used for residential houses. Residential produce took advantage of elevated sections of the site that resulting in sweeping views. An alternative scheme was also created that included a 100 key 5* hotel at the southern end of the property, with significant water frontage on the constant level 7 acre lake, that attracted interest from one of the leading global operators. The financial upside achieved through the aforementioned strategy was an increase in overall land value of 107% in 12 months with minimal capital outlay.