One of the homeowners is Sarah Pappas, president of Manatee Community College. She says she and her husband found just what they wanted in Old Oaks: the chance to build a new house in an old-fashioned neighborhood. Besides, she adds, "We could have a white house, something that wasn't allowed in a gated community we did consider. Imagine! Not being permitted to paint your house white!" As for community life, she says, "we have it all, with wonderful neighbors. This past Christmas we were constantly in and out of each other's houses."

Rick McCleod, who developed Old Oaks on land he inherited, says that the results have been "extremely gratifying, fitting my vision almost perfectly." And he notes that no gate was needed to fulfill that vision. "In fact, a prospective homeowner suggested a gate and was roundly voted down by everyone else."