THONOTOSASSA, FL - At a time when many banks are unapproachable and mortgage money seems impossible to obtain, the can-do developers at Stonelake Ranch have decided to provide their own financing on purchases of homesites—and to guarantee the purchase price for up to three years. All that is required is a 20 percent deposit, says sales director John Powell. What's more, the three-year, interest-only loans are offered at exactly the prime rate, he says.

As a further incentive to potential buyers in this prestigious, 685-acre community on Lake Thonotosassa, the developers have greatly reduced prices on many of their large-acreage homesites. In some cases, current levels reflect a 45 percent discount. For example, a 3.4-acre homesite recommended for horse lovers had been listed at $625,000 just six months ago; today it is priced at $345,000 according to Powell. "That particular homesite is already fenced on three sides, so someone owning horses could practically move them right in."

Other large sites are ideally suited for boating, fishing or water sports, with over 10,000 feet of waterfront property available on Lake Thonotosassa--Hillsborough County's largest lake--or beautiful Lake Hendry. What’s more, the developer does not impose a time limit to begin construction on a home. “Under the new terms, you choose your lifestyle, you protect your options and you save money in the deal,” Powell says.

Stonelake Ranch is an established, gated and master-planned community with 35 families already residing in their spectacular homes, which are perfectly sited on very large homesites. Tucked between Tampa and Lakeland in Hillsborough County--just 20 minutes from downtown Tampa--Stonelake Ranch welcomed its first families in 2006.

Developers Charles Funk and Jeff Meehan have have created over $1 billion in residential real estate developments to date. Prior projects include Arbor Greene, a 650-acre community in the New Tampa area of Hillsborough County; Bellagio a 142-unit residential community in Venice; Triano, a 108-unit condominium community also in Venice; Cypress Pointe, a 334-residence community in Coral Springs; Perico Isles, a
56-unit single-family residential community on Perico Island in southwest Florida; and Crystal Ridge Estates, a 350-acre residential community in Hartford, Connecticut.

The developers built Stonelake Ranch as "a residential preserve guided by the same reverence for Florida land that once drew native peoples to this lakeshore centuries ago." Residents enjoy Stonelake Lodge—the social heart of the community—as well as abundant acres of common area with open meadows, brooks, diverse woodlands and an avian sanctuary, as well as equestrian paths and an extensive trail system accommodate horseback riding, bird-watching, walking, jogging, hiking and biking.

The community has sold over 60 percent of its 161 homesites, which range from 1.5 to 8.6 acres and average 3.5 acres, although one exceptional site boasts 18 acres with its own private entrance. Under the new guidelines, prices begin at $245,000 for a two-acre homesite. The minimum home size is 3,000 square feet and there is no maximum. The six builders selected to create Stonelake's one-of-a-kind homes are Alvarez Homes, Arthur Rutenberg Homes, Bartlett Homes, Campagna Homes, The Fechtel Company and John Cannon Homes.

Stonelake Ranch is located on the eastern edge of Hillsborough County, minutes from Interstate 75, Interstate 4, metropolitan Tampa and Lakeland. Residents have easy access to public and private schools, retail shops, offices, banks, restaurants, beaches, amusement parks, sporting events and entertainment venues.

The Welcome Center at Stonelake Ranch is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m. For further information or to arrange a private tour, please contact the Welcome Center office at 813-986-0062, visit the website at www.stonelakeranch.com or write to john@stonelakeranch.com.

To reach Stonelake Ranch from Tampa, take I-4 east to exit 14. Turn left (north) on McIntosh Road and travel approximately 2.5 miles to Thonotosassa Road (stop sign). Turn left (west) on Thonotosassa and travel approximately 1 mile to the Stonelake Ranch entrance on the right.