Situated in North Tampa is the prestigious residential country club community called Avila. Avila encompasses approximately 800 acres of naturally beautiful land, spectacular custom estate homes, charming villas and town homes, and an exceptional private country club all offering a uniquely luxurious lifestyle. Inspired by a 16th century walled city in Spain, the developer of Avila, J. Robert Sierra, began laying the groundwork in the late 1960?s. He pieced the development together parcel by parcel. Gated, private neighborhoods were rare. Most roads were owned by the city. But in 1980 when Avila opened up, Avila?s roads were private. Today access to Avila is limited too, continuously staffed, day and night, security gatehouses. They are designed both to preserve residents? privacy and protect investment values. From the beginning Avila has been a model by which elegant living is measured and enduring quality prevails. It is a country club community of uncompromised excellence. The Avila Property Owners Association oversees the rules and regulations of this deed restricted community. An architectural committee safeguards the community's high aesthetic standards. Estate home sites range from one-half to two acres and may be combined to create even more private domains. Situated within the community is the Avila Golf and Country club. Amenities include an 18-hole championship golf course that was redesigned by Jack Nicklaus in 1998, a traditional caddy program, six lighted Har-Tru tennis courts, fully equipped pro shop with teaching studio, junior Olympic size swimming pool, and Mediterranean-style Clubhouse that offers dining, delivery and catering. And a new state of the art fitness facility just opened.