The Hidden Beauty of BallenIsles
On a sweltering summer day, when many clubs across Palm Beach County are closed for the off-season, the staff at BallenIsles Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens has its doors wide open, cordially greeting members and guests, inviting them to attend the upcoming Nantucket Lobster Bake, and apologizing for its mid-construction clubhouse appearance. The warm welcome begins as soon as residents pass through one of the three manned guard gates. With a genuine smile and friendly wave, the security guards greet members as they enter while efficiently checking names and drivers licenses of other guests. Upon leaving the guardhouse, residents relax as they follow the meandering streets, which are flanked by tropical flora and fauna, mature banyan trees, and colorful inflorescence, and drive to their Spanish Colonial or Mediterranean inspired estates. These estates typically feature wide driveways, Spanish barrel tile roofs, private backyard swimming pools, high-end interior appointments, and views of the pristine freshwater lake or immaculate golf course. Comprised of more than 1,500 homes and condos spanning across 1,300 acres, BallenIsles is ranked a top 20 country club by The Platinum Clubs of America. Becoming a homeowner automatically opens the door to transferable membership options, which include sport, tennis, or golf levels. Recently, Penny Burke, who specializes in BallenIsles real estate, led a private tour of the neighborhood to showcase its grandness and opulence. When asked about the home prices in BallenIsles, Penny notes that prices are intentionally adjusted due to the mandatory membership criteria. “Here, you can find homes from $300,000 to more than $3 million, and the community is not segregated based on subdivisions. In fact, no one even asks; everyone is treated like a BallenIsle member,” she adds enthusiastically. Whether one lives in a modest golf condo or custom estate, residents enjoy the same amenities and attractions, which are all first class. In fact, the Board Room Magazine repeatedly presents BallenIsles Country Club with the Distinguished Club Award, an accolade that places the community in the top five percent of clubs in the world!