Mid-Century Modern Homes Are Abundant in Tamarac Communities

By: Sharon Aron Baron

South Florida residents may not be aware, but nestled between the newer communities with their cookie-cutter Mediterranean-inspired architecture, Tamarac is home to many mid-century modern marvels that those in the know are snapping up and making their own.

Not only are these ranch homes unique, they are actually quite spacious considering the interior square footage as well as the lots they sit on. While most newer homes are sold with zero lot lines, many of these older homes include ample-sized yards.

Back in the 1960’s, Kenneth Behring of Behring Properties – now billionaire philanthropist, created a development called the Woodlands Country Club. The Woodlands was a new concept in country club living that attracted many wealthy Fortune 500 business owners from the Northeast who wanted a vacation home down in Florida. Many of the homes were expensive in their day. The homes along Woodlands Boulevard and in the Estates section were all custom built on premium lots that cost much more. For those homes, owners hired their own builder to customize them, and some are still showcases in mid-century design to this day.

Here is a look at one of the first “Visa Villa “models to choose from – the Banyan Model.  From a 1969 brochure, it reads “The Good Life is Here – Fort Lauderdale’s exclusive New Country Club Community.”

A Distinctive Interpretation of the clean, graceful lines inherent in contemporary design, in a fascinating Two-Bedroom Idea home. Located in a fairway setting surrounded by magnificent wooded areas…..the accent is on spacious living inside and out. Even a brief study of the floor plan indicates that here truly is something most unusual. (3-Bedroom plans also available).

All this for only $28,7500.  Of course you could get your “optional” air conditioning and heating for only $1,075. If anyone chose to leave out this important option, I’d have to bet they were snowbirds, or just plain crazy.

Besides the 2-18 hole golf course, every Vista Villa section even had its own area for recreation for the exclusive use of residents.  These clubhouses included a pool, barbecue and picnic grounds, where residents would play cards, have socials and meeting and enjoy life.

These homes now sell from the $200’s to the $500’s.

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