Nestled amidst the serene landscape of Davenport, Florida, Highlands Reserve offers an exclusive retreat for a holiday experience like no other.

Constructed in the late 1990s and completed in the early 2000s, Highlands Reserve was built at a time when the Orlando area wasn't quite as developed as it is today. Consequently, the community has a wonderful feeling of space. This is also because it was built around the Highlands Reserve Golf Club, which opened in 1998, giving the properties a much more open feel rather than being crammed together like many newer communities.

With a wide variety of villa styles, the single-storey and two-storey homes are all detached and each has its own character. Offering homes ranging from three to seven bedrooms, there's every chance you'll find a villa that perfectly suits your requirements.

Many villas enjoy views across the golf course or the conservation area to the west of the community. Every villa has its own private swimming pool, while some also feature a spillover spa. All pools have fully screened pool decks. Many homes also include converted garage games rooms, often featuring pool tables, foosball, and air hockey. In addition, the community offers a communal swimming pool, tennis courts, and a children's playground.

Highlands Reserve is also ideally located close to all the essential amenities needed for a self-catering vacation. Berry Town Centre is just a short walk, or an even shorter drive, to the north of the community. Here you'll find a Publix supermarket, Circle K gas station, pizza restaurant, Chinese restaurant, bank, liquor store, and, just across US27, a CVS Pharmacy.

The community and golf course sit atop a long sand ridge known as Green Swamp Ridge, one of Florida's highest ridges, with elevation changes of around 120 feet from top to bottom. This gives Highlands Reserve a much more interesting landscape than the typical Florida flatlands. Unlike many resort communities, the golf course was built first, with the homes thoughtfully integrated around it, creating a more spacious and attractive environment.

Another major advantage is the location. If your vacation includes visits to Orlando's famous theme parks, Highlands Reserve is just off US27 and conveniently close to both US192 and Interstate 4, providing quick access to all the major attractions. Yet despite being close to the action, the community is set away from the busiest resort hotel areas, allowing you to enjoy a quieter and more relaxing stay when you're away from the parks.

Golf Course

Highlands Reserve Golf Club opened in 1998 and is located around 10 minutes southwest of Walt Disney World. The course is unlike anything you might expect in Florida. Its unique setting on Green Swamp Ridge provides rolling terrain and elevation changes rarely found elsewhere in the region.

The opening hole features a front-left pin position that sits nearly six feet below fairway level. The 12th green is almost perfectly circular, while the elevated, crowned 14th green provides an excellent challenge for approach shots. Holes four through seven are terraced into the side of a gently rising bowl, while rows of pine trees create a secluded feel along the parallel 1st, 9th, 11th, and 12th holes. Because Highlands Reserve Golf Club sits on what is essentially a giant sand ridge, natural waste areas border several holes.

Measuring 6,647 yards from the tournament tees, the course won't overpower or intimidate most golfers. Instead, the layout keeps players engaged with three sub-400-yard par 4s to start the round, back-to-back par 5s on the 17th and 18th, several drivable par 4s for longer hitters, frequent changes in direction, and holes that reward players who can shape the ball both left and right. Complementing all of this are some of Orlando's finest green complexes. A major greens renovation in 2022 introduced Diamond Zoysia greens, with several redesigned by Donnie Shallow and Travis Addison.

Highlands Reserve offers an enjoyable challenge for golfers of every ability. Beginners and average golfers benefit from wide fairways and forgiving landing areas, while lower-handicap players are tested by the large, undulating greens and strategic course design. In short, Highlands Reserve provides a unique golfing experience unlike any other in the Orlando area.

The practice facilities have also been enhanced in recent years, with a driving range featuring Toptracer-covered bays, alongside a bar and grill where you can enjoy food and drinks while practising with friends. There's also a large putting green, bunker, and dedicated chipping area.

Conclusion

Many villas within Highlands Reserve are privately owned and available as vacation rentals, often featuring private pools, spas, and views across either the golf course or surrounding conservation areas.

The community itself offers excellent shared amenities, including a large communal swimming pool, children's playground, and tennis courts. At its heart is Highlands Reserve Golf Club, whose location atop Green Swamp Ridge gives the entire community a more varied landscape than is typical across much of Central Florida. Pine-lined fairways, citrus groves, and beautifully landscaped surroundings provide both golfers and non-golfers with an attractive and relaxing environment.

Compared with staying in a hotel or one of the busier resort areas, Highlands Reserve offers significantly more space and privacy. Large villa plots, generous living areas, and a peaceful setting combine with easy access to Orlando's major attractions to create the best of both worlds. As a well-established community with a wide choice of vacation homes, Highlands Reserve continues to offer visitors a relaxed, spacious, and welcoming home-away-from-home experience.