HISTORY OF THE GOLF VILLAS
The Golf Villas are located on what was previously the beautiful park and horticultural gardens behind the original Errol great house owned by department store magnate, John T. Pirie. Pirie chose to bring his large family to live in our temperate climate partially for his wife’s asthma, but also because the rolling hills and sparkling lakes reminded him of the Scottish town where he was born.
In 1886, Pirie built his three-story, eight-bedroom mansion, complete with elevator, on the knob of the hill now occupied by Errol Country Club. The thousand acres presently called Errol Estate was part of Pirie’s vast Errol Farms, where he specialized in herds of fine registered cattle; he was also a well-known citrus grower in the state of Florida.
Behind his home and through the park was a tree-shaded lane leading down the shore of Lake Alden, curving lazily around two sides of what are now our Golf Villas. There were several cottages and homes for winter visitors and family members sprinkled throughout Pirie’s estate. The only one remaining today is the Winonah Cottage, which can be spotted on the west side of Errol Parkway. Pirie’s grandson, Bill Pirie, still makes his home in Errol Estate and has been a member of Errol Country Club for many years.
The development of Errol Estate, as we now know it, began in 1970 when Richard Mark, a developer from the Bahamas, headed up the Lake Alden Corporation to develop a unique 27-hole golf community with renowned golf course designer, Joe Lee. Not long after, the Clubhouse was built by contractor Allen Trovillion, former Mayor of Winter Park, and later elected to the Florida legislature. The Golf Villas reflected developer Mark’s Bahamian influence with vaulted ceilings, fans, and multi- colored stucco and cedar sided buildings topped with steep-pitched shake shingle roofs.
Developed in four phases, the Villas were started in 1972 and completed in 1974 as one Homeowners Association. The first homes popped up along Errol Parkway and in 1973 the Pirie mansion was relinquished for Errol Clubhouse. The first pro-shop was erected at the corner of Golf Course Drive and Errol Parkway. Soon after, the third and last 9-hole course was added as part of the challenging and undulating 27-hole course of today. Early on, the Errol Estate Country Club and Inn (the Golf Villas being the “Inn”) became such a great attraction for northern guests that many opted to buy Villas as a winter home.
In those days, no parking was permitted in the Villas, thus the limited parking areas we have to date. Fortunately, most “snowbirds” didn’t mind using their golf carts to zip between the Villas and the Club. A swimming pool was planned at the base of what is now our lower parking lot, but gave way for desperately needed parking. Practicality began to rule. Another parking lot was added near the entrance and in June of 2000 the Villas bought the cart barn parking lot as well as our property from the Club, which had previously leased the land to the Villas in a 99-year lease.
The Golf Villas value is still linked symbolically to the Country Club. Many of the owners of the Golf Villas support the Club with their membership and enthusiasm – important to the health and longevity of both the Villas and the Club. Many are long-time owners, many reside in the Villas year-round, and winter residents come from as far away as Canada, Holland, and South America. A new demographic is emerging. With the extension of the 429 and 414, owners are discovering our Golf Villas as the perfect refuge from the workday as well as a perfect retirement community. Urban explorers are discovering our hillside community amidst the bustle of golf, tennis, swimming, dining, and awe-inspiring beauty.
