Prairie Creek Home for Rent

Moss-draped trees and vast open fields flank Washington Loop's country roads. This community offers more elbow room in the rural area about 15 miles northeast of the Punta Gorda. It draws animal lovers, especially equestrians, with 5-acre minimum lots and agricultural zoning that allows for horses and other livestock. Yet it's also connected to Punta Gorda and its vibrant, waterfront downtown, according to Afra Newell, Realtor with Keller Williams Peace River Partners. That combination drew Newell and her husband to the area about 24 years ago. "We came from the east coast of Florida, which is highly populated and has lots of traffic," she says. "We wanted the room to let the animals run free, but we didn't want to be too far away from everyday life. That's one of the things we love about it." Residents enjoy a "do-what-you-want-with-your-land" attitude, according to Barbara Brunner, luxury home specialist at Coldwell Banker Global Luxury. Traditional Florida stucco homes are set back from the street on spacious, open lots dotted by pine trees, Spanish moss-draped oak trees, crops and farm animals. Lots range anywhere from 5 to 25 acres and often include barns. "A lot of people