The history of Garden Patio Villas began when Oriole Homes Corp. developed Garden Patio Villas Association and it was incorporated on July 23, 1976. In 1977, 83 villas were completely built and people quickly purchased into this Homeowners Association. Beautiful olive trees were planted at each villa with a community clubhouse, pool and shuffleboard court. This design of villas was new and exciting for people who wanted to move to South Florida but not live in a condominium or purchase a large home.
There were five variations of villas a person could choose. Car ports had an upgrade option to be converted to a garage. There was a lawn patio area attached to the villa which was meant to allow homeowners to plant flowers and shrubs to create the benefits of nature; basically giving ascetic beauty to the indoor/outdoor living of South Florida. Oriole Homes Corp. also included several other upgrade options buyers could choose for this lawn patio area. One of the upgrade options was to enclose it by creating an indoor patio with Chattahoochee flooring. The top of the line upgrade was to make this area into another air conditioned room inside of the home.
Oriole Homes Corp. developed many of the condominiums and single family homes in the 1970’s in Margate, Florida. Some of this green space originally began in November 1971 at a Margate City Counsel meeting. Garden Patio Villas along with other residential housing was being developed and plotted. Discussed was the requirement that the developer keep at least 5% open for green space. As a trade off, the developers were allowed to create a higher density in dwelling units which surrounded the golf courses and serve as open space for these unit owners. Since the City of Margate requested green space and golf courses, Members enjoyed their homes and green space for 45 years!
The City of Margate desired to continue to create a larger green belt of space in the city. Oriole Homes Corp. cooperated with the city to build Margate Executive Golf Course and it was opened in 1985. The 9-hole golf course was along the side of Garden Patio Villas where families and friends enjoyed golfing for decades.
In 1995, Members voted to make the Association a 55+ community. Through the last 45 years, the Board of Directors and Members have changed hands; but Garden Patio Villas remains a friendly, small neighborhood. In 2015, hurricane Wilma took many trees, roofs and porches in the area. Today, Garden Patio Villas still has a beautiful view of birds, trees, other wildlife in our lovely green, small community!
In the above photo, Oriole Gardens is seen on the east and south end of the golf course. This was a calm and enjoyable green space for many years where golfers young and old got to enjoy a game and Margate residents enjoyed the view!
Members at Garden Patio Villas could golf on the Margate Executive Golf Course and had extra privileges accessing it and golfing there. This history of the golf course was a part of Members’ daily lives. Although this view is no longer available, we have photos and memories to cherish.
In 2021, the beautiful 9-hole golf course was closed and the City of Margate voted to allow this land to be rezoned and redeveloped into town-homes.
Garden Patio Villas Board of Directors continues to beautify our common areas with green space, trees, bushes, and pretty flowers that Members of our community continue to enjoy today.
In 2026, Garden Patio Villas celebrates 50 years since it was developed! Today, Garden Patio Villas is still the small homeowners association and community that it was in 1976!
Here are some photos from some of the history of Garden Patio Villas:
