Listings by Amy Jo Lord

Secluded Country Retreat on 11.39 Acres—Perfect for a New Farm or Private Haven. Welcome to a hidden gem for those seeking quiet country living and unlimited potential. Sprawling across 11.39 beautifully wooded acres of oaks and pines, this property offers the ultimate in privacy, with enough open space to establish a small farm or simply enjoy the serenity of natural surroundings. A long, secluded drive leads you to the custom-built 2020 concrete block home, distinguished by thoughtful architectural details and an open, airy design. At the heart of the residence, a spacious kitchen, dining area, and living room invite relaxation, enhanced by an abundance of natural light. The kitchen is a chef’s dream, showcasing ample cabinets, generous countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a large pantry equipped with custom shelving. A convenient breakfast bar and a cozy dining nook overlooking the backyard provide multiple options for enjoying meals or morning coffee. Privacy is prioritized with a split floor plan, positioning the master suite on one side and two guest bedrooms plus a bathroom on the other. The master bedroom boasts a large walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom complete with dual vanities, a sunken tub, and a separate tiled shower. Throughout the home, plank tile flooring adds modern appeal, while carpeting in the living area offers warmth and comfort. French doors from the living room open to a newly built screened-in porch—a showstopper featuring a cypress ceiling, a stacked-stone accent wall, and dimmable lighting. This serene space comes with a jacuzzi and would be perfect for creating an outdoor kitchen, setting the stage for both relaxation and entertaining. Fully fenced and gated, the 11.39 acres is perfectly suited for creating a mini farm with horses or other livestock, or preserving the mature oaks and pines for those who value privacy and a connection to nature. And while this retreat feels like a world away, you’ll still enjoy the convenience of being just 11 miles from the World Equestrian Center, 15 miles from shopping and restaurants, and 29 miles from the Gulf of Mexico.

Premier 38+ Acre Equestrian Estate in NW Marion County Nestled in the heart of NW Marion County at the end of Millionaires Row, this exceptional 38+ acre farm offers prime real estate in Ocala’s renowned horse country. With some of the richest soil in the area—highly sought after for its lush grass—this farm is designed for equestrians who demand the best footing for their horses. Rolling hills, two serene ponds, and breathtaking views set the stage for this one-of-a-kind property, just 13 miles from WEC & HITS Showgrounds and 6 miles from the Ocala Jockey Club—soon home to the new WEC expansion facility. At the highest elevation of the farm, overlooking sprawling pastureland, are two residences, two barns, a round pen, a six-car detached garage, and top-tier equestrian amenities. The main residence is a charming 1978 A-frame home with striking architectural details. This 2-bedroom, 2-bath home boasts soaring ceilings with exposed wood beams, floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light, and a stunning double-sided brick fireplace extending along an entire wall. The fireplace also opens to a bricked patio, creating an ideal setting for relaxing after a long day with horses. Nearly every room features sliding glass doors leading outside, offering seamless indoor-outdoor living. Upstairs, the second bedroom opens to a private veranda with breathtaking views. While the home requires some updating—including finishing the kitchen—it has undeniable character and potential. Step outside to the kidney-shaped inground pool with a built-in jacuzzi and stone-accented landscaping. The second residence is a charming cypress log cabin built in 2007 with a welcoming front porch, where you can unwind and take in spectacular sunsets after a day of riding. Inside, the open-concept living space features a fully updated kitchen, one bedroom and bath downstairs, and an upstairs loft-style bedroom with a walk-in closet and full bath. A striking cypress trunk extends from the first floor to the ceiling, adding to the home's rustic appeal. Equestrians will appreciate the two well-equipped barns. The first is a 9-stall concrete block center-aisle show barn with a wash rack and tack room. The second is a 20-stall wood shed-row barn featuring two tack rooms, an office, and a full bathroom. The property also includes a covered manure and shavings bin, a round pen, and a dressage arena, along with a fully lit riding arena featuring an elevated viewing deck. Newer four-board, no-climb, and top-board fencing surround the farm, dividing it into eight large pastures, two with lean-tos for additional shade. Beautiful granddaddy oaks provide natural shade throughout the property, ensuring a comfortable environment for horses. Additional features include 2 (50) AMP & 4 (30) AMP RV hookups, a three-bay six-car detached garage, multiple parking areas, an asphalt driveway leading to an electric gated entrance with stone pillars, and well-maintained infrastructure for easy farm management. Located just 5 miles from I-75, this farm provides effortless travel access while maintaining the privacy and tranquility of Ocala’s premier equestrian region. With an unbeatable location, world-class facilities, and endless potential, this is a rare opportunity to own a legacy farm in Marion County’s thriving horse country. Whether you're training, breeding, or showing daily, this property is primed for its next owner to bring their vision to life.

Timeless Colonial-Style Estate on 13 Acres with Barn, Pool, and Studio Apartment. Welcome to a property that has been cherished by the same family since it was custom-built in 1985, creating countless memories over the years. This stately colonial-style home boasts 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and a rich blend of classic design elements and modern conveniences. A floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace with a wall-to-wall hearth serves as the centerpiece of the main living area, where French doors open onto the outdoors, creating a seamless transition between indoor comfort and the surrounding countryside. Stepping inside, you’ll find a spacious living room that flows effortlessly into an expansive kitchen. Perfect for entertaining or everyday gatherings, this kitchen features ample wood cabinetry, generous counter space, and an island with a sink and seating. French doors off the kitchen lead to a screened back porch overlooking lush pastures and a serene spring-fed pond—an ideal spot for morning coffee or evening relaxation. The dining area, adjacent to the kitchen, is framed by a large window offering picturesque views of the backyard, pond, and barn. On the main level, you’ll also discover a bright bedroom with a half bath, abundant storage, and a laundry room. A striking wood staircase leads to the second floor, where the master suite enjoys tranquil views of both the barn and the pond. The master bath features a sunken tub, walk-in tiled shower, vanity, and a separate makeup vanity with a sink. Two oversized bedrooms, each with a walk-in closet and its own bathroom, provide comfort and privacy for family or guests. Throughout the home, every room is graced with numerous windows, allowing natural light to pour in and highlighting the property’s splendid rural vistas. Outside, a screened porch with ceiling fans overlooks rolling pastures, the pond, and a recently painted three-stall barn complete with a feed room and separate tack room. From there, a brick paver pathway leads to a charming garden pergola area, perfect for outdoor dining or entertaining. Adjacent to the barn is a large chicken coop and a concrete pad—ideal for parking a trailer or adding a shed. The 13+ acres of fenced and cross-fenced pasture offers excellent grass for horses or livestock, with the spring-fed pond providing a reliable water source. One pasture includes a 12x16 storage building with two covered wings for farm equipment or hay storage, and features cow pens ready for your cattle operation. A covered walkway from the west side of the house leads to the oversized two-car garage, complete with a studio apartment upstairs—a practical space for guests, extended family, or a private office. A deep, in-ground gunite pool lies just beyond, inviting you to enjoy a refreshing dip on warm Florida days. Additional outbuildings include a storage building perfect for an office with electricity and a two-car carport, rounding out the property’s generous offerings. This serene country haven is remarkably convenient: WEC and HITS Showgrounds are within easy reach, while Dunnellon and Crystal River offer excellent boating and water activities. Ocala’s shopping, dining, and medical facilities are just a short drive away, and Gainesville, FL—renowned for its hospitals, clinics, and cultural amenities! This one-of-a-kind property offers room to roam, ample amenities for horses and livestock, and the charm of a well-loved family home—ready for its next chapter of treasured memories

Exceptional 10-Acre Farm for Horse or Cattle Enthusiasts Welcome to this stunning 10-acre farm, where country charm and modern amenities blend to create the perfect property for equestrian or cattle enthusiasts. A paved asphalt driveway welcomes you to a beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, spanning 3,084 total square feet, complete with new luxury vinyl flooring and country-inspired accents throughout. With a fresh coat of paint, this light-filled home offers the best of both comfort and functionality. The spacious kitchen is a chef’s dream, featuring ample cabinetry, generous counter space, a pantry, and a cozy dining nook that opens to picturesque views of the lush pasture and the sparkling inground pool with jacuzzi. Large windows flood the home with natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere. The master suite is a retreat of its own, with sliding glass doors leading directly to the pool area, a walk-in dual shower, and a built-in tub for added relaxation. An inside laundry room, separate media room with a storage closet, and an office provide ample functionality and flexibility. Step out to the back porch, complete with dual ceiling fans, where you can relax and enjoy the view of the back pasture and pool area. The front of the home features an attached portico for easy access to the front door, along with a charming front porch area. The circular driveway offers additional convenience and aesthetic appeal. The farm’s infrastructure is designed for convenience and utility, with a 36x45 open-air pole barn that’s ideal for housing additional vehicles or farm equipment. The 53x40 metal building with three large garage bays includes an air-conditioned office area and a separate storage room, making it perfect for managing farm operations or storing equipment. The garage space provides ample room for working on equipment or meeting storage needs. Partially fenced with durable no-climb fencing and top board, the rich soil and gated entry make this land an ideal setting for horses, cattle, or other livestock. This property is an ideal canvas for building your dream farm or simply enjoying the peaceful rural lifestyle surrounded by your animals. Located in an enviable area, you’re only 14 miles from the World Equestrian Center, 14 miles from HITS Showgrounds, 12 miles to shopping and restaurants, 27 miles to the Gulf of Mexico, and 20 miles to downtown Ocala. This farm offers the perfect combination of rural tranquility and proximity to premier equestrian venues and amenities.

Stylish Florida Home with Private Orange Grove and Stunning Lake Views Enjoy the very best of southern living with this quintessential Florida home on 13.74 acres and overlooking a picturesque lake where a 10 lb., 9 oz. bass was caught just this spring! The fully landscaped and irrigated property includes a freshly painted lovely two-bedroom, two-bath home (2015) with 2,462 sq. ft. of living space, attached two-car garage, a Morton building with a one-bedroom apartment, and an in-ground pool with lanai--all surrounded by the private orange grove and fruit orchard. As you step up to the main home’s welcoming veranda and through its stately front entry, you’ll first notice the spacious open-concept split floorplan, gorgeous wood flooring, and elegant fireplace. But soon, you’ll see the space is enhanced by a soaring cupola lined with windows to bring in plenty of natural light. The kitchen boasts granite countertops, solid hickory cabinetry, an eat-in bar with pendant lighting, an island, a pantry, and stainless-steel appliances. With breathtaking views of the lake, the breakfast nook is the perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee. Next is the sizeable master bedroom with a walk-in closet and access to the pool/lanai. Its en suite master bath features a double-bowl sink, luxurious shower with glass enclosure and decorative tile accents, tub, linen closet, and water closet. Across the main living area, you’ll find a bonus room perfect for a home office or study with lake views, built-in desk, cabinetry, and architectural niches. Down the hallway is a second bedroom, also with pool access, and a guest bath with ample storage, lots of counter space, and a tiled shower with glass enclosure. There is also a convenient laundry room with cabinets, counter space, closet, and sink. From the main living area, the pool and lanai, both within a vast screened enclosure, are accessible through sliding glass doors. This capacious outdoor living space, accentuated by elegant design elements, provides an enticing private retreat. Entertain guests, enjoy leisurely poolside dinners, or just relax in the hot tub after a long day. A few of the extra items the sellers took in building this home are in-wall tubing for pest-control, no pressure wood was used at all and Icynene foam insulation in ceiling; As we moved to the outside, we follow the concrete driveway around to the 1890 square foot Morton building built in 2014, which boasts garage space for equipment, cars, toys, tools, and much more, an attractive 435 square foot one-bedroom apartment with kitchen and full bath, and a wraparound covered patio/carport. And if that’s not enough, some of the other great features of the property include: Two wells (one 5-inch & one 10-inch); a small, fenced side yard for the dogs; a pond loaded with koi; approximately 1,000 producing navel orange trees along with plum, peach, persimmon, and pear trees, and several yummy blueberry bushes. The location couldn’t be better. Just minutes from The Villages, with dining, shopping, entertainment, healthcare, recreation, and more.

Enchanting Elegance on 4.52 Acres of Woodland Beauty. If you appreciate fine quality, custom craftsmanship, and attention to detail, this elegant country home in The Village at Hidden Lakes cannot be surpassed. The property’s almost magical ambiance is apparent even at first glance, from the gated entrance flanked by pillars of granite block hand-cut from historic curbstones, to the verdant woodland-style landscaping, to the home’s custom brick-accented exterior and one-of-a kind details. In its idyllic setting, this 3-bedroom, 3-bath home with 4,143 total sq. ft. boasts 3,162 sq. ft. of living space. From the moment you step into the foyer, you are greeted with a great room that can only be called majestic with its high coffered ceiling and rich wood-look laminate flooring. A cherrywood built-in entertainment center with cabinet lighting bespeaks sophistication and timeless appeal. The space extends into a sitting room reminiscent of a country manor with stunning cypress woodwork and a custom-crafted brick fireplace highlighted by unique stone accents. The home’s three bedrooms are well-spaced throughout the floorplan to provide privacy. The first bedroom, a spacious guest room situated just to the right of the foyer, features a recessed window, lots of natural light, a walk-in closet, and a private bath, complete with granite countertop, wood vanity, and a tub/shower combo with decorative tile. At the other end of the great room, we find the generous master bedroom, broad windows filling its interior with abundant daylight, creating an open, airy feel while providing views of the property’s serene outdoor surroundings. A second door leads to the sitting room. Two walk-in closets, each with the luxury of built-in cherrywood organizers, provide storage for clothing, shoes, and accessories galore. Next, the master bath boasts tiled flooring, dual sinks and wood vanities with granite countertops, a large water closet with corner cabinet, a tiled shower with glass enclosure, and a soaking tub. Next, we move across the main living area to the capacious gourmet kitchen. Perfect for preparing your favorite delectable creations or entertaining guests, this dream kitchen denotes tasteful elegance with gorgeous granite countertops, opulent wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, pendant accent lighting, eat-in bar, an island with even more storage, and a tiled backsplash that looks like a work of art. This space also includes a breakfast nook, but for a more formal gathering, the splendid dining room with bay window and classic architectural elements provides the perfect backdrop. Past the kitchen is sure to be one of the favorite rooms of the house: the study. With its built-in bookcases and peaceful view, this room is perfect for a home office or a relaxing reading retreat. Down the hall reside the guest bath—again featuring a granite countertop, tub/shower combo, and a linen closet—and the third bedroom, another comfortable, welcoming space filled with dappled sunlight and lush views of the shaded yard for your guests to enjoy. The home also features a convenient laundry room with plenty of counter space, copious cabinetry, a large sink, a storage closet, and access to the attached garage. Stepping outside from the breakfast nook/kitchen, we first come to a screened lanai with tiled floor which then leads to a tumbled-stone patio with soaring screened enclosure. As with the home itself, the lovely park-like setting of the property’s outdoor space displays artistic design along with the care and skill of a true master stone mason and artisan. Towering granddaddy oaks, maples, pines, and bald cypress provide welcome shade for the tranquil outdoor seating vignettes for reading, meditation, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature. A picture-perfect entertainment area features a Pennsylvania bluestone patio with a pergola, handcrafted cypress-and-stone seating area, and a magnificent brick fireplace constructed to emulate the chimney of a historic New England mansion. The nearby shed and workshop is both functional and attractive, built with a rare attention to detail. A concrete ramp leading into the shed makes moving equipment in and out a breeze. There is also an attached stall or additional storage space provided under roof with a paver-stone floor. Other features of the property include: A 3-zone HVAC, foam insulation throughout, a generator hookup, gas grill hookup, and an external electric panel, which could be used to provide power for a pool or other outdoor structure. From the Village at Hidden Lakes, with its quiet, paved streets, it is an easy drive to shopping, restaurants, and entertainment in Williston, Ocala, or Gainesville. Enjoy hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and more at the area’s many nature parks and attractions. Only about a 45-minute drive to fishing and boating on the Gulf, too! Don’t miss this select property that is beautifully maintained, exquisitely constructed, and aesthetically pleasing indoors and out.