Have questions about life at Shearwater? Well, so did plenty of other curious homebuyers. So we’ve assembled this list of frequently asked questions and provided answers that will guide you through one of the most important decisions of your life.
Why do homeowners want to live at Shearwater?
There are many reasons that families, couples, retirees and empty nesters find themselves at Shearwater. One of the key reasons is the MasterCraft reputation for quality, the choice of home designs and how easy it is to work with us. Of course, what also brings many people to Shearwater is how nature is integrated into this community and how easy it is to get access to it. Our neighborhood, The Trails, is a serene, nature lover’s paradise, but it’s also a place with unmatched amenities for every member of the family. Everybody has his or her own reason for choosing Shearwater. Download an overview of The Trails neighborhood, floor plans, pricing here.
How many floor plans are offered?
Choosing the right floor plan is critical to being happy in any home. It’s a reflection of how you live, now and down the road. The Shearwater floor plan you choose depends on the style and size of the house you want. At this point, what you need to know is there are basically five home designs – Sandpiper (and Sandpiper with Bonus), Spoonbill, Egret, Osprey and Heron. Each offers a unique floor plan. Because MasterCraft is a semi-custom homebuilder, offering alternative floor plans for each home design, you have more flexibility than you’d expect! And yes, we allow you to modify some of our floor plans too.

What range of bedrooms and bathrooms are available?
Depending on the design you choose, MasterCraft homes in The Trails range from four bedrooms and three baths (Sandpiper and Spoonbill and Egret) to five bedrooms and four baths (Sandpiper with Bonus, Osprey and Heron) – more than enough for any family!
What is the range of lot sizes available
Home site sizes are scaled to accommodate the size of the Shearwater home you choose. What we can tell you is that home site lot sizes are approximately 70’ by 120’ to accommodate floor plans up that range from 2,900 to 4,000 square feet with both one and two-story floor plans available.
What style homes (elevations) are available?
As we pointed out above, Sandpiper, Spoonbill, Osprey, Egret and Heron are available in different styles/elevations providing the curb appeal you like and floor plans perfectly suited to you and your guests. As indicated by the elevation names – Coastal Traditional, Florida Bungalow, Florida Farmhouse and Spanish Craftsman – it’s your style and your choice. (Keep in mind that all elevations are not available with all designs.)
Can I make changes to floor plans?
Working within the specifications of the design and the options you choose, you do have flexibility in your floor plan. Certain home designs also provide flex space, which means you have options within options. For instance, your flex space could be a home theater, a game room, a den or even another bedroom! It’s your choice. Just remember… the earlier you commit to your initial choice – and the closer you stick with your plan – the more economical the build.
What upgrades are available?
Because we take such pride in our craftsmanship and materials, we generally don’t use the term “upgrades.” But yes, there are upgrades available in terms of finishes, hardware and other components. It all depends on your taste and budget. You may also be interested in our $25k flex cash offer to use towards structural options, interior finishes, and color choices. Get more details about this limited time promotion here.
Which designs features and building trends are included in our Higher Standards promise?
Many of our construction standards, like stronger framing (2×6 vs., 2×4), better insulation (R19) and granite countertops, would be upgrades for other builders. Our higher standards are also based on design features that make life better. This includes “family foyers” that accommodate today’s “stop and drop” lifestyle and modern conveniences like USB phone-charging outlets. While there are too many to list, are just some of the structural and design features that come standard with every MasterCraft home in Shearwater:
- Upgraded clear glass frameless enclosure in master bath
- Oversized laundry room with space for washer, dryer, utility sink, refrigerator and cabinets
- Rinnai tankless gas water heater
- Zero VOC, environmentally safe paint is exceptionally durable, washable, and has outstanding coverage to hide touchups
- High quality AdvanTech sub floor on 2nd stories for super quiet and solid floors
- 8-foot Safe and Sound (solid core) interior doors throughout
What amenities are currently available?
Shearwater’s list of amenities is unparalleled. At the heart of our community is an amazing social and activity center highlighted by the resort-style Kayak Club and Fitness Lodge. There’s a magnificent aquatic area with pool, lap pool, lazy river and thrilling water slide for kids (and adults who are young at heart!). There are miles of trails for biking, jogging or just strolling, Har-Tru clay tennis courts, as well as easy access to Trout Creek and the activities that body of water offers. There is also a kayak launch and dog park planned for the future. In short, whether you’re an active outdoorsperson or someone who just wants to chill and take it all in, you’ll find it at Shearwater.
What new amenities are coming to Shearwater?
Since opening in 2015, Shearwater has become one of the fastest-growing communities in St. Johns County. The master-plan developer of Shearwater recently announced some exciting new amenities coming soon to Shearwater including an
activity-focused park, two new dog parks and a community garden. The new park offers a variety of outdoor opportunities like a tot lot, an event lawn, and multi purpose paved pathways. Shearwater is also opening a new nature trail that will run through Shearwater’s naturally preserved habitat. The new trails and pathways will all connect to Shearwater’s current trail system to enhance the community’s overall trail network. The community’s first dog park area will include two fenced parks, one for larger dogs and one for smaller dogs. Finally, the community garden will have raised beds available for residents to plant flowers, herbs and vegetables year-round. All of Shearwater’s residents will have access to these new amenities.
Where is Shearwater located and what’s the nearest shopping/dining/arts area?
Shearwater is located in beautiful St. Johns County between Jacksonville and St. Augustine. That puts you close to a big, vibrant city where you can shop, take in cultural events or maybe a “Jags” NFL game. In addition, the newly planned Durbin Park Town Center is located just a few miles down the road. Historic St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city, is just 20 minutes away. Visit the fort, shop on a unique pedestrian mall or visit the World of Golf. It’s all there for you to experience. And for your convenience, there’s a shopping center and restaurants just outside the community.
Visit our sales model at Shearwater.
With deep roots in North Florida, MasterCraft Builder Group builds new home communities in St Johns County, Florida that accommodate all kinds of budgets and lifestyles. View our video tour or visit our Shearwater community page to view floor plans, prices and promotions. When you’re ready to share your future plans, call us at 904-580-3479 and ask Jen Pledger to schedule a visit to Shearwater.