Naples is known for its luxurious lifestyle, but even within this paradise, one neighborhood stands above the rest. Port Royal, nestled along the southern edge of Naples, has become synonymous with exclusivity and opulence. But how did this once-humble stretch of coastline transform into one of the nation’s most coveted addresses?
The Vision of John Glen Sample
Port Royal’s story begins with one man’s dream. Between the mid-1930s and mid-1950s, John Glen Sample, an advertising tycoon from Chicago, purchased all the property that would become Port Royal for a mere $54,000 (equivalent to about $530,000 today). Sample envisioned a community that would rival the finest in the world, and he set his sights on this stretch of mangrove-laden coastline south of Naples.
Key facts about Sample’s initial investment and vision:
• Acquired land from Jamaica Channel out to Gordon’s Pass
• Invested $3.5 million to develop 600 building sites
• Aimed to create a unique setting by working with existing contours rather than forming straight canals
From Swamp to Splendor
Transforming Port Royal from a mosquito-infested swamp into a luxurious neighborhood was no small feat. Sample’s development plan was ambitious and meticulous:
1. Land Reclamation
– Dredged canals to create waterfront lots
– Used dredged material to elevate and stabilize the land
2. Infrastructure Development
– Installed underground utilities
– Built roads and bridges to connect the newly created islands
3. Landscaping
– Planted thousands of coconut palms and other tropical vegetation
– Created lush, manicured streetscapes
Exclusive from the Start
From its inception, Port Royal was designed to be exclusive. Sample implemented strict building and ownership requirements:
• No commercial construction allowed within Port Royal
• Only single-family homes permitted, despite some appearing larger
• Original lots sold for $7,500 to $12,000 (about $73,000 to $117,000 in today’s dollars)
• Sample personally screened all early purchasers
The One-Man Screening Committee
Sample’s vision for Port Royal extended beyond just the physical aspects. He personally curated the community’s residents:
• Approved families included the Briggs family (Briggs & Stratton), the Pabst family (Pabst Blue Ribbon), and the Holman family (Indianapolis 500)
• Founders of the Greyhound Bus Line were among the early residents
• High-profile figures like Richard Nixon and Frank Sinatra were turned away because they were deemed too high-profile for Sample’s vision
The Port Royal Club
In 1959, Sample established the Port Royal Club, which became the social heart of the community:
• Located on 3 acres of beachfront property
• Exclusive membership limited to Port Royal residents
• Amenities included a private beach, tennis courts, and dining facilities
Growth and Recognition
As word spread about this slice of paradise, Port Royal’s popularity soared:
• 1950s-1960s: Steady growth as wealthy northerners discovered the community
• 1970s-1980s: Port Royal gained national recognition as a premier address
• 1990s-present: Property values skyrocketed, with some homes exceeding $100 million
Port Royal Today
Port Royal has maintained its status as one of America’s most exclusive neighborhoods:
• Approximately 550 homes, most with water access
• Home values ranging from $4 million to well over $100 million
• Residents include CEOs, celebrities, and business tycoons
• Known for its privacy, security, and world-class amenities
Port Royal’s Effect on Naples
The success of Port Royal has had a lasting impact on Naples as a whole:
• Elevated Naples’ reputation as a luxury destination
• Attracted high-net-worth individuals to the area
• Boosted the local economy through property taxes and spending
• Inspired other high-end developments in the region
From John Glen Sample’s initial vision to today’s reality, Port Royal’s journey is a testament to the power of ambitious planning and unwavering standards. This once-humble stretch of mangrove coastline has become a symbol of luxury living, not just in Florida, but across the nation. As you drive along Gordon Drive or glimpse the magnificent homes from the water, remember that you’re witnessing the culmination of a dream that began over 80 years ago – a dream that turned a swampy coastline into one of America’s most coveted addresses.
You can view Port Royal from the water and learn about the homes there on the Naples Princess Cruises.