If you are looking at new construction townhomes in Rockledge, Florida, there are not exactly dozens of communities to choose from.

That is part of what makes Catamaran Cove interesting.

It is one of the larger new construction communities Rockledge has seen in a while, with both single family homes and townhomes, neighborhood amenities, a gated entrance, and a location immediately next to Viera.

For this guide, I am specifically focusing on the Surf townhome by Ashton Woods.

I toured the model, walked the community, drove through the neighborhood, looked at the construction in different stages, and broke down the pricing, HOA, amenities, location, finishes, and what I actually think about the value.

Overall, I like the Surf.

It gives you more space than the entry level Palm without making the jump into the larger and more expensive Beach.

But like everything in real estate, it is not all butterflies and rainbows.

There are a few compromises you should understand before deciding whether the Surf is actually worth the money.

[Embed Surf at Catamaran Cove YouTube Video Here]

Quick Look at the Surf Floor Plan

The Surf is a 2 story Catamaran Cove townhome with:

• 3 bedrooms
• 2.5 bathrooms
• Approximately 1,654 square feet
• 1 car garage
• Upstairs laundry
• Open kitchen, dining, and living space downstairs

Ashton Woods currently lists the Surf from $376,990, although pricing, available units, incentives, and options can change throughout the different phases of construction.

The Surf sits directly between the other 2 Catamaran Cove townhome plans.

The smaller Palm is currently listed at 1,592 square feet, while the larger Beach offers 1,901 square feet, 4 bedrooms, and a 2 car garage.

That makes the Surf the middle option for someone who wants a little more space without necessarily paying for the largest townhome.

How Does the Surf Floor Plan Live?

The first floor is completely dedicated to your general living space.

You have your kitchen, dining area, living room, half bathroom, and access to the garage downstairs.

All 3 bedrooms are upstairs.

The laundry is upstairs as well.

That keeps your entertaining space and private space separated, which I think works well for a younger buyer, couple, roommates, or a family.

But there is no downstairs bedroom or office.

If you need a first floor primary bedroom, have someone living with you who struggles with stairs, or simply do not want to go upstairs every night, the Surf probably is not for you.

If that does not bother you, the layout itself is pretty straightforward and functional.

Surf vs Palm vs Beach at Catamaran Cove

If you are already looking at Catamaran Cove, this is probably the more useful comparison.

The Palm is the smaller and least expensive townhome.

The Surf adds a little more space while keeping the same 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, 1 car garage concept.

Then the Beach makes the bigger jump with approximately 1,901 square feet, 4 bedrooms, and a 2 car garage. Ashton Woods currently advertises starting prices of $371,990 for the Palm, $376,990 for the Surf, and $411,990 for the Beach.

At current advertised starting prices, the difference between the Palm and Surf is fairly small.

That makes the Surf interesting.

If the available inventory and incentives line up, I would absolutely compare the Surf against the Palm before automatically choosing the cheapest townhome.

The Beach is a different conversation because the price jumps more, but so does the garage size, bedroom count, and overall square footage.

What Is Standard Versus Upgraded?

This is where you need to be careful with any model home.

The Surf model looks good.

It should.

It has staging, upgraded finishes, paint choices, flooring, and design elements that are there to show you what the home can potentially look like.

That does not mean everything comes standard.

Depending on the specific home, you may see more standard tile, carpet, and neutral finishes unless upgraded options were already selected.

Ashton Woods also offers several curated interior design collections, but available finishes and options can vary depending on the home and stage of construction.

The refrigerator, washer, and dryer also were not standard with the Catamaran Cove townhomes when I filmed the community.

Those are expenses buyers should remember when calculating their actual move in cost.

So do not walk through the model, look at the price online, and assume those 2 things are identical.

Ask what is actually included in the specific Surf you are buying.

Lake Views and the Backyard

A number of Catamaran Cove townhomes back up to the community lake.

From a view perspective, I like those lots.

You get more openness behind the home instead of staring directly at another building.

There was one strange little negative I noticed during multiple visits.

Bugs.

Not mosquitoes. They were not biting me. There were just a lot of small bugs around portions of the lake and screens.

The community was planning additional fountains and pest control to increase water movement and help reduce the problem.

It would not stop me from buying a waterfront Surf, but it is the type of thing I point out because you probably will not see it on the builder website.

Can You Fence a Surf Townhome Backyard?

Not completely.

The townhome HOA handles exterior responsibilities including lawn maintenance, so crews need access through the rear of the property.

Because of that, owners cannot fully fence across the back property line.

You may have fence panels running between the units, but you cannot create a completely enclosed backyard.

If you want a fenced backyard for dogs, children, or privacy, that needs to be considered before buying.

A small restriction can become a major annoyance if it conflicts with how you actually plan to use the property.

What Is Catamaran Cove?

Catamaran Cove is a gated new construction community in Rockledge, Florida, built by Ashton Woods.

It contains a combination of approximately 200 townhomes and roughly 180 to 200 single family homes.

The townhome side has 3 plans:

• Palm
• Surf
• Beach

The single family side offers a much wider variety of floor plans, lots, and design options.

At the time of filming, Catamaran Cove was roughly 25% to 35% sold, so buyers purchasing now are still buying relatively early in the overall life of the community.

That can mean better builder incentives and more inventory choices, but it also means living around active construction for a period of time.

Catamaran Cove Amenities

Catamaran Cove includes:

• Gated entrance
• Community pool
• Playground
• Dog park
• Covered community mailbox area
• Walking areas
• Lake and seating areas

The pool is toward the back of the neighborhood with a large deck, bathrooms, parking, and plenty of room for residents.

The dog park is fully fenced and reasonably sized, although there is only 1 shared area rather than separate sections for large and small dogs.

The amenities are not trying to create some massive resort community.

I actually think that works here.

You get the useful stuff without the neighborhood feeling like it needs a theme park inside of it.

How Much Is the Catamaran Cove Townhome HOA?

At the time of filming, the Catamaran Cove townhome HOA was approximately $200 per month.

That fee is higher than the single family HOA because it covers considerably more of the exterior.

For the townhomes, that includes responsibilities such as lawn maintenance, roof related expenses, exterior maintenance, amenities, and common areas.

Always review the actual HOA documents before purchasing because fees, reserves, coverage, and rules can change.

One of the larger positives here is that Catamaran Cove does not have a CDD fee based on the community information available when I filmed.

That can matter quite a bit when comparing Catamaran Cove against nearby Viera new construction where your monthly housing expense may include additional community assessments.

Surf Pricing and Builder Incentives

Ashton Woods currently advertises the Surf from $376,990. The builder also makes clear that advertised pricing can exclude premiums, options, and upgrades and can change without notice.

When I filmed Catamaran Cove, townhome incentives had been moving substantially, sometimes around the $50,000 to $75,000 range depending on timing and the specific home.

I would not assume that exact incentive exists today.

Builders change incentives based on inventory, construction phase, monthly sales goals, financing, and specific quick move in homes.

That is why I care less about the giant incentive number on the advertisement and more about the final deal.

What is the actual purchase price?

What interest rate are you getting?

How much cash do you need at closing?

What upgrades are included?

What does the monthly payment look like after taxes, insurance, and the HOA?

That is the comparison that actually matters.

Is the Surf Worth Nearly $400,000?

This is where I think you have to look at both sides.

Almost $400,000 for a townhome in Rockledge can initially sound expensive.

There are older townhomes nearby selling for considerably less.

But they are also not the Surf.

The Surf gives you new construction, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a garage, modern layout, new systems, builder warranties, neighborhood amenities, and a location directly next to Viera.

There is value in that.

The question is whether those benefits are worth the premium to you.

I would compare the Surf not only with the Palm and Beach, but also with resale townhomes and smaller single family homes around Rockledge and Viera.

Then you know what you are actually paying extra for.

Construction and Finish Quality

I have spent time in Catamaran Cove beyond just walking through the finished models.

I have seen the construction during different stages before and after drywall.

Overall, I like what I have seen.

The construction areas have generally been clean and organized, communication has been good, and I think the overall product presents better than several other more budget focused production builders.

The finishes are still relatively standard, though.

You are not automatically getting luxury trim, high end wall finishes, or some wildly custom interior.

You get nice cabinetry, soft close features, good flooring options, and a clean finished product.

For what it is, I think it is solid.

I just would not confuse a nice new construction townhome with a fully custom home.

Why Do the Townhomes Not Have Impact Windows?

This remains my biggest construction complaint with the Catamaran Cove townhomes.

The remaining townhomes were being built with double pane windows and shutters rather than impact windows when I filmed the community.

The single family homes were getting impact windows.

Personally, at this price point, I would have liked to see impact windows included in the townhomes too.

They can provide additional storm protection, insulation, sound reduction, and convenience during hurricane preparation.

It does not ruin the product.

It is just a feature I wish Ashton Woods had kept.

Expect Construction Around You

If you buy into Catamaran Cove before the community is finished, expect to live around construction.

That means delivery trucks, workers, dumpsters, contractor vehicles, road work, and general daytime activity.

At the time I recorded the Surf video, I expected portions of that to continue for another year or longer depending on how quickly the remaining homes sell and build.

That eventually ends.

Roads get cleaned up. Landscaping matures. Empty lots become homes.

Buying early gives you the opportunity to get into the neighborhood while it is still developing, but living through the development is part of the deal.

Where Is Catamaran Cove in Rockledge?

Catamaran Cove is at 1168 Bluewater Lane in Rockledge, immediately off South Fiske Boulevard near Interstate 95. Ashton Woods directs visitors from I 95 through Exit 195 at South Fiske Boulevard.

This is one of my favorite things about the community.

You are basically beside Viera without technically living in Viera.

That gives you quick access to:

• Interstate 95
• Viera
• Rockledge
• Publix
• Aldi
• Restaurants
• Shopping
• Melbourne
• Brevard County beaches
• Merritt Island
• Cape Canaveral
• North Merritt Island

From my experience driving the area, Melbourne employment centers are generally around 20 minutes away.

The beaches are roughly 20 to 25 minutes depending on which beach and traffic.

Cape Canaveral and North Merritt Island employment areas can be closer to 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.

For normal day to day life, the central Brevard location is strong.

Close to Viera Without Paying for Everything That Comes With Viera

This is probably the clearest location argument for Catamaran Cove.

Viera is right there.

Restaurants, shopping, entertainment, medical facilities, and everyday conveniences are all extremely accessible.

But you are buying in Rockledge.

Depending on which Viera community you compare against, that may mean avoiding higher starting prices, different association structures, or additional CDD expenses.

If you want the conveniences of Viera but do not care whether your mailing address actually says Viera, Catamaran Cove deserves consideration.

What Do I Think About Long Term Value?

I think these townhomes should be viewed as a relatively safe, practical ownership option rather than some massive appreciation play.

There are older townhomes nearby selling in the $200,000s and $300,000s.

That creates competition.

At the same time, the Surf offers something many of those homes cannot:

Brand new construction in a newer gated community immediately next to Viera.

I also think townhomes continue to fill an interesting space for buyers who want lower exterior maintenance without necessarily moving into a traditional condominium.

My expectation would be reasonable long term demand and value retention if the broader Brevard County market remains healthy.

I would not buy one because someone promised you huge appreciation.

Buy it because the home, location, payment, and lifestyle make sense.

Who Is the Surf Best For?

The Surf makes a lot of sense for someone who wants:

• 3 bedrooms
• 2.5 bathrooms
• Around 1,654 square feet
• A garage
• New construction
• Lower exterior maintenance
• Community amenities
• A gated neighborhood
• Quick access to Viera and I 95
• More space than the Palm without paying for the Beach

I would look elsewhere if you absolutely need:

• A downstairs bedroom
• 2 car garage
• Fully fenced backyard
• Impact windows
• Large private yard
• Extensive customization

That is what makes the Surf fairly easy to evaluate.

You can determine quickly whether its strengths match what you actually need.

Why Use Your Own Agent at Catamaran Cove?

The Ashton Woods sales team knows its homes.

That is their job.

They can tell you about Surf availability, builder pricing, incentives, design selections, and construction timelines.

They also represent Ashton Woods.

My job is to represent you.

For someone looking at the Surf, I want to compare:

• Surf versus Palm
• Surf versus Beach
• Interior versus exterior unit
• Water view versus non water view
• Current builder incentives
• Preferred lender versus outside financing
• HOA responsibilities
• Taxes after reassessment
• Construction inspections
• Nearby resale townhomes
• New construction in Rockledge and Viera
• Whether a single family home makes more sense

I have also personally toured this community multiple times and walked homes during different stages of construction.

That gives me considerably more context than simply reading the builder brochure.

And if you want your own representation, contact your agent before your first model home visit because builder registration policies can affect representation later.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Surf at Catamaran Cove

How big is the Surf townhome?

The Surf has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, approximately 1,654 square feet, 2 stories, and a 1 car garage. The bedrooms and laundry are upstairs, while the main living space is downstairs.

How much does the Surf at Catamaran Cove cost?

Ashton Woods currently advertises the Surf from $376,990. Pricing can change and may not include premiums, options, or upgrades.

Should I choose the Surf or Palm?

At current advertised pricing, the Surf starts only slightly higher than the Palm while offering additional square footage. I would compare the actual available homes, incentives, locations within the building, and monthly payments before automatically choosing the Palm to save money.

Does Catamaran Cove have a CDD?

Based on the community information available when I filmed the neighborhood, Catamaran Cove did not have a CDD. Buyers should still verify current HOA and community documents before purchasing.

My Final Opinion of the Surf

I think the Surf might be the sweet spot of the Catamaran Cove townhomes for certain buyers.

You stay with 3 bedrooms and a 1 car garage, but you get a little more space than the Palm.

At the current advertised starting prices, there is also not a huge gap between the Palm and Surf, which makes the Surf particularly worth comparing.

I like the community.

I like the Rockledge location immediately next to Viera.

I like the low maintenance setup and amenities.

And based on what I have personally seen during different construction phases, I feel good about the overall cleanliness and execution of the project.

My complaints are still there.

I wish the townhomes had impact windows. I wish buyers could fully fence the backyard. The finishes are nice but not incredibly upgraded. And almost $400,000 is enough money that you should absolutely compare other properties before deciding.

But if you want a brand new 3 bedroom townhome in central Brevard County, the Surf deserves to be on that comparison list.

Not because it is perfect.

Because when you combine the location, new construction, usable layout, amenities, and current price relative to the other Catamaran Cove plans, there is a legitimate case for it.

Thinking About Buying the Surf at Catamaran Cove?

If you are considering the Surf, Palm, Beach, one of the Catamaran Cove single family homes, or another new construction community anywhere in Brevard County, contact me before visiting the model.

I can help you compare current inventory, builder incentives, floor plans, financing, HOA costs, inspections, and resale alternatives around Rockledge, Viera, and the rest of the Space Coast.

Sometimes the Surf will be the best fit.

Sometimes another option will make more sense.

The goal is figuring that out before you sign anything.

Om Dabhi
Broker Associate, Real Broker
Call or text: 321.794.0216
Email: [email protected]