A group of school teachers who bought inexpensive mobile homes in Florida 15 years ago suddenly struck it rich after a developer made offers for their properties.

When a dozen teachers at a Port Colborne high school learned about the cheap vacation homes, they never expected to strike it rich by owning a home at the Briny Breezes Trailer Park.

But as condos and multi-million dollar homes sprung up around them, developers offered the park's 500 owners an estimated US$500 million deal for their little slice of paradise.

"My initial investment was around $50,000. That's 15 years ago," George Huber said. "I should get about $1.2 million."

The trailer park is located on Florida's southeast coast near West Palm Beach. The prime real estate, complete with 200 metres of private ocean front, attracted attention from property developers looking to make big profits.

With the sale going through, the Briny Breezes Trailer Park has earned a new distinction as the richest trailer park in the world.

Between 30 and 40 Canadians own property in the park and will be taking their newfound wealth home.

But they will leave something else behind that even their money cannot buy.

"Just look around you ... This is a part of paradise," Huber said. "Not just the beautiful ocean and the activities here, but the people."

Condominium units slated to be built on the site will sell for around $3 million each.

Trailer Park owners need to vote on the developer's offer by Jan. 10. If 67 per cent of the owners approve, the deal will be finalized.

With a report from CTV's Tom Hayes