Destin and 30A Beaches - It's a LIFESTYLE

Reminiscent of a brilliant emerald on a strand of luminous pearls, could you see yourself living here? 


Destin area beaches and along 30A are unrivaled in natural beauty. No wonder readers of Southern Living voted Destin beaches as the Number One Beach in the South, for four consecutive years!

The beaches of the emerald coast have many unique attributes that shine above other vacation destinations. For example, the sugary-white, powder-soft sand is no ordinary sand. Its amazing color comes from millions of tiny Appalachian quartz that have filtered down from the mountains through the Apalachicola River. It is this spectacular stone, ground to a perfect oval in each grain, which makes the sand “squeak” when you walk on it.

The natural foliage is a delightful blend of delicate sea-oats, wildflowers, scented magnolias, sand pines and various palms. Many artists have tried to capture this distinctive mix of sub-tropical plant life, but nothing truly matches nature’s handiwork.

An impressive array of marine life can be found at any time of year. Dolphins frolic year round in the Gulf, bays and bayous, while sea turtles nest between April and November.

Pods of stingrays migrate in the early fall, and the often comical sea-gull is always around to provide entertainment.

The sun is also kind to vacationers and locals alike, providing us with an astonishing average of 343 sunny days per year! Destin’s Emerald Coast is so inviting... simply irresistible! 

                                                IS THE 30A LIFESTYLE FOR YOU ? 

Alys Beach, one of the newest communities along 30A, stops visitors in their tracks for a second look. A bit Bermuda and a bit Antigua, the town brings to life white stuccoed walls and uniquely ridged roof tops. Guests are privileged to experience the most striking and elaborate swimming pool on 30A, the Caliza Pool which includes a 50' X 100' saltwater pool, a separate family pool, a spa whirlpool, a lap pool, and secluded cabanas.


 Blue Mountain Beach was named for the Gulf Coast lupine which covered the sand dunes in blue leaves and flowers. At an elevation of on 345 feet, Blue Mountain Beach's tall sand dunes and many coastal lakes make it one of the loveliest areas on 30A. The Blue Mountain Regional Beach Access just south of 30A and CR 83 is a popular place for surfers and those who simply want to watch.


The recreational trail and bike path along 30A stretches throughout Dune Allen Beach, including several extensions that meander through adjacent areas in the Beaches of South Walton. Located along the Western end of 30A, Dune Allen Beach is a terrific location for experiencing the solitude of the 30A gulf beaches without being too far from Destin.


Dune Allen Beach is primarily a residential community made up of beach homes and cottages. The highlights of Dune Allen Beach include its handicapped accessible beach access with restrooms located on County Highway 30-A and the coastal lakes, including Stallworth and Oyster Lake.

Grayton Beach, a small, historic beach village, was the first community established along scenic 30A. Next to a large coastal lake, towering sand dunes, Grayton Beach State Park, and the Gulf of Mexico, Grayton Beach offers an eclectic mix of people and surroundings. Here you'll find modern, deluxe vacation homes next to two-room rustic cottages. Grayton Beach loyalists swear by the town's natural beauty, wide beaches, laid back lifestyle, great restaurants, and colorful people.


Favorite diversions in Grayton Beach include kayaking Western Lake, dinner at the Red Bar, gorgeous sunset picnics, fishing, surfing, shopping, and people watching.


Rosemary Beach Town Center offers shopping, restaurants, coffee, ice cream, bike rentals, and more. Be sure to stroll the peaceful boardwalks and footpaths while exploring this beautiful community of unusual architecture in serene colors.


Rosemary Beach visitors are immediately enveloped by the unique architecture and Caribbean feel of the community. Named for the dune rosemary, Rosemary Beach was established in 1995 and has quickly become a favorite of visitors and locals alike. In addition to the beautiful beaches, guests enjoy deluxe accommodations, private beach accesses, private indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, and tennis club.


Santa Rosa Beach along 30A is home to Ed Walline Park, Gulf Place, and the Santa Rosa Golf Club. Ed Walline Park along the Gulf of Mexico offers a gorgeous beach and a large parking lot, picnic area, restrooms, showers, and a handicapped accessible beach access.


You'll also find the Gulf Place development, home to a variety of accommodations, restaurants, ice cream, coffee, shopping, bike rentals, local artists, and more. Nearby is the Santa Rosa Golf Club with 18 challenging golf holes that wind through the 30A area and offer views of lush vegetation, tranquil ponds, and the Gulf of Mexico.
 Seacrest is home to the beautiful Camp Creek Lake, a coastal dune lake typically exiting into the Gulf of Mexico. Here you'll find large sand dunes and a variety of wildlife, including many unusual wading birds in the marshlands. Kayakers and canoers can often be spotted enjoying a tranquil paddle on the lake.

        




Seacrest is also home to the Seacrest Beach community, which boasts one of the largest swimming pools in the area, complete with several cascading waterfalls. The area is also known for the interactive dancing fountain at The Village of South Walton development, a favorite of area children.

Seagrove Beach became popular in the 1940s and 1950s as an escape from the heat. Cooled by the constant gulf breezes and paddle fans, families spent lazy summers in cozy single-story cottages.


Today, the modest cottages have welcomed luxurious beach homes and condominiums. Seagrove Beach is now known for its variety of accommodations, clean public beach accesses - one handicapped accessible, tranquil Eastern Lake, and great restaurants. Seagrove Beach is a popular location for bike and kayak rentals, with several shops available to enjoy the 18-mile 30A bike path and tranquil gulf waters.


Seaside is a community of narrow shaded streets, white picket fences, and colorful Victorian homes. Founded by Robert Davis on land that he had inherited from his grandfather, Seaside is often cited as the first New Urbanest development. As seen in the movie "The Truman Show", visitors to Seaside enjoy private beach accesses, private swimming pools, and quiet streets for strolling the unique Seaside architecture.
Seaside's walkable downtown contains a market, a post office, a coffee house, art galleries, restaurants, ice cream shops, and quaint boutiques. Keep an eye out for the many surrey bikes, which are rented near Cinderella Circle.


Watercolor offers an inn, a resort, and a planned community of picturesque homes along the Gulf of Mexico. Watercolor is renowned for its coastal architecture, beautiful landscaping, and abundant amenities. Guests staying at Watercolor enjoy access to a gulf-front private beach club, boat rentals, swimming pools, tennis club, Camp Watercolor, walking trails, and numerous other amenities.


Watercolor's downtown offers everything from french pastries to fly-fishing. Enjoying a morning cup of coffee while watching the world go by along 30A is favorite pastime here. Just don't forget your newspaper and grab a seat early.

Watersound Beach is a gated, gulf-front community among pristine sand dunes, peaceful coastal lakes, and natural marsh lands. Watersound, towards the eastern end of 30A, offers a peaceful escape in deluxe accommodations. The resort offers condos, town homes, and single family residences. Many elevated boardwalks snake through the property on their way to the beach, offering the perfect spot for a sunset stroll.

                                                 

WaterSound Florida ( North )

191 Cannonball Ln, WaterSound Florida 



  


This beautiful one story beach style cottage shows like a designer model. Situated to overlook the 3.5 acre Wind Garden Park at WaterSound this home features an open concept living/dining/kitchen/family area with lots of outdoor living space, including a back porch facing the park, and a secluded porch between the main house and the detached two car garage. The home designed by Kelly Porter Smith and upgraded by Dune Construction has a great open flow for entertaining and includes a beautiful kitchen with a large Silestone island, 10' ceilings, horizontal v-groove floor to ceiling walls throughout both living spaces, the master bedroom overlooks Wind Garden Park, while the master bath features double vanities with corian, a stand-alone shower, garden tub, and a very large walk in closet. New custom wood shutters, skirting, and arbors over garage doors just installed. This is a must see home!





 WaterSound is surrounded by more than 1,400 acres of stately pine forests and located less than three miles from the beach. The largest maritime-influenced St. Joe community that hosts an array of amenities including: extensive hiking trails, neighborhood parks, incredible outdoor pool, and a children's play area are included in the HOA fee of $140 a month. Additional amenities including golf & the WaterSound Beachclub are also available for an additional fee.



Call Gena today for a showing at 251-366-0423  


See more of WaterSound Communities 

See WaterSound Condos 

Is the Beach Front Lifestyle For You?

Even though living and owning beach front property can
be a romantic dream come true for you or for your family,
there are some important and very essential points to consider
before taking this plunge.

View some local Beach Homes

Are you considering this as a vacation home or retirement retreat
that will allow you to live out your remainder years with the sound
of lapping waves lulling you to sleep?

Take the time to consider all options to beach front property ownership.
Selecting beachfront property
can be a simple as “I like it, and I want to buy it.”
But take the time to examine the property’s condition.
The advantages to beach front living are sort of obvious,
in that you have the freedom to enjoy all of the sun and beach fun
that you and your family and friends can possible want.

In addition, the quiet and peaceful enjoyment
of all of nature’s beauty is entirely at your disposal 24-7, and it may feel
like you are on one long extended vacation.

The disadvantages to living beach front? Really! are there any?
OK, the fact that your home be at the mercy of Mother Nature’s
in the form of hurricane some day, is a possibility.

But your biggest concern is your home’s very scenic view,
is a certain invitation for some welcomed guest to visit,
but many more self invited guests to spend an extended period of
time with you. The guest factor, is worth consideration prior to the
purchase of your new beach home.

How to find a Short Sale in Destin, Santa Rosa Beach Florida

We have request almost daily for a list of short sales and foreclosures in our area, How do I find them?

Most short sales are listed by real estate agents. You will find these listings on local web sites and in the MLS. Some lenders have complained about advertising that identifies the home as a short sale, because the lenders feel it puts them at a disadvantage when it comes to home pricing.

They are right. A buyer generally offers less when it's advertised as a short sale.

If you have access to search terms like this one www.searchdestinhomesandcondos.com , first look where the term short sale appears. It might be under "status modifier" or it might be contained in the marketing comments. Choose that field as your search term.

Read the listing carefully. Agents slip in words that identify the listing as a short sale. But remember you need to know the following information.

Subject to bank approval.
Is it a Preforeclosure
Has a notice of default been issued
Bank time to respond.
Preapproved by bank.
Headed for auction
If you have legal questions, please ask a lawyer for advice and guidance.


Destin Area Short Sales
Destin Area Foreclosures

Miramar / Sandestin Short Sales
Miramar/ Sandestin Foreclosues

Santa Rosa Beach Short Sales
Santa Rosa Beach Foreclosures

30A Short Sales    WaterColor and WaterSound are included in 30A
30A Foreclosures

Rosemary Beach Short Sales

Thanks Gena

Miramar Beach,Florida Foreclosure (Destin Florida Area)

91 DRIFTWOOD RD, MIRAMAR BEACH, FL - $610,000


Foreclosure! Beautiful home close to the beach with dbl garage & private pool! 


Features include: wood & tile flooring, 4 spacious bedrooms plus bunk area, 4.5 baths, large living room, surround sound, stainless appliances, granite counter tops and more. 


Excellent full-time or vacation rental. Rental estimates are around $59,000 per year.


From Scenic 98 take a right on Driftwood just past Pompono Joe's. Property will be on your left.


Call Gena at 251-366-0423 for a showing of the wonderful home

 Foreclosures and Short Sales  Destin Florida

Sandestin Home in the Fountains!

 8054 FOUNTAINS LN, Miramar Beach Florida, 32550 


This Sandestin Home is in the very desirable Fountains! 
For Only - $799,000


This is truly the most unique Fountains unit you will ever see. This Mediterranean -style villa has been completely remodeled with exquisite taste.


 The first floor features gorgeous travertine floors throughout, an expanded kitchen with eat-in bar, & beautiful custom cabinets. The kitchen includes a Dacor gas range, Bosch dishwasher, Stainless Profile fridge, and a built-in Miele coffee/expresso machine. Ceilings in the main living area are 20' giving this space a tremendous open feel. Custom built-in bookcases flank the stone fireplace and house the TV and surround sound equipment. The Master suite is on the first floor and has gorgeous lake and golf course views. The closet space here is tremendous & the bath has a jacuzzi tub and separate walk-in shower. Also on the main floor there is a large laundry room with separate refrigerator. There are built-ins galore located in the main living area. 


The owner enclosed the screened porch adding great heated and cooled space into the living area, and built a remarkable outdoor kitchen island, equipped with a Viking grill, ice maker and sink area. There are two gorgeous outdoor fountains that make sitting out on the brick patio that much more relaxing. Upstairs you find two bedrooms and an office suite that houses a beautiful baby Grand piano. The floors upstairs are a washed pine with carpet in one bedroom. Both bedrooms upstairs have their own full bath and tremendous views of the lake and golf course. The 2nd bedroom also offers a private balcony. 


You have to see this unit, the pictures just do not give it justice. All of this is just steps away from the Baytowne Village. 


Location, Location, Location


HOA fees for Fountains only are $375 a month. Sandestin HOA is $119 for a total of $494.oo a month

SEE MORE SANDESTIN HOMES HERE -

SEE SANDESTIN CONDOS HERE -

Call Me to set up a time to see this home 251-366-0423
Gena

SEAWATCH HOME of SEAGROVE BEACH

80 Seawatch Dr. Santa Rosa Beach Florida 32459,  ( Seawatch of Seagrove ) 2.340.000

This three level gulf front home designed by McWhorter Architects features over 2,200 square feet of decks and walkways that offer spectacular views of the shoreline. Walk to the beach using a private dune walkover off the first floor deck, relax and soak up the sun on the second floor deck or entertain family and friends under the wing roof on the third floor deck that features a wet bar and half bath.

The center of the lot is the lush courtyard designed by Jon Watkins and is protected by the main house, guest house and a short wall. Your guests will love the studio apartment above the garage that was designed to provide real comfort, direct access to the deck and expansive gulf views.




Even the mailbox is one of a kind designed by Sherry McCall made of block, stucco, high grade stainless steel and mosaic tile. The home's doors and 56 windows are encased in solid vinyl with double-pane turtle tinted glass bring the radiant light and beauty of the emerald coast into the home as a spectacular design element. All levels on the main home can be accessed by elevator. The first level living area is situated on the gulf side speaks of coziness and intimacy. Both additional bedrooms, one with the handicap accessible bathroom, are also on the lower level. The second level features the master suite with a spacious walk in closet, an adjacent dressing room and the master bath that includes a travertine bath with a Pearle whirlpool tub. The study's relaxed atmosphere fulfills a craving to read on days when tropical rains keep you off the beach complete with views of the gulf The third level is the entertainment deck with wet bar and half bath. The main house is handicap accessible.

  



Call Gena to see this one of kind home at a one of kind price. 2,340,000 

Rosemary Beach - $1,595,000

82 NORTH CARTAGENA LN   Rosemary Beach, FL 32413  


       This luxury home is located south of 30A, a stones throw away from the gulf in Rosemary Beach. The three-story main house includes 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and totals 2,562 square feet with lots of additional outdoor entertaining space. The main living area is elegantly arranged on the second level with an open floor plan, a screened in porch off the living area and an open-air deck off the kitchen offering optimal use of space for indoor and outdoor entertaining. All of the bedrooms throughout the home have privacy with substantial space. Details throughout the home are intricately blended creating a stunning masterpiece of quality and beauty. The two-story carriage house includes 1 loft bedroom, 1 bath and totals 726 square foot. Imagine closing the front door and strolling on boardwalks past masterfully designed cottages, gardens and parks. Walk to one of the beautifully designed community pools or down the street to the dune walkover to enjoy the white sand beaches and emerald waters of the gulf coast. The Rosemary Beach town center features restaurants, shopping, the Town Hall and Post office. Sand paths and boardwalks weave through the tranquil cottages and common areas providing a haven for pedestrian traffic, community, and respite from gridlock, crowds and stress. Centrally located to the best dining, unique boutique shopping, bike paths and some of the most challenging golf courses the gulf coast has to offer. Easy access to Hwy 98, allowing you to explore the nearby cities of Destin or Panama City Beach, as well as, the Northwest Florida Beaches.




.    

Caribe West- Destin Florida

27 Rue Martine, Destin Florida 32550,  Exquisite Mediterranean style home in the gated enclave of Caribe. 

This is a real value for such a community 

965,000

 

Just steps from the Emerald waters of the Gulf sits this magnificent 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home with over 3600 +/- square feet under roof. Features include a gourmet kitchen with Viking appliances, granite counter tops, and custom cabinetry, the floors on the first floor are beautiful travertine laid on the diagonal, custom mill work is abundant throughout the home, and there is an outdoor fireplace for those cool nights. The 4th bedroom complete with private bath, is located in the guest quarters, which is centered around the private and lush courtyard with gorgeous fountain and mature landscaping.

This home features two living areas as well as a separate dining room and breakfast nook.
The quality in this house in unbeatable.

Please come view for yourself. Call Gena 251-366-0423


 

Watercolor - Short Sale - This Great Home for 1,799,000

105 Spartina Circle Santa Rosa Beach Fl, 32459 

4,835 square foot home is situated on a corner lot adjacent to Camp Watercolor with superb views of community green space and a blossoming garden.

Designed by Dungan-Nequette Architects, this house has 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths, and 2 half baths. The unique floor plan opens up to all three stories, with a central opening in the wood ceiling on the first floor allowing a view of the second and third floors. The living, dining, and kitchen have wood ceilings and custom crown moldings. The kitchen has an eat-in breakfast area with screened porch. This three story home offers 1,600 square feet of porches overlooking a lush green park. The master suite has a breath-taking private balcony, large walk-in closet, double vanities, steam shower, and soaking tub. The third floor of this home allows for great entertaining with a wet bar, playroom/game room, built-in seating, and panoramic views. Custom built-ins through out the home.

 Centrally located to the best dining, unique boutique shopping, bike paths and some of the most challenging golf courses the gulf coast has to offer. Easy access to Hwy 98, allowing you to explore the nearby cities of Destin or Panama City Beach, as well as, the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport now open. Please call me (Gena) to ask for details 251-366-0423

Gulf Front / Harbor Front

Gulf Front properties in the Destin, 30A, Florida search area, 

Means they have no roads or buildings between them and the beach. 

Some Condos may be in "L" shaped buildings and may not have a straight on view of the Gulf, but may have an east or west view looking down the beach. The majority of the properties in the area are directly on the beach (on the sand). The lower price units will tend have a side view in the "L" shaped buildings. A few Condos on Scenic 98 will be across the street from the beach ( like the Majestic Sun ) due to the Coastal Construction Line but will have unobstructed views. These are categorized as "Gulf View" rather than "Gulf Front" 

Homes are usually true beach front. There are homes in the South Walton Beach, 30A area that may be situated on a coastal dune lake or adjacent to an undeveloped area between the home and the beach.

Harbor front -  "World's Luckiest Fishing Village ". The largest fishing fleet in the State of Florida is home at Destin Harbor . The Harbor is the most active place in Destin with festivals, nightlife, dining, boating, and fishing. Nearby is Crab Island, where the largest boat parties take place. Destin Harbor is unique in that you can actually view the Gulf and the White sand beaches from many points across the harbor. The wonderful Hoilday Isle's Noriego Point allows you to feel like you are in the mix but also allowing privacy for those who would like to just hang out on the beach. 

Wonderful views of the harbor and Gulf of Mexico are on Holiday Isle. You will find condos and homes that lie on deep water canals, beach front, or harbor front.

Unlike many communities in Florida that let the harbors become old and run down, Destin is alwaysin the process of redeveloping the harbor, our latest is the "Harborwalk" project.

Gulf Front Living in Seagrove Florida

2780 County Highway 30A, Seagrove Florida 

Gulf Front Home in Seagrove 

4,757 Square Feet

6 Bedrooms

7/2 Bathrooms

Private Pool

Stone and Hardwood Flooring

State of the Art Kitchen

Media/Game Room

Elevator

Excellent Rental History

Call Gena 251-366-0423 

Gorgeorus gulf front home located just east of Seaside in Seagrove!! While you are right in the middle of all that beautiful 30-A has to offer, you feel like you are in your own paradise away from it all. The current owner completely rebuilt this 6 Bedroom, 7 and 2 half bath home last year. Each room was thoughtfully decorated and the owner had their eye on every detail. The livability and comfort of this space masks its size. The first floor has beautiful stone flooring, 3 bedrooms each with its own full bathrooms, a full sized kitchen plus its own living area. One of the bedrooms has a built in bunk with a full bottom and twin top. There is a large laundry room on this floor with a full sized washer and dryer. On the second and third floor there are eloquent hard wood floors. The large state of the art kitchen boasts all the upgrades you would expect and has a marble bar that opens up into the dining room and living area. This area opens up to a large partially covered deck that overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. There is a huge media/game room on this floor that has its own full bathroom with a pocket door for the option of privacy. Up the handcrafted staircase is the top floor. The master bedroom is located on the 3rd floor with a spacious bathroom and large walk in closet. There are two additional bedrooms on this level each with their own private bathroom. The master bedroom and a second bedroom open up to a large deck overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The back yard of this yard has a large pool and a grassy area for the kids to play in. There is an elevator that makes taking luggage and groceries up a breeze. This property has a wonderful rental history and as of January 2012 the home already has $135,000 in gross rental revenue on the books for this year. This home is centrally located to the best dining, unique boutique shopping, and some of the most challenging golf courses the gulf coast has to offer. It has easy access to Hwy 98, allowing you to explore the nearby cities of Destin or Panama City Beach as well as the Northwest Florida International Airport.

WaterColor Florida

WaterColor is a 499-Acre Southern Coastal Resort and residential community located along the beautiful 

sugar white sands of Walton county in Northwest Florida.

Master-planned by renowned architect, Jaquelin Roberson & built on land owned by St. Joe Company since 1927.  At build-out, the community of just 1,000 units will include cottages, multi-family residences, private residence club, beach club, tennis center, 60 room inn, watercolor workout, 100,000 SF of commercial space, dune walkovers and boardwalks. Western lake is rare 220 acre coastal dune lake on site, hiking and biking paths unfold though an extensive woodland trail system, over half of WaterColor is dedicated to green space. 

All the modern conveniences and services are just a walk or bike ride away. Come see for yourself what all the buzz is about.   

For more information please call Gena 251-366-0423