Daily Catch

We’ve got a roof, windows, doors and floors. Every inch of this year’s Ultimate Beach House will have you itching to be at the beach. We can hardly believe that the house will be furnished and ready to tour in nearly six weeks. Did I mention this house has the largest pool in Rosemary Beach? Perfect for those few days when you want to enjoy a margarita in the sun without having to carry your beach tote and chair through the sand. Wait till you see what we have in store for the home theater and game room… who says you can’t enjoy being at the beach on a rainy day?

Enough daydreaming, let’s get back to what’s happening on the site right now. Thomas Gallion, our superintendent, said we’re right in the middle of stuccoing the exterior.  Sheetrock is complete on the inside and the house is now climate controlled.  The ground level pavers are installed, creating the look of a sandy beach floor. Check back next week for more updates and photos!

Before you plan your trip down to tour the Ultimate Beach House, we want to make sure you’re prepared for all the fun and activities this area has to offer. Jon Erwin, Visit South Walton’s resident expert on the destination’s 15 beach neighborhoods, has the scoop on not only where to stay, but what to see and do when you get here.

Why should I plan my vacation to the beaches of South Walton this summer?

Any time is a great time to visit South Walton’s 26 miles of turquoise water and sugar white sand, but this summer is even more special. We’re incredibly excited to be home to Coastal Living magazine’s 15^th Anniversary Ultimate Beach House, and invite everyone to tour this architectural gem in beautiful Rosemary Beach.

What sets Rosemary Beach apart from the other communities?

Each of South Walton’s 15 beach neighborhoods is distinctive in its own way, and Rosemary Beach is no exception. Founded on the principles of New Urbanism, the town is designed to be easily accessible on foot or by bicycle, with shopping, dining and the beach a leisurely stroll or bike ride away. The architecture is a fusion of Bermuda, New Orleans and Charleston, featuring stucco and natural woods highlighted with timeless details. Pools, tennis, parks - even a butterfly garden – invite visitors to relax and unwind. Guests can enjoy the family-friendly Moonlight & Movies on Thursday evenings throughout the summer.

Besides going to the beach, what are some other activities available for when I get there?

Round out your visit with some world-class shopping at Silver Sands, the nation’s largest designer outlet center, or at any of the intimate shops and boutiques along 30A. Art lovers can find everything from classic to funky at South Walton’s many galleries. We are fortunate to have award-winning chefs preparing the day’s fresh catch at both casual and fine dining restaurants. Several of our 15 neighborhoods offer free concerts and movies throughout the summer, and impressive fireworks displays to celebrate July 4^th. And of course, there’s always that warm turquoise water and powder soft sand for when you want to do a whole lot of nothing.

How can I find out about events going on? What are some I can look forward to?

In addition to events sponsored by Visit South Walton, the destination’s 15 neighborhoods offer many options throughout the year. A listing can be found at http://www.visitsouthwalton.com/events.  

photos courtest of Rosemary Beach

Thomas Gallion, our site superintendent, has been working on the Ultimate Beach House since December of 2011. Overseeing the installation of each unique feature for this house is no small task. We caught up with him to get the skinny on how things look from his perspective.

Each section of this house has something impressive to boast. What are some of the most intriguing features to you?

The outdoor living space which includes the covered kitchen and loggia. The oversized pool is incredible, and a rare find in Rosemary Beach. It’s the largest residential pool in Rosemary Beach complete with water features and LED lights.

What advice would you give to people looking to build or renovate their own ultimate beach house?

This building process involves so much scheduling and planning on all ends with lots of attention given to each detail indoors and out. It should definitely start with choosing the correct architect, builder, and designer to suit individual needs and desires. I would strongly encourage being open to new ideas. There are always new and innovative products on the market to make your home more energy efficient.

 What made you decide to move and start building at the beach?

We were looking to relocate and always wanted to live at the beach. My family has owned property on 30A for many years so this was always a vacation spot for us. I have been in real estate and residential construction for some time and wanted to accept the challenge of stepping into a new market.

While we don't get to witness the construction every day like Thomas does, every now and then we get a little taste through progress pictures. Enjoy!

Everything just tastes better on an island.

I tested that theory last week at the St. Croix Food and Wine Experience, and yes. It's true. 

The delicious festivities ranged from gourmet dinners at gorgeous waterfront homes and restaurants, to casual beachfront gatherings with celebrity chefs.

But the main event, the Taste of St. Croix, was the culinary star with more than 50 local restaurants offering small plates of their best cuisine.  

If you missed this year—no worries. There's plenty of time to start planning for 2013.

Here are a few of my favorite moments, plus where to stay, play, and eat around the island:

Wine tasting at the Palms at Pelican Cove:

Sunset dining at the Beach Side Cafe:

A Taste of St. Croix at the Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort:

For a soothing waterfront escape, the Buccaneer Hotel has three beaches, a golf course, and insanely comfortable beds.

From the Buccaneer, hop a catamaran over to Buck Island for snorkeling and lounging in the soft, white sand.

After snorkeling, lunch at Cafe Christine is a must. Check the blackboard for what's fresh and fabulous that day. You can't go wrong with the quiche. 

Have fun!

With such an incredible outdoor living space, it would be a shame not to enjoy it…. even from inside! That’s where the windows come in.  Our Marvin windows add instant brightness to every room, and the opportunity to glance out at the soon-to-be lush courtyard and inviting lap pool.

Quality can’t be overlooked in this area, as the elements so close to the coast can be harsh. Each hurricane-proof window is ready to withstand the storm. 

One outstanding feature in the home is a custom gable window displayed above the front entrance and surrounded by the golden cedar shake roof.  This window is like the cherry on top – a perfect adornment to our dream home.  

I like reality TV and Facebook as much as the next person, but sometimes you have to tune out and just get away from it all.

On the small Caribbean island of Petit St. Vincent, you can do just that. 

No TV. No Internet (although you can use the public computer in the office.) No phones.

Just you, two miles of sandy beach, and lobster pizza. 

Here are some photos of this blissful gem, and click here for reservations:  

 

Waterfront dining at Goatie's Bar

Have a staff member pick you up in a vintage beauty

Sleep in one of 22 newly renovated cottages on/overlooking the water

Enjoy the view!

Lew Oliver, our 2012 Ultimate Beach House residential designer, describes his signature style and inspiration for the 15^th anniversary home.

How would you describe the style of the 2012 Ultimate Beach House?

 The house presents a serene, understated exterior punctuated by an elegant Regency styled frontispiece and dormer.  The style is influenced by the British Colonial architecture of South Africa. It is less about showmanship and all about defining the street, providing the terminating vista for the street, and framing the courtyard....the real asset of the house.  After the excess of the late 20th century, quiet composition is the new loud.

What were some of your inspirations for designing the house?

I was greatly influenced by the best work at Rosemary Beach, namely, Scott Merrill's Town Hall, which contaminated my own style forever.

How does it reflect ideas of “New Urbanism”?

The oval foyer, rendered in Venetian plaster, and without moldings will be a stunning space in its simplicity...it will be like being inside of a pearl egg.  The restraint and straightforward classical proportions epitomize the Regency style.

What are some of your favorite features of the house?

The house, more than any I have designed, shows a return to elegance.  After the revolt against excess took place after the Fall of 2007, residential design turned to increasingly vernacular inspiration...folk forms, native textures, and rural materials, that many think Serenbe embodies.  The new look will marry the vernacular with Baroque elegance, in the manner that great house designers do superbly.

To celebrate our 15^th anniversary of Coastal Living Idea Homes, we wanted to pick the perfect destination. Nestled in a world-famous beach community on the sugar-white sands of the Emerald Coast, this year’s Ultimate Designer Beach House combines the impeccable talents of residential designer Lew Oliver with Whole Town Solutions, builder Stan Benecki with Benecki Homes, and designer Erika Powell with Urban Grace Interiors.

Our fabulous team, along with contributions from a variety of building and décor sponsors, are beginning to make the coastal home we’ve been dreaming up for 15 years a reality. Located in between Destin and Panama City Beach, Rosemary Beach highlights community living along The Gulf of Mexico’s crystal clear waters, on the pleasant stretch of Scenic 30-A. This neo-traditional town captured our hearts with its natural beauty, quaint town center, and exceptional architecture. In a word, it was paradise, and nothing less would suffice.

A member of our building team will be unveiling exclusive insider updates on the progress of the house, complete with photos. Be sure to check back regularly and comment below to let us know what you think! While tracking the progress of the house will be nice, you can make plans to see it in person! The house will be open for tours from June 29 until October 7, Wednesday – Saturday, 11 – 5; Sunday 1 – 5. Admission is $15, and a portion of the ticket sales will benefit The Rosemary Beach Foundation.

The sun. The soft sand. The mild surf.

Sigh.

Cobblers Cove is a dreamy escape in the Caribbean. Surrounded by lush tropical foliage and blooming flowers, the essence of old-world luxury is around every corner at this hotel. 

The cheerful pink façade houses 40 charming suites that feel more like your own bungalow, than a hotel. Here are few of my photos from this beautiful place:

The cozy living area with shutter doors just steps from the beach

The beautiful water

The Terrace at Cobblers Cove restaurant: The blackened baraccuda fillet was one of the best meals I've had in the Caribbean.

A sweet ending to a sunny day

We know.

The holidays are over and it’s tough to get back in the swing of things.

Why not try a post-holiday pick-me-up in Palm Beach, Florida?

The days here are sunny and warm (think mid-70s) and while you’re in town, check out these gems:

Shop: Bring your walking shoes: Palm Beach is the place to find anything from designer labels to vintage decor. The waterfront Worth Avenue (dubbed Rodeo Drive of the East Coast) is a playground of more than 200 international boutiques and specialty shops. For more unique finds, the Antique Row Art & Design District has more than 40 antique shops and art galleries.

Snack: Café Boulud at the Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club is a fine dining (but casual) spot for exciting dishes such as housemade ravioli with braised short ribs, and sautéed Florida flounder with olive oil crushed potatoes. For dinner, the new Buccan American bistro boasts an eclectic menu of fried Ipswich clams and pork belly, to hot dog paninis and squid ink orrechiette.

Sleep: The Breakers recently completed an $80 million redesign of all guest rooms and suites where the soft blue and white decor represents the oceanfront location. The beachfront Four Seasons also had a renovation and now offers newly styled guest rooms and suites, a new spa and pool area near Worth Avenue.

*Photo courtesy of Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau