Florida Luxury Beachfront Community with a Bermudan Vibe: Stunning Alys Beach
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A beautiful beach off the Gulf Coast in Northwest Florida, a luxury home and vacation rental community with well-planned urban design, gorgeous architecture and knockout amenities — this venue is simply stunning.
Alys Beach, off Highway 3oA in South Walton County is unique among planned residential developments in its striking architectural style, inspired by traditional homes of Bermuda and Antigua, it is reminiscent of Spanish-Baroque style but modern, with white stone walls, antique cypress wood, and lush landscaping.
Designed by the award-winning firm behind Seaside, Alys Beach sits on a bluff which affords glorious views of the Gulf. The 158-acre town is bounded by 1500 feet of white sand beachfront, and bordered on the north by a verdant 20 acre nature preserve with walking and biking trails through the wetlands.
It’s property that’s unique and well worth viewing …
The project was designed by the planning and architectural firm Duany-Plater-Zyberk, leaders in the concept of “New Urbanism”, the movement back to pedestrian-friendly cities. Shaded pathways throughout encouraging walking and biking between 600 residences and community amenities: an outdoor amphitheater, four community pools, parks, a beach club, restaurants, tennis facilities and fitness center. Structures are built with an end toward achieving certification of FORTIFIED for Safer Living ® standards, resistant to damage from storms and forest fires, with sustainability in mind. Architecture is overseen by the award-winning team of Erik Vogt and Marianne Khoury-Vogt. It says a lot that they, and their children, are full-time residents of the town.
Landscaped grounds of waterways and parks throughout are resort-like:
A centerpiece of the project is a 100-foot zero-entry saltwater pool, aside which a loggia runs. Overhead is a rooftop terrace, affording a view of the town and turquoise waters of the Gulf. There’s also a family pool, a shaded place with playful fountains to occupy children, a 75-foot shaded lap pool equipped with iPod port music, and a secluded spa whirlpool.
Tiered levels of restaurants accommodate every dining mood from cocktails to high-end to casual.
Housing here is done in three types: villas, which are free-standing houses with yards; zero-lot-line courtyard residence built around a private central courtyard; and compounds, with multiple buildings connected by loggias and garden walls.
Here’s a look at a couple of properties, illustrating the sophisticated style:
A sale is now pending on 79 Nonesuch Way, listed at $2.975 million, it’s a 3,145-square-foot, four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath home and a great example of the white-washed architecture of the residences — so pretty against blue skies. Just across the street is a lovely park with an alley of live oaks and sculpture.
This home’s courtyard is a good example of the design built around a courtyard — a private landscaped open-air living space with a pool, seating, a grill, and an outdoor shower:
With the sound of flowing water in its fountain adding to the aura of a retreat:
Inside, an airy, open floor plan and casual living space connects to the outdoor courtyard.
I love the exquisite finishes in this kitchen: rift-sawn oak plank cabinets, Calcutta Gold countertops, and white peacock pave floors. The appliances are top of the line: Wolf, Subzero, and Bosch.
Adjoining is dining space:
The home has two master bedrooms, one on the first and one on the second floor, where there are also two guest rooms, all with chic, modern baths:
And this house has a bunk room:
Here’s a look at a second property, 50 Seven Wells Court, a 2,672-square foot, three-bedroom, three-and-one-half-bath home designed by Robert Orr. Accented woodwork on this home is sage green:
A different perspective presents a view of the roofline of the structure, with tiered peaks leading up to the arched top, like a cresting wave:
Inside is open living space, with hickory flooring, and contemporary furnishings, which are included in the sale:
In one corner is a fireplace nook:
With 20-foot ceilings and many windows, the living area is airy and filled with natural light
It opens to dining space …
And a sleek kitchen, with honed Georgia granite counters:
Here’s the master bedroom suite:
The second-floor terrace has with plenty of room for tables and lounge seating overlooking a landscaped seawalk and the courtyard of the house:
Note that square footage numbers are somewhat misleading, as they don’t reflect the additional outdoor living space.
With that lush, year-round landscaping, what a place for a party! (Or, just a relaxing weekend, or, ummm, a month? Sounds good to me!)
The property at 50 Seven Wells is listed at $1.895 million through Alys Beach Real Estate.
Finished homes, housing under construction, and lots for custom building are available, as well as vacation rentals. If you’ve ever visited a beach resort and wished you could live there, this might just be the place!