Holiday Isle 627 Gulf Shore Drive SOLD $3.3mil May 2011!

Scenic 30-A offers some of the most exclusive and elegant homes along the Emerald Coast with luxury masterpieces being featured in Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, WaterSound, WaterColor and The Retreat. However, there are many gems that are nestled along some of the most beautiful areas of Destin’s Beaches. This week’s Top Luxury Pick brings us to Holiday Isle where we showcase a Tuscan Villa that will inspire anyone looking for the ultimate in luxury living.

Like all true classics, this Tuscan Villa transcends the boundaries of time and style. This custom built home is easy, yet elegant and lends itself to family gatherings and entertaining. The large corner lot on Holiday Isle, offers expansive gulf views while the rear of the home overlooks the pool area and canal. The impressive two story entry draws immediate attention to the superb craftsmanship found throughout this home.

Holiday Isle Estate 627 Gulf Shore Drive

Homes on Holiday Isle

The Dining Room with gulf views comfortably seats 16 at two tables. The hand painted walls and ceiling are a work of art. The Butler’s Pantry (adjoins the kitchen) provides a multitude of cabinets as well as a wine cooler. Any cook will enjoy the Gourmet Kitchen with a SubZero refrigerator, SubZero freezer, Thermador Professional gas cook top with 6 burners and griddle, dual ovens, 2 Bosch dishwashers, 2 warming drawers, 2 drink cooling drawers, and an Advantium microwave/convection oven. There are 2 pantries off the kitchen, one walkin. For more casual gatherings, there is a dining area off the kitchen with a wet bar. The Great Room offers balconies with gulf views as well as pool and canal views. It is spacious with a relaxed cotemporary elegance. The coffered ceiling, gas log fireplace and electronically callable television make this room easy to enjoy. The Master Bedroom and its views of the Gulf of Mexico is simply breathtaking. The Ladies Office is adjacent to the Master and houses a full size safe. The well appointed His and Her Master Bathrooms are equipped with heated floors and near the master’s private laundry room. An Exercise Room (or Nursery) adjoins the Master with a full bath. On the ground floor, the state of the art Media Room has a programmable projection system with surround sound, and comfortably seats 14. The Game Room has 2 TVs, (1 cable and 1 satellite), a pool table and seating area w/ refrigerator, ice maker and dishwasher. A main storage room houses individual storage units and closets for all media components storage and complete wiring for the entire house. The Heated Pool and Cabana with a bar, refrigerator, ice maker and sink make poolside entertaining easy. Two 40′ boat slips (1 with a lift) and seawall dockage are adjacent to the pool deck. A complete apartment with separate entry and garage is also on the ground level. On the 3rd floor, there is a Children’s Living Area and 4 additional bedrooms with gulf views and each w/ a full bath. Also on the 3rd level is the Main Study with warm, cherry wood paneling floor to ceiling and a full bath. Additional features include: A 4 car garage, 1 car garage for apartment, elevator, motorized chandelier for easy cleaning, laundry rooms on every level, generator, security system w/ surveillance cameras, 7 HVACs, a sun deck, screened porch poolside, balconies or porches off most rooms, custom drapes and rugs, plantation shutters, travertine tile floors and large storage rooms and closets throughout. The public beach access is directly across the street. Home is being sold furnished w/ a list of exclusions available upon request. Buyer’s agent to verify dimensions.

WaterColor has some very inspiring luxury homes, and it is a popular spot for our weekly top luxury picks. If you have ever attended the Walton County Parade of Homes you have seen some amazing properties in WaterColor. One of my favorite home builders that pushes the envelope for luxury and impeccable attention to detail is Onno Horn of Domicile Construction. A few of his incredible homes have been featured in the Parade of Homes in WaterColor.

369 Spartina Circle in WaterColor was built by Onno Horn of Domiclile Construction and its interiors were designed by Jennifer Hunter. This home is a true luxury masterpiece.

WaterColor Home 369 Spartina Circle

Homes in WaterColor

WaterColor Hot Sheet

Residential Lots for Sale in WaterColor

Located on the Cinnamon Fern park that backs up to lake on Camp for WaterColor campus. This house built by Onno Horn of Domicile Construction and interior designer Jennifer Hunter. Listed as a three full bedrooms, but also offers 3-tier bunk beds in the downstairs private hall and half bath. The open living areas have 2-story vaulted ceilings with special effect lighting open to the Gourmet Kitchen which leads out to a screened porch for dining. Large expansive porches front and back. Second level offers two large bedroom suites with full spacious bathrooms, sitting areas with wet bar that overlooks downstairs living room. French doors lead from this sitting area to the second level rear wrap-around porch with lounging chairs and comfortable sitting areas, great view of the activities of the Cinnamon Fern Park and lake areas.

If you are interested in this luxury home in WaterColor and would like to preview it or if you are interested in Team Baranowski listing your luxury home. Please give Tracy Baranowski a call at 850.259.4270 or Craig Baranowski at 850.259.1788 or email  us info@teambaranowski.com

This luxury home in The Retreat is simply divine. Such extraordinary details adorn all three levels, making this house truly an architectural masterpiece yearning to be discovered on the Emerald Coast. The Retreat on Scenic Highway 30-A continues to deliver the ultimate in luxury and 230 West Bermuda Drive is fantastic example of the ultimate luxury retreat along the coast.

Luxury Home in The Retreat 230 W Bermuda Drive

Luxury Homes in The Retreat

Luxury Homes Along Scenic 30-A

The entrance foyer is enveloped in tabby stone walls, beginning your journey into exceptional house. Striking glass pendants and antique mirrored ceilings add to the ambiance of the reception room. On the ground level, a guest suite with private bath is joined by a special bunk room with playful Japanese soaking tub and chic media room. Outside of this ground floor suite, a stone terrace with fire pit tapers into a grove of Scrub Oak leading to the shore of Draper Lake. A meticulously detailed iron and wood staircase set against a backdrop of floor-to-ceiling herringbone brickwork leads to the upper floors, as does the adjacent residential elevator. The sunny second floor features a modern kitchen, wine room, Florida room and living room with fireplace. Floor and ceiling treatments designate these generous spaces from one another; a deeply coffered wood ceiling in the Florida room, antique mirror inlay ceiling and wood with stone inset floor in the dining room; and a cathedral, scissor-truss ceiling in the living room conveys both grace and grandeur. An additional guest suite with private bath completes the second floor. The third floor is comprised of a decadent master retreat. Its large sleeping chamber with wood beam ceiling and carved corbel accents features windows that gaze over the entirety of The Retreat to the shimmering Gulf water. A zen bath includes his and hers vanities, impressive dual steam shower and an immense chromatherapy tub. A separate study with built-in desk, cabinetry and gorgeous view provides a serene workspace while a loft library with wet bar can be used to pursue more leisurely activities. A delightfully precarious acrylic catwalk dodges through the scissor-trusses over the living room to a covered porch overlooking Draper Lake and the Gulf. If the main house wasn’t magnificent enough, venture to the attached carriage house with its fully-equipped, self-contained guest residence with full kitchen, living area, bedroom and bath.

Current asking price is 6.750 million for just over 6,000 sqft. 5 full bedrooms, 6 full baths, and 1 half bath.

88 Windward Sold for $3,850,000 on May 11, 2010

Gulf Front Home in Rosemary Beach 88 Windward Lane

Rosemary Beach Market Analysis and Market Snapshot

Luxury Homes in Rosemary Beach

With its 1 mile of stretch of private beach and Nantucket Style homes, WaterSound Beach is one of the top luxury developments along Scenic 30-A and Northwest Florida. WaterSound Beach  has some of the most elegant properties and is a favorite of mine for premier luxury properties. 

67 Salt Box Lane tops our list to make this it my top luxury pick for the week. This stunning home located in the Passages of WaterSound Beach, the premier neighborhood of WaterSound Beach, is only a short walk away form the white sand dunes and the Gulf of Mexico.

WaterSound Beach Homes for Sale

Scenic 30-A Luxury Homes for Sale

WaterSound Beach 67 Salt Box Lane

This amazing Monte Hewett residence is located in the picturesque and quaint gulf front community of WaterSound Beach. Overlooking a serene park and framed by nature this residence offers a peaceful and tranquil escape. Adorned with beautiful, large porches, one with an amazing shell encrusted fireplace, this home takes advantage of nature with its superb location, just a short stroll to the Gulf of Mexico and the white sugar sand beaches of WaterSound Beach. Windows galore provide a light, bright, airy and open beach feel. Boasting four bedrooms and four and a half baths, this beach home, with its fine architectural details and custom decor, is the epitome of comfort and laid-back elegance. Fine appointments, such as dark-stained, hand-scraped floors, high-end granite, and commercial grade appliances are found throughout the home. Each room is carefully and thoughtfully designed with tasteful beach decor. The comfortable first floor guest bedroom suite is spacious and convenient. The great room with meticulous wood-work is adjacent to the dining room and well-equipped kitchen. Open and spacious, this is the entertainment hub of this spectacular home. The second level offers a master suite which opens up to a relaxing porch to enjoy the park setting. The master bathroom is ample sized with spectacular, custom tile work, vast double vanities, infinity tub and huge walk-in closet! Two more spacious bedrooms each with their own private baths and laid back beach design finish off the second floor. The third floor tower has a private work space area with desk with a winding staircase leading to sweeping views of the WaterSound Beach roof tops and the beautiful Gulf of Mexico!

If you are interested in this luxury home in WaterSound Beach and would like to preview it or if you are interested in Team Baranowski listing your luxury home. Please give Tracy Baranowski a call at 850.259.4270 or Craig Baranowski at 850.259.1788 or email  us info@teambaranowski.com.

What I love most about almost any home you find in Alys Beach is the way in which all of the windows and divided light doors on the lower level flow seamlessly into the outdoor courtyard, welcoming you to enjoy the outdoor spaces and never allowing you to forget just how beautiful your outdoor surroundings are. 43 Lady Bug Court in Alys Beach is a perfect example of just that. With its tranquil dipping pool, lush landscaping, and wall fountain, one can't help but become overwhelmed with a peaceful and relaxed feeling.

Homes in Alys Beach

Home sites in Alys Beach

Alys Beach Market Analysis and Snapshot

Alys Beach Home 43 Lady Bug Court

When you first walk into this impressive 2-story Alys Beach courtyard home, you are greeted with an amazingly long tiled entrance hallway. The tile design makes a massive statement, which eagerly carries you into this gorgeous house. The living/dining room has a corner fireplace which I am particularly fond of because it allows for much more control of your furniture placement. This area boosts exceptional views of the pedestrian path and the park. The clean-lined kitchen has been done to the “9's”, with stainless steel appliances and a massive limestone island. Two guest bedrooms and a very spacious master suite occupy the remainder of the first floor. The stucco fireplace in the master bedroom makes such a cozy and warm feeling radiate throughout the entire room, welcoming you to stay a little longer. The master bath is a pleasant mixture of both wood details and classic clean stucco lines, with intricate use of tile on the backside of the tub wall.

The second floor of this home has two bedrooms with a Jack and Jill bathroom. Located on the second floor is your own private, serene and secluded roof top terrace which provides both a sitting area and a dining area. This area does a remarkable job in tying together that endless peaceful and relaxed feeling I get when I enter into an Alys Beach home. Yet again Alys Beach has found a way to create the perfect combination of relaxation and supreme sophistication.

If you are interested in this luxury gulf home in Alys Beach and would like to preview it or would like Team Baranowski to list your home for sale, please call Tracy Baranowski at 850.259.4270 or Craig Baranowski at 850.259.1788 or email  us info@teambaranowski.com.

50 Venice Circle in Seaside Florida sold to a cash buyer for $1,465,000 on March 12, 2010!

I am in love with this house! With it’s seamless integration of classic building design and flawless deployment of fabulous architectural touches, this is an amazing luxury home is ideally located in Seaside, Florida. Not only is this house impeccable, it also comes fully furnished. This beauty was designed by renowned architect Tom Christ and built to the latest hurricane codes and county standards. I like to compare this Seaside Luxury Home to Jennifer Aniston; sophisticated and refined.

Seaside Homes for Sale (Some homes not listed on public MLS call us to get complete list)

50 Venice Circle in Seaside Florida

Seaside Market Analysis and Market Snapshot

A few of the beautiful details include: 100+ year old antique pine flooring throughout, wood walls, high ceilings, gourmet kitchen including Wolf gas range, Sub Zero refrigerator, ice maker & marble countertops, fireplace (of course, wouldn’t be on my list without), large porches on the 1st and 2nd floors great for taking in the quiet coastal atmosphere, 2 master bedrooms with spa like master bathrooms, a third bedroom with private balcony and bath plus a bunk room with built in bunks and adjoining teen lounge and bath. The home also has an open tower that offers beautiful rooftop views of the town of Seaside and views to the Gulf–perfect for sunrise or sunset. Located on a quiet cul de sac, adjacent to adult pool, playground, croquet lawn, tennis court and year round family pool, easy stroll to beach and downtown Seaside.

If you are interested in this luxury gulf front home in Seaside and would like to preview it or would like Team Baranowski to list your home for sale, please call Tracy Baranowski at 850.259.4270 or Craig Baranowski at 850.259.1788 or email  us info@teambaranowski.com.

With its 1 mile of stretch of private beach and Nantucket Style homes, WaterSound Beach has become one of the top luxury developments along Scenic 30-A and Northwest Florida. 19 Watch Tower Lane tops our list to make this it my top luxury pick for the week. This stunning home located in Dune Ridge, the premier neighborhood of WaterSound Beach, is only steps away form the white sand dunes and the Gulf of Mexico.

WaterSound Beach Homes for Sale

Scenic 30-A Luxury Homes for Sale

WaterSound Beach 19 Watch Tower Lane

This week’s Top Luxury pick brings us to one of the most popular developments on Scenic 30A. WaterColor is known for its world class luxury amenities and family friendly atmosphere. It’s setting is amazing as it stretches along the beautiful Western Lake, Gulf and Mexico and borders the popular town of Seaside. WaterColor delivers the ultimate luxury family living along the Emerald Coast.

This week I selected on of the most unique  luxury homes in WaterColor 12 Viridian Park Drive. It’s architectural elements set this home apart from others in WaterColor and is truly a remarkable property.

WaterColor Home 12 Viridian Park Drive

Homes in WaterColor

Lots in WaterColor

WaterColor Market Analysis

Centrally located on Viridian Park in Phase I, this 4 bedroom and 4 bathroom is an award winning architectural designed and furnished home. It is over 4,400 square feet and also includes 2,400 square feet of porches and a 3 car tandem carport. Spectacular Sunsets will light up your evenings from the Fabulous Summer Porches and a tower room offering views of the Lake and the Gulf of Mexico. Elegance and class reflected throughout, including imported Brazilian hardwood floors and a three story brick fireplace. Bathrooms feature roman travertine marbled walls, floors and counter tops. The kitchen features Viking commercial grade appliances, custom Waterworks plumbing fixtures, Austrian tiled backs plash and granite countertops with inlaid mosaic tile. Exceptional furnishings and art, and an HAI home automation system with security cameras are all also included.

Built in 2003
4,402 sqft.
4 bedrooms, 4 full baths
3-stories
Currently offered at $2.495 million

If you are interested in this luxury home in WaterColor or would like to preview other luxury homes in WaterColor. Please give Tracy Baranowski a call at 850.259.4270 or Craig Baranowski at 850.259.1788 or email  us info@teambaranowski.com.

Inspired by the Mediterranean, Alys Beach has quickly become on iconic community on Scenic Highway 30A. With it’s stunning architecture this New Urbanist beach town has generated some of the most stunning luxury homes the gulf coast has to offer. Alys Beach is the epitome of luxury living with their sense of community and luxury amenities such as the Caliza Pool, Fonville Press, Amphiteatre, Community Center, and George’s Restaurant. Their design and construction standards set benchmarks that are admired and studied across the globe for their Fortified for Safer Living designation and sustainability as luxury green homes designed to have less environmental impact than conventionally built homes.

Alys Beach is a true Luxury master piece and it is a very special treat to showcase 56 N. Charles Street as our Top Luxury Pick for the week.

Alys Beach Luxury Homes

Alys Beach Home 56 N. Charles Street

Alys Beach Market Analysis and Market Snapshot

Update: Grayton Beach 52 Banfill sold for $985,000 November 12 2010.

This week I selected a spectacularly unique luxury home in Grayton Beach. 52 Banfill Street resides in the heart of Grayton Beach where one can find quaint historic cottages next door to modern beach homes. This laid back area is filled with local culture from funky art, old oak trees, eclectic dining and shopping…and a long history of family beach fun. 52 Banfill Street is a unique modern chic style home that stands true to the eclectic feel of Grayton Beach.

Home in Grayton Beach 52 Banfill Street

Homes in Grayton Beach

Grayton Beach Market Analysis and Market Snapshot

52 Banfill Street is a masterful design utilizing windows, skylights, and invisible mirrors to allow light through the home's living spaces with panache and whimsy. This home is filled with moderns touches with exposed stainless duct work, custom fabricated trusses and Toggenpohl assembled cabinets with aluminum finishes shipped from Germany.  The Master suite includes a 17 foot cypress and copper glass round wall that separates the master bedroom and bath. River rocks cover the walls in the shower, and a door from the master leads directly to the yoga and meditation room. One of my favorite features is the Continuous-resistance-motion lap pool with current jets. The exterior gates to the pool area and entertainment lounge are made of solid teak, rescued from an Indonesian palace just prior to the tsunami. The multiple decks are covered by sailcloth retractable awnings and suspended decks are braced by full sized trees. Truly a unique property in Grayton Beach and must see for the most demanding Luxury Home Buyer! 52 Banfill Street in Grayton Beach 2,634 sqft 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths 3-stories tall Built in 2007, Currently offered at $1.7 million If you are interested in this luxury home in Grayton Beach and would like to preview it. Please give Tracy Baranowski a call at 850.259.4270 or Craig Baranowski at 850.259.1788 or email  us info@teambaranowski.com.

Every week I pick my favorite luxury home or property that meets my strict criteria to be worthy of making my Top Luxury List. It will either be an excellent buy or the best of the best or a rare gem that only few know about. This week I have selected 6 Spanish Town Lane in beautiful Rosemary Beach currently Listed for $5.9MIL.

Click here to view the listing of 6 SPANISH TOWN LANE IN ROSEMARY BEACH, FLORIDA

6 Spanish Town lane exemplifies a Luxury Rosemary Beach home. Located on the South Western end of town, this home is the ultimate example of how to live in luxury on the gulf coast . Just steps to the beach,  this Rosemary Beach home combined 2 lots to create one of the largest homes in the development!  The house has a large private courtyard and pool for relaxing  in your own private oasis. Numerous terraces and porches provide many outdoor options for relaxing, watching the sun rise or set over the Gulf.  This house was built with full time living in mind with its walk in closets, large gourmet kitchen, 2nd story living room, separate dining room, billiard room and media room. The carriage house is one of the best carriage house floor plans I have seen. It allows separate guest accommodations with a large kitchen, living area and a separate sleeping area on the 2nd floor loft. The carriage house has a porch overlooking this home’s private pool area.   This awe inspriring home was built in 2004.  It is just over 6,000 sqft, with 7 bedrooms and 7 baths.  The interior décor is amazing, done in the coastal colors of soft blues, tans, and creams.  Truly a special place in a special town!

I always enjoy viewing the most spectacular home in South Walton and this Rosemary Beach luxury home is one of my favorites!

If you are interested in the property or would like to preview. Please give us a call at 850.25.1788 or 850.259.4270 or email  us info@teambaranowski.com.

We had great feedback after our first week of Top Luxury Picks. Every week I pick my favorite luxury home or property that meets my strict criteria to be worthy of making my Top Luxury List. It will either be an excellent buy or the best of the best or a rare gem that only few know about. This week I have selected 125 San Roy Drive currently Listed for $3.9MIL

125 San Roy Road in Santa Rosa Beach Florida

Tucked away in a quiet spot located along Scenic Hwy.30-A, this custom built home built by Davis Dunn Construction boasts splendid panoramic gulf views (69 ft) on the Gulf of Mexico) and stunning Eastern “Lake” views. Three wrap around porches make this home so welcoming for family and entertaining. The architecturally exquisite home encompasses 4544 sq. ft of living space and each room expresses itself in a balanced blend of beauty and function. This extremely versatile design can accommodate any homeowner’s lifestyle with a grace and elegance all its own coming completed furnished with a two magnificent master suites, one on the first floor and one on the third floor with its own private balcony. Along with one of the master suites downstairs are two additional resort like guest suites, each with their own private baths. On the second floor is the kitchen, featuring a large island that contains a bookshelf for cookbooks and a bar for additional seating. Wide, open spaces and commanding views of the Gulf of Mexico greet you as you enter the second floor and the guest suite on this level has breathtaking views of Eastern Lake and the gulf. Best of all is the top master suite for those desiring an abundance of elegance, comfort and space. Two separate baths were designed for privacy and are sure to please. Enjoy a large piece of land, 2-car garage, walnut wood floors and travertine tile, plus top of the line Viking appliances. Lovelace Interiors decorated the home in soft relaxing hues and the home is sold furnished for this price! Truly a jewel; new construction, large lot (.65 of an acre), private… but so close to all amenities. Dining and shopping on 30-A and Hwy 98 are an upscale experience. Designed thoughtfully including elevator, ice makers, wine coolers, windows everywhere, garage, decks. This house has it all.

We had great feedback after our first week of Top Luxury Picks. Every week I pick my favorite luxury home or property that meets my strict criteria to be worthy of making my Top Luxury List. It will either be an excellent buy or the best of the best or a rare gem that only few know about. This week I have selected Alys Beach’s Beach Front Lot Release. Alys Beach defines luxury Northwest Florida and oozes the ultimate luxury in everything they do. This is probably one of the easiest luxury picks I will have to make.

Alys Beach is a highly acclaimed New Urbanist community on Scenic 30A and has been recognized world wide for their environmentally focused building practices, unique architecture, and fortified building standards to withstand hurricanes. Recently a home in Alys Beach was awarded the “Best Outdoor Space” Award by Southern Living in their June 2009 Issue. Also, their Caliza Pool was featured in Southern Accents June edition as one of seven POSH Pools which included a prestigious list of the most dramatic swimming pools from South Beach to The Biltmore Hotel to the Four Season Resort! Alys Beach released their much anticipated beachfront lots, releasing approximately 17 lots and only 3 of the much sought after gulf front lots. One of Alys Beach’s gulf front lots has already sold and 5 of the other beachfront lots have already gone under contract. If you have been waiting to get in on this majestic community, now is the time to do it as there are still excellent opportunities to own property in this exciting new area of Alys Beach. Each and every lot has been carefully planned to offer awe inspiring views of the Gulf of Mexico. For more information you can view the Alys Beach Beach Front Master Plan below in addition to viewing all available lots in Alys Beach.

Click here to view the pdf of the Alys Beach – Beachfront Master Plan

Click here to view all available lots in Alys Beach

It is a true pleasure to live on 30A and be able to experience Alys Beach as part of our daily life. Our kids frequently play on Alys Beach’s playground and run on the vast open space of their amphitheater. Alys Beach’s  plan and vision for their gulf front and beach side area is inspiring and will be a benchmark for all things luxury along the gulf coast. We greatly enjoyed taking these pictures of Aly Beach. You can see their vision of the beach side lots coming to fruition and how amazing their gulf views are. Enjoy!