Can anyone tell me a little bit about these communities? I have the impression Cottages of Camp Creek is where Paula has two cottages, but can't say for sure. I'm asking with regard to rental history, quality of construction, etc. We're headed down the week after Christmas and will take a look then, but I was searching for some opinions from homeowners in the communities as well as realtors and locals. Any thoughts? (our interest is for a vacation rental property). I'm not looking for opinions on whether we should buy a vacation rental property, but rather information about these two communities. Thanks in advance.
Hi melscuba:
Yes, I have two side-by-side cottages at the Cottages at Camp Creek. I love them and they are good rentals. Some of what I mention about location is the same for Magnolia Cottages because they are nearby. Here's what I like about the Cottages at Camp Creek:
- The cottagy-style of the cottages (and the colors of the cottages). The builders/architects did a great job putting 3 bedrooms/2 baths in the one story cottages (which is what I have). They seem spacious enough without wasting space. I don't know as much about the larger 2-3 story cottages in the front and back of the community. When I bought the cottages, the inspector said they were well-built. I've had once since 2003 and one since 2004 and all is still in great shape. I've painted the white trim once. I'll paint the inside in about 3 years, but the paint still looks good. I like the hardiplank outside which needs to be painted less often than other outside construction materials.
- The really big porches.
- The pool is huge for a small community (It's long enough to do laps and feel like you're getting a work out)
- The hot tub is nice
- The native landscaping. It's a simple beach community that's very well kept up. The simplicity of the cottages, landscaping, area enable you to feel like it's just you, the people you're with, nature, and the beach are all you need for the good life.
- Each cottage has parking for 2 cars, as well as some extra parking in the front of the community.
- There are no restaurants, etc., in the community or right nearby so there is little traffic - only owners and guests.
- The road in front isn't as busy as other parts of 30A
- All the windows - they make the cottages light and bright.
- Proximity to the beach (5 minute walk, about 200 yards)
- Low home-owner fees (about $450/quarter)
- Really good board - they're proactive and are invested in keeping the quality of the Cottages at Camp Creek and the beach access
- There's a sense of space (great for looking up at the stars at night from the pool or hot tub)) because most of the cottages are one story, with 6 bigger ones in back and in front.
- Not built up around us - small condo complexes but nothing huge. I suspect there may be some building on the east side of them at some point because it looks like there's an empty lot there. But there shouldn't be building in back or on the west side because the golf course is in the back and there are already homes on the west side.
- Close to Alys Beach (1/2 mile) that has Fonville Press Coffee Shop, George's restaurant, Charlie's donut truck (only open in summer it seems, maybe it's open in the spring, too), Calysa Pool restaurant. When it gets built out, it is supposed to have an amphitheater that will have events, and it already has some good events (Friday after beach wine and appetizers, for example, in the summer and maybe other times of year).
- Close to Rosemary Beach (1.2 miles - nice to walk around and some good shops and restaurants) and Villages of South Walton.
- Nice bike riding locally, including going to the different communities and especially biking to Dear Lake State Park (about 2 miles).
- Family-friendly - the cottages are a good size for families and yet don't feel too big for just one or two people.
- Kitchens well laid out.
- They will be relatively close to the new Panama City airport
- They are 4 miles from Seagrove, 6 miles from Seaside, 10 miles from Grayton Beach.
- They rent well, though the rentals don't cover all yearly expenses. Both cottages are pretty full (to full) in the spring, full in the summer, spotty rentals in the fall, almost no rentals in Nov./Dec., and are rented with snowbirds January/February/part of March (snowbirds get rentals in this area for a song - usually the equivalent of one summer week cost for one month in the winter.) I have several repeat renters.
My reasons for buying the two side-by-side one story cottages were (1) they would be easy to maintain because they're just one story (e.g., washing windows, painting, power-washing, putting up wooden window protection if a hurricane is coming); (2) I can stay in one and rent the other out at the same time; (3) people can rent the two together when travelling with friends and family and be together yet be able to go back to their own cottage for privacy/quiet family time; (4) if I ever have to or want to sell one, I can still keep the other without losing the sense of home and place that we've created over the years at the Cottages at Camp Creek.
A few downsides (that don't bother me but could bother someone else).
1. I prefer the units that have the air conditioner/furnace on the same floor as the rest of the cottage, not in the attic. I have one of each and it's just a bit of a pain to get into the attic (I don't do it; a maintenance person does it, but it seems like it would be annoying to me). the advantage, they say, is having it in the attic adds a little floor space, but I'd still rather have it on the first floor.
2. The beach access is high up on a dune. Only a problem for people who have problems navigating stairs. I always tell renters who are travelling with elderly people that there are stairs leading to the beach so that they're aware of it. It's usually not a problem, but it can be for some people.
What I like about Magnolia (If I didn't buy at the Cottages at Camp Creek, I would have looked at Magnolia)
- the style of the cottages
- the location (about 1/4 mile west of Cottages at Camp Creek)
- the screened in porch
- the brick roads
- the
native landscaping
I hope this is helpful. I'm sure there's more, but this is what I thought about first. PM me if you want more info or if you have specific questions.
Best,
Paula