BaitHouse on Western Lake burned in WaterColor

The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) received a call at 1:17 A.M. this morning reporting a structure fire. SWFD crews from Station 2 were the first to arrive at 238 Watercolor Blvd, Bait House Restaurant, to find a large commercial building with heavy fire involvement.


SWFD crews encountered a quick spreading fire that had breached the attic as well as the roof. Although this made for a very “stubborn” fire, the crews were still able to knock down the flames and save over half of the 4,800 square foot facility. Crews remained on scene throughout the rest of the morning to extinguish hot spots and ensure the fire was completely out.



Estimated loss is approximately $650,000.00


The SWFD and the Florida State Fire Marshal’s office are investigating.

That used to be one of the nicest buildings, though most unused, in South Walton. Looks like that would be the kitchen end of the restaurant if that photo is taken from the front of the building.

Agreed, Murray. It was used only sporadically, for special events, the last few years... it used to be a wonderful place for meals, inside, looking at the lake, or out on the porch or patio. I hope it gets rebuilt & re-invigorated.

Crap, and they just got the bathroom situation for MountainFilm figured out by using those bathrooms!

Probably, the bathrooms are still intact. This really is a shame. I did the interior trim on that building. It really is a wonderful building on an incredible site.

Ohhhhh, this is so sad!

Glad everyone is okay. Thanks to South Walton Firefighters!

Probably, the bathrooms are still intact. This really is a shame. I did the interior trim on that building. It really is a wonderful building on an incredible site.

It is one of my favorites - was hoping it would become one of THE Sowal restaurants.

I've never understood why it has been so erratic about when it's open and when it isn't. Does any one know what the politics of this place has been?

The BaitHouse at WaterColor Inn & Resort was damaged by a fire early in the morning of Friday, October 21. The fire started in the kitchen area and preceded to the structure’s roof, bar and dining area.



“We are evaluating the BaitHouse to determine the extent of the damages, but are so thankful that no one was injured,” said WaterColor General Manager Patrick Murphy. The South Walton Fire Marshal Sam Sanchez is still inspecting the structure to determine the cause of the fire.

Functions planned at the BaitHouse are being accommodated in other areas of WaterColor Resort. The upcoming Fall Festival, October 23, 2011 and the Telluride MountainFilm on Tour, November 4 & 5, 2011 will not be affected and continue as scheduled in Marina Park.



WaterColor Inn & Resort is renowned for its stretch of glittering sand along the northwest Florida gulf coast. The resort caters to guests of all ages, offering numerous family-friendly amenities including a Beach Club, several swimming pools, tennis center, spa, and Kids Camp. Complimentary bicycles, kayaks and canoes make it easy for guests to ride to the neighboring towns, paddle through the Western Lake (a rare coastal dune lake) and hike the resort’s woodland trail system.

Lakeview, I think the restaurant hours were not due to politics, but rather to lack of customers. I ate there many times and the food was good, prices fair, service great, and ambiance fantastic. The problem seemed to be that there were never more than 5 tables of people there at lunch time. In the restaurant business, the first three important factors to keep the doors open are 1) location, 2) location, and 3) location. Out of site = out of mind. The placement of this restaurant in the property made for great views, and I personally liked that you had to know about it to eat there. However, that is also what killed it - out of site out of mind. Keep in mind that the restaurant hasn't operated as such for maybe 4 years now. When WaterColor is built out, I think they will have enough people here during the high-season to fill the restaurant. Being out of site from the general public will keep more seats open for WaterColor owners and guests, which makes total sense to me.

Grateful no firefighters were harmed, but so sad to see it destroyed. We loved eating there when it was open. A truly different kind of place.