What would you build on the gulf?

[Amp22]

You have under contract a 60X330 lot just east of Seaside in Seagrove Beach for $3,500,000. You will own from 30A to the mean high water line. County zoning permits house, guest house, and pool. 60' wide on 30A and Gulf front. No Build out time. No HOA dues. Assuming you have a 25 foot setback from road and neighbors, would you build one house as small as possible and close to the road? Would you build a monster house if money were no object? Would you put in geotubes, a seawall? Would you even buy such a lot?

MLS#419023

 

[Jdarg]

If money were no object, I would buy the lot and hire architect Sarah Susanka to build me my own "Not So Big Beach House". Small pool, maybe, but it would have to look more like a pond, with an outdoor fireplace/pit. Set as far away from the dunes as possible- right up to the road if necessary, with garage, storage, utility rooms, etc. on street side of house to block noise and for privacy. All windows across the back. As many porches (screened and unscreened) as I could latch on to the house. NO guest house.

 

[Uncle Timmy]

I'm a big believer in smaller homes with an emphasis on well designed outdoor spaces to compliment (and provide an extension to) the enclosed living spaces.

So for your lot, I would go for a thoughfully designed, intimate house with dramatic courtyards and terraces.

Since this lot is in such a prominent location, why not give a nod to the community and spend a little extra effort on the facade facing 30-A? I can see a courtyard and fountain here.

I would also plan on a mediteranean style roof terrace to take advantage of the view.

 

[Jdarg]

BTW- this is just a "dream". If money was no object, I don't think I could handle the stress of building gulf front. Too many decisions and responsibilites, rules, hassles. Why would I buy stress? Would the ocean view balance the stress? From reading other threads, I don't think so. But is nice to dream back to a time where it was fun to ponder being rich enough to build a cool beach house.

 

[Jdarg]

I'm a big believer in smaller homes with an emphasis on well designed outdoor spaces to compliment (and provide an extension to) the enclosed living spaces.

So for your lot, I would go for a thoughfully designed, intimate house with dramatic courtyards and terraces.

Since this lot is in such a prominent location, why not give a nod to the community and spend a little extra effort on the facade facing 30-A? I can see a courtyard and fountain here.

I would also plan on a mediteranean style roof terrace to take advantage of the view.

Oh yeah- I would make it totally nice out front, but would just put the rooms I didn't spend a lot of time in on that side. Or lots of shrubbery. Remember, I will be very close to the road- I need at least a little privacy.

 

[SHELLY]

What to build on the gulf?

Why a sand castle of course: New Yorker Cartoon

 

[Uncle Timmy]

Oh yeah- I would make it totally nice out front, but would just put the rooms I didn't spend a lot of time in on that side. Or lots of shrubbery. Remember, I will be very close to the road- I need at least a little privacy.

One thing that is so great about courtyards is that they can be opened up for a more public view and then when you want a little privacy, you can just close the gates.

I love courtyards; I am looking forward to seeing some of Alys Beach's being built over the next few years.

 

[Jdarg]

One thing that is so great about courtyards is that they can be opened up for a more public view and then when you want a little privacy, you can just close the gates.

I love courtyards; I am looking forward to seeing some of Alys Beach's being built over the next few years.

I am looking forward to taking a peek at Alys in June. I need to be able to help Sueshore make a selection when she's ready to buy!!

 

[Jdarg]

What to build on the gulf?

Why a sand castle of course: New Yorker Cartoon

Good one Shelly!

 

[Smiling JOe]

I'm a big believer in smaller homes with an emphasis on well designed outdoor spaces to compliment (and provide an extension to) the enclosed living spaces.

So for your lot, I would go for a thoughfully designed, intimate house with dramatic courtyards and terraces.

Since this lot is in such a prominent location, why not give a nod to the community and spend a little extra effort on the facade facing 30-A? I can see a courtyard and fountain here.

I would also plan on a mediteranean style roof terrace to take advantage of the view.

If I were to buy the lot, I would move an airstream onto the lot, build an outdoor screened room with a small kitchen and bath, but hey, I am just dreaming here.

TWTFiveTwelve,
I walked through two of your designs in WaterColor earlier today, and I really like your ideas in both homes. Your kitchens make excellent use of space. They have a really good feel and were well designed. I should know because I walk into about every home I have ever passed by under construction.