We know, you come to the beach for – well – the beach. There’s nothing quite like the sugar-white sand and turquoise water of the Emerald Coast. But, sometimes, you need a break from the heat. Maybe you’ve been coming to Destin or the communities of 30A – Rosemary, Alys, Seaside, among others – long enough now that you’re ready to branch out and explore a bit. What would be your “must-haves” for a non-beachfront property?
For us, it’s all about a great outdoor living space with some key features designed for relaxing, entertaining and staying cool in the shade. Here are four in particular that we’re putting on our list in 2020.
A Chef-Inspired Outdoor Kitchen
If you’ve never dined al fresco, especially at the beach, you’re missing out on one of life’s greatest opportunities. To do it right, though, you’ll need an outdoor kitchen that incorporates some kind of heating element such as a cooktop, grill or even a pizza oven. Outdoor kitchens have many benefits including reducing energy usage and keeping heat (and aromas) outdoors. Outdoor cooking also gives your group more room to spread out, which can make entertaining large groups more relaxed and enjoyable.
A home that checks the box: 174 West Water Street, Rosemary Beach
This Rosemary Beach retreat overlooks West Long Green Park and provides adequate outdoor cooking space, as well as a dining area and room to unwind next to the pool or under a covered patio. The kitchen inside has recently undergone a renovation with a new Wolf/Sub-Zero appliance package.
A Palatial Pool Area
You may be away from the beach, but that doesn’t mean it will be much cooler (unless you’re here during the slightly cooler winter months). With a breeze blowing and a pool for taking a quick dip, you can pretend you’re beachside while staying refreshed … just a few steps from indoor relaxation or a beckoning nap.
A home that checks the box: 47 Compass Point Way, WaterSound Beach
A WaterSound Beach home that exudes elegance, luxury and fine beach living, this property features a private pool with LED lighting and a water feature in the concrete wall that provides privacy along with tall, white fencing. Some 2,000 square feet of outdoor living space includes a gas fire pit, television, screened dining and socializing areas, plus a separate corner porch and open poolside lounging.
A Cozy Fire Pit
Fire pits can run the gamut from a hole dug in the ground to a more elaborate set-up you’d expect in an off-the-beach retreat. A modern fire pit provides 360 degrees of warmth with ample seating for friends and family to enjoy the surroundings. Fire pits are no longer reserved just for campgrounds and beach bonfires, today they exist right in homeowners’ backyards, providing a focal point of cozy enjoyment.
A home that checks the box: 1201 Baycrest Cove, Destin
There’s a lot to love about this 7,215-square-foot property, not the least of which is a large fire pit that provides unobstructed views of Choctawhatchee Bay, day or night. The fire pit is located adjacent to a private dock, 88-foot perimeter overflow pool, 278 feet of water frontage and a covered summer kitchen area.
A Covered Dining Area (BONUS: Built-In Kegs)
One of the best things about being at the beach is being able to enjoy downtime with loved ones. A covered dining area, particularly one with added features like a summer kitchen and built-in beverage dispensers at your very own outdoor bar, coupled with an unparalleled view, can help you feel like you’re right on the beach, even from a distance. The best covered dining areas offer enough seating for everyone in your party, providing relief from the sun and varying angles of surrounding scenery.
A home that checks the box: 69 Little Redfish Lane, Redfish Lane
A home that has “entertaining” written all over it, you can step onto your covered lanai and ease into the infinity-edge pool, as you can enjoy the tranquil vista that currently includes nesting American bald eagles in nearby treetops. Share this enviable location with discerning guests while serving sunset cocktails from your outdoor bar.
Interested in any of these featured properties or a retreat off the beach that fits your family’s needs? Contact your Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty agent today.
