The Most Expensive Home in Each 30A Town

Posted by Destin Real Estate Sales on Thursday, July 23rd, 2020 at 8:55am.

The nation has discovered the loveliest beaches in America on a gorgeous coastal route known as Scenic Highway 30A – and the meticulously planned picturesque communities snuggled along this route.

South Walton has become the land of the rich and famous. Celebrities like Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Jim Carrey, Laura Linney, bestselling author John Grisham, and football greats Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Cam Newton have been spotted here. Many others own homes along or near Scenic 30A, including Britney Spears, Garth Brooks, Tricia Yearwood, Cheryl Crow, Jessica Simpson, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Chef Emeril Lagasse, and Matthew McConaughey to name a few. They can afford the very best and the privileged lifestyle that goes with it. This is not surprising since these highly acclaimed beaches include its most recent recognition, which named Grayton Beach State Park, "The Best Beach in America." This award of excellence for natural beauty and pristine cleanliness was bestowed by "Dr. Beach," aka Stephen Leatherman, who conducts famous annual studies of coastal areas around the world. Besides the shimmering shoreline, which is composed of pure white quartz crystal washed down from mountain tops into the Gulf during the last Ice Age eons ago, Scenic 30A includes thousands of acres of preserved forests and state beach parks. This area also encompasses rare natural treasures that adorn this route known as Coastal Dune Lakes. These precious, unique bodies of water are found hardly anywhere else on the planet. Creek-like tributaries from the artisan spring-fed lakes connect across breaks in the dunes to salted water through on-going tidal action, which creates a magical mixture of water that supports abundant wildlife, fowl, and fish.

Until the early 2000s, there was very little developed along this heavenly corridor except for Old Grayton Beach and Seagrove Beach, and Seaside (which was created in the 1980s). Seaside's Americana pedestrian-friendly village design received international architectural recognition and introduced "New Urbanism" to the rest of the world. From 2004 thru 2006, other picturesque perfectly planned coastal villages blossomed almost overnight. They included WaterColor, WaterSound, Alys Beach, Seacrest Beach, Rosemary Beach, and now the re-development of Inlet Beach. Each picture-perfect coastal village has its own stylish personality with architectural features that range from an Old Florida look to a Cape Cod feel and from alabaster white Greek Mediterranean designs to charming Dutch West Indies colonial styling. Almost all of them include restaurants, beach bars, fashion boutiques, galleries, amphitheaters on village greens for concerts, and fun seasonal festivals. Today these charming coastal villages on Scenic 30A running from west to east include Dune Allen, Santa Rosa Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Grayton Beach, Watercolor, Seaside, Seagrove Beach, Watersound, Alys Beach, Seacrest Beach, Rosemary Beach and Inlet Beach.

Here is a brief look at the current most expensive home listings in each coastal village running from west to east. Almost all are Gulf-front mansions, where the cost of precious land is at a paramount premium.

Dune Allen Beach

Dune Allen features the second largest of these with 8,985 square feet at 139 Highland Avenue, which was just completed in 2019 and listed for sale at $12,500,000. This stunning exclusively gated home has wonderful Old Florida styled exteriors and elegant contemporary coastal interiors with ten bedrooms, nine luxury baths, and four half bath powder rooms. Six of the bedrooms face the dazzling Gulf with balconies and include en suite baths. Three bedrooms were completed as custom bunk rooms, and another bedroom is located in a Guest House with its own living area and kitchen. The top floor has an expansive Game Room, and an elevator gets you there. An upscale outdoor kitchen and seating/dining area face an Infinity Edge Pool and Hot Tub overlooking the Gulf.

Santa Rosa Beach

Santa Rosa Beach has a five-bedroom home with approximately 6,629 of total square feet in a small, exclusively gated residential enclave at 66 South Spooky Lane. This four-level home with a connecting elevator is perched high upon a prominent dune with over .76 acres and listed for sale at $4,499,000. All five bedrooms include luxurious en suite baths and face the glowing Gulf with balcony access. A swimming pool is interconnected to a Hot Tub. Two additional full baths serve as powder rooms and for convenient use with extra guests. An expansive Great Room with a wall of windows facing the Gulf includes a Wet Bar and Wine Cooler. The top floor Tower Room includes guest quarters, a kitchen, and an observation balcony.

Blue Mountain Beach

Blue Mountain Beach is famous for having the highest elevation on the entire Gulf of Mexico, and this 6,933 square foot five-bedroom home at 1465 West County Hwy 30A, which is listed for sale at $4,790,000 has the largest property grounds on our list with 1.58 acres. This magnificent modern home has a heavenly forested tropical setting on a rare precious Coastal Dune Lake overlooking the jeweled waters of the Gulf. It is a true masterpiece designed by architect Dan Mueller has lots of "Wow" Features. Besides the spectacular private setting, they include soaring wood-planked beam ceilings, a curved wall of windows, customized marble finishings, a raised Infinity Edge Pool with a unique shallow water adjoining patio, a Hot Tub and a Fire Pit. An entire Master Bedroom wing with phenomenal views, motorized shades, a fireplace, a kitchenette Wet Bar, his and hers closets, a dressing room, a luxurious en suite bath, and a Japanese Soaking Tub. A Guest Wing includes luxury baths and an acoustically designed Media Game Room.

Grayton Beach

In the center of the old historic village center of Grayton Beach at 284 Garfield Street, a towering 4,963 square foot three-story home with six bedrooms and an elevator is listed for sale at $6,200,000. This Gulf-front location places you a stone's throw away from the award-winning Best Beach in America and village activities like the famed Red Bar, the Zoo Gallery, and Chiringo. It also borders Western Lake, which is a natural Coastal Dune Lake treasure. This home with Summer House Lifestyle furnishings can sleep up to 20 guests, and estimates report it could receive around $350,000 in gross vacation rental income. It has been completely reconstructed with creature comforts, and four of the six bedrooms are Master Suites with private luxury baths and Gulf-front balconies. Three upper levels of balconies provide fabulous views, and the beach level includes a cornered swimming pool.

WaterColor

A stately 5,529 square foot three-story home with six bedrooms and two levels of gracious columned verandas is listed for $4,350,000 at 116 Wiregrass Way in the highly sought after community of WaterColor. This enchanting Americana styled coastal village features its own beach, a dock on the coastal dune lake for fishing or non-motorized boat launches, a clubhouse, a couple of restaurants, some fashion boutiques, a village fountain and a gorgeous park with a long garden walkway lined with cascading waterfalls. Elegant finishes include a sunken Cypress and 150-year-old Oak/Poplar ceilings. Great Rooms are located on the first and third floors, which are connected by an elevator. A massive Master Suite with a full luxury bath encompasses half of the entire second floor. All five Guest Bedrooms include en suite baths while an additional half bath serves as a powder room off the downstairs living area. A huge outdoor screened living and dining room with a fireplace face an elegant pool with an urn that soothingly spills down water beside it.

Seaside

A 3,500 square foot home with five bedrooms is located right on the sugary shore in the famed coastal village of iconic Seaside at 2130 East County Hwy 30A and listed for $6,395,000. Such Gulf-front homes are rare offerings in Seaside, and this one was designed by the same architects who created this internationally acclaimed coastal village. It comes beautifully furnished and decorated to exude southern coastal charm along with lots of charming creature comforts. The top floor features a dramatic open beamed cathedral ceiling and three sides of views of the sparkling scenery. It includes a spacious living and dining area with upscale furnishings, an outdoor kitchen, and a bar with a square Refrigerator, a Wine Cooler as well as an Icemaker. A beachfront columned veranda off the lavish Master Bedroom Suite includes a queen-sized bed swing where you may rock to sleep listening to soothing surf sounds.

Seagrove Beach

A brand new opulent three-story home perched high upon an ancient dune thirty feet above the crystalline beach in Seagrove Beach at 147 Montgomery Street is the largest home on this list with 9,051 square feet and also the most expensive just listed at $14,995,000. This exceedingly regal residence named "Mont Blanc" almost glows with gleaming white alabaster walls accented by architectural detailing with a courtyard entry adorned by a unique water feature. It was designed by the renowned Archiscapes & TS Adams Studio and constructed by award-winning Scott Barnes Development. This majestic home for sale pushes the boundaries of fortified construction and features the kind of detailing you expect to be seen features in Architectural Digest, Southern Home, or House Beautiful magazines. A grand, elegant staircase off the entry foyer spirals four stories to the top, but an elevator is also provided. A Great Room with high beamed ceilings and walls of gulf front windows opens onto a palatial pool with square columned portals that overlooks the jewel-toned Gulf. Another swimming pool is on an open sun deck on the top floor, which provides awesome vista views of the sensational seascape. A contemporarily styled pergola beside it has a seating area to enjoy the sweeping views. A built-in bar and "Wine Cave" nearby is available for favored refreshments. The Master Bedroom Suite encompasses the entire southwestern corner of this palace to experience spectacular sunsets. It has an amazing luxurious Spa bath that includes a curved rotund wall of windows overlooking the Gulf, two built-in sway backed tile chairs in a Steam Room, a Massage & Body Scrub Table and a giant walk-in shower with multiple windows facing the Gulf along with two rain heads. The Master Suite also has a huge walk-in closet with organizer built-ins, a Wet Bar, Sauna, and Fitness Room.

WaterSound

An enchanting Cape Cod inspired 5,738 square foot home with seven bedrooms at 210 Coopersmith Lane in the exclusive world of WaterSound is listed at $5,445,000. The WaterSound residential community has a magnificent setting bordered by sugary dunes and features six long ramp walkways that literally meander across them, providing easy access to the shimmering beach. It also borders thousands of acres of the pristine preserved Deer Lake State Beach Park, and this gracious home has panoramic vista views of the park toward the southwest. The home takes full advantage of this premium location with lots of outdoor spaces that include a large pool with an expansive sun deck, a charming poolside pergola seating area, an outdoor summer kitchen, and an upper-level four-sided covered veranda and a rooftop observation deck. The interiors feature soaring ceilings, creamy white shiplap walls, and rich hardwood flooring that provides a warm Americana ambiance.

Alys Beach

A classic stately 3,894 square foot home with five bedrooms at 29 La Garza Court in Alys Beach is $5,295,000 and has recently been completed. Alys Beach is a residential community that straddles Scenic 30A and truly stands out due to the striking Greek Mediterranean inspired white alabaster exteriors and unique atrium type designs. This home is on the sought after beachside with an excellent location that is steps away from "Turtle Bale Park" and the sugary white shoreline. It also comes beautifully furnished and decorated by the renowned Susan Massey Design Showcase studio. Every bedroom includes a luxury ensuite bath with another half bath provided as a convenient powder room. The regal entry leads into a private courtyard centered by a plunge pool with a trio of flutes that pour water down onto the sparkling surface, providing a lovely serenity. The use of exquisite materials and superb craftsmanship is impressive. They include two inch thick white Carrera Marble on three kitchen islands, one of which has a waterfall cascaded side with five elegant raised chairs. There is a massive solid white Carrera marble vanity in the powder room and a more framing a soaking tub in the Master Suite. A high-end restaurant styled steel gas range oven is adorned with bright brass, and this Gourmet Kitchen overlooks a dining area with regal seating for eight. A trio of arching brass framed Byzantine-inspired portals that lead into the bright living area with a wall of custom built-in shelving. A stairway leads upstairs to a seating loft with a balcony. A long hall connected to guest suites features soaring arched ceilings illuminated by five suspended cut out orbs that cast a fantastic magical silhouetted glow. All the bedroom suites are appointed with wonderfully comfortable furnishings and beautiful objects de art.

Seacrest Beach

A short distance away in Seacrest Beach at 45 Sandy Shores Court is a 5,307 square foot home with eight bedrooms listed for $3,599,000. This is currently the least expensive home on our list in the coastal villages along Scenic 30A. It is under contract, but contingencies have not been met yet, so it is available for back up offers. This home is on the sought after beachside of this residential community and has been a popular vacation rental investment property grossing around $300,000 per year. It inspires entertainment with a huge open living area accented by rustic coastal-inspired accouterments and a private swimming pool studded with towering palm trees.

Rosemary Beach

A very handsome majestic 5,208 square foot Gulf-front manor home with six bedrooms at 11 Spanish Town Court in the enchanting Dutch Colonial styled village of Rosemary Beach. It is listed for sale at $10,200,000. This home's exterior dovetails gracefully into this charming setting with a Dutch curved gable styled roof, a walled courtyard entry, a palatial pool, and multiple balconies. The interiors of this castle-like manor define comfortable rustic elegance. The expansive vaulted ceilings with heavy beams encompass the main open Great Room, a media room, and a dining area. A vintage double-loop candle chandelier is suspended for dramatic effect above the dining area. This is near a wall of floor to ceiling French doors with atrium windows above that provide stunning views of the jeweled Gulf and lead to a beach balcony that spans its width. The adjoining Gourmet Kitchen also has a window wall offering dazzling gulf views. An elegant staircase off the entry hall sweeps upstairs to a landing that looks down upon the Great Room and connects to upstairs bedrooms, all of which include luxurious en suite baths. An expansive Master Bedroom has panoramic Gulf views with a large sitting area and a luxurious ensuite bath with a huge deep freestanding soaking tub, double vanities adorned with white Carrera marble tops, and a walk-in shower.

Inlet Beach

A new home with a carriage guest house encompassing a total of 5,693 square feet at 434 West Park Place Avenue in fashionable Inlet Beach is now on the market for $5,495,000. This three-story home for sale has five bedrooms with luxurious en suite baths in the main residence and another bedroom with a full bathroom in the adjoining Carriage Guest House. An elevator connects all three levels. This Guest House also features its own full kitchen, a lovely living area and has its own entrance. The home has a premium position overlooking the glorious Gulf with direct beach access and "forever views" since the sugary shoreline is permanently preserved. A sparkling swimming pool on a second level open sun deck features amazing 180-degree infinite views of the glittering jewel-toned Gulf from atop the sugary dunes. The pool features a new spectacular lighting system that can be remote controlled and provides a marvelous effect day or night. Multiple walls of windows at this same level provide views of the sensational scenery from within the open living area that has high richly beamed ceilings and white tile flooring that accentuate a spacious look. This room also incorporates the state of the art kitchen, a dining area, custom cabinet shelving, and a built-in Wet Bar for entertaining. The kitchen features white quartz countertops, an island, dual ovens, a six-burner gas range, and two dishwashers. Two Master Suites on the top floor have balcony access for gorgeous Gulf views, and both include luxurious ensuite baths. A connecting hallway includes a Wet Bar with a refrigerator, a coffeemaker, and creamy white custom cabinetry for special treats.

These twelve premium homes located in the idyllic coastal villages along Scenic 30A are currently the most expensive ones listed and come in at an average of $1,101 per square foot. The 5,307 square foot home in Seacrest Beach that's under contract but taking second offers is listed at $3,599,000, which averages only $678 per square foot. Relatively speaking, the second most value-priced home listed for $4,790,000 with 6,933 square feet in Blue Mountain Beach comes in at $692 per square foot. This magnificent Coastal Dune Lake home with divine views of the Gulf also has the most amount of property with 1.58 acres of forested privacy and its own dock. The highest-priced property is the manor home listed for $10,200,000 with 5,208 square feet in Rosemary Beach, which comes in at $1,959 per square foot.

If you have worked hard and are fortunate enough to be shopping for a home in this dollar range, contact our Ocean Reef Real Estate office today at 877-392-6085. We can provide complete details, full complimentary Comparative Market Analysis data for all listed properties, and schedule private tours. It should be noted that single-family homes along Scenic 30A are still available starting at $229,000 for a two-bedroom residence with 956 square feet and $200,000 for a 305 square foot furnished studio. Our highly esteemed Ocean Reef Resorts property management division can provide important vacation rental investment gross income data projections for those wanting to buy a home for themselves and also lease it out for lucrative income.

Ocean Reef Resorts has been managing acclaimed distinctive vacation rental properties of all kinds for almost forty years with hundreds of locations in Destin, Miramar Beach, along Scenic 30A and in Panama City Beach. Check out our very user-friendly website to show exact aerial view locations of each one along with detailed descriptions, vivid property images, seasonal rates, and calendar dates of rental availability. You may want to stay in one while you shop for properties nearby or simply enjoy a magical, memorable vacation with beloved family members. We're here to help!

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