Why buy Brady Bunch House when you can buy these Destin Homes?

“Marcia! Marcia! Marcia!” 

Yes, even Marcia would be surprised to learn the current value of her “childhood home” that she shared with other members of The Brady Bunch. According to the L.A. Times it is currently on the market for sale in California. The state leads the nation in out of sight real estate prices but this iconic 2,500 square foot home, which was used for the exterior of the home portrayed on the popular TV show, is listed at $1,850,000. This home is obviously a nostalgic dream for many who grew up watching this show from 1969 to 1974 since it steadily attracts 30 to 50 fan visitors almost every day. It even has its own Yelp Page. The listing agent expects a huge amount of buyer interest since besides its celebrity value the home sits on a 12,500 square foot lot on the L.A. River. Its location in an older neighborhood of Studio City may be subdivided if a developer buys it. The current sellers are giving preference to someone who will keep the home intact since their now deceased parents purchased it back in 1973 for $63,000! 

Photos by Anthony Barcelo

Although it has received updates over the years, it still retains its 1970s “Mid Century Modern Vintage” décor which is now considered highly fashionable. It is quite stylish in that way with a partially vaulted cathedral ceiling, a step down living area, stone-faced fireplace, wood-paneled walls, built-in bar, vivid floral wallpaper, vintage window treatments, and the original full house intercom radio system. A low stone front wall and a gated entrance to the detached two car garage was added since fans were coming right up to the front door or going into the backyard.

Homes in Destin and Miramar Beach have reached “star status” as far as prices go. Down along Scenic 30A in South Walton they have gone just as high since home sales there for the past 12 months have averaged over $1,000,000 per sale. However relatively speaking, there are homes in Destin available in the same price range which are relative bargains compared to the Brady Bunch home which averages $754 per square foot.

Here are four Destin homes you should consider buying instead of the Brady Bunch House:

MLS 811620 - 622 Durango Road #711

A 3,255 square foot Penthouse in Destin with an additional 1,191 square feet of balconies providing panoramic views of the gulf, bay, and harbor is available at $1,650,000. It has 12-foot ceilings, walls of glass windows, two Master Suites, a two-car underground garage and a 50’ x 22’ boat slip at Harbor Lights. Other amenities include a pool, gym, bubbling hot tubs, a dog park and deeded beach access. This home doesn’t have a 1970s Intercom Radio but it does feature a $75,000 Smart Home System! The list price comes in at $507 per square foot.

MLS 812006 - 1816 Scenic Highway 98

The prestigious gulf front Signature Beach tower with its own private beach has a 3,300 square foot residence for sale priced at $1,395,000. A 300’ beach balcony provides gorgeous views of the jewel-toned gulf while a rooftop Infinity Pool for residents provides stunning limitless views. The balcony spans across from the living area to the lavish Master Bedroom Suite with access to each. The huge Master Bath defines luxury with a walk-thru closet, a jetted tub, a glass-walled shower, quartz countertops, double vanities and views of the gulf. The open spacious living area and state of the art kitchen which features a Subzero refrigerator freezer is perfect for entertaining. This is priced at  $423 per square foot.

MLS 808776 - 3032 Club Drive

A 4,940 square foot Mediterranean styled mansion for sale priced at $1,799,900 is located on Club Drive in the exclusively gated Burnt Pine neighborhood, which is within the exclusive gated Sandestin Resort. Floor to ceiling windows in the main living area soar up to 20-feet in height which overlooks the lushly landscaped grounds, a natural lovely lagoon lake with its own dock, the private pool and a golf course fairway. The recently renovated interiors include Carrera marble, rich crown moldings, luxury baths, an upscale professional gourmet kitchen and a state of the art home theater. Its opulence was featured in the Destin VIP Magazine. This home is listed for an average of $360 per square foot.

MLS 777603 - 522 Norriego Road

An opulent stately 6,099 square foot classic waterfront Villa on Holiday Isle is priced the same as the Brady Bunch house at $1,850,000. This gracious three-story home includes a rooftop Observation Sundeck that provides 360-degree views of Destin’s Harbor, the glittering Gulf, and East Pass. A fabulous heated salt water pool, bubbling hot tub, an outdoor living space, bar, and kitchen sits beside its 30-foot long private dock on a canal that connects to the harbor and gulf. The stellar interiors include 22-foot tall ceilings, square beamed tray ceilings in the Great Room with a double row of curved waterfront windows, quadruple crown ceilings in the Master Suite, Marbella Shell Stone flooring as well as rich Brazilian Cherry hardwoods, a soaring dramatic white marble fireplace, a professional kitchen with high end name brand appliances, a gracious spiral staircase, an elevator, vintage chandeliers, and a Smart Home System. The list price for this home averages $303 per square foot which is $451 per square foot cheaper than the Brady Bunch home!

Of course, everything is relative but really, which home would you select for value and lifestyle?  We think this is a “no-brainer” and would be happy to show you one today. Contact our Ocean Reef Real Estate office at 877-392-6085 for a friendly professional consultation, a complimentary market analysis of comparable properties and get ready to create your own nostalgic memories at one of these local dream homes.