Hunter Harman presents

Perched along the shores of the mesmerizing West Bay waters on the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast, the Villa Chimera evokes an imperial aura. Inspired by the classic Palladian villas of the Veneto in Italy, this residence was years in the making from planning to construction and boasts an architectural integrity and authenticity rarely found in modern construction.

Owner Karen Durden studied the style of Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio for several years in Italy before seeking out a local architect capable of bringing her vision to life. Widely considered one of the most notable architects in history, Palladio’s work has influenced architecture worldwide for centuries, therefore Durden’s request was not a simple proposition. She ultimately selected Philip Spann; an architect based in Seagrove Beach who worked on plans for two years based on the hand-sketched drawings of Durden.

With just one step through the columned front porch into the soaring foyer, it is immediately evident the meticulous amount of detail and care poured into every element of this masterpiece home. Says listing agent Amin Delawalla of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida, “In my many years representing luxury properties along the Emerald Coast, I have never encountered a property that embodied so much thoughtful artisanship and purposeful use of materials. The owners desired to replicate an Italian villa in Panama City Beach, and they have done that and so much more – this property positively transports you to another time and place.”

The regal foyer sets the tone for what lies within the home with its cushion cut limestone walls, solid stone stairs with balusters crafted of limestone, a custom-cut marble compass rose inlay in the floor, and a grand Schonbek Chandelier draped with crystals. Just off the foyer, a look into the dining room reveals graduated Venetian plaster walls designed to appear like the many walls of Venetian Palazzos stained from the rising tides of the lagoon over the centuries. A custom stone table crafted in Rome outside of the Vatican walls is a striking centerpiece.

“Every finish and selection throughout this property was carefully sourced and constructed to create an accurate representation of a Venetian Palazzo from minor to major elements,” explains builder Cliff Myers. “The walls in the great room are upholstered in silk made in Venice by the Bevilacqua Family, famous internationally for their intricate fabrics. The millwork has a hand-applied strié to replicate the authentic woodwork of the time. The doorknobs throughout the home are all handcrafted by Baltica with each knob related to all the others. When a material could be sourced from Italy or abroad, it was, giving this home an unparalleled purity of design.”

This unique and deliberate customization continues throughout all the rooms of the residence with marble and limestone accents in the grand living room overlooking the bay. At the heart of the room, find a stunning marble fireplace and note the millwork crafted from individual blocks, perfectly aligned by artisan woodworkers. A media room adjacent to the living room serves as a cozy space to unwind with wood-paneled walls and a custom movie theatre size screen with theatre-style lights.

This home has welcomed many guests through its doors for festivities of all types over the years, and the ease of entertaining is evident in the gourmet kitchen with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, a breakfast bar, and a separate bar area. A butler’s pantry with additional appliances, storage, and more provides convenience for preparing all the necessities of large-scale soirees.

As likely anticipated, the second-level master suite is suitable for royalty with separate his and hers bathrooms, closets, and offices. The sleeping quarters include gorgeous bay views along with a private columned balcony. Artist Jody Matokovich hand-painted the Groin Vault on the ceiling of the bedroom with a style influenced by the frescos of the Renaissance. Each master bathroom offers heated floors and double showers with jets while one is centered around a stunning freestanding bathtub. In addition, the suite includes an exercise room with a sauna and a vault plus a safe room with ventilation.

Not to be overshadowed by the interiors, the outdoor spaces of the Villa Chimera are equally enchanting. A towering iron gate secures the property which features over 3 beautifully landscaped acres and 380 feet of waterfront on West Bay. A marble fountain at the entry of the residence carved and transported from Italy depicts figures from Greek mythology including the Chimera, a fire-breathing, three-headed monster. Highlights of the rear yard entertaining spaces are a heated infinity pool with a spa overlooking the bay, an outdoor air-conditioned kitchen, a fire pit, and a shallow dock to the bay.

“This property presents a rare opportunity to purchase not only a luxury estate, but a work of art nestled in an area of Northwest Florida currently experiencing unprecedented demand and rejuvenation,” says Delawalla.

In addition to the spaces referenced, the property includes two guest suites in the main home, a detached carriage home and a four-car garage each connected to the main home by breezeways, and a generator room with a gas generator. A fully integrated smart house, Creston whole house lights, and a media system that controls everything with tablets while monitored security cameras are installed on the exterior.

Address: 3730 Preserve Bay Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32408

Price: $9,975,000

Photo credit: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida

For more information, please contact Hunter Harman at 850-598-7011 or hunter@bpfla.com

Hunter Harman is the exclusive agent representing the South Walton, FL real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

The post Hunter Harman Presents A Unique Waterfront Estate In Panama City Beach appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

8112 Inspiration, Miramar Beach, FL

Florida’s northwest Gulf Coast ranked #1 on the new “100 Best Markets to Buy a Vacation Rental Home in 2020” report by Rented Research and Weiss Analytics. The new 2020 report determined that Florida’s Panhandle offers the best returns on vacation home investments over every other U.S. market.

Listed below are reasons to invest your money in a 30A vacation rental home.

Potential for higher income

In purchasing a property in 30A, you can enjoy the potential to make income or anything that would otherwise fit your needs. This could include buying and holding; buying, improving, and selling; buying and converting to a vacation rental; buying and converting to a long-term rental; or any combination of these.

Whenever you purchase real estate, there is usually an opportunity to make some rental income (or at least cover expenses) and then, hopefully, make some money when you decide to sell down the road. Highway 30A (or “South Walton” more broadly) typically demands higher rental rates and higher dollar-per-foot sale prices than surrounding and competing areas.

This means that in areas that charge higher rental rates and have higher home values, there is a larger attraction from buyers and renters with higher disposable incomes. Purchasing a property in 30A will supplement higher vacation rental income and higher long-term rental income.

High real estate demand

30A is in the prime location for vacation rental homes with beautiful beaches, large state parks, and unique architecture on all sides. Nestled between the busy cities of Destin and Panama City Beach, 30A is the best spot for a laid-back vacation home when you are trying to escape hectic schedules or worries back at home. In real estate, location is everything; 30A has it all.

The quaint beach towns along highway 30A are where artists and promising architects alike gathered to create a place like no other. On 30A, you won’t find big chain businesses or many tract home developments; instead, you will find a place that has been protected since the ’80s from any development over 50 feet tall and communities that flow together with the surrounding environment.

30A has attracted many affluent families of the southern states, with many from the North and the Midwest now flocking to the Emerald Coast to vacation and invest in vacation rental homes.

Ownership flexibility

Owning real estate in 30A allows you the flexibility to be as involved or not involved as you would like. Many investors shy away from owning vacation rental homes because of how hands-on owners have to be. Owning a 30A vacation rental income-producing property allows a wide variety of involvement, ranging from full self-management to relatively hands-off ownership (recommended to use a home manager or full service management company) for the least involvement).

30A is still expanding

Even though a few homes on 30A date back to the 1890’s, anyone watching closely can see that 30A is still developing into one of the most coveted vacation destination spots in the U.S.

Examples of recent expansions and renovations include: Alys Beach and Kaiya Beach Resort are bringing a level of luxury and construction to 30A that is second to none; the St. Joe Beach Club has just undergone improvements in service and capacity; Seaside, 30A’s first “Planned Urban Development,” is experiencing a renovation push and more construction than ever before; Gulf front properties all over 30A are being purchased to make way for large, luxury $10 million (and higher) homes.

Our expert, Paula Hinegardner, can guide you through the process of purchasing a vacation home from start to finish. Once you decide to invest in a 30A vacation home (or vacation rental home), the Paula Hinegardner Group will walk you through each step in purchasing your new property, including both virtual and in-person home buying.

The first few steps in purchasing a new home will include:

• Consultation, either virtual or in-person
• Find your favorites through a drip system directly to your email to find the newest listings the day they hit the market!
• Take a Tour, either virtual or in-person

Buying and investing in a 30A property is more than what is seen on the surface, it’s buying into a secluded lifestyle and a unique beach town culture. Choose to vacation and invest in a 30A vacation rental home to make memories with families and friends for years to come — it will be worth your time, money and happiness.

For more information, please contact Paula Hinegardner at 615-618-1330 or phinegardner@me.com

Paula Hinegardner is the exclusive agent representing the Santa Rosa Beach, FL real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

Photo credit: Jay Winter, Home Pix Media

The post Paula Hinegardner On The Benefits Of Owning An Emerald Coast Vacation Home appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Corcoran Reverie presents

Take in the panoramic Gulf views and calming turquoise colored water from nearly every room in this newly constructed Panama City Beach home. Thoughtfully designed and built by the well-known Holiday Beach Development Group, ''Stay Salty'' features 7 bedrooms and nearly 5,000 square feet of prime living and entertaining space. Relaxation can be found on the first floor in the oversized media room and outdoor oasis. The private heated pool is steps away from the sugar white sand and beach boardwalk. The custom wood-trimmed staircase leads to the second floor which is home to the living and kitchen areas along with two bedrooms. With seating for thirteen people inside and additional seating on the covered open-air balcony, the kitchen was designed with entertaining in mind.

Three additional bedrooms and a game room with balcony access are found on the third floor. The grand primary suite is located on the fourth floor complete with a private balcony and sitting area. Centrally located within close proximity to the world-class dining and entertainment venues located at Pier Park and along the iconic Highway 30A, the location is truly ideal. With the ability to comfortably sleep twenty four and the incorporation of multiple living areas the layout is perfect for multi-generational families creating a prime short-term rental investment opportunity. The interior was professionally appointed by K&J Design Group and is being offered fully furnished. If you are looking for a solid Gulf-front investment opportunity this is the one- the Seller is offering the Buyer a $100,000 rental income guarantee for the first 6 months of new ownership. Schedule your private viewing today and "Stay Salty" while living the coastal lifestyle you deserve.

Address: 8311 Surf Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32408

Price: $2,995,000

For more information, please contact Corcoran Reverie at 850.231.5030 or info@corcorangroup.com

Corcoran Reverie is the exclusive agent representing the Scenic 30A, FL real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of their listings here.

Photo Credit: Tim Kramer Photography

Photo Credit: Tim Kramer Photography

Photo Credit: Tim Kramer Photography

Photo Credit: Tim Kramer Photography

Photo Credit: Tim Kramer Photography

Photo Credit: Tim Kramer Photography

The post A Panama City Beach Home With Gulf Views By Corcoran Reverie appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Corcoran Reverie presents

Reigning over 3.1 acres, this impressive Hamptons style edifice sprawls along 200+ feet of Bay frontage framed by both the historic St. Andrews Bay and the lush picturesque vegetation present throughout the estate. A true architectural masterpiece executed by the sought-after architect Eric Watson and builder Clifford C. Myers of Macintosh Myers Construction. The optimal balance of both common and intimate areas is achieved in the 21,000 square feet of highly articulated living space spanning three cohesive levels interconnected by both grand staircases and elevator. The estate is geographically poised within close proximity to the famed Shell Island and Gulf of Mexico pass by boat along with the world-class dining and entertainment venues found throughout inland Panama City Beach.

The kitchen is a chef’s dream featuring custom cabinetry hand crafted by Morgan Creek, marble countertops, and separate serving pantry. The backyard is synonymous with relaxation; take a dip in the saltwater infinity pool overlooking the Bay or catch a tan on the private white sand beach with room to add a 150’+ dock. The one-acre parcel to the West of the main home is an extenuation of the estate providing additional parking and storage in addition to a four-car garage with workshop and fully equipped kitchen. Notable accommodations include a private helicopter pad, seven-car garage, geothermal heating and cooling system, whole home automation system, state of the art theatre room, commercial grade generator, and a safe room with dedicated communications. Inquire today to schedule a private viewing.

Address: 3807 Delwood Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32408

Price: $14,000,000

Listed by:

Team Buckalew, Lori & Taylor Buckalew, Licensed Luxury Property Specialists, 850.774.6572 

Team Hilary & Jacob, Hilary Farnum-Fasth, Broker Owner of Corcoran Reverie, Jacob Watkins, Partner & Real Estate Advisor, 850.685.0171

For more information, please contact Corcoran Reverie at 850.231.5030 or info@corcorangroup.com

Corcoran Reverie is the exclusive agency representing the Scenic 30A, FL real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of their listings here.

Photo Credit: Dave Warren 30A Real Estate Photography

Photo Credit: Dave Warren 30A Real Estate Photography

Photo Credit: Dave Warren 30A Real Estate Photography

Photo Credit: Dave Warren 30A Real Estate Photography

Photo Credit: Dave Warren 30A Real Estate Photography

Photo Credit: Dave Warren 30A Real Estate Photography

Photo Credit: Dave Warren 30A Real Estate Photography

The post A Hamptons Style Estate In Panama City Beach By Corcoran Reverie appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.