What would you build on the gulf?

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.

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.

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.

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.

What to build on the gulf?

Why a sand castle of course: New Yorker Cartoon

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.

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!!

What to build on the gulf?

Why a sand castle of course: New Yorker Cartoon

Good one Shelly!

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.

What jdarg said: Elegant, midsized home, as far back as practical and comfortable, no guest house. Five bedrooms though so our whole extended family could come visit. I'd consider making it two story for better accessibility and so the people across the street could get nice third-floor views. (Personally I despise it when people in the front stand up at football games when no one else is standing up. It's the same concept.)

Architectural details, lovely but not pretentious landscaping, lots of outdoor spaces and decks. I would splurge on an infinity pool but would not want it close to the edge. I'd tell the contractors they weren't allowed to drive their big trucks within 50 feet of the dune line. In the contract I'd include a $10,000 fine for every set of truck tracks spotted within the no-drive zone.

This is fun. And compared to so many other high end areas, that's not a bad price for a deep gulf-front lot. If I had major, major bucks I would consider it. But I'd need at least two quiet hurricane seasons to slip into enough of a stupor to sign the papers.

Just from driving by it several thousand times I'd say it's not really deep it just sounds like it. There might be 150' from the road's edge to the dune slope. So when you back up as far as you can to the road - 25' - there is not a lot of breathing room. Of course Seaside does manage to cramstack 2 buildings in that space.

Just from driving by it several thousand times I'd say it's not really deep it just sounds like it. There might be 150' from the road's edge to the dune slope. So when you back up as far as you can to the road - 25' - there is not a lot of breathing room. Of course Seaside does manage to cramstack 2 buildings in that space.

150'? That's about 70 feet less than I figured. Forget it. I'd just buy a house in Grayton like Donna's, one or two lots back, and rest easy at night.

I really like the house called "Redfish" on Blue Mountain Beach. Simple but still a nice house and not too big. The lot is a little shallow but I really like the house. When I bought my house 100 yards from the beach on the south side of 30-a in 2002 for under 300k I passed on a partnership for a gulf front lot in Seagrove for 850k, 3.5m is way too much. Great message board by the way.

Pirate! You need to meet Cap'n Crazy. He will hook you up with a cool pirate avatar.

I like the sandcastle response by Shelly! :clap_1: I just read the entire seawall thread......... Man!!!

That is a funny cartoon. Also makes me think of Mermaid's Bundt cake pan. Come to think of it, I would feel very comfortable putting a sandcastle Bundt cake on that lot. Or an Airstream, like SJ said.

Pirate -- I agree with you if the actual buildable area is not that deep then it is not worth that much money.

pie in the sky...