Should we join WaterSound Beach Club??

Beach Lover

May 31, '06 · 1:33 PM36,997

Hey all...need your thoughts on the new WaterSound Beach Club.
The club is open to all WaterSound homeowners and guests to use until June 23rd. Homeowners have until June 30th to join.

Hope you all can help us in our decision to join:

$20,000 membership fee

, 85% refundable
$675/Quarter dues
Includes upscale pool with resort atmosphere (they bring drinks and ice water to your chairs, provide towels,etc), restaurant (just serving 11-5 for now), raw bar after that at FABULOUS upstairs bar overlooking the Gulf :wub:

, tennis, beach access and set-ups.
Just 100 steps to our place, Bridge Lane, so could crawl home :oops:

Our guests, even renters, can have a temporary card.
ST. Joe will offer a membership to our buyer at the then current pricing.
St. Joe takes care of all shortfalls/hurricane costs.

According to St. Joe, we have this ONE TIME opportunity to join or our HOMESITE will never be able to join again. The Beach Club is meant to give beach access to WaterSound North and West Beach homeowners, but it will be several years until those homes are built.

Our thinking: we already have beach access, three pools and great view from our porch for cocktails. Do we NEED the Beach Club for our upscale renters and future resale?

Will renters demand only those condos that have Beach Club access (rentals thru St. Joe will have it)?

Will future buyers demand only those condos with Beach Club membership?

Thanks for your help!

Replies

SoWal Insider

Jun 9, '06 · 2:51 PM#27

Hi Josebby!
We are joining the beach club just because we like it. We are under construction now Lot #42 on Founder's Lane. We are joining for the pool and amenities.
The restaurant is now open on Friday and Saturday night until September. If they have a great response will be open longer. I got a call today that they are offering free dinner this weekend to try out the new chef!
We decided to because I do think if we ever decide to rent out it will rent better with the club. Also if we sells we think it will sell better.
The Camp Creek golf club membership will include the pool/beach house until their's is complete.
Hope to see you there!
Suzanne

Beach Crab

Jun 14, '06 · 7:53 PM#28

We are going to join too! Can't wait until our family can all come down and enjoy spending time together. We will begin building soon :razz:

Beach Lover

Jun 15, '06 · 7:29 AM#29

Seems to me that this is all indicative of the problems with the St. Joe properties.

With a place near Seaside, I can walk over, get a drink, watch the sunset, have dinner, and enjoy the beach.

With a place near Rosemary Beach, I can do the same.

With a place near Watersound, I can't use the restaurant, can't use the bar, and have to sneak by the glass-enclosed security guard and gate to get to the beach. I may even get kicked out for riding my bike through.

Someone should let St. Joe know that there is a nice property, Chateau de Paris, with a nice wall concrete around it available for sale.

Beach Crab

Jun 15, '06 · 10:31 PM#30

You are right. But for those of use that somehow find the night to go to bud & alleys when all bar stools are full we are looking foward to going to a place we can call our own. As far as sneeking by the glass to go to the gate, I am not sure where you live but I don't have that problem. The more of us that decide to join the club the better position we will be in to dictate what the club will be for us :razz:

Beach Lover

Jun 16, '06 · 7:29 AM#31

The reason Bud & Alley's is crowded is because it's the only place on the beach to watch the sunset and get served a drink. It's too bad, with Seaside leading the way, more developments didn't follow their example.

My point is that it is too bad that St. Joe is locking out the surrounding community, rather than inviting it in. They are doing it with their Beach Club, and now have done it with their Golf Club. It seems to go against the grain of what was 30-A.

Beach Fanatic

Jun 16, '06 · 8:07 AM#32

CCL

I so agree with you. I don't even like having gated communities - but can understand the parking problems near the beach and the reason behind them. We need more places to watch the sunset on the beach open to all. Isn't it fun to talk to someone new at these places - not just your neighbors.

Thank you for you imput.

fishlips

Jun 16, '06 · 8:23 AM#33

oh boy, been there done that - reminds me a lot of the 'lake club' up here - we got hit up to join their little party once we moved here

eventually it became so truly exclusive that there were only 3 old drunk farts in there and that's about it, and absolutely nobody there during the off season - they simply closed the doors to keep out the off season riff-raff!

the old farts ruled the place and if you didn't cow-tow to the head old fart you were given no service and slowly pushed out after a good 'talking to'

finally the doors were shut since they couldn't afford any staff on the 'pittance' they were getting from the dues, which went up 15 times as the buy-in money went bye-bye for construction cost over-runs, insurance increases, maintenance problems and burglary losses

and nobody got their refund back as they went bankrupt first

scary similarity!

SoWal Insider

Jun 16, '06 · 12:06 PM#34

finally the doors were shut since they couldn't afford any staff on the 'pittance' they were getting from the dues,

This is the 800-pound gorilla sitting at the barstool in the corner of this beach club.

Beach Crab

Jun 20, '06 · 10:30 PM#35

Wow

:shock:

You all have some pretty harsh words for the beach club. We have been using every weekend and have not seen that 800 lb old fart yet. The manager told us the other day that dinner is now being served on Fri and Sat. We went on Sat and it was fabulos. Hope you all change your minds like I did. We are going to join before 4th of July so we can use going forward.

See you there :razz:

Meow

Jun 21, '06 · 6:25 AM#36

I am an owner at WC and was "offered" a membership at the Camp Creek Golf Club for I think $30,000 and dues of $475, which included a membership at the WS Beach Club. Sounds like a deal to me after reading what they are charging WS owners.

Beach Fanatic

Jun 21, '06 · 8:35 AM#37

I am an owner at WC and was "offered" a membership at the Camp Creek Golf Club for I think $30,000 and dues of $475, which included a membership at the WS Beach Club. Sounds like a deal to me after reading what they are charging WS owners.

The fine print says that you have use of the WS Beach Club only while the golf course club house is being built. Once it's built, you can no longer use the WS Beach Club.

Meow

Jun 21, '06 · 8:42 AM#38

The fine print says that you have use of the WS Beach Club only while the golf course club house is being built. Once it's built, you can no longer use the WS Beach Club.

Thanks....that's why I married a lawyer!!!!

Darlene is my middle name, not my nickname

Jun 21, '06 · 8:55 AM#39

I just have to butt in here and say this. I know I will get slammed for it, but think before you slam me...it is after all my humble opinion. Now, this is coming from someone who, unless a miracle happens one day, will never be able to afford to live on 30-A, so money is an issue for me. Perhaps it is not for some of you that are lucky enough to live/have a place on 30-A. There was a comment made that said "there is no where else to watch the sunset and be served a drink, except B & A's". Well, for me there is. It is sitting on the beach with my toe's in the sand sipping on a drink that I made, or a beer that I bought, and by the way, you can buy a six pack for about what they charge you for one, and a whole bottle of your drink of choice for what they charge you for one or two at some of the establishments on 30-A. So, I would much rather make my own drink or bring my own beer to the beach and watch the sunset. Now, having said that, I do enjoy going to B&A's for our "Girls day out" when I am at the beach, but I would much rather be "on" the beach at sunset! Ok, I am done. :lol:

Meow

Jun 21, '06 · 1:35 PM#40

:clap_1: Good job Darlene!

SoWal Insider

Jun 21, '06 · 2:21 PM#41

No slamming from me. I love being ON the beach for sunset.

SoWal Insider

Jun 21, '06 · 2:38 PM#42

I just have to butt in here and say this. I know I will get slammed for it, but think before you slam me...it is after all my humble opinion.

Take it from a regular "slammee" ...it's no big deal

(Enjoy the view)

Beach Fanatic

Jun 21, '06 · 9:01 PM#43

I just have to butt in here and say this. I know I will get slammed for it, but think before you slam me...it is after all my humble opinion. Now, this is coming from someone who, unless a miracle happens one day, will never be able to afford to live on 30-A, so money is an issue for me. Perhaps it is not for some of you that are lucky enough to live/have a place on 30-A. There was a comment made that said "there is no where else to watch the sunset and be served a drink, except B & A's". Well, for me there is. It is sitting on the beach with my toe's in the sand sipping on a drink that I made, or a beer that I bought, and by the way, you can buy a six pack for about what they charge you for one, and a whole bottle of your drink of choice for what they charge you for one or two at some of the establishments on 30-A. So, I would much rather make my own drink or bring my own beer to the beach and watch the sunset. Now, having said that, I do enjoy going to B&A's for our "Girls day out" when I am at the beach, but I would much rather be "on" the beach at sunset! Ok, I am done.

Hurray for you and I totally agree with you - so many forget that these amazing beaches are public and accessible and you can enjoy views whenever you want....picnics are under rated anyways - they can be a marvelous way to watch sunsets or the sun rise.

Beach Fanatic

Jun 21, '06 · 11:51 PM#44

The reason Bud & Alley's is crowded is because it's the only place on the beach to watch the sunset and get served a drink. It's too bad, with Seaside leading the way, more developments didn't follow their example.

I have posted this before but got no reply. I understand Bud and Alleys will close at the end of the year along with my favorite place for a drink the Tarpon Club. :idontno:

Has anyone heard the same?

SoWal Insider

Jun 22, '06 · 1:48 AM#45

Hey all...need your thoughts on the new WaterSound Beach Club.

$20,000 membership fee $675/Quarter dues

Thanks for your help!

On second thought....this just may be a bargain club...check this out:
---------------------------------------------
BOCA RATON, Fla. - A hundred bucks might buy you more than six dozen burgers from McDonald's, but the swanky Old Homestead Steakhouse will sell you one brawny beef sandwich for the same price. Boca Raton Mayor Steven Abrams could barely speak between bites as he devoured the 20-ounce, $100 hamburger billed as the "beluga caviar of sandwiches."

The burger debuted Tuesday at the restaurant in the Boca Raton Resort and Club, where a membership costs $40,000 and an additional $3,600 a year.

"We've never had a hamburger on our menu here so we really wanted to go to the extreme," Sherry said, calling it "the most decadent burger in the world."

At about 5 1/2 inches across and 2 1/2 inches thick, the mound of meat is comprised of beef from three continents ? American prime beef, Japanese Kobe and Argentine cattle.

The bill for one burger, with garnishing that includes organic greens, exotic mushrooms and tomatoes, comes out to $124.50 with tax and an 18 percent tip included.
------------------------------------------------------

Beach Fanatic

Jun 22, '06 · 5:55 AM#46

Darlene:

Yes, the beautiful beach is still free and you can still find yourself alone on a quiet beach at sunset on 30A through many months of the year (e.g., fall - winter and even some of May at our little area of 30A and I think at many other areas as well). Pretty amazing.

And you'll be happy to know that I've taught our children to never pay $2.00 for a take-out cup or can of soda pop (e.g., on trips) when you can by a case of soda pop for $3.00!

SoWal Insider

Jun 22, '06 · 8:29 AM#47

The burger debuted Tuesday at the restaurant in the Boca Raton Resort and Club, where a membership costs $40,000 and an additional $3,600 a year.

Now I understand why, when asked about the cost, the club president actually said "anybody can afford $100." Doesn't sound like he lives in the real world. :blink:

SoWal Insider

Jun 22, '06 · 8:32 AM#48

KDW: I'm with you, I actually have never thought about the dearth of places to get a drink and watch the sunset until it was brought up here. Nobody is stopping us from bringing our own beverages. We like to park in our Seagrove lot because the walkover is close and the beach is nice and wide ... great sunsets. The kids roll around in the sand and then we go home after looking for the green flash. Sometimes I envy the couples who casually bring down a whole bottle of wine and a towel and share it quietly, but our way is great too. I'd rather do that than sit at a table or a bar.

Admin

Jun 22, '06 · 8:39 AM#49

I have posted this before but got no reply. I understand Bud and Alleys will close at the end of the year along with my favorite place for a drink the Tarpon Club. Has anyone heard the same?

Not true, coming from the man himself.
[ame="http://www.sowal.com/bb/showpost.php?p=44539&postcount=33"]http://www.sowal.com/bb/showpost.php?p=44539&postcount=33[/ame]

Beach Fanatic

Jun 22, '06 · 7:51 PM#50

ORIGINAL QUOTE FROM SHELLY:
On second thought....this just may be a bargain club...check this out:
---------------------------------------------
BOCA RATON, Fla. - A hundred bucks might buy you more than six dozen burgers from McDonald's, but the swanky Old Homestead Steakhouse will sell you one brawny beef sandwich for the same price. Boca Raton Mayor Steven Abrams could barely speak between bites as he devoured the 20-ounce, $100 hamburger billed as the "beluga caviar of sandwiches."

The burger debuted Tuesday at the restaurant in the Boca Raton Resort and Club, where a membership costs $40,000 and an additional $3,600 a year.

Great point, Shelly, and I'm glad someone here besides me brought it up first as I was thinking of it all along! "Exclusive" clubs around the country cost major money - that is why people join them! And it's no secret St. Joe caters to those that want the privacy and priviledges associated with exclusivity. It's the Country Club mentality (at least up north, where I'm from, that is how it is). My brother just became a member of the club my father has been at forever and the initial fee to join was $35k with a $600 a month fee.:shock: There are a few included perks included but all tee fees are extra, etc. etc. And there is definitely no gorgeous gulf or ocean! Just a pool overlooking the perfectly manicured greens. It's just how much it costs and there are thousands of them around the US.

I actually have been quite surprised by the response of so many over the cost of initiation into the WaterSound Beach Club for this reason - $20K for that view is a DEAL. I mean - we are talking MULTI-million dollar homes and million dollar homesites - and that view!

Just my $.02 cents :razz:

SoWal Insider

Jun 22, '06 · 8:09 PM#51

ORIGINAL QUOTE FROM SHELLY:
On second thought....this just may be a bargain club...check this out:
---------------------------------------------
BOCA RATON, Fla. - A hundred bucks might buy you more than six dozen burgers from McDonald's, but the swanky Old Homestead Steakhouse will sell you one brawny beef sandwich for the same price. Boca Raton Mayor Steven Abrams could barely speak between bites as he devoured the 20-ounce, $100 hamburger billed as the "beluga caviar of sandwiches."

The burger debuted Tuesday at the restaurant in the Boca Raton Resort and Club, where a membership costs $40,000 and an additional $3,600 a year.

Great point, Shelly, and I'm glad someone here besides me brought it up first as I was thinking of it all along! "Exclusive" clubs around the country cost major money - that is why people join them! And it's no secret St. Joe caters to those that want the privacy and priviledges associated with exclusivity. It's the Country Club mentality (at least up north, where I'm from, that is how it is). My brother just became a member of the club my father has been at forever and the initial fee to join was $35k with a $600 a month fee.:shock: There are a few included perks included but all tee fees are extra, etc. etc. And there is definitely no gorgeous gulf or ocean! Just a pool overlooking the perfectly manicured greens. It's just how much it costs and there are thousands of them around the US.

I actually have been quite surprised by the response of so many over the cost of initiation into the WaterSound Beach Club for this reason - $20K for that view is a DEAL. I mean - we are talking MULTI-million dollar homes and million dollar homesites - and that view!

Just my $.02 cents