Peli Pel
at Kiva Dunes
Private, Natural, Breathtaking, Timeless
DESI GN IN G A D R EAM Designer Pat O’Neal of Pat O’Neal Interiors helped the family carry out their vision and create an ambiance that feels natural, airy, and light. To start, Pat limited the interior color palette for everything from wall colors to fabrics and flooring to varying shades of whites and grays. “We kept everything in a color reminiscent of the sand so that nothing would compete with the outdoors,” Pat says. “The very neutral palette lets the outdoors in. Instead of incorporating pops of color, we let the pops of color be the incredible water views.” Pat also let the outdoors in by mixing in a variety of textures throughout the home. In the main living area, she incorporated shiplap on the walls, linen fabrics on the sofas, sea grass on the dining chairs and stairways, and rough wooden tables that are reminiscent of driftwood. She carried the textures up to the master suite with a sea grass bed, wooden furniture, shabby rug, beaded board ceiling, and shiplap walls in the bathroom. The end result proved to be just what the Marcottes saw in the home all along. “Our vision became a reality, so we couldn’t be happier,” Andy says. “The home now has an elegant, barefoot beach style. It isn’t competing with the beach and the outdoor views—it frames them. The interior is the backdrop. The beach is still the star.”
“THE STAIRWAY IS INTENDED TO BE A UNIFYING ELEMENT...THE OPEN RISERS ALLOW LIGHT TO PENETRATE BELOW, CREATING AN INVITING EXPERIENCE.”
TIME LESS B E A C H B EAU T Y After owning the property for a few years, the Marcottes decided it was time to make a few needed cosmetic renovations to update the three bedroom two-and-ahalf bathroom abode. For that, they turned to Mike McCurley of Mike McCurley & Associates. Inside, Mike installed new cabinets and granite in the kitchen and baths, new plumbing fixtures, new flooring, and new trim throughout the home. On the exterior, Mike installed new windows and doors that were more energy efficient and held up better to the coastal weather, replaced the original stucco with a combination of new higher quality stucco and hardy board, and rebuilt the porches and handrails. “We didn’t change anything about the style or look of the house,” Mike adds. “We simply replaced materials that needed it after years of use in the coastal Alabama weather.” With the necessary renovations complete, Andy and Jill turned their attention to updating the interior design. And just as specific as they were with selecting their home, they also had a particular vision in mind for its décor. “The house has beautiful views so we wanted to keep it simple and serene,” Andy explains. “To us, it just made sense to keep it connected to the natural Alabama beach and keep the attention on the outside.”
BREATH TA K IN G V I EW S Sometimes, creating the perfect beach home takes a little patience. For Andy and Jill Marcotte, this was certainly the case. While they knew exactly what they wanted—a comfortable place to create memories with family and friends in Kiva Dunes—it took some time for all of the details to fall into place. “We always loved the look of this one particular house with its wrap around decks, close proximity to the beach and pool, and expansive views that its corner lot provides,” Andy explains. “We just knew this particular home was the one. When it finally came up for sale, we went straight up to the third floor to see its incredible views. We loved it just as much as we thought we would.”
PA NO RA M IC VI EW S One of the family’s favorite aspects of the house is the amazing views. Practically every room of the home offers stunning views of the neighborhood. And, if that’s not enough, there’s the 1,300 square feet of wrap around porches on two separate floors. “The home is a spacious property because it’s so open with long views to take in,” says Andy. “And being out on the third floor porch off the master bedroom is an experience in itself. You get a feeling of ‘aaahhh’ as soon as you open the doors and walk out.” While keeping the décor simple, light, and clean so as not to compete with the incredible views outside, Pat was sure to keep maintenance to a minimum as well. Most all of the fabrics, including the slipcovers on the sofa and chairs, are made of manageable materials so that they can easily be wiped down or removed and washed. Many of the tabletops, such as the living room’s coffee table and side tables in the bedrooms, have a rustic look so they don’t show wear. Pat also made sure to select stainless steel appliances in the kitchen and plumbing fixtures in the bathroom because they hold up better to the south Alabama weather. “Andy and his family are busy people,” she says. “So when they do get to come spend time here, I want them to be able to come in and be comfortable to live here without worry.”
NO PLACE L IKE P EL I P EL While the Marcottes try to spend as much time at Peli Pel as possible now, it wasn’t until the late 1990s that they made their first trip to the Fort Morgan area. And, not surprisingly, it took just the one visit to fall in love with Kiva Dunes. “Being from up north, we didn’t know a lot about Alabama’s beach,” Andy explains. “When we finally came, we couldn’t believe how remote and beautiful Fort Morgan was. After that, we visited about every year.” Each and every visit over the years has left the family with countless memories, whether of enjoying time out on the beach, partaking in competitive rounds of golf, watching a Kiva sunset out on the porch, or simply sitting around the table enjoying a meal together. “To me, one of the best things about being at Kiva Dunes is that it’s a carefree place,” Andy says. “You can sit out on the porch and wave to neighbors and really feel like part of a community. And kids can roam around and explore the community and have so much to do. My son has grown up coming to Peli Pel with us, and he loves bringing his friends along to share in the fun times we have here.” Those fun times have been amplified since the home’s renovation. “Thanks to Pat, we now have exactly what we want in a home at the beach,” Andy says. “The home is now modern and yet still gives off a beachy feel. Even when you’re inside, you still feel so connected to nature.”
7242 Blue Heron Cove $699,000 •
Approximately. 2156 sq. ft. Heated/Cooled
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3 bedrooms/2.5 baths
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Room to add separate Guest House on property
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Stunning remodel designed by Pat O’Neal
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Beach side access and gulf views
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1300 sq. ft. of wrap around porches
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Entire 3rd floor mater suite
Interested in the property? SEND ALL INQUIRIES TO:
Tim McCrory 866.540.7100
tim@kivadunes.com
866.540.7100 Trusted advisors. Gulf Shores Real Estate: EdgemonPropertyGroup.com