Special LUXURY REAL ESTATE EDITION Inside
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La Crème de la Crème
ALYS BEACH
THE GOLD STANDARD in the NEW URBANISM MOVEMENT July 2020
The Power of Reach THROUGH
THE PERFECT TEAM LINDA MILLER REAL ESTATE & WHO’S WHO IN LUXURY REAL ESTATE · WHO’S WHO IN LUXURY REAL ESTATE has been leading the industry since 1986 and is represented in 74 countries. · LUXURY REAL ESTATE sells over $300 billion in real estate a year with 130,000 professionals. · LuxuryRealEstate.com remains the #1 portal for LUXURY properties on the web. · LuxuryRealEstate.com has more $1 million-plus listings than any near peer. · Linda Miller is proud to serve on the BOARD OF REGENTS for the most elite and comprehensive luxury real estate network in the world.
W H O ’S W H O I N L UXU RY R E A L E S TAT E THE WEBBY AWARD -WINNING LUXURY REAL ESTATE WEBSITE WITH THE MOST MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR PROPERTIES:
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INFO RMAT IO N P R OV I DE D B Y W HO' S W HO I N L UXURY R E AL E S TAT E , 2020.
22 YEARS OF SELLING SCENIC HW Y 30A
EXPERIENCE OVER HALF A BILLION IN SALES
KNOWLEDGE HUNDREDS OF HAPPY CUSTOMERS
WISDOM
L I N D A M I L L E R L U X U R Y. C O M Linda@thesmileof30a.com | (850) 974-8885 5297 E Scenic Hwy 30-A #102, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
THE BEST OF ROSEM ARY
139 ROSEM ARY AVENUE RO S E M A RY B E AC H, F L O R I DA – $3,9 9 9, 0 0 0
“Tyson’s Corner,” where Rosemary Avenue and East Water Street meet, was renovated by A Boheme Design in 2012 with an open-plan living area great for the entire family, plus an adorable carriage house!
8 SAINT GEORGES L ANE RO S E M A RY B E AC H, F L O R I DA – $2 , 650, 0 0 0
This fresh, contemporary home on a corner lot fronts the children’s playground to the south and is just steps from the beach and Coquina Pool. Enjoy master suites on the first and second floors, a bunk room, and lots of bonus space for the kids.
LindaMillerLuxury.com Linda@thesmileof30a.com | (850) 974-8885 5417 E County Hwy 30-A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
THE BEST OF WATERSOUND
10 0 SOUTH BRIDGE L ANE #319-C
60 SOUTH SHIN GLE L ANE
WAT E R S O U N D B E AC H, F L O R I DA – $1, 83 0, 0 0 0
WAT E R S O U N D, F L O R I DA – $ 4, 695, 0 0 0
This 2,000-plus-square-foot Gulf-front luxury home boasts beach views for
This fabulous corner lot is adjacent to the golf cart path and just steps from
a mile! This is the best-priced one-level residence in the area, with an open
the beach, backing up to a protected natural conservation area that ensures
floor plan, spacious master suite, large balcony, and garage.
unobstructed Gulf views and ample light through its incredible windows!
C E L E B R AT I N G
25
IN BUSINESS!
YEARS
T W O S T Y L I S H L O C AT I O N S T O S E R V E Y O U ! 12870 U.S. Highway 98 West | Miramar Beach, FL 32550 | (850) 837-5563 Shoppes @ Inlet | 13625 Emerald Coast Pkwy East | Inlet Beach, FL 32461 | (850) 909-0435
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In this issue On the Cover
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THIS BEAUTIFUL PRIVATE HOME IN ALYS BEACH, FLORIDA, KNOWN AS THE BOND RESIDENCE, WAS DESIGNED BY ARCHITECT TOM CHRIST WITH INTERIOR DESIGNER CINDY MEADOR. THE INTERIORS ARE COMPLEMENTED BEAUTIFULLY BY CUSTOM MAPLE AND WALNUT DOORS CRAFTED AT E. F. SAN JUAN, INC.
Pristine white rooftops stretch from Scenic Highway 30-A to the shimmering Gulf of Mexico in the New Urban community of Alys Beach, Florida. This exquisitely designed resort town is part architectural masterpiece, part lifestyle mecca as it beckons lovers of all things beautiful, breezy, and beachy to its cobbled pathways, whimsical public spaces, and white-sand beaches.
FEATURE
99 L’intermission: My Fair Lady
28 La Crème de la Crème: Alys Beach Is
100 Living La Florida: From Beach to Bay
Photo by Brenna Kneiss
42 Serving the Community One Closing
Photo by Chris Luker
Perfection on the Gulf Coast
to Dune Lakes
LA MAISON 27
108 The Smile That Never Quits: Linda Miller
36 When One Door Closes, Another Opens: Crafting Excellence since 1976 at a Time
47 L’intermission: Lost at Sea 48 The Stars of the Kitchen 54 A Decade of Thoughtful Design: A BOHEME Works Magic
Vie is a French word meaning “life” or “way of living.” VIE magazine sets itself apart as a high-gloss publication that focuses on human-interest stories with heart and soul. From Seattle to NYC with a concentration in the Southeast, VIE is known for its unique editorial approach—a broad spectrum of deep content with rich photography. The award-winning magazine was founded in 2008 by husband-and-wife team Lisa and Gerald Burwell, owners of the specialty publishing and branding house known as The Idea Boutique®. From the finest artistically bound books to paperless digital publication and distribution, The Idea Boutique provides comprehensive publishing services to authors and organizations. Its team of creative professionals delivers a complete publishing experience—all that’s needed is your vision.
PUBLISHED BY
116 Paradise Found: Find Yours with Premier Property Group
123 L’intermission: You Grow, Girl! 126 Selling a Lifestyle: The Beach Group 132 L’intermission: You Grow, Girl! 123 Live Who You Are: Corcoran Group Teams with Hilary Farnum-Fasth and Jacob Watkins
60 The Client Is Her Muse: A Legacy of Style
VISUAL PERSPECTIVES 139
68 The Life of a Show Home: A Sneak Peek into
140 An Artistic Evolution: Christian Calvin
the VIE Beach House
Keeps Faith
C’EST LA VIE CURATED COLLECTION: HOME REFRESH 72
146 Community Heroes: Stepping Up in Times
INSIDER PERSPECTIVES FROM LUXURY REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS 79
Seaside Expands
80 Rising to the Challenge: Scenic Sotheby’s
of Need
150 A Garden of Memories: The Chapel at 156 Life Is a Battlefield: A Warrior Overcomes All
International Realty
THE LAST WORD: SWEET SUMMER 163
86 Exceeding Excellence: Engel & Völkers
AU REVOIR! 169
Leads the Way THEIDEABOUTIQUE.COM INFO@THEIDEABOUTIQUE.COM
Real Estate
92 Time to Go To The Beach! Christie’s Comes to 30-A V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 11
Photo by Jack Gardner
Fulfilling Dreams Since 1976
efs a nj u a n.c o m
CREATIVE TEAM FOUNDER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LISA MARIE BURWELL Lisa@VIEmagazine.com
FOUNDER / PUBLISHER GERALD BURWELL Gerald@VIEmagazine.com
EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR JORDAN STAGGS Jordan@VIEmagazine.com
CHIEF COPY EDITOR MARGARET STEVENSON CONTRIBUTING WRITERS SALLIE W. BOYLES, FELICIA FERGUSON, ANTHEA GERRIE, MYLES MELLOR, KELSEY OGLETREE, CAROLYN O’NEIL, TORI PHELPS, SUZANNE POLL AK, NICHOL AS S. RACHEOTES, COLLEEN SACHS, JANET THOMAS, MEGAN WALDREP
ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY CREATIVE DIRECTOR TRACEY THOMAS Tracey@VIEmagazine.com
ART DIRECTOR HANNAH VERMILLION Hannah@VIEmagazine.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS SIMON BERLYN, COLLEEN DUFFLEY, JACK GARDNER, CHRYSEIS GOLDEN, RACHEL GOODE, ALEX HALL, JEREMY HARWELL, JEFF HERR, BRENNA KNEISS, CHRIS LITTLE, CHRIS LUKER, MIKECPHOTO, ROMONA ROBBINS, LYDIA SAN JUAN, ANTHONY SMOOTS, CALIN STAN, TROY WARD, 20/30NORTH STUDIOS, ALYSSA ARYN PHOTOGRAPHY, CREATIVE TRAVEL PROJECTS, HELLO MISS LOVELY, JACQUELINE WARD IMAGES, MILLIE HOLLOMAN PHOTOGRAPHY, TIM KRAMER PHOTOGRAPHY, SHUTTERSTOCK
ADVERTISING, SALES, AND MARKETING DIGITAL MARKETING DIRECTOR MEGHN HILL SOCIAL MEDIA AND BRAND MANAGER ABIGAIL RYAN BRAND AMBASSADOR LISA MARIE BURWELL Lisa@VIEmagazine.com MARTA RATA Marta@VIEmagazine.com
AD MANAGER ABIGAIL RYAN Abigail@VIEmagazine.com
VIE is a registered trademark. All contents herein are Copyright © 2008–2020 Cornerstone Marketing and Advertising, Incorporated (Publisher). All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. VIE is a lifestyle magazine and is published twelve times annually on a monthly schedule. The opinions herein are not necessarily those of the Publisher. The Publisher and its advertisers will not be held responsible for any errors found in this publication. The Publisher is not liable for the accuracy of statements made by its advertisers. Ads that appear in this publication are not intended as offers where prohibited by state law. The Publisher is not responsible for photography or artwork submitted by freelance or outside contributors. The Publisher reserves the right to publish any letter addressed to the editor or the Publisher. VIE is a paid publication. Subscription rates: Printed magazine – One-year $29.95; Two-year $49.95. Subscriptions can be purchased online at www.VIEmagazine.com.
14 | JULY 2020
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Editor’s Note
HOLD ON— LOVE CONQUERS ALL And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.
T
—1 CORINTHIANS 13:13
o say that strife and unrest have been ever present this year would be an understatement. The state of our nation’s contentious political arena, the novel coronavirus, staggering unemployment numbers, and civil unrest have all revealed how divided we are in these United States of America. George Floyd’s name and death will go down in history as the final tipping point that could not, and should not, be ignored. I am sorry that, as a member of the human race, we have not made more headway in unity with and love and acceptance for our sisters and brothers, no matter the color of their skin, race, or creed. I am sorry that I was blind to how bad things are for so many in America and to the systemic prejudice that is rampant throughout our society. I am sorry for my naïveté in thinking that because I did not have hate in my heart, most people didn’t either. The collision of the social protests with the economic consequences of the pandemic has, in some way, created the perfect storm to stir up what probably needed some stirring, to be honest. Again, humanity finds itself pivoting off balance from an unexpected and turbulent force, but this time, it is on the heels of a wave of civil unrest the likes the world has never seen before. And, again, we find ourselves learning how to cope as we try to resume our lives. When it comes to compassion, it seems that we keep revisiting the lessons of history again and again—but without actually recognizing our errors and learning from our mistakes. It’s almost as if humankind were functioning like a projectile controlled by a gyroscope that is calibrated to keep us all on a path paved with incivility and hatred. If we do not give our gyroscope a hard reset—one that introduces a genuine love for one another, we will continue hurtling on a cruel and painful course to self-destruction. Change is brewing, and it’s going to usher in a new world. Being the eternal optimist that I am, I hold to the belief that the world’s future is going to better than its past. It has to be better. How much longer can we allow so much inequality, racism, economic disparity, lack of civility, and unkindness? The very ethos in creating VIE thirteen years ago was to shine a light on goodness while telling only uplifting stories. And so, in VIE’s true spirit of “heart and soul,” we will continue to do just that. This issue, our annual Architecture & Design issue, is a testament to the beauty created by humankind and the amazing things people can accomplish. Enjoy the beautiful works of art—from breathtaking homes and interiors by architects and interior designers to works by amazing cutting-edge artists. Read how nonprofit organizations are keeping their visions alive through the challenges presented by stay-at-home orders. In “Life Is a Battlefield—A Warrior Overcomes All,” read the remarkable story of wounded Army veteran Geoff Speyrer, who is striving to raise both money and awareness for Mission 22, a nonprofit that provides resources for veterans struggling with crippling brain injuries and post-traumatic stress.
Blessings come in many forms. One unexpected blessing is that nonurban America is enjoying a resurgence as highly desirable places to live. This has been a boon to many areas, including Northwest Florida, home to the New Urbanism–rich Gulf-front community where VIE is headquartered. The real estate revival here has led to our creating an exclusive luxury edition highlighting the real estate market along the Scenic Highway 30-A and neighboring areas. Hear the success stories from a curated collection of experts in the real estate marketplace as they expound on their experiences of an unprecedented increase in real estate transactions. And, finally, I am excited to announce our recently launched podcast, VIE Speaks, a new storytelling extension of VIE with me as host. Some episodes, if not all, will have accompanying video for those desiring an enriched and visual experience. Please listen to (or watch) Episode #1—“Rescue Me” with guest Laurie Hood, founder of Alaqua Animal Refuge, a no-kill animal shelter— and learn about her recent digital telecast fund-raiser called “Rescue Me,” where she created a new and innovative platform for her fund-raising efforts. (http://viemagazine.com/vie-speaks-conversations-with-heart-soul-podcast) Much love and goodwill to all. To Life! VIE founder/editorin-chief Lisa Burwell and Alaqua Animal Refuge founder Laurie Hood after recording the first episode of the VIE Speaks podcast
—Lisa Marie Founder/Editor-In-Chief
Photo by Anthony Smoots V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 19
A LIFESTYLE, A WAY OF BEING. THAT’S VONDOM. Avant-garde and outdoor furniture made with a passion for the future. Vondom’s goal is to contribute to a clean environment and repair our seas and coasts by transforming plastic waste dispersed in our oceans into recyclable and life-long products. These products are designed by and for dynamic people, innovators, curious types... like you, who enjoy fashion and trends, and demand the best quality in everything around them while staying focused on protecting and caring for the world.
Now available exclusively at Isidro Dunbar Modern Interiors. 12170 Emerald Coast Parkway | Miramar Beach | (850) 267-1699 | idmidesign.com
The Creatives We collaborate with talented photographers, writers, and other creatives on a regular basis, and we’re continually inspired by how they pour their hearts and souls into their crafts. Follow these creatives on social media and don’t forget to check out our account, @viemagazine.
IN THIS ISSUE, WE ASKED THE CREATIVES: HOW DOES ARCHITECTURE INFLUENCE YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS, WHETHER IN DESIGN OR OTHER FIELDS OF WORK, AND HOW DO YOU WORK IN TANDEM WITH IT?
architect need to have a firm grasp of the methodologies to carry a project from start to finish effectively, but he/she also needs to do it in such a way while achieving the project’s aesthetic objective. In my second life as the co-owner of a branding company and the publisher of a luxury lifestyle media outlet, I have found significant similarities between the two fields. And, as a result, my approach to the management of branding and publication/ media projects has proven advantageous. My takeaway from these experiences is that successful project management comes from, first and foremost, an aptitude for attention to detail and then a sound knowledge base of the task at hand, which can only come from either proper instruction, qualified experience, or a mixture of both.
CHRISTIAN CALVIN Artist, “An Artistic Evolution” @christiancalvin33
GERALD BURWELL Publisher and Architect @burwellassociates
The creative process of a successful architect is a two-track thought process that occurs from the beginning of the project and carries through to the completion of construction (and, as many would argue, beyond that). These are (1) the aesthetic track, which primarily involves the design of the environment to be inhabited and visually appreciated by humans—whether that is interior, exterior, or a combination of both, and (2) the planning and management of building systems, which includes a good understanding of structural integrity and effective construction methods. So, not only does the
EDWARD A. SAN JUAN Craftsman, “When One Door Closes, Another Opens” @e.f.sanjuan
Most of the products we manufacture are initially envisioned by an architect or an interior designer. Our challenge is to take their design vision and create a product that will not only reflect the intended aesthetic but also perform well and age gracefully. Selection of wood species, grain orientation, and joinery methods are all influenced by the application and guided by the original design vision. In our business of custom wood millwork, the collaboration and challenge are invigorating!
SO, NOT ONLY DOES THE ARCHITECT NEED TO HAVE A FIRM GRASP OF THE METHODOLOGIES TO CARRY
Architecture is important in my creative process as an artist because art and architecture are very similar and are intimately related. Architecture is the art and science of designing buildings and spaces. My art is design on a canvas. Architecture is all about taking a landscape or existing group of buildings, homes, and/ or other structures and improving them with a new addition or giving the existing space new design features. One of my goals as an artist is to build on a canvas by creating a piece that brings joy to the owner or viewer. Architecture over the years has changed in style, color, and look and according to design trends. Art also changes with the times, with colors and styles that are popular and bring joy. Some of my art features buildings and skylines that are directly influenced by architecture.
A PROJECT FROM START TO FINISH EFFECTIVELY, BUT HE/SHE ALSO NEEDS TO DO IT IN SUCH A WAY WHILE ACHIEVING THE PROJECT’S AESTHETIC OBJECTIVE.
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 23
NOW OPEN • MONDAY ‑ SATURDAY, 10 AM ‑ 6 PM • SUNDAY, 12 PM ‑ 5 PM
F INE FAS H I O N, JE WE L RY, HOM E ACC ESSOR I ES, G I FTS, A N D ALYS B E AC H AP PA R E L • LO C AT E D O N T H E E AST E N D O F H I G H WAY 3 0 A IN ALYS B E AC H 30 MARK TWAIN LANE ALYS BEACH, FL 32461 • 850.213.5550 • SHOP ONLINE AT ALYSSHOPPE.COM
La conversation
Let’s Get Connected WE LOVE TO COMMUNICATE AND INTERACT WITH OUR READERS! AND WE LOVE IT EVEN MORE WHEN THEY PROUDLY SHARE THEIR STORIES AND POSE WITH VIE FOR A CLOSE-UP! THAT’S WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT: SHARING, LOVING, AND BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS. WE THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH AND WE APPRECIATE YOU!
@lovelaceinteriors Thank you, VIE magazine, for the write-up of what we do at Lovelace.
@kellylynchofficial What an honor! Thanks, @viemagazine, for featuring our home! Click my link in bio to see more photos of the Lautner Harvey House and to read about the restoration!
@lisamburwell The VIE Speaks podcast kicked off today with @lauriehhood, founder of @alaquaanimalrefuge. Conversations with Heart & Soul reigned supreme this afternoon in my office studio with one of the sweetest souls I have the good fortune to know. @bellaflora.30a, you outdid yourselves with the gorgeous floral arrangements.
@bevolo Even amid the COVID-19 crisis that shut down the world-renowned New Orleans French Quarter, a beacon reminds America that even the darkest times can’t snuff out every flicker of hope. Watch our story to see our recent feature in @viemagazine’s June 2020 decor and home issue.
LET’S TALK!
@darbarla Just a few months ago the world was such a different place! Enjoying a beautiful evening with Cora Sue Collins and Peggy Adams in Florida. Thank you, @leah_rial, for making it happen and @viemagazine for the great photo.
@jordanlstaggs So, I recorded my first podcast as a guest yesterday on @viemagazine’s new VIE Speaks: Conversations with Heart & Soul, hosted by the lovely @lisamburwell! Go check out the first episode starring @lauriehhood of @alaquaanimalrefuge on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc. Stay tuned to hear my convo with Lisa about some of our VIE adventures from the past nine years. Oh and uh, you might hear me rapping part of @hamiltonmusical. Podcast produced with @alohaborah.media, photos by @aesmoots.
Send VIE your comments and photos on our social media channels or by emailing us at info@viemagazine.com. We’d love to hear your thoughts. They could end up in the next La conversation!
VIEmagazine.com
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 25
Photography by Chris Luker
• Winner of 2019 Seaside Prize • Exhibited by the Smithsonian Museum • Featured in Architectural Design, Architectural Record, and Veranda • Homes have been featurded on HGTV’s Homes Across America 1701 E County Hwy 30-A, Suite 201-C, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 ChristandAssociates.com | Office: (850) 231-0883 | Cell: (850) 585-2251
La maison
La maison WHERE THE HEART IS
The Bedford Sofa, Costa Mesa Collection coffee table, and Colton Occasional Chair play the starring roles in this bright and summery living room by Williams Sonoma. Visit Williams-Sonoma.com to shop.
It’s time for summer living, and the experts at Williams Sonoma launched their Summer 2020 collection of indoor and outdoor furnishings and accessories with the season’s activities in mind! Cool blue and green hues remind us of the pool or the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico, while natural tones and textures bring a beachy flair to beautiful tables, chairs, and lounges. Bench-made by expert craftsmen at a single station from start to finish, the brand’s Bedford Sofas are built with durable kiln-dried hardwood frames and eight-way hand tied springs for lasting support.
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 27
La CRÈME de la CRÈME ALYS BEACH IS PERFECTION ON THE GULF COAST
I n t e r v i e w b y L I S A B U RW E L L | I n t r o b y J O R D A N S TA G G S
28 | JULY 2020
La maison
I
f you grew up visiting the coastal South, particularly the area that is affectionately called “30-A” after the eighteen-mile scenic highway that runs parallel to its white-sand beaches, you might have marveled over the pristine town of Alys Beach when passing through. Alys Beach is a gorgeous example of New Urban town planning, created by Miami-based firm Duany Plater-Zyberk in the late 1990s and realized in 2004. The community was designed to combine “the harmonious forms of Bermudan architecture with the gracious character of courtyard living,” according to the town’s website. “The vision for Alys Beach embraces a commitment to architectural excellence and a deep respect for the natural environment.”
Elton B. Stephens had a dream of creating a community like no other when he purchased the land just north of the Gulf of Mexico that would become Alys Beach—(the community was named for his wife, Alys). Years later, his son Jim, along with town founder Jason Comer, and many others made that dream a reality. “Creating Alys Beach was large,” Comer told The Alys Gazette on the town’s tenth anniversary. “We were trying to create a place that was all about those highly formative and memorable events in our childhood. And when you approach something with that sort of love in your heart, you give it everything.” Today, Alys Beach is a thriving beach community moving into its final development phases. Town Architects Erik Vogt and Marieanne Khoury-Vogt oversee the design of beautiful courtyard, compound, and villa homesites along with common areas and amenities to fill out the community. Visitors might claim that strolling through the town feels like you’ve stepped into a magical fourth dimension. A place where the salty sea breeze makes fabric curtains ripple from the private courtyards and balconies that line streets with whimsical names like Nonesuch Way or Sugar Lump Lane. And, perhaps surprisingly, even in the midst of a global pandemic, people can’t wait to have a piece of that magic to call their own. In fact, Alys Beach just closed its most profitable off-season in the real estate market.
Left: This gorgeous courtyard home in Alys Beach, known as the Bond residence, was designed by architect Tom Christ of Christ & Associates, with interior design by Cindy Meador Interiors. Photo by Chris Luker Opposite: The Gulf Green at Alys Beach offers unparalleled views and stunning event space for weddings and more. Photo courtesy of Alys Beach V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 29
La maison
spending time with family. Having a beach home in Alys Beach offers this escape to a place where one can spend time in the outdoors and share memorable times with family.
VIE: You’ve just experienced your strongest offseason sales record—congratulations! Why do you think this is? TD: Partially thanks to the mind-set of our customers and also because Alys Beach is now becoming a real town with the delivery of our town center (where shops and restaurants will soon open), the opening of ZUMA (a stateof-the-art wellness and fitness center), and the realization of the private owners Beach Club at Alys Beach, which will be completing construction later this year. These have been differentiators for Alys Beach in our marketplace. VIE took some time with Alys Beach’s vice president of sales, Tom Dodson, and director of public relations, Diana Lane, to talk about this phenomenon and the growth of Alys Beach moving forward in 2020.
VIE: The town planners at Duany Plater-Zyberk have said that Alys Beach is their favorite community they have envisioned along Scenic Highway 30-A, and many would agree. What sets Alys Beach apart? Its ethos, its architecture, its way of life?
Tom Dodson: Two things truly differentiate Alys from others: the architecture—the number one driver of our buyer’s interest—and the sense of community. With only 22 percent of our homes in the Alys Beach Rental Program, the 78 percent of true second homes and primary residences have formed lasting relationships in Alys Beach. I was speaking with a second-home owner who said they have their old friends where they have their permanent residence, but they have their special Alys Beach friends that they look forward to spending valued time with while at the beach.
VIE: How has the real estate market in Alys Beach been affected by COVID-19, if at all?
TD: The COVID-19 pandemic is a very difficult time and one that no one was expecting or prepared for. It has made people rethink what’s important and what we were meant to do. It has caused a pause in peoples’ lives, an opportunity to remember the value of 30 | JULY 2020
VIE: What have been your most significant achievements in real estate so far in 2020? TD: Alys Beach took a strong position during the downturn of the real estate market from 2008 to 2012 in that the founder did not drop pricing in Alys Beach to what the current market prices were at the time.
“
THE SETTING ALONGSIDE THE PLAZA WITH THE BEACH CLUB TO THE WEST AND THE EXCEPTIONAL SUNSET VIEWS TO THE BEACH MAKE THIS A VERY PROMINENT SITE IN ALYS BEACH.
Left: The main entrance of the Bond residence shows off the clean lines and pristine materials chosen by architect Tom Christ, modern coastal decor elements by Cindy Meador, and a beautiful custom Invincia impactrated door created by the local craftsmen at E. F. San Juan. Photo by Chris Luker
The unique rooftops, towers, and architectural accents found on every home and public space in Alys Beach reinforce the town founders’ and planners’ exquisite taste and desire to create an exceptional destination along Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. Photo by Jeremy Harwell
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 31
“
THE BEACH CLUB WILL BE THE ICONIC PLACE IN ALYS BEACH THAT WILL OPTIMIZE THE BEACH EXPERIENCE. This was to ensure owners that we were not going to negatively impact their pricing as well. I believe we benefited greatly from this both as a developer and as a town. We have continued to see the vision of Alys Beach become a reality with the delivery of the town amenities and town center, as well as with the continued growth of developed homes. It has been the realization of the vision and the growth of the town that has been quite rewarding.
VIE: You have just announced The Selene and Easterly, two new Gulf-front condominiums in Alys Beach. Can you tell us a little about these new buildings and what makes them exceptional investment properties?
TD: Scott Merrill and the team from Merrill, Pastor & Colgan have worked with Alys Beach for several years. Scott had collaborated with Andrés Duany in the very early visioning years of Alys Beach. We worked with Merrill, Pastor & Colgan on the design development of a prominent Town Center residential and commercial building, The May, and were extremely pleased with the attention to detail and felt that they would be the best architects for the design of The Selene and Easterly.
VIE: What news can you share about commercial real estate and new retail and restaurant offerings coming up in Alys Beach?
TD: We are most excited with the offering of The TD: We have worked on the casting of our Town Center to ensure a good mix
Selene and Easterly, which will complete the Beach Club complex, comprising the private owners Beach Club, the Beach Plaza, and The Selene and Easterly. We wanted to complete the Plaza, which is flanked by The Beach Club on the west and The Selene and Easterly on the east. We wanted Scott Merrill and his team from Merrill, Pastor & Colgan Architects to lead the design direction for this important neighborhood, the only Gulf-front condominium neighborhood planned in Alys Beach. The setting alongside the Plaza with The Beach Club to the west and the exceptional sunset views to the beach make this a very prominent site in Alys Beach.
VIE: How is progress coming along on The Beach Club at Alys Beach, and what makes this such an exciting new amenity for owners and guests?
VIE: How did the architects work with the existing
TD: We are extremely pleased with the delivery of The Beach Club at Alys Beach
Alys Beach town plan to ensure a seamless integration for these new condos?
and anticipate opening in late fall of 2020. The Beach Club will be the iconic place in Alys Beach that will optimize the beach experience and the unforgettable
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of tenants to offer a memorable experience for our owners and guests in Alys Beach. The liner building, located on North Castle Harbour across from George’s Restaurant, is currently occupied by commercial tenants offering experiences from specialty cocktails, wine, spirits, and a variety of cuisines at NEAT Bottle Shop and Tasting Room to specialty boutiques of curated pieces, household furnishings, and accessories. A new restaurant, The Citizen, will be opening in late fall of 2020 in The May, and the majority of the commercial spaces in the newest buildings being delivered to the Town Center, The Camden & Whitby, have been leased.
Above: Christ & Associates, Cindy Meador Interiors, and Davis Dunn Construction collaborated with homeowners to create this modern marvel just off the Gulf of Mexico. Photo by Chris Luker Right: Many awardwinning architects have left their imprint on the townscape of Alys Beach, including Town Architects Erik Vogt and Marieanne Khoury-Vogt. They oversee the design of each beautiful courtyard, compound, and villa homesite. Photo by Brenna Kneiss
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WE GENUINELY FEEL THAT PEOPLE ARE LOOKING FOR COMMUNITIES WHERE FAMILY, NEIGHBORHOOD, AND CONNECTION ARE INTEGRAL AND WHERE THEY HAVE ACCESS TO AMENITIES.
Right: The Bond homeowners’ minimal yet bold style is reflected in sleek lines and exciting accents, such as multiple staircases by Christ & Associates and mid-century modern– inspired elements, decor, and lighting accents carefully selected by Cindy Meador Interiors. Photo by Chris Luker Opposite: As evidenced by inspiring homes such as the Bond residence, Alys Beach has honored its commitment to magnificent architecture and storytelling through design. The beautiful coastal setting, a one-of-a-kind blend of Bermudan and coastal Southern style, and high-end amenities have put this New Urban community on the map for affluent homebuyers, vacationers, celebrities, and the press. Photo by Chris Luker 34 | JULY 2020
views the Gulf Coast provides. This is a place where every detail is designed with homeowners in mind; it is here where owner relationships will be strengthened, friendships formed, and a community gathered in defining life at Alys Beach. The Beach Club will be a true differentiator for Alys Beach thanks to its private nature, providing an exclusive oasis for our owners. The Beach Club has been a part of the fabric for Alys Beach, part of the discussion and visioning for many years. With the downturn in the market in 2008, the Beach Club was put on hold but is now becoming a reality. Many have waited patiently, while others are now being driven to purchase based on this and other amenities, including ZUMA, recently delivered in Alys Beach.
VIE: Congratulations on the first edition of The Alys Journal! How is this different from the existing (and beautiful) newspaper, The Alys Gazette? What can readers expect with this newsletter’s On the Market section in the future?
Diana Lane: We’ve created this new digital publication as a way to keep our Alys Beach friends and family close in spirit, a way to reach out to readers more regularly to offer a virtual gateway into our beautiful town. The Alys Journal will be a casual, visual way to keep us connected, and to update readers on town news and developments—a bridge between our social media channels and The Alys Gazette (neither of which will be going away). Readers can expect to see regular highlights of new sales releases in the On the Market section, which will be a regular feature of The Alys Journal.
VIE: Do you expect to see more homeowners turning their Alys Beach properties into primary residences this year as a result of COVID-19 and the changing workforce environment? TD: We have seen many of our second-home owners living in Alys Beach for the past sixty days. They have been extremely pleased with their experience while living here and many are planning more time in Alys, especially those who are empty nesters. In the month of May, eighteen properties were contracted for purchase. Most of these new owners will split time between their residences and beach homes, with many claiming primary residence in Florida for tax purposes.
DL: We genuinely feel that people are looking for communities where family, neighborhood, and connection are integral and where they have access to amenities for wellness, life’s luxuries, and fun. The desire for a safe and secure environment has also come more into focus over the last several months and, while our Gulf beaches are a natural lure, the fact that our town is built to FORTIFIED Standards offers even more security and longevity to owners.
To learn more about Alys Beach and real estate opportunities in the community, visit AlysBeach.com or contact the sales center at sales@alysbeach.com or (866) 744-9958.
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President Edward A. San Juan, warehouse manager Donny Smith, and founder/CEO Edward F. San Juan. Smith has been on the E. F. San Juan team for twenty-three years. Right: The complex series of dust extraction pipes required by E. F. San Juan’s moulding machinery. 36 | JULY 2020
WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES,
ANOTHER OPENS CRAFTING EXCELLENCE SINCE 1976
By J O R D A N S T A G G S
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Photography by J A C K G A R D N E R
At first glance, a beautiful structure strikes you with its pleasing proportions and layout. As you look more closely, you begin to appreciate the smaller details that make the structure truly unique and remarkable.
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ustom wood details are the specialty of the San Juan family in Youngstown, Florida; they have been creating wood building products for architects and homeowners since 1976 at their eponymous firm, E. F. San Juan, Inc. Truthfully, the family business began before that, when Eddie San Juan, a cigar maker turned carpenter, opened a small cabinetry business in Miami in the mid-1900s. Eddie’s son, Edward F. San Juan (Ed), joined that business and built it into a furniture manufacturing operation before founding E. F. San Juan, Inc. in 1976. Today, Ed’s son, Edward, serves as the company’s president and leads a team that is focused on expanding the company’s reach and growing its custom cabinetry division after thirteen months of rebuilding in the wake of 2018’s Hurricane Michael.
“My father and grandfather started our family’s woodworking tradition in Miami, manufacturing cabinetry and furniture for custom homes, department stores, and banks, so you could say that we were a cabinetry company before anything else,” says Edward A. San Juan. “In fact, for years, people who met my dad or me for the first time would say ‘You make cabinets, right?’ So, it seemed natural that one day an expansion into cabinetry would be logical for us. It just took time and the right set of circumstances for this opportunity to be realized. Now that we are into our second year in this division of our business, we see tremendous demand for locally manufactured custom cabinetry. Our cabinetry team shines regarding design, product quality, fit, and finish. All our finishes are waterborne, and all our product is free of formaldehyde with all sheet goods domestically V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 37
M Y FAT H E R , T H E FOUNDER OF OUR C O M PA N Y, H A S TA U G H T U S W E L L A N D CONTINUES TO SHOW U S T H E R E S O LV E I T TA K E S T O P E R S E V E R E . our business and see tremendous opportunity not only as it relates to custom cabinetry, but also in the way of prefinished mouldings and interior and exterior doors. We recently shipped a prefinished entry door system to an estate on Long Island, and this sale was made possible by our ability to provide the door prefinished and ready for installation.”
Above: A beautiful mahogany gate clamped up for final assembly in E. F. San Juan’s new millwork plant in Youngstown, Florida Opposite top: Custom cabinetry and shelving created by E. F. San Juan and finished in Van Deusen blue Photo by Lydia San Juan Opposite bottom left: The cutting knife for an eleven-inch cove moulding Opposite bottom right: Edward F. San Juan next to a stack of pecky cypress lumber in the warehouse 38 | JULY 2020
sourced. We are so confident in the quality of the product we produce that we offer it with a lifetime warranty, and this means a lot to the clients we serve.” The growth of the company’s custom cabinetry division was not without its hiccups— the largest one being Hurricane Michael. But today, E. F. San Juan’s newest division has twelve employees, including Edward’s daughter, Lydia, focused on the cabinetry side of the company’s business. Although he was always interested in living up to the legacy of his grandfather’s cabinetry business, Edward says that it was important to wait for the right time to expand into that new division at E. F. San Juan. “If we had done it too soon, it had the potential to be a distraction to our core business,” he explains. “For this reason, we waited for the right opportunity and were fortunate enough to find it in 2017, when a husband-and-wife team agreed to sell their successful start-up cabinetry business to us. Through this acquisition, we were able to bring on a talented group of artisans along with an established clientele from which to grow this division. In June of 2018, we moved the team from the facility they leased nearby to a new, purposebuilt manufacturing facility on our campus. We have invested heavily in this division of
E. F. San Juan’s first cabinetry projects were relatively simple as they took the time to get more comfortable and hone expertise in the division—a wise approach from the experienced leadership team that has grown the business for over forty years. “At this point, we have an extremely talented cabinetry designer and design team whose imaginations we have been able to realize through the capabilities of our production and installation crew,” says Edward. “One recent project featured a complicated floor-to-ceiling wall full of geometrically challenging cabinetry finished in Van Deusen blue which, once installed, was simply stunning. Another project was built of soft maple that was uniquely characterized with wormholes and stains courtesy of the ambrosia beetle. Instead of building traditional cabinet doors with wood panels for the cabinetry in this country cabin, we built the panels from the bark of the poplar tree, and the result was truly unique and befitting of the locale. In all our woodworking endeavors, the real joy comes from the design challenge and the realization of the client’s, architect’s, and designer’s vision. Designing and manufacturing custom cabinetry gives us one more outlet to fulfill this ambition.”
La maison Although the majority of its business comes from the affluent neighborhoods along Scenic Highway 30-A in Northwest Florida, such as Alys Beach, E. F. San Juan’s reach goes far beyond the Gulf Coast and continues to expand. Some of its more common markets stretch down the state of Florida from Pensacola through Tallahassee, Tampa, Orlando, and Naples. Mobile and Birmingham, Alabama, have been rewarding as well, as have the eastern shore of Mobile Bay and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. “The Emerald Coast and the 30-A area are a strong market for us given the proximity to our production facilities and the volume of architecturally inspired projects there,” Edward explains. “Fortunately for us, the architects and interior designers with whom we have collaborated for many years have gained significant reputations outside of this area and, as a result, we have provided product up the Atlantic coast to projects in Virginia, New York, and Maine, as well as into the Caribbean. We have participated in projects as far west as Arizona (we had to make sure the lumber used in this project was very dry), as well as Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Montana.” Cities along the Florida coast and more are on the radar, as E. F. San Juan’s team continues to build relationships throughout the state. “With our trucks making regular trips to South Florida, the Atlantic coast from Vero Beach to Miami and up the Gulf Coast from Naples to Tampa are markets where we see a great need for our level of quality and service.”
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In addition to custom cabinetry, Edward says he and his team have found that homeowners are passionate about custom entry doors, another E. F. San Juan specialty. “We like to think they are passionate about all the products we manufacture, but these two categories generally are the most important millwork items in the eyes of the homeowner,” he says. “As a result, the builders, architects, and designers with whom we have worked to date sincerely value the fact that we can work directly with the homeowner to create the cabinetry they desire. The reaction of the client after a day of cabinetry installation is typically quite rewarding. Seeing an empty room of walls transform into a dream kitchen, bathroom, or closet will always bring a smile to the client’s face.”
E. F. San Juan has risen from the tough times and even used them as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Much of this is thanks to Edward’s positive, nurturing attitude as the company’s president. “Years ago, I learned an expression from a client turned friend, and I have carried it with me ever since,” he shares. “He would always end a note or conversation with the phrase ‘Make it a great day.’ This phrase made me contemplate and realize that it really is within our individual power to make every day a great day, and that is the attitude I bring to every new day. I believe that leaders have a responsibility to be a source of energy and positivity to those around them. As a leader, you may not have signed up for that role, but people are looking to you for guidance and inspiration.”
For a business that was nearly wiped out by a natural disaster less than two years ago, it’s inspiring to see how
Always looking for (and usually finding) a silver lining in any negative situation, Edward and his team have
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I B E L I E V E T H AT L E A D E R S H AV E A RESPONSIBILIT Y TO BE A SOURCE OF ENERGY AND POSITIVIT Y TO THOSE AROUND THEM. also seen opportunity rise from the recent coronavirus pandemic. “I think that COVID-19 has made many people realize that they can work from home,” he says. “I also think that it has made many people realize that they need to make some changes to their homes to make them more livable. Once the economy is back on track, I fully expect to see a number of inquiries for outdoor kitchens and new interior cabinetry to update existing homes. With our design ability, we can help a client transform an
existing space into a much more livable and enjoyable entertainment area.”
He continues, “I have a loving family and a great team around me. My father, the founder of our company, has taught us well and continues to show us the resolve it takes to persevere. We have worked hard to build a company that creates lasting beauty for our clients and rewarding careers for our team members. We love what we do and we recognize that time brings change and challenges in life and business. We cannot rest; we must constantly anticipate and evolve if we wish to remain relevant. At E. F. San Juan, we not only wish to be relevant, but we desire to be world class, and that challenge means continuous improvement must be a ritualized way of life. We live for the challenge!”
Opposite top: Three generations at E. F. San Juan—founder/CEO Edward F. San Juan, millwork production manager Eddie San Juan, and president Edward A. San Juan
VISIT EFSANJUAN.COM TO LEARN MORE AND SEE MORE OF THEIR WORK.
Photo by Lydia San Juan
Opposite bottom: Custom maple and poplar bark cabinetry created for a private residence in Northwest Florida by the team at E. F. San Juan
RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL RENOVATION
110 LOGAN LN., SUITE 3, SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL GRANDBAYCONSTRUCTION.COM Photo by Layne Lillie Photography
(850) 231-1437 | CGC # 1509111
SERVING the COMMUNITY One Closing at a Time
Right: The Shoreline Title team: Debby Davis, Laken Kirkland, Mary Blake Williams, Kirby Williams, Christy Mooney, and Farrar Barker Photo by 20/30north Studios
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“As you know, Destin and South Walton really are small, close-knit communities where, as in most businesses, relationships are very important. e have been fortunate to establish great relationships within our community through work, church, and family as well as community and school activities,” says Kirby Williams, cofounder of Shoreline Title in Grayton Beach, Florida. “We are even more fortunate that many of those relationships are more than working or professional ones: they are genuine friendships. It is our goal that our clients and customers feel the same way! We celebrate the fact they entrust us with resort vacation, primary, or secondary home purchases or commercial real estate transactions.” Community is the backbone of Shoreline Title, which was founded in 2017 by Kirby, Christy Mooney, and Farrar Barker. Each brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the business, which specializes in title services, real estate law, and corporate law—the latter two through its sister company, Barker Williams, PLLC. Christy has been in the title business in Florida’s Okaloosa, Bay, and Walton Counties since 2000, Farrar has practiced corporate and business law in the Florida Panhandle since 2012 after practicing in Atlanta for four years, and Kirby has been a real estate attorney in Walton County since 2001 after practicing in Montgomery, Alabama, for four years. The founders of Shoreline
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We have been blessed with good clients and customers who trust us again and again with their high-quality work, particularly when there are several good title companies in the area for them to choose.
clients and investors have related business needs, the accessibility makes for a seamless process for each client. We’ve all worked together for some time and have had little turnover, so our clients know what and who they are getting when they reach out to us.”
Above: Kirby Williams and Christy Mooney discuss strategy for real estate closings with Farrar Barker and Laken Kirkland Photo by 20/30north Studios
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Title all previously worked together, along with Laken Kirkland and Debby Davis, at what was then known as Clark Partington Hart Larry Bond and Stackhouse, a well-respected regional law firm. “The two companies—Shoreline and Barker Williams—complement each other well, as this wonderful piece of paradise that we live and work in thrives on small businesses and real estate,” says Farrar. “Christy manages the real estate closings and is supported by Debby and Laken. Debby also welcomes clients and customers as our receptionist, while Laken also supports Kirby and me as a certified paralegal. Mary Blake Williams is our bookkeeper and office administrator, keeping track of expenses, planning events, and doing all the behind-the-scenes things. Having the two companies in the same office can be challenging at times, but since many real estate
Spend even a few minutes in the lobby at Shoreline Title, and you’ll notice right away that these coworkers really like each other. Theirs is a culture of mutual respect and kindness, which is extended to every client who walks through the door. Perhaps this is partially because of their shared history and the many returning clients who have become like family over the years. Even the office pets have a special bond. “We have been blessed with good clients and customers who trust us again and again with their high-quality work, particularly when there are several good title companies in the area for them to choose,” says Christy. “The fact we have a real estate closer with twenty years of title experience and two attorneys with over thirty-five years of combined legal experience involved in the day-to-day operation of Shoreline Title sets us apart from many other title companies. While we believe our clients and customers appreciate the friendly, low-pressure atmosphere at our office, we also believe our professionalism, responsiveness, knowledge of the process, quality work product, and focus on exceeding expectations also set us apart. We appreciate a reputation for integrity, honesty, and serving our community well and don’t want to take these attributes for granted.”
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Above left: Children enjoying their time singing together at a food distribution center in León, Nicaragua, where Shoreline Title has partnered on mission work with Twelve Churches, a nonprofit based in Tallahassee Photo courtesy of Twelve Churches Above right: Christy Mooney, Kirby Williams, and Farrar Barker Photo by Rachel Goode
When the partners formed Shoreline Title in 2017, the commitment to their neighbors was extended well beyond just the work; they also made a promise to give back a percentage of profits and a portion of their time each year to help people in need. This has led to Shoreline Title working hard to support various ministries and organizations that provide food, medical care, and more. In just the past few years, they have worked with Sandcastle Kids and Lighthouse Family Retreat of Walton County. With the help of local partners, both of these organizations serve families coping with pediatric cancer by hosting them at our beautiful beaches and meeting their every need while down here. In addition, they’ve provided financial assistance to other local service organizations, such as Caring & Sharing of South Walton, Special Olympics of South Walton, Westonwood Ranch of Freeport, and Food For Thought of Okaloosa and Walton Counties. “It has been an incredible blessing to all of us to be able to partner with organizations in our community and beyond to work toward accomplishing their missions,” Kirby says, “whether that’s feeding families in Nicaragua or Haiti, serving families whose children are battling cancer, providing relief for hurricane and fire victims, or supporting our local youth sports and theater programs. While we love helping people through the closing process, our passion comes from being able to help those outside the four walls of our office.” Shoreline’s support stretches beyond their home area to regional nonprofits, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Embrace Florida Kids
(United Methodist Children’s Home), as well as global programs in Nicaragua, Haiti, Puerto Rico, and Africa. “Shoreline loves its relationship with Twelve Churches, which serves the people of León, Nicaragua,” Kirby adds. “In the fall of 2019, we partnered with Clay 30A, Beau Interiors, and Pizza by the Sea on the Nourish Nicaragua campaign to meet the needs of Twelve Churches in Nicaragua. As you may imagine, the COVID-19 pandemic is hitting Nicaragua pretty hard—food prices have escalated and their tourism industry is nonexistent. There are tremendous needs, and Twelve Churches is one of only a few ministries that still have boots on the ground serving the people during this time. If you feel led to give to the people of Nicaragua, please contact us and we’d be honored to put you in touch with Twelve Churches.”
Visit SHORELINETITLELLC.COM to learn more. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 45
THEIDEABOUTIQUE.COM Santa Rosa Beach, Florida: (850) 231-3087 Clifden, Co. Galway, Ireland: +353 (85) 158 9879
L’intermission
Lost at Sea
Photo by Calin Stan / Shutterstock
It’s no secret that Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach or Smugglers Cove, is one of the most notorious and most photographed beaches in Greece. Located on the northwest shore of the island of Zakynthos and only accessible by boat, Navagio became an impromptu shipwreck lovers’ destination when the MV Panagiotis washed up on its shores in October 1980. The remains can still be found in this exclusive cove.
Love, VIE xo V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 47
THE
STARS KITCHEN OF THE
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WHEN IT COMES TO KITCHEN DESIGN, APPLIANCES ARE PERHAPS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT THINGS TO CONSIDER FOR BOTH FUNCTION AND STYLE.
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hoosing the right range, oven, refrigerator, and more can make or break how you will enjoy your kitchen for years to come. Maybe you want the top-of-the-line gas range for gourmet dinners at home. If you’re not really into cooking, the fridge and wine storage might be more important. Those who love to entertain will need extra space and versatility. Don’t get overwhelmed! The kitchen experts at BlueStar have made it their business to help you “unleash your inner chef ” with appliances that boast the ultimate in performance, craftsmanship, and customization options.
Photography courtesy of BLUESTAR APPLIANCES
With roots tracing back to 1880 in Reading, Pennsylvania, Prizer-Painter Stove Works was one of the first crafters of high-end residential home appliances. Many of its antique coal ranges are still in service around America today. Prizer’s technologies advanced and adapted throughout the years, and in 2002, the company released its first line of BlueStar restaurant-quality stainless steel ranges for the home. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 49
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n 2006, BlueStar’s style factor was elevated exponentially as ranges became available in 190 colors, plus options for custom-matching colors. This year, that palette expanded to over one thousand shades, and the customization options don’t end there. BlueStar continues to blaze trails in the industry and proudly introduced a bold innovation that literally changed the face of appliance design. Customers can now create a truly bespoke kitchen through the brand’s cutting-edge printing process, which allows any image, text, print, or pattern to be applied to a range, refrigerator, or kitchen hood in a durable and smooth, satin-like finish that can be easily cleaned. The possibilities are virtually limitless! “If you can dream it, BlueStar can make it,” says Eliza Sheffield, president of BlueStar. “This unique process of adding patterns to any kitchen appliance enables the designer and BlueStar to work in tandem to create an incredibly distinctive, well-designed space.” Finding a perfect suite of kitchen appliances for the VIE Beach House – A Show Home was an essential part of the kitchen design, says owner and developer Suzy Accola of Q Tile. “I knew before we started building the home that we wanted to incorporate a BlueStar range and have two refrigerator-freezers,” she says. “BlueStar’s hundreds of color options made it the perfect brand for us so we could seamlessly complement the cabinet color. We chose the perfect shade: Ocean Blue. I also love that they offer custom trim packages, including the pewter that we chose for a slightly weathered but timeless feel.”
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BLUESTAR CONTINUES TO BLAZE TRAILS IN THE INDUSTRY AND PROUDLY INTRODUCED A BOLD INNOVATION THAT LITERALLY CHANGED THE FACE OF APPLIANCE DESIGN. The home, located in Seagrove Beach, Florida, is expected to be complete this fall. A BlueStar professional-grade forty-eight-inch gas range will undoubtedly be a focal point; the beautiful Ocean Blue—a deep teal shade—is reminiscent of the nearby Gulf of Mexico. A pair of matching thirty-six-inch refrigerators with built-in freezer drawers will round out the expansive kitchen. Designed for modern living by the beach, the kitchen is sure to be the ideal space for prepping gourmet dinners of fresh seafood and stocking the cooler with great snacks for long beach days.
To learn more about BlueStar and to see the company’s full collection of appliances, visit BlueStarCooking.com. For more information on the VIE Beach House and sponsorship opportunities, go to VIEmagazine.com/BeachShowHome.
P H OTO BY JON AH ALL EN
D e b u t s
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DE CA DE
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OF THOUGHTFUL DESIGN A BOHEME Works Magic
By JORDAN STAGGS Photography by JACK GARDNER 54 | JULY 2020
T
en years in business is a celebrated milestone in any industry. For a boutique architectural design firm that has weathered economic recessions, hurricanes, and now a global pandemic, it is even sweeter. Founding principals architect Darrell Russell and Jonathan Hampel named their firm A BOHEME Design for the creative energy of the artists and free spirits labeled bohemian in the mid- to late-1800s French art scene. It’s this sense of higher purpose and creativity that they strive to assert in every design they create. Located near the shores of the Gulf of Mexico in Inlet Beach, Florida, A BOHEME (also known simply as BOHEME) has completed stunning residential and commercial projects for clients along the Gulf Coast, in Miami, and beyond. As they approach the firm’s eleventh anniversary, having assembled an incredible body of work, Russell and Hampel reflect on some takeaways from their first ten years in business and their high hopes for the future.
La maison “Jonathan and I have been blessed with many great projects, and we are very thankful,” Russell says. “Behind those great projects are always great people, the clients who trust us to serve them. So many of them have become our close friends. We are fortunate to meet and work with them, not to mention the luxury of practicing in such a beautiful, desirable beach area. Regardless of economic changes, hurricanes, or health pandemics, people love the beach and anxiously return as quickly as they can. Similarly, we love our profession and consistently work hard to provide outstanding client service. We firmly believe excellent client service has always been and always will be critical to the successful outcome of our projects. Plus, we want our clients to continue to like us afterward!” Although the coronavirus pandemic initially caused several of BOHEME’s clients to cancel their projects, which caused Russell to hold his breath in anticipation of another economic crash like the one in 2008, he says it wasn’t long before his team added new projects to their workload this spring. “It became obvious that beach lovers desired the freedom to be here whenever they want in the future, and the demand for owning houses rapidly increased. A Texas client mentioned a similar dynamic there—residents living in the cities suddenly wanted to own a ranch.”
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Still, the pandemic affected BOHEME’s working environment in more ways than one as Russell, Hampel, and their team were forced to leave their beautiful office in the 30Avenue town center in favor of working remotely for weeks. It just wasn’t the same, according to Russell, as it hampered the very artistic spirit for which A BOHEME was named. “We quickly realized that working at home was not fun and was terribly inefficient. Our entire staff hated working at home, and we hated having them remote,” Russell says. “Architecture and design, like any creative process, are most successful as the result of team interaction, in my opinion. I’ve always believed creative problem-solving input from three people is far better than the design opinion of only one person. Also, face-to-face, hands-on design communication is far more efficient and effective.”
It became obvious that beach lovers desired the freedom to be here whenever they want in the future, and the demand for owning houses rapidly increased.
Despite the unsettling nature of the first half of 2020, the team at BOHEME moves forward with the pioneering spirit it has always embodied, with several exciting upcoming and recently completed projects on the docket. One standout project is a sublime private residence in Alys Beach, Florida, located in one of the town’s New Urban blocks master planned by Porphyrios Associates, a subset of the overall master plan by Duany Plater-Zyberk. “This plot is very small, and the house footprint was only allowed an area of twenty-four by forty feet—by far the smallest plot we have ever had for a new house design,” recalls Russell. “Typical of the plots in Porphyrios’s master plan, this plot is irregular and designed such that the house could have wonderful views to the Gulf of Mexico protected in perpetuity. Although the lot is tiny, the final house design includes 2,758 air-conditioned square feet, plus a garage. We nicknamed it Little Jewel Box because several people have referenced it as such.” BOHEME partnered with John Brown of Gulfview Construction to complete this custom home, incorporating several special accent materials, including a soapstone entry surround. Cast concrete screens on the facades appear decorative from the exterior; 56 | JULY 2020
however, they provide a degree of privacy while still allowing plenty of daylight to flow in. “The pattern also offers very nice light patterns inside the home,” adds Russell. In the master bathroom, a beautiful stone called Cristallo Tiffany quartzite stands out and reflects the gorgeous colors of the Gulf. “I had never seen the stone species until it made an appearance on social media. It was love at first sight. I thought it would be perfect in this house.” Another element in the home that BOHEME knew was a perfect match was the technologically advanced Colorbeam lighting system. “Jonathan and I visited with Sean Stevenson and Ryan Canterbury at Innovative Environments for a presentation—if you have not been, their new showroom is worth a visit,” says Russell. “I have never seen such an incredible lighting system. In
practicing architecture for decades (I’m telling my age), I have experienced many changes in lighting technology; I remember lighting before we had the (now almost obsolete) halogen lamps and fast-forwarded to LED. Lighting color, a factor of temperature measured in Kelvin, is crucial, and many LED lamps and fixtures vary in temperature, which limits the ability to allow the color consistency we expect in a home. When presented with the capability of Colorbeam’s system, I was more than thrilled. This house is our first use of Colorbeam, and I believe it is the first installation in both Alys Beach and Walton County.” The Colorbeam system is installed by a specialized team instead of an electrician, and there are several lighting fixture options available—some tiny in size. In situations where little ceiling plenum space is open, they have solutions. “The lighting can be dimmed to a level as low as 1 percent and is adjustable in 1 percent increments,” Russell expounds. “Each fixture can be color adjusted to a level as warm as 2700 Kelvin and as cool as 6500, in addition to dimming level adjustments. For example, multiple pieces of art in a room can be individually accentuated with varied lighting and color temperature. What is further exciting is its ultimate flexibility; the programming can be changed at any time according to a homeowner’s preferences. I love options!” Russell describes the overall style of the house as contemporary, although it incorporates the required traditional Alys Beach architectural elements. The rooms and spaces are incredibly functional, making use of all available space with impressive results. “The palette of natural materials detailed with restrained architecture creates a perfect backdrop for softer, more traditional beach house furnishings, contemporary furnishings, or anything in between. There is a nice balance of walls for large pieces of art and large expanses of windows and doors. The rooftop view and soaking pool remind me of being in Santorini. I love the proximity to the water along with the visual surround of ever-fascinating Alys Beach rooftops.” Another exciting BOHEME architectural project is a new Gulf-front residence that recently broke ground
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Previous spread left: This Alys Beach, Florida, home designed by A BOHEME architects is a contemporary beauty with views stretching to the Gulf of Mexico. Previous spread right: In addition to abundant natural light, the home features state-of-theart Colorbeam lighting systems throughout. Left: The bathroom features sinks, countertops, walls, and flooring in a unique Cristallo Tiffany quartzite inspired by the green-blue tones of the nearby Gulf. Opposite: The narrow homesite made for a significant design challenge, but Darrell Russell, Jonathan Hampel, and their team rose to the occasion. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 57
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in Seagrove Beach with general contractor Earthbuild. “Sadly, we had to displace a small old beach house to make way for this one,” Russell says, “but it fortuitously worked out that our clients gave the old house to Paige and Mark Schnell, allowing them to relocate it to Grayton Beach. We were thrilled and so were our clients—if at all possible, I never want to see an old house destroyed. I think the Schnells were happy, too, once the house was on its way down the highway.” This new expansive home reflects BOHEME’s mission to always design with the homeowners’ lifestyle in mind. “As architects, designing for the ‘known users’ instead of the unknown is liberating,” Russell says. “It allows the house to be a home, reflecting the owners’ personalities and needs. We like designing around the things people love, such as collectibles that instill memories of a travel experience, an event, or family history.” Russell, Hampel, and their team will undoubtedly continue to reflect the values of great architects while instilling the creative bohemian spirit into every project and detail for years to come.
Visit ABOHEME.COM to learn more.
FABULOUS KIDS’ FASHIONS & TOYS 62 main street ROSEMARY BEACH,FL gigisfabkids.com 850.231.0110
The
Client Is Her
MUSE A Legacy of Style Interview by L I SA M A R I E B U RW E L L
D
escribing a larger-than-life person like Susan Lovelace is not easy, but “a style maven to the nth degree” is a good place to start. This accomplished, elegant, regal, and inspiring woman is beautiful inside and out. Our business relationship turned friendship dates back to 1994. She founded her eponymous interior design firm in 1995, and it has blossomed into one of the most highly sought-after design firms for architects and homeowners throughout the Southeast. Susan built Lovelace Interiors in Miramar Beach, Florida, on Scenic Highway 98 long before many businesses were here. It was a simpler—and much less congested—area back then. We met when Susan was working at her first business, Clements Antiques, while she was preparing to take her final exams to become an ASID, NCIDQ certified interior designer (she, of course, passed with flying colors). Lovelace Interiors
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recently opened a second store location in Inlet Beach, Florida, which caters to a specific clientele for the nearby New Urbanism communities of Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, Kaiya Beach Resort, and more. It’s no surprise the brand continues to grow with Susan at the helm. Her piercing blue eyes and big smile always sparkle, and I’ve never seen her not shining brightly. That is not to say she has never had real struggles in her life, as we all do, but she is always armed with a graceful demeanor. She has nurtured and mentored her design team alongside her clients to bring out the absolute best in everyone and every home and business she designs. The firm has won numerous awards and enjoyed a long-standing reputation for excellence and a prolific aesthetic sensibility. She and Lovelace Interiors have been featured in such magazines as Veranda, Architectural Digest, Southern Living, Coastal Living, VIE, and Emerald Coast, to name a few.
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e sat down for this interview at the Lovelaces’ gorgeous farm— aptly called Nirvana—in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, with our husbands, Sparky Lovelace and Gerald Burwell. Susan and I agree our husbands are the wind beneath our wings and we love them so very much. A tour of Nirvana’s grounds and the most beautiful barn I’ve ever seen, complete with a “she shed” and a minibar Susan named Cowgirl Cocktail, was like an experience straight out of a movie. Their animal family includes two new donkeys (named Dierks Bentley and Tim McGraw), who greeted us after the roosters and hens did. Then we met the star of the show: Susan’s beloved horse, Frank Sinatra, who could definitely give the legendary Ol’ Blue Eyes a run for his money. To say we did not want to leave Nirvana would be an understatement. Allow us to have Susan share her inspirational story through this Q&A.
VIE:
What gave you the vision and desire to open Lovelace Interiors twenty-five years ago, and did your goals exceed your vision?
Susan Lovelace:
Susan Lovelace Photo by Colleen Duffley
I owned Clements and Lovelace Interiors, which was a very small showroom within Clements Antiques. My mother left me money, and she always believed in my ability to operate an interior design business. So I invested, with some serious monetary help from my father also. It was scary to do something that big back in 1995. My husband thought I was crazy, but he jumped in to be my partner at the last minute. My investment was larger, but his support was very encouraging and helpful.
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“My job is to guide them in their choices so they do not make mistakes. My look is not their aesthetic; my job is to do what they want.” VIE:
You are known for having great personal taste and style and have created a brand around beautifying homes and spaces. How do you know how to translate your client’s needs and ideas yet remain true to your brand and aesthetics?
Susan: I have always believed that the elements
and principles of design rule because of my education and NCIDQ accreditation. It is a sixteen-hour exam that is close to impossible to pass. But it gives me the confidence to advise clients and, most importantly, to allow them to design their home in their taste, not mine. My job is to guide them in their choices so they do not make mistakes. My look is not their aesthetic; my job is to do what they want.
VIE:
What advice would you give to someone starting a business today?
Susan: My advice to someone starting a business
would be to understand that it is the hardest thing you will ever do. Make sure you have backup funds and are willing to devote your life to this endeavor. You’ll be working twenty-four seven with very little sleep, and a personal life is probably not in the cards for a while. It takes a 100 percent commitment and allows very little time for anything else. It’s just the truth, which is often hard to accept.
VIE: Tell us about the culture of the family you’ve
created within your business, which includes about twenty employees. 62 | JULY 2020
Susan:
Our business is a team of very hard-working, successful, and driven people who value and appreciate their jobs and opportunities. I believe most of the time they are happy and fulfilled. I believe that work is work, while fun is for when we have time off. But I never want anyone to be unhappy in their work life!
VIE: Please let our readers know how you, as an equestrian, got into this
life and living at your gorgeous farm.
Susan: I am an equestrian who is passionate about riding, competing, and
owning horses. I was thrown twice by one of my horses who bolted—probably my fault. I fractured five bones. My children intervened and said, “Mom, you are
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Left and opposite: Sea glass hues and tart yellows make for a playful coastal home designed by Cara McBroom of Lovelace Interiors. The lively color palette enhances the furnishings and textures., while the patterns in each room provide a personality of their own. This Grand Dunes model exhibits multiple design styles for an eclectic experience. Photos courtesy of Lovelace Interiors
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 63
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This sleek kitchen by Lovelace Interiors exemplifies the combination of beauty and function that is essential for kitchen design. The designers at Lovelace Interiors are skilled at selecting durable finishes, ensuring that your kitchen serves you. Above right and opposite: This New Orleans penthouse, situated on the Mississippi River, provided its own inspiration for a Lovelace Interiors design. A city known for culture and music, the colors were selected to be the embodiment of jazz. Photos courtesy of Lovelace Interiors
64 | JULY 2020
“My advice to someone starting a business would be to understand that it is the hardest thing you will ever do.” getting older; you need to quit riding.” I said OK, and then the minute I could, I jumped on my two calmer, sweet horses. I explained to my children that Highway 98 is dangerous, and if I drove down it going a hundred miles per hour in my Ferrari (I don’t really own one), I probably wouldn’t make it to work. But in the right car, heeding the driving laws, I would be much more likely to arrive unscathed. So, I am careful with my horses but I still ride. It’s what I love, and I feel so happy when I’m riding that I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon.
VIE:
Just as fashion is always changing, so is the interior design business. What is in style this year for our area and beyond?
Susan: Fashion trends come first; interior design
follows. I think the colors in our coastal environment will always be in fashion here, and a casual, somewhat rustic yet elegant style is the new twist on that trend. In our area, we’ll always keep our beautiful God-given natural landscape as the backdrop for whatever we do.
VIE:
What are some of your favorite standout homes you’ve designed over the years?
Susan: I have been incredibly fortunate to design
for some of the most beautiful homes in our country. A few of my favorites would be the Sullivan residence in Memphis, Tennessee; Kenny King’s house; the Freeman home in Natchitoches, Louisiana; the Walters home in Beverly Hills; the Lagasse home in Sandestin, Florida; and their restaurant Emeril’s Coastal Italian in Miramar Beach. I also love the
Consistently delicious since 1995!
3899 E. County Highway 30A, Seagrove ∙ 850.231.2166 ∙ Open Daily At 5 ∙ cafethirtya.com
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Above left: Susan and Sparky Lovelace Above right: A serene escape from the hustle and bustle, the Nirvana farmhouse is the Lovelaces’ retreat for rest and relaxation. The interiors bring a mix of warm rustic elements, coastal hues, and modern touches to create a welcoming space. Meaningful and precious art pieces collected throughout Susan’s life are featured in distinctive vignettes. Photo by Colleen Duffley
Murphy and Burkham homes here on the beach, the Abbotts’ farmhouse, the Dawes’s magnificent home in Gulf Breeze, and so many others. It has been a wonderfully rich, creative, and beautiful life for me.
VIE:
Are there any tips you can give to someone who is searching for an interior designer?
Susan:My tips for finding a professional are that you need to be aware that a credentialed designer does not cost more than one without accreditation and that you should pick someone with the education and talent you need to meet your design goals. I repeat: it does not cost more!
VIE: You are a strong and influential woman.
As a leader, what advice can you give to women in business and beyond?
Susan: My advice to any woman is to believe in
yourself. Do not be afraid to vent and feel insecure sometimes. Those who do not understand are weak,
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not you. We are pioneers in this world today and will always be challenged for our feelings and shortcomings; but believe me, men have them too. We are just more vocal, and that can seem threatening to others. Do not ever give up! Susan Lovelace is a classic and ageless beauty with boundless and youthful energy. She shows us all how to create and nurture a beautiful life while trailblazing and continuously growing. Kudos to you, Susan!
Visit LOVELACEINTERIORS.COM to learn more, see more beautiful designs, or book an appointment.
VIE BEACH HOUSE A
SHOW
HOME
A SNEAK PEEK OF Q TILE’S HANDIWORK
17 Uptown Grayton Circle, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (850) 213-0000 | Q-Tile.com
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68 | JULY 2020
THE
Life OF A SHOW HOME
A Sneak Peek into the VIE Beach House
T h e V I E B e a c h Ho u se – A S ho w Ho me , c reated i n p ar t n e r ship w it h o w n e r s/de ve l o p e r s S u z y Ac c o l a o f Q T il e de sig n s t u dio a n d he r hu sb a n d, Ji m Ac c o l a of C o a s t a l E l e me n t s C o n s t r u c t io n , is c o m i n g to l i fe i n b e a u t if u l S e a g r o ve B e a c h, Fl o r ida ! VIE’s fourth home of inspired ideas, the VIE Beach House is designed with an ideal way of life in mind—one where its occupants can enjoy all that their natural surroundings have to offer while also spending quality time in a relaxing home oasis full of thoughtful design details, high-quality furnishings, unique decor, and amenities that perfectly combine form and function. “The Beach House is a new and different kind of show home, where all the best things about being on the Gulf Coast will come to life,” says VIE founder/ editor-in-chief Lisa Burwell. “The home exemplifies the laid-back and casual yet elegant lifestyle that people enjoy here, whether they are on vacation or live here year-round. The project is a true community endeavor as we work with Suzy and Jim, a whole host of incredible local, national, and international design partners, and local nonprofits who will help us allocate a portion of the proceeds to our neighbors in need.”
The VIE Beach House – A Show Home in Seagrove Beach, Florida, is in development with Q Tile and Coastal Elements Construction and expected to be complete in fall 2020. Stay tuned for more updates as the home comes to life! Image by Redfish Rendering, RedfishRendering.com V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 69
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As the owner and principal designer at Q Tile, Suzy admits she is most excited about the number of custom mosaics and tile patterns that will be placed throughout the home and outdoor living spaces. Each design is customized with the VIE Beach House in mind, coming from partners around the world, including SICIS, New Ravenna, Artistic Tile, LiLi Cement Tile, Porcelanosa, Sabine Hill, and Tabarka Studio. “The tile is mainly stone, clay, and cement, so it will all stand up to the elements and the test of time. We chose inspiring motifs that have a great design sense but also appeal in a very personal way, creating a story that flows lovingly through the home with a sense of purpose,” she says.
“ Above: The kitchen of the VIE Beach House, featuring beautiful BlueStar appliances in a rich Ocean Blue hue, was designed with form and function in mind. Right: Custom tile and mosaics carefully selected by Suzy Accola of Q Tile will tell a story throughout the house. Opposite: The Aston recliner by American Leather will play a featured role in the gorgeous living room designed by Isidro Dunbar Modern Interiors. Photo courtesy of American Leather 70 | JULY 2020
We a r e s o e x c i t e d a b o u t the level of custom details t h r o u g h o u t t h e h o m e . We w a n t each room to inspire and evoke positive feelings.
T
he concept for the home was the brainchild of designer Suzy Accola, who worked with the Burwells and the VIE team on the magazine’s first show home, Maison de VIE, located in WaterColor, Florida. Accola was inspired by her time living in varied yet equally stunning coastal regions, including Southern California, the Mediterranean, and Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. “We are so excited about the level of custom details throughout the home,” says Suzy. “We want each room to inspire and evoke positive feelings. The colors are soothing but also rich, with a level of warmth that you don’t often find in beach home decor. We were inspired by a Mediterranean look with an eclectic, artistic mix. It gives a feeling of walking into a light, fresh, and timeless space, no matter what room you’re in. Hopefully, it makes people feel at home.”
The home’s custom lighting, chosen or designed by Suzy, reflects the pops of metal that will be found in the custom cabinetry, appliances, and other accents in the home. “We chose designs with different metals, quartz, and jewelry chain that will catch all the beautiful natural light from the windows—which are amazing—during the day. Light will fill every room in this house!”
Furnishings will incorporate a mix of natural textures, which reflect the coastal landscape outside, and clean, modern lines. Archways, vaulted ceilings, and interesting angles will draw the eye with their creative use. Many beach homes are partial to neutral tones and simple design, but the VIE Beach House has a modern edge that will allow for an elevated style in furnishings and decor. Show home partners Todd Reeves and Jorge Saiz of Isidro Dunbar Modern Interiors in Miramar Beach, Florida, are bringing their twentyseven years of expertise in modern design to enhance the great room. “While the house itself is not a modern home, it has beautiful features and some architectural elements with a clean, timeless style,” says Reeves. “Adding modern furniture, art, and accessories is exactly what is needed. A beautiful, cleanlined, sophisticated sofa will not fight with any of the elements of the home; it will show off some of those features.”
M
odern Interiors is working with its exclusive vendors— the very best in the contemporary design industry: American Leather, Bontempi Casa, Creative Accents, Ultrasuede, and more—to furnish the home’s main living space. “We have selected several items that have not been seen in the area before, and they are absolutely breathtaking,” says Reeves. “We do know one thing: this is a ‘beach house,’ but not a typical one,” he continues. “We have looked at the choices for tiles, flooring, and cabinetry, and we are interpreting the choices of the developers in our style and design. Collaborating on a show home is all about understanding the given concept and then working within the parameters that are sometimes preset, but still putting your personal style and spin on the work to showcase your capabilities as a designer. It’s a great venue for introducing your style into a space for many others to see, and we’re excited to do that here. I love using combinations of all the elements of life that we live with every day—wood, glass, metal, fabrics, and leathers—and blending them to make a comfortable and livable space for our clients. A beach house should be comfortable, relaxing, and easy to maintain. It’s meant to be lived in, not just for show. Simple styles in the sofas, chairs, and fabrics we’ve chosen will reflect that sense of comfort. We are showing that modern design is comfortable, warm, inviting, and easy to live with—no muss, no fuss.” Even the rustic, natural elements throughout the home will have a modern feel, Suzy adds. “All of the architectural elements, especially the ceilings and exposed beams, will be ‘wow’ factors.” Stay tuned for more updates on the grand reveal of the show home, coming this fall!
For videos, partner spotlights, more news, and sneak peeks from the VIE Beach House – A Show Home, follow us on social media @viemagazine!
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 71
HOME REFRESH
Have you been stuck in the confines of your home for too long due to quarantine? Maybe you’re starting to think it’s time for an extreme home makeover! Whether you’re looking for the perfect furniture to make your home really stand out or you just want to spruce up your existing space with a piece here and there, any item from this curated collection of decor will leave you feeling happy and proud. Check out some of our top finds to help give your house, apartment, or condo a quick refresh for the summer!
1
Take a Seat
Nero Barchair $1,550 – MyFace.eu 72 | JULY 2020
C’est la vie
My Fair Lady
2
Hepburn Cabinet $20,690 – EssentialHome.eu
Very Berry
3
Barcelona Pouf $1,478 – ByKoket.com
Light It Up
4
Galliano II Wall Lamp $727 – Shop.DelightFULL.eu
5
Coffee, Anyone?
Lallan Center Table $7,230 – Brabbu.com
Outsider
6
DNA Teak Two-Seater Outdoor Sofa $5,747 – Chaplins.co.uk
Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall 7
Ammira Mirror $1,411 – CastroLighting.com
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C’est la vie
8
Butterfly Effect
Cuero Butterfly Chair $1,097 – Chaplins.co.uk 74 | JULY 2020
9
Let’s Hang!
Bloomingville Pendant Lamp $267 – VivaLagoon.com
Pillow Talk
10
Sage + Clare Patty Floral Cushion $127 – Antipodream.co.uk
12 11
Tick Tock on the Clock
Animi Causa Meter Wood Wall Clock $129 – AnimiCausa.com
Need a Hand?
Mixed Metals
Jonathan Adler Electrum Dining Table $2,650 – JonathanAdler.com
13
Vengeance Table Lamp $5,360 – ByKoket.com
14
Under My Umbrella
Talenti Cleo Alu Canopy Three-Seater Garden Sofa $4,822 – VivaLagoon.com
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 75
PROJECT: VIE Magazine Headquarters, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida ARCHITECT: Gerald Burwell FURNISHINGS: Modern Interiors, Miramar Beach, Florida
A MODERN WORK SPACE
114 Logan Lane, Suite 4, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 BurwellAssociates.com | (850) 231-6377 Florida LIC AA0003613
PRESENTS
Insider Perspectives from Luxury Real Estate Professionals
THE REAL ESTATE SUCCESS STORY of SCENIC HIGHWAY 30-A and BEYOND
146 Montgomery Street, also known as Mont Blanc, is a castle-like, new-construction home listed by Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty on the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast. Photo courtesy of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty
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Special Real Estate Edition
RISING to the CHALLENGE Photography courtesy of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty
W
hen we created the Roaring into the 20s theme for our annual awards gala in January, we had no idea how prescient it would come to be. This year has been one for the books, hasn’t it? From the shocking death of NBA superstar Kobe Bryant and raging bushfires in Australia to the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump and racial unrest across the country, we’ve witnessed a lot—and we’re just a little more than halfway to 2021. The spread of the novel coronavirus around the world, though, has undoubtedly been one of 2020’s biggest challenges. This unprecedented global event created health concerns and economic instability in many of this country’s largest cities. Admittedly, in the first few weeks, we were unsure exactly what it would mean for real estate as a whole and, more
Mont Blanc, a brand-new luxury home located just off the Gulf of Mexico, exemplifies a coastal retreat featuring iconic architectural styling along the pristine white-sand beaches of Seagrove Beach, Florida. Visit MontBlancFL.com to learn more about this incredible one-of-a-kind property, which is for sale through Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty. 80 | JULY 2020
“
As the world around us changed, we saw an increase in demand for homes that could live like permanent residences and a shift in thinking among people ready to take the plunge and purchase a secondary home.
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Above and right: Waterfront living in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, doesn’t always mean being on the Gulf—this gorgeous bayside retreat offers a rustic yet elegant lifestyle with amazing indoor-outdoor living spaces and top-of-theline amenities. Visit 442NicoleForest.com to learn more.
specifically, for our Emerald Coast market. Even as you read this today, there are still unknowns. As the world around us changed, we saw an increase in demand for homes that could live like permanent residences and a shift in thinking among people ready to take the plunge and purchase a secondary home, even if they hadn’t been ready just a few short months ago. We’re still dealing with this new normal day by day, but the good news is that people are making moves in our market. In fact, that never really stopped. Perhaps it’s because recent events allowed people to reassess their goals or priorities, or maybe it’s because our area’s intrinsic value has never been greater. People who could once only dream of being away from crowded urban areas are making full-time beach living their reality. Companies and society as a whole are embracing the idea of telecommuting. Individuals who quickly developed a new work-from-home skill set are no longer tethered to an urban area—or any particular place, for that matter. Now, and for the
82 | JULY 2020
Special Real Estate Edition foreseeable future, they can work and play where they want to be. Before Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued the stay-at-home order in late March, we proactively closed our offices and transitioned our staff to fulltime remote work. With the technology in place to keep the lines of communication open, we were fortunate to seldom miss a beat in our usual routine: staff meetings, sales and marketing training, and even the occasional fun Zoom happy hour. Both our blog and our social media messaging shifted; they became less about property and centered more on timely information—for example, details on local eateries that were open for takeout and ways we could collaborate virtually with our clients.
Thanks in part to this structured approach, we saw a greater than 40 percent increase in traffic to our website from the same period the prior year. As restrictions loosened in May, it became clear that buyers and sellers were ready to make fast decisions. That reflected in weekly increases of pending properties and near-record-breaking sales in 30-A’s most iconic communities, as well as in Destin and Panama City Beach. Memorial Day weekend was one of the busiest—if not the busiest—times on the Gulf Coast in recent memory. Today, more than ever, the lifestyle promised in the communities of 30-A, Destin, and others is being embraced beyond a part-time getaway to a full-time experience. And, for that, we could not be more excited and thankful.
Below: 60 Mako Drive is configured to provide unparalleled amenities and is optimized for entertaining, with notable features including a resortstyle Gulf-front pool area and spa with unmatched views and plenty of privacy. Visit ScenicSIR.com to learn more.
Visit ScenicSIR.com to learn more, see available properties, or contact an agent.
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 83
Exclusively offered by Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty
198 Center Avenue
Nina McCaslin-Horn
12 South Spanish Town Lane
EASTERN LAKE
850.685.0198
ROSEMARY BEACH
116 Wiregrass Way
Randy Carroll
3277 Burnt Pine Circle
WATERCOLOR
850.624.0037
SANDESTIN GOLF AND BEACH RESORT ®
scenicsir.com
Tom Fitzpatrick 850.225.4674
Denise Greene 850.502.7927
Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.
198 Center Avenue
For those who live by their own design.
EXCEEDING EXCELLENCE
ENGEL & VÖL KERS LEA DS TH E WAY
B y A B I G A I L RYA N Photography courtesy of ENGEL & VÖLKERS 30A BEACHES 86 | JULY 2020
Special Real Estate Edition
“
I WANTED A BRAND HERE THAT COULD SERVE THE CLIENTELE IN ANY MARKET, AND ENGEL & VÖLKERS
E
ALLOWS US TO DO THAT.
ngel & Völkers is one of the world’s leading service companies specializing in brokering premium residential property, commercial real estate, yachts, and aircraft. With over eight hundred locations operating in thirty countries on four continents, Engel & Völkers agents have comprehensive expertise and market knowledge in each region, offering both private and institutional clients a professionally tailored range of real estate services. Having built a global network, the brand’s leaders are well equipped to recognize emerging real estate trends and markets that will experience a boom in growth; this led them to the Emerald Coast of Northwest Florida in the summer of 2018. Engel & Völkers 30A Beaches opened its doors in Seagrove Beach under the ownership of broker Beau Blankenship, bringing the firm’s global reach to complement his team’s local expertise in the popular Gulf Coast communities along Scenic Highway 30-A. “Very few brands, if any, have the global presence that Engel & Völkers has,” says Blankenship. “I wanted a brand here that could serve the clientele in any market, and Engel & Völkers allows us to do that. We ultimately chose to partner with this brand to give sellers the exposure they deserve; again, very few, if any, can match the exposure our advisors offer. It is pretty powerful to match a buyer from Spain, for example, to a seller here on the Emerald Coast. Engel & Völkers is extremely well known in our feeder markets, so we have been able to build and maintain strong relationships with our affiliates in Atlanta, Nashville, Texas, Alabama, the Midwest,
and more. That network allows us to connect our buyers and sellers no matter where they live.” With over forty active advisors, the Engel & Völkers 30A Beaches team works with all types of buyers— primary home, second home, investors, developers, and much more. The robust local team, which comprises seasoned real estate agents and other professionals with intimate market knowledge and years of experience in the area, has worked hard to generate sales volume that has remained strong since the 30-A offices opened. In 2019 alone, Engel & Völkers 30A Beaches generated $242 million in sales, with an average sales price just shy of $1.4 million. This is not only thanks to hard work and dedication but also to the team’s commitment to provide the high quality of service that buyers around the world have come to expect from the Engel & Völkers name.
Opposite: The lifestyle along beautiful Scenic Highway 30-A in Northwest Florida offers the most splendid views, waterfront activities, and a laid-back yet sophisticated style that has attracted top-notch artists, restaurateurs, architects, and design professionals to the area. Below: This luxurious residence listed by Engel & Völkers 30A Beaches broker Beau Blankenship includes one hundred feet of waterfront on the Choctawhatchee Bay in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.
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Above, opposite top, and opposite bottom right: Located in the heart of Seagrove Beach, this newly constructed home features sweeping Gulf views and a spacious open layout drenched in natural light. Floor-to-ceiling windows beckon you to outdoor entertaining spaces and a private beachfront pool. Right and opposite bottom left: Ideally situated on the waterfront in Driftwood Estates, this stunning new home also features a private pool and putting green. 88 | JULY 2020
“We take a long-term view of our business, strengthening the Engel & Völkers 30A Beaches brand while ensuring that customers worldwide enjoy the same brand experience,” says Blankenship. “We build a global network on behalf of our customers while cultivating our core values. Because of that, we have a worldwide reach that no other brokerage can offer to their clients. It is a unique, first-class experience for our clients. We also provide training and support to our advisors to ensure they further their careers and become leading innovators in our field. They have access to a virtual real estate world and an IT platform that is rated the best in the industry.” Last winter, Engel & Völkers 30A Beaches made a strategic decision to merge with existing local real estate firm Homes on 30A, which served buyers and sellers throughout the luxury market in Northwest Florida’s beach communities for years, specializing in homes in the communities of WaterColor, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, WaterSound, and more. Homes on 30A broker/owners Karen Holder and Marianne Grant have over sixty years of combined real estate experience
“
WE BUILD A GLOBAL NETWORK ON BEHALF OF OUR CUSTOMERS WHILE CULTIVATING OUR CORE VALUES. BECAUSE OF THAT, WE HAVE A WORLDWIDE REACH THAT NO OTHER BROKERAGE CAN OFFER TO THEIR CLIENTS. in Northwest Florida, from Pensacola to 30-A and beyond. “Our goal was to increase our presence and portfolio in the area, and Homes On 30A benefited from our marketing and exposure,” says Blankenship. “Karen and Marianne bring an impressive real estate expertise to our community. We were absolutely thrilled they wanted to be a part of our Engel & Völkers 30A Beaches family, and all felt it would be a great fit.” Homes on 30A joined Blankenship and his team under the Engel & Völkers 30A Beaches umbrella, and the brand continues to expand its reach and array of high-end and multimillion-dollar listings.
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Even through the troubling times the nation has faced during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, Engel & Völkers 30A Beaches continued to strive for success. “We had several deals fall through; however, the high-end market is still performing,” says Blankenship. In line with the impressive numbers and sentiments that many top real estate professionals in the area have expressed, he adds, “This year had an extremely strong start. The overall market in the first quarter has seen an increase in total volume and sales price. Before the COVID-19 outbreak swept through much of the world, data from our markets showed the average sales price was up 19.6 percent, and sold volume had an increase of 17.8 percent when comparing the first quarter of 2019 to 2020. The current state of the market has created unique opportunities for buyers. The market has proven resilient in the past, and we are anticipating a strong upswing in the months ahead.” Right: Engel & Völkers 30A Beaches broker/owner Beau Blankenship 90 | JULY 2020
As the company grows, the level of brand quality Engel & Völkers 30A Beaches’ customers receives remains the top priority. “I see us expanding and growing
our footprint throughout the Florida Panhandle,” says Blankenship. “As a company, we have a long-term vision of strategic growth. Our goal is to continue supporting new dedicated advisors, strengthening the Engel & Völkers 30A Beaches brand, and increasing our involvement in community outreach.”
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ENGEL & VÖLKERS 30A BEACHES OR FOR HELP BUYING OR SELLING YOUR PIECE OF PARADISE, VISIT 30ABEACHES. EVREALESTATE.COM OR CALL (850) 213-2800.
17 N BELIZE, ROSEMARY BEACH, FL 32461 Beau Blankenship $4,145,000 | (405) 623-5227
lo c a l e x p ert i se . g lob a l r e a c h . 3 0 A B E A C H E S . E V R E A L E S TAT E . C O M
E N G E LV O L K E R S 3 0 A
(850) 213-2800
T I M E TO G O TO T H E B E AC H !
CHRISTIE’S Comes to 30-A
A brand like Christie’s, which has thrived for over 250 years, is steeped in tradition. I think while we were being vetted, the company liked that we were family owned and had roots settled in. 92 | JULY 2020
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Photos by TIM KRAMER PHOTOGRAPHY with a degree in English and creative writing, had already been using his flair for storytelling and communication as a realtor for a larger firm in Lawrence, Kansas, before moving to the Gulf Coast. His brother-in-law, Jimmy McCracken, joined Go To The Beach in 2017 and grew to become the vacation rental expert behind Benchmark Management, the real estate agency’s sister brand. We sat down with Jon and Adam and their team to discuss the early days of Go To The Beach, their brand’s recent affiliation with the renowned Christie’s International Real Estate, the future of the company and the industry as a whole, and more:
VIE: Can you tell us the background story and what the strategy has been for growing the business over the past twenty years on 30-A and beyond, from Pensacola to Saint George Island?
Adam Miller: My dad, Jon, had a knack
The view from the Gulf of Mexico toward 139 Highland Avenue, a luxury home listed in the community of Dune Allen Beach by Go To The Beach, an affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate. Above right: Go To The Beach broker associate Adam Miller and his wife, Tracy Miller Photo by Chryseis Golden
hen many people think of going to the beach, no doubt their minds drift back to childhood vacations spent with family on the coast or at the lake. For those living in the Southeast and other parts of the US, the Gulf of Mexico likely makes an appearance. The beach can be synonymous with those family moments playing in the sand, taking photos in front of shimmering water, and relaxing in the sun. Those are exactly the memories that real estate broker associate Adam Miller and his family recall from times spent visiting the Gulf Coast when he was growing up. At its core, the Millers’ agency, Go To The Beach, is a family business. It was founded by Adam’s father, Jon Miller, in the mid-1990s and has since blossomed into a thriving real estate and rental management firm specializing in properties along the scenic corridor of Highway 30-A in Northwest Florida. Jon was a one-man show in the agency for nearly a decade until Adam joined as a realtor in 2009. Jon’s wife, Judy, helped with managing some of the couple’s properties as vacation rentals. Adam, who graduated
for helping others follow his model of purchasing investment property with high vacation-rental potential, He would either guide these people to self-manage these properties as he did, or he would recommend rental companies he trusted. I don’t think he ever had the desire to do more than provide for those close to him and create the opportunity to spend time with family at the beach. If I am correct in this, he succeeded and then some! As other luxury real estate companies were arising on 30-A, we continued as a small boutique with just a few agents. It wasn’t until the prospect of becoming a Christie’s affiliate entered our lives that we decided to work toward a growth model. We plan to grow organically but with intention. Most of the other luxury real estate companies in the area have gotten quite large. We respect them and believe all of us can be successful, but we realize that the very large model isn’t our way. We hope to focus on agents we can connect with, as well as those that will connect with the Christie’s brand and use it effectively. We would love to grow to a medium-sized group of agents in our area with success across the board and at the same time begin to grow laterally toward the two ’Colas—Pensacola and Apalachicola. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 93
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Jon Miller: In the beginning, in 1995, Go To The Beach was a second-
VIE: Christie’s International Real Estate is a division of the world-famous
home location where my wife, Judy, and I could vacation from Saint Louis. It evolved into an income-producing property and vacation getaway for our family. Thanks to its success, we continued to buy more homes along 30-A and rent them out, which evolved into a business when I got my Florida real estate license. We eventually had to decide between running a men’s clothing business in Saint Louis and transitioning to the real estate business, which had evolved over the years. After driving back and forth from Saint Louis to the beach eleven times one year, the decision was made to make the beach our home and business.
Christie’s auction house. How does this affiliation set Go To The Beach apart from other brokerages in the Northwest Florida area and allow your brand to collaborate with the auction house?
Having worked in a family-owned business, which started in Saint Louis in 1922, I knew I wanted to make Go To The Beach the new family business for the next generation. I guess it is called “paying it forward.” My family had supported and helped me in Saint Louis, and it was my turn to help my family at the beach. Christie’s now gives us the opportunity to still be a family business but with the Christie’s “family” also supporting us and helping us grow. 94 | JULY 2020
Adam: I was so excited when Rick Moeser, the executive director at Christie’s International Real Estate, called us and said we were “it.” They had considered us alongside one other local company as a possible affiliate, so it’s something we will never take for granted. I’m a big fan of tradition and culture, and I love knowing that Christie’s has such deep historical roots. I also visited Twenty Rockefeller Plaza and toured the art auction house and prestigious real estate showroom. It helped solidify that we were becoming part of something bigger. I am impressed with Christie’s synergy between art and property—the way the brand cross-pollinates both into one powerful platform for luxury buyers. Enter 20 Rock with interest in purchasing one of David Gilmour’s guitars or a piece from
George Michael’s art collection, and you’ll walk right by the glass-walled real estate showroom with gallery cards of beautiful properties and an enormous panoramic screen presenting a video montage of multimillion-dollar properties in the lobby. It’s a place where the finest pieces of art and the finest properties display together harmoniously. It’s exciting to know we are now part of this, and some of our great listings will be unveiled to the world’s luxury buyers in such profound ways.
“I am impressed with Christie’s synergy between art and property— the way the brand cross-pollinates both into one powerful platform for luxury buyers.”
A brand like Christie’s, which has thrived for over 250 years, is steeped in tradition. I think while we were being vetted, the company liked that we were family owned and had roots settled in. I think they liked that Jon’s niche was investment properties and that he co-owned Benchmark Management. I think they liked that I was his son, and I was determined to make the affiliation happen. I think they also liked that my incredibly hardworking brother-in-law, Jimmy McCracken, was by my side in real estate while also transforming into a vacation management expert under Jon’s wing. We offer a multigenerational perspective on business and management.
VIE: Above left and right: 139 Highland Avenue is a luxurious home with custom design elements throughout— a unique find along the Gulf Coast of Scenic Highway 30-A with about one hundred feet of waterfront.
Tell us a little about the opportunities for your real estate clients through Christie’s, whether it be marketing in their luxury real estate magazine or gaining exposure in feeder markets through your partnership with other Christie’s brokerages around the US.
Adam: We really are just in our first year as an affiliate. Unlike others, we aren’t a franchise. We are so fortunate to have a regional head like Rick, who has been in the business for thirty years, lives in Florida, knows the market, and is highly accessible to us by phone.
Being an affiliate means we are still us. We’re still Go To The Beach, but now we have experts in corporate offices like New York, Los Angeles, London, Hong Kong, and Moscow helping us to share our milliondollar-plus properties in creative and beautiful ways. Christie’s International Real Estate Magazine has a vast reach and a tradition of elegance. Every affiliate is included inside its pages. It’s a true display of Christie’s most current property collection; it also displays ads from strategic partners, including many of the world’s most iconic brands, such as Gucci, Ferrari, and Rolls-Royce. When meeting with the corporate office, they see each of us affiliates as unique market experts in each of our areas. It is like they are family, looking out for us and V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 95
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Martha: Adam and Jon nominated me for the Masters Circle based on my career success, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity. The Millers are all-around good people with integrity and professionalism, and that is important to me. To be connected to this exclusive international network of agents within Christie’s—the best of the best—gives me great confidence in our reach and ability to introduce 30-A and our listings to the rest of the world.
VIE: What do you love the most about living and working along the Gulf Coast, and what advice would you give others who are thinking of purchasing a home in the area?
“Newly constructed in 2019 with ten bedrooms, nine full baths, and four half baths, the home is the perfect place to gather with family and friends. Outdoor living areas include expansive balconies on two levels, an outdoor kitchen, an infinity-edge pool, and a spa.”
Left: 139 Highland Avenue is listed with Go To The Beach agent Martha Stroop, a member of Christie’s International Real Estate Masters Circle. Call or visit GoToTheBeach.com for more information or to schedule a showing. 96 | JULY 2020
promoting us far and wide. They care about our local identity, yet they know how the brand of Christie’s can transform us and our businesses.
VIE: You currently have listed a stunning $12.5 million residence on the beach just off Scenic Highway 30-A, under the Stroop Group with Martha and Mark Stroop as the realtors. What makes this listing unique and a great opportunity for your clients?
Adam: What I like most about working along the Gulf Coast is the ability to spend quality time, no matter how busy I get, with my family and friends. This area allows many to have alternative work schedules and enjoy time together and moments with nature. I’ve realized there is a unique culture here of local fishermen, city-folk transplants, and everything in between. It’s a second-home market, yet more and more people flock here full-time for peace of mind and natural beauty.
Martha Stroop:
It is unique to find a property with one hundred linear feet and almost a half acre of land directly on the Gulf of Mexico. This luxurious waterfront home was designed to highlight the spectacular views from nearly every room. Newly constructed in 2019 with ten bedrooms, nine full baths, and four half baths, the home is the perfect place to gather with family and friends. Outdoor living areas include expansive balconies on two levels, an outdoor kitchen, an infinity-edge pool, and a spa. It’s truly a marvelous opportunity.
VIE: Martha, you are now a member of Christie’s International Real Estate
My favorite piece of advice to both buyers and sellers of real estate is “There is no hindsight in real estate.” Everyone has the story of what they should have bought or should have sold. There are few absolutes in life, but I do absolutely believe that, in real estate, you have to live in the moment. Please don’t regret what could have happened or wish things had happened differently. The house you loved is now someone else’s—it’s hard, but it’s OK. Around that sand dune, or over that grove of trees, your real home awaits.
Masters Circle—an elite group of high-performing luxury real estate specialists—and you are the only agent in Northwest Florida with this distinction. Can you tell us a little about this and how it benefits the firm and your buyers and sellers?
To learn more or view properties, visit GOTOTHEBEACH.COM.
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VIE is proud to announce its fourth show home, coming this year to Seagrove Beach, Florida! We are once again working with the developers and owners, Suzy Accola of Q Tile and Jim Accola of Coastal Elements Construction, to create a show home of inspired ideas, the VIE Beach House! They will implement the latest in innovative building techniques, integrated home technology, appliances, and more to build a house unlike any other. An incredible lineup of partners and participants is also on board with building materials, flooring and tile, furnishings and decor, artwork, and so much more. Stay tuned for more updates as the VIE Beach House – A Show Home takes shape!
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Pop artist Ashley Longshore’s Audrey series was inspired by the 1964 Cecil Beaton photo of Audrey Hepburn wearing a velvet Givenchy hat with tassels. Longshore has taken the iconic photo and put numerous twists on it, replacing Hepburn’s hat with butterflies, a gumball machine, flowers, a fishbowl, and more. Longshore says Hepburn evokes the vision of the perfect modern woman and the series represents “the many hats a woman wears.” V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 99
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100 | JULY 2020
a L Florida
Living
From Beach to Bay to Dune Lakes Photography courtesy of
“O
ur business’s name begins with Ponce de León discovering Florida and naming it La Florida over five hundred years ago. We loved the history,” says broker/owner Gay Landreth of La Florida Coastal Properties, a boutique real estate firm in Grayton Beach. She and her husband, Jeff, founded the company in 2002 when they were asked to revitalize sales and create branding and marketing materials for Bella Vita condominiums in the area along Scenic Highway 30-A. “We engaged the co-broker community and rolled out advertising and events using an agency. It was so much fun to own the brokerage and do this for ourselves.” The rest, like Ponce de León, is history—but it’s not over yet. Gay and Jeff married in 2001, just months before 9/11. It was a tumultuous time for the whole nation, but Gay says the real estate industry hadn’t seen anything like it until this year, when the coronavirus pandemic created a similar wave of disaster that was followed by a significant spike in home sales. “After reviewing over twenty years of events that effected our market, attempting to find something
LA FLORI DA similar to what was occurring today, I realized that the aftermath of the September 11 attacks was the closest,” Gay shares. “The uncertainty of the effects on our national economy, air travel restrictions and fear causing people to prefer traveling via motor vehicle, and low interest rates are all reflected in both of these events. And, in 2001, after a short lull in the Emerald Coast real estate market, there was a significant increase in activity. That’s exactly what we are seeing now as the market responds to COVID-19. The 30-A market during the peak of the COVID shutdown saw the number of ‘under contract’ listings
Opposite: The owners of this gorgeous home on Choctawhatchee Bay enjoy all the benefits of life in South Walton and Destin, Florida, while living in a private retreat. Architect Gerald Burwell of Burwell Associates designed this extraordinary estate that exemplifies life by the water in Northwest Florida. Lunch is enjoyed on the veranda almost daily, and most evenings, dolphins cruise past the dock. Sunset lights the evening sky in an orange and pink glow while the impeccable pool deck with pergola and chaise longues beckon you to the outdoors. Left: Andy B, the homeowners’ beloved companion, is proud and happy to have guests. Like his owners, he makes sure everyone is having a good time! Photos by Romona Robbins V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 101
office—he will turn to me and say, ‘No one died today because of real estate.’ He understands the importance of what we do and the impact the industry has on the economy and on individual lives, but it’s good to have that broader perspective.” VIE sat down with Gay and Jeff of La Florida to discuss the growth of their business, the incredible lifestyle in Northwest Florida, and more. decrease by approximately 40 percent compared to the same period in 2019. We then sampled the data the day after the governor’s announcement of the Florida Phase One reopening, revealing an increase of over 56 percent in the same market compared to last year.” Today, the Landreths and their team at La Florida look to experience and their triedand-true business methods to continue their success and growth into the future. “Jeff brings skills honed by his years as a combat pilot and instructor in the US Air Force, and he holds a master’s degree in business administration from Loyola Marymount University, which he earned while working on the ‘Star Wars’ program for the Air Force,” says Gay. “His vast understanding of technology and databases and my years of sales experience have been the perfect combination to grow a thriving real estate agency. I began actively working in the field of real estate in my early twenties, but I developed my skills early on as a top Girl Scout Cookie salesgirl!” she laughs. “We met when Jeff was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, and I encouraged him to get his real estate license as he was also an investor in preconstruction properties and the stock market. Jeff was still flying when we began La Florida; he knew how to lead missions from across the globe and applied those skills to our business. He also brings perspective when there is a tough day at the 102 | JULY 2020
VIE: You’ve been selling and helping buyers with real estate in Northwest Florida for four decades, a major achievement in any field. How has this given you market expertise in this area and beyond, and what are some of your greatest accomplishments?
Gay Landreth: I began my real estate career working for renowned Trammell Crow Farnsworth Companies. I gained a wealth of knowledge in commercial and industrial real estate, which translated into brokering, training, and leading teams to bring resort neighborhoods and high-rise condominiums out of the ground from concept to closing. I have a list of “firsts” to my credit—one was in 1979, selling the first beachfront tower in Sandestin during a time when 19 to 21 percent interest rates were the norm. Others include closing multimillion-dollar sellouts and being the first female to broker a high-rise in Destin—the Destin Yacht Club on the harbor. That gave me a great
Special Real Estate Edition GL: We strive to assist clients in finding not only
If we can catch their dream and vision, we can make it a reality through our diligence and market knowledge. By listening carefully, we look for cues that inspire them. sense of accomplishment. “Greatest achievement” depends on perspective, but as a mom, I think that supporting two daughters as a single mother with breast cancer and going through chemo and radiation would be considered an awesome accomplishment. I know what it is to say, “I will live and not die and tell of His glory!”
VIE: When you help your clients find the perfect property, it’s all about the customer. You’re not just selling them a house—you’re asking them, “How do you want to live?” What are some things you look for to help clients create their ideal lifestyle?
a good value but also a quality home they will enjoy for years to come. That means a place and neighborhood that will fit the way they live and entertain. If we can catch their dream and vision, we can make it a reality through our diligence and market knowledge. By listening carefully, we look for cues that inspire them. We ask a customer to tell us their heart’s desires: What are your architectural and interior preferences? Is this a place to create memories or strictly an investment home? How will you spend your time? Do you want to walk to restaurants and shopping? Do you need space for kids to play or a dog to run? Do you want a “plug in and play” house, or do you like the idea of fixing up and putting your own brushstrokes on a home? We tell our customers, “You don’t have to see everything, but you won’t miss anything!” They can expect an in-depth itinerary and thorough tool kit for listings
Opposite left: “The brackish pool connecting the lake to the Gulf is the perfect shallow oasis for small children to splash in or for net fishing and finding small crustaceans,” says former homeowner Lauren Daiberl. “When Draper Lake and the Gulf connect during times of high tide, this calm pool transforms into a thrilling experience for kayakers and boogie boarders, creating a narrow ravine of Gulf water rushing into the serene coastal dune lake.” Photo by Troy Ward Opposite right: Camp Palm is a coastal retreat in Mary Esther, Florida, named in honor of the place where the homeowner’s mother vacationed in the summer as a child. Hansen Architects of Savannah, Georgia, designed Camp Palm to be reminiscent of a Southern midcentury beach house, but with all the features one could desire in a modern home. Photo by Jeff Herr Left: When listing the home branded as Les Bon Temps, La Florida Coastal Properties held Mardi Gras–themed open houses that mirrored the home’s bayou feel and New Orleans– esque balconies that ring its courtyard and central fountain. Photo by Troy Ward
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We tell our customers, ‘ You don’t have to see everything, but you won’t miss anything!’
complete with market comparatives, community and property sales histories, and more. In some cases, days of preparation ensure our customer experience is seamless. Other times, we have short-notice requests, and the La Florida team meets the needs of those customers with the same exceptional service level because we have these processes in place. Drawing from forty years of market knowledge, I almost have a mental index of communities and properties I go through when listening to the needs of our customers. At the conclusion of their time with us, most all of the information is at hand to make an informed buying decision.
VIE: Living “on the water” doesn’t just mean finding a Gulf-front home along the Emerald Coast. Can you tell us about some of the other opportunities for homebuyers who want a waterfront lifestyle? GL: That’s a great question, and while Gulf-front living is spectacular, many locals opt for being off the beaten path. The Emerald Coast offers numerous unique lifestyles where access to a county beach or state park beach is still within minutes. Many year-round residents and second-home owners find themselves drawn to the privacy and appreciate the diversity of flora and fauna that can be found on rare coastal dune lakes, the bay, and the sound. These areas abound with opportunity for lovers of the outdoors; the bay and the sound are teeming with fish to be caught and playful dolphins to watch. Boat owners can cruise on the water to restaurants and tie up at a marina or dock for lunch or dinner. The rare 104 | JULY 2020
coastal dunes lakes are found only in a few places in the world and are a treasure being sought by a new generation of buyers. Paddleboarding and kayaking excursions are a great pastime, and some residents use them as a fun and convenient way to get to the beach. After adventurous anglers and boating enthusiasts return home with sun-kissed faces, it is not unusual for them to check their crab traps and sit on the dock to let down another line while watching the sunset.
VIE: Your expertise doesn’t end with helping clients find the perfect home. You have also mastered the art of branding and marketing for your sellers. How has this helped your business and your clients?
GL: Frank Lloyd Wright said, “If you wisely invest in beauty, it will remain with you all the days of your life.” At La Florida, we discover the beauty in each home, each condominium, each blank piece of sand or raw land, and invest in that beauty. It is about turning a vision into reality. This is what drives us and inspires us, and we are committed to helping our clients make it happen. We fully immerse ourselves in the property, envision what one will experience when enjoying the home and community, and breathe life into them. On the drawing board or in existence, we tell the compelling story that draws one in to discover more. We delve into the history of the land, community, or area, whether it is the pirates naming Blue Mountain for the blue lupine that was in bloom when they sailed by or the sordid tale of a soldier claiming Navarre Beach for his love.
For example, we produced a lifestyle video for 71 Coquina showcasing not only the house but, more importantly, the enjoyment of the dune lake lifestyle, then followed up this production with a general Gulf Coast lifestyle production with a family enjoying a beach bonfire and s’mores. For the bay-front home we dubbed Les Bon Temps, we were inspired by A. Hays Town’s Louisiana home designs. We compared the home to “really good gumbo” with all the parts that come together to make the perfect dish. We held Mardi Gras–themed open houses and had king cakes flown in from Haydel’s Bakery. The balconies that ring the courtyard and fountain were adorned with Mardi Gras banners, decorations, and beads.
VIE: Another part of your brand ethos at La Florida is “service before self.” Tell us a little about what that means to you and why it is the way you choose to operate. GL: “Service before self ” flows naturally from each of us at La Florida. If you put your customer first and have a servant’s heart, even in the small things, you will be rewarded. That reward could be as simple as the satisfaction of knowing you have done the best you can do for their highest good. Whether it’s a CEO, CFO, or celebrity purchasing a multimillion-dollar home or a couple on a budget looking for their starter house, we treat everyone fairly, and they are all blessed with really lovely closing gifts as a token of our gratitude. We worked with one celebrity who wrote me into her book as a character—I guess that was my closing gift! We also take our customers’ privacy very seriously and take appropriate steps to ensure that. This mission of service carries over into our personal lives as well. Jeff currently serves on the Northwest Florida Ballet Board of Directors and the MidSouth Bank Advisory Board, chairs the Multiple Listing Service Committee, leads a weekly men’s Bible study, and has previously served on the Sinfonia Gulf Coast Board of Directors. I continuously serve in women’s ministry and served over ten years on a bank advisory board. We are very committed to giving our all to our community in addition to our La Florida Team and clients.
To learn more or view properties, visit LaFlorida.com.
Above and opposite top: “One evening when Jeff and I were dining with Carl and Tamara Tricoli at Bud & Alley’s in Seaside, we suggested they consider purchasing a Gulf-front lot that La Florida had listed as it was contiguous to their beautiful beach house,” says Gay. “They loved the idea, purchased the lot, and transformed it into a hip, dramatic space adjoining their existing terrace—complete with a swimming pool. You must experience what Tamara and Carl modestly call the deck kitchen to truly grasp the genius of their vision. They reimagined the huge Gulf-front lot as a place of hospitality for entertaining their family and friends during all types of weather.” Photos by Romona Robbins Opposite bottom: The Daiberls’ former Draper Lake residence earned a Merit Award of Excellence for Renovations and Additions in 2017 for its “bunker” addition by McWhorter Vallee Reese Design. Artist Shantell Martin, a close friend of the family, visited and added her signature blackand-white line drawings to one wall as a gift. The family’s young daughter, Lily, did not understand why Shantell could draw on the walls and she couldn’t! Photo by Troy Ward Left: Gay and Jeff Landreth back in Jeff’s days as a fighter pilot for the US Air Force V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 105
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Special Real Estate Edition
The SMILE That NEVER QUITS Northwest Florida Real Estate Stays Strong
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n a highly uncertain time for businesses across the world with the coronavirus pandemic shutting many doors and putting many livelihoods on pause, it’s a welcome relief to hear that the real estate market along Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast seems to have been largely unaffected. If anything, local real estate brokers and agents are seeing more activity in the spring of 2020 than they might even have predicted at the beginning of the year. For Linda Miller Real Estate, a boutique luxury real estate brokerage along Scenic Highway 30-A, May 2020 was a stellar month, with $15 million in real estate under contract.
We caught up with Linda Miller and her team to discuss the market trends and how the solid spring numbers for real estate along the Gulf Coast could mean a ray of hope for the community as a whole. VIE: First, we want to congratulate you on opening your own boutique brokerage, Linda Miller Real Estate, last year! What has set you and your team apart from other firms in the area, and what have you learned from opening your own business in the past several months? Linda Miller: Thank you! I think the biggest thing that sets my brand apart is that we are a boutique firm. We offer whiteglove service to our clients through building close relationships with them and maintaining those relationships for years. They can call me up any time and ask any question and I’ll answer with a smile—that is my brand, and I live it every day. I’m not just a robot type of realtor with a huge conglomerate behind me that has its own agenda to follow for every transaction. My whole business has been built on relationships. I’ve been living and embodying the lifestyle along 30-A and selling this market for over twenty-two years, so I can be that “hometown” realtor at the beach for my clients. It’s such a more approachable way to do business and I’m truly able to provide guidance and expertise for my customers as their trusted advisor. Many of them become my good friends. VIE: Being that “hometown” realtor means not only working along Scenic Highway 30-A but also embodying the whole lifestyle of the area. What does that mean to you, and what do you love most about it?
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I’ve been living and embodying the lifestyle along 30-A and selling this market for over twentytwo years, so I can be that ‘hometown’ realtor at the beach for my clients. It’s such a more approachable way to do business and I’m truly able to provide guidance and expertise for my customers as their trusted advisor.
Left: Broker/owner Linda Miller of Linda Miller Real Estate Photo by Brenna Kneiss Opposite: For sale: This stunning family home in Rosemary Beach, Florida, offers Gulf views, a private pool, and pristine interiors just steps from the white-sand beach. Photo by Alex Hall V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 109
Special Real Estate Edition VIE: With the real estate industry in Northwest Florida seeing such a strong spring despite the setbacks many businesses and individuals faced from COVID-19, are there any changes you’re seeing in the market that are surprising? Linda Miller: I think the virus forcing so many people to stay home and reexamine their working environments has made them realize that a lot of them can work from anywhere, so why not work from the beach? We’re also seeing a trend that I’ve called “urban flight.” People are ready to leave bigger cities and more populated areas in favor of a quieter, more spread-out life on the coast. We had some clients from Pennsylvania who are a great example—they packed up, came to the coast for a vacation, and decided to stay. They ended up calling their realtor back home and telling them that they would arrange their sale from here. Lower interest rates have also helped in our seeing such an uptick in buyers. Properties are moving faster. We had $15 million under contract in May, which is huge. We’ve also recently listed and sold a home in just one day—and that
Linda Miller: I love this area that we call “the Smile” because Scenic 30-A curves just like a smile when you turn onto it from Highway 98 on the eastern end. I moved here from Fairhope, Alabama, and always enjoyed coming to vacation on these beautiful beaches before I made it my full-time home. The lifestyle is so unique. It’s laid-back luxury, with incredible architecture, restaurants, and communities that offer a living experience unlike any other. I love traveling up and down “the Smile” every day when I’m showing properties and then ending my day with a cocktail and the beautiful sunset from one of my favorite restaurants, like Shunk Gulley. They even have a cocktail named the “Linda Miller.” If you stop by the bar at Shunk Gulley sometime and we are there, you will have a Linda Miller on me! VIE: As a small business, your team is like a close-knit family. How does this also provide an advantage for your clients? Above: Contact Linda Miller Real Estate for more information on this and other incredible opportunities to find your dream beach house along Scenic Highway 30-A. Photo by Alex Hall . Opposite: Photo by Brenna Kneiss 110 | JULY 2020
Linda Miller: The company really is a family business. My brother, Chip McCraney, is also an agent with us. We have a new office closer to the west end of 30-A, which has allowed us to branch further out into the market there and start building new relationships while maintaining others across the area as well. We sell all of 30-A! There is a comfort in working with a small team because we can help each other and our clients quickly and often more efficiently than if there were twenty or fifty people in the office.
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There is a comfort in working with a small team because we can help each other and our clients quickly and often more efficiently than if there were twenty or fifty people in the office.
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happened twice! This also goes back to the way I do—and have always done— business through building relationships. One of those quick sales happened because I was outside at a listing and a neighbor waved me over to ask me about listing his home too. It just happens like that sometimes, because you take the time to talk to someone or to answer a call even if you’re busy. Johnny and I can be out showing properties without much luck sometimes, but then things will start happening because we keep showing up and just keep going. It’s a matter of continuing to work and putting yourself out there for the opportunities to come. VIE: Although you are a small business, your reach is vast thanks to an exclusive partnership with Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate and the Board of Regents Luxury Real Estate. Can you tell us a little about this network and its affiliation with your brand?
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Linda Miller: Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate through Board of Regents is an exclusive group of realtors from across the globe who are invited to participate because they have proven successful in the luxury market. It’s truly an honor to be a member of this group, and it’s a huge asset to my brand. We are able to list our properties on the database at Who’s Who so that we can collaborate with other agents to connect buyers and sellers and get properties moving faster thanks to putting them in front of the right audience. LuxuryRealEstate.com has more multimillion-dollar properties listed than any other real estate database. VIE: Are there any listings you are particularly excited about at the moment?
Above: For sale: Il Paradiso is a beautiful custom-designed home in a gated waterfront community adjacent to Alys Beach, Florida, just south of Scenic Highway 30-A. Left: The entry to Il Paradiso features a custom gate leading to the negative-edge pool terrace. The unique entry door invites you to the foyer that opens to a large living room, kitchen, dining room, gallery, custom staircase, and a gathering room whose dome ceiling is adorned with a one-of-a-kind Moroccan chandelier. Photos courtesy of Linda Miller Real Estate
Linda Miller: Yes, we have several beautiful listings around 30-A that I’m excited about! One is a family home in Rosemary Beach that is very special to me. I’ve worked with the owners for years. I sold them their first condo in Rosemary, and then twelve years ago, I represented them in selling the condo and purchasing a gorgeous home. We even have a photo of their kids outside the house twelve years ago and then now, with them all grown up. I’m delighted to be helping this family again as they have decided to “trade up” yet again with a new purchase—and to be listing their property for $1.4 million more than they purchased it for in 2008. Another incredible listing we have currently is a very unique home and adjacent lot in the exclusive neighborhood of Paradise by the Sea, between Alys Beach and Seacrest Beach. This is a custom home that the owners poured their hearts and souls into, and it shows! Now they’ve decided to list the lot next door, so the buyer will have the opportunity to take advantage of a lot of space. It includes a beautiful plan for a pool with deck and entertainment area that would perfectly complement the home and guest house. VIE: Are there any parting words of wisdom or things you have learned from your twenty-two years in business on 30-A that you’d like to share with our readers?
Over the years, I have been very fortunate to live, work, and play in such a beautiful place as 30-A and to form so many beautiful friendships and client relationships with people near and far.
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Linda Miller: Over the years, I have been very fortunate to live, work, and play in such a beautiful place as 30-A and to form so many beautiful friendships and client relationships with people near and far. In that time, I have sold over half a billion dollars in property and have been the top-selling realtor in the area for many of those years. I have watched the real estate market in our area rise and rise over the past decade, with the average sale on 30-A going from around $530,000 in 2010 to over $1 million last year. Starting my brokerage last year was a huge accomplishment and also a learning curve, but something that I am so proud to have done. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us. But overall, I have learned that being number one doesn’t matter that much—being happy is much more important. I’m so happy to continue building relationships, nurturing my team and my clients, having friendly meetings over dinner and drinks, and just to keep smiling!
Visit LindaMillerLuxury.com to learn more and see active listings. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 113
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Inspired Ideas for your home and life!
BECOME PART of a BEAUTIFUL COFFEE TABLE BOOK CELEBRATING our HOME. DEBUTS WINTER 2020 Contact Editor-in-Chief Lisa Burwell to learn more at lisa@viemagazine.com Private residence in Alys Beach, Florida Architecture by A BOHEME Design Staircase production by Rizzi Photo by Brenna Kneiss
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PARADISE FOUND
FIND YOURS WITH PREMIER PROPERTY GROUP
This page and opposite: Who wouldn’t love the panoramic views from 138 Camp Creek Point? This exclusive luxury home is located just west of Alys Beach, Florida, and is listed by the Premier Property Group. Photos courtesy of The Premier Property Group
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THE KEY TO ME IS THAT THE PARTNERS CAME TOGETHER FROM SEPARATE BUT COMPLEMENTARY PERSPECTIVES. HAVING THESE DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES AND BEING AN INDEPENDENT COMPANY WITH GLOBAL REACH ALLOW PREMIER TO THINK OF ITS CUSTOMERS DIFFERENTLY FROM THE BIG-BOX BROKERAGES.
leading real estate sales and development firm in the Northwest Florida region, Premier Property Group, has a wealth of experience and success under its belt yet remains a tightly knit team of professionals with the best interests of their community in mind. With offices in WaterColor, Seacrest Beach, Miramar Beach, and Niceville, its agents are poised to help buyers find their perfect home or vacation getaway at the beach or help sellers match their property with the ideal new owner.
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ince 2007, Premier Property Group has been expanding its footprint along the Gulf Coast. An integral part of its success has been the strength and professionalism of the leadership team, partners Keith Flippo, Garrett McNeil, and Bob Parks. Their expertise, ethics, and passion for the industry have established a well-respected and approachable brokerage that is recognized as the best in the real estate business in Northwest Florida.
We chatted with Flippo—along with new partner/chief operating officer Jason White and new vice president of marketing Alyssa Walker—about the Premier Property Group’s success in 2020, predictions for the future of the real estate market, and more!
VIE: Premier Property Group has had a stellar year so far, with numerous records broken in the past few months even amid the hardship of a global pandemic. Why do you think this is, and can you tell us a little more about your team’s fantastic achievements?
The second transaction was the record-setting sale in Alys Beach that topped our previous record. Premier has been the listing brokerage for four of the top seven transactions ever in our area. No other brokerage has more than one. We, as a company, understand what it takes to sell these types of properties because we understand the potential buyers and sellers and their motivations.
Keith Flippo: The record-breaking sale in Alys Beach resulted from someone wanting to get out of a metropolitan area because of the COVID virus. The buyer contracted the property for $10 million and then offered to rent it for thirty days prior to closing. Also, a family member followed and purchased the house behind hers and another homesite. People are looking for a place to retreat.
Jason White: The two record-setting transactions we had this year are a great
Above and opposite: 24 Sea Venture Alley in Alys Beach, Florida, is a stunning courtyard home showcasing the best of the Alys Beach lifestyle. Photos by Chris Little, courtesy of The Premier Property Group. 118 | JULY 2020
snapshot of what establishes The Premier Property Group as the leader in luxury real estate on the Emerald Coast. The first transaction was the $16 million sale of a home in Miramar Beach, the highest price ever recorded for a single-family home in our region. Premier had both the listing side and the buying side of the transaction. It came together through our agents’ hard work and pulling in all of the expertise we have in-house to validate the value of the property. The site has not only residential appeal but could also be a commercial development, a resort development, or a mixed-use development. Having the team in-house that has experience and capabilities for that type of development allowed the agents to paint the picture for this property aside from its being a magnificent home.
VIE: Overall, the 30-A / Northwest Florida Gulf Coast real estate market is seeing tremendous growth and stamina during this time. How do you think this might reflect the state of the world, with people realizing they want that second home at the beach or even moving here full-time?
JW: We are firm believers in the long-term fundamental strengths of our market. The pandemic only reinforced those strengths. People value the ease
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with which they can get to our market—a day’s drive or a quick flight. We’ve seen buyers who have typically bought second homes in the Caribbean, Central America, or Mexico realize the value of having a second home they can get to easily when international air travel gets tough. When the short-term rentals were prohibited, clients that frequently rented in our area realized how much they valued their time here. The only way to truly have it is to own property. Those buyers have entered the market. In addition, there is that segment of new buyers that came to realize they could work from home and live anywhere; they are choosing to live at the beach.
KF: Another example is that some of the buyers I have been working with now would normally be going to Europe for the summer, but they want to buy a house here because they’re putting their travel plans on hold indefinitely.
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IT’S MUCH MORE THAN THE NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND BATHROOMS. IT GOES BACK TO UNDERSTANDING EMOTIONS AND BUYER MOTIVATIONS AND CREATING A SENSE OF PLACE FOR EVERY PROPERTY, NO MATTER WHERE IT IS LOCATED.
VIE: Jason and Alyssa, you both had careers at Alys Beach before joining Premier. As one of the leading town developers in the area and a luxury real estate mecca, how do your knowledge of and relationships at Alys Beach provide a unique position for Premier’s clients?
JW: I’ve spent most of my real estate development career creating secondhome communities. Each community provides a lesson. Alys Beach is special as it introduced architecture as a true amenity. It draws people into the town to photograph, draw, and gaze. You don’t see that as much in other communities. Working in that environment daily changes how you think about marketing real estate. It’s much more than the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. It goes back to understanding emotions and buyer motivations and creating a sense of place for every property, no matter where it is located. Every home is someone’s “beach house,” even if it isn’t directly on the beach. We love to list properties in Alys Beach for a couple of reasons. First, it is a fabulous product. Second, our sellers don’t have to worry about any potential for a conflict of interest. They know that we are 100 percent committed to selling their house without the distraction of promoting developer properties.
Alyssa Walker: During my time at Alys Beach, I learned the importance of telling a story and selling a lifestyle. The decision to purchase a home at the beach is an investment in a family’s tradition and legacy. I also learned that everything you (and don’t do) matters; it is all about the details. These two things might seem simple, but in reality, they take time and are difficult to consistently execute. With that being said, I am excited to craft Premier’s stories to help our team sell the lifestyle here.
VIE: Premier is an independent brokerage that was formed from a group of partners that had formerly worked together in separate capacities, from real estate sales to development and more. Can you tell us a little about the history of the company and what makes it stand out?
JW: The key to me is that the partners came together from separate but complementary perspectives. Having these different perspectives and being an independent company with global reach allow Premier to think of its customers differently from the big-box brokerages. We understand that second-home purchases are more emotional purchases than primary-home purchases. Your job often dictates your primary-home location; a second-home location is based on how you want to live. When you have on your team the experience of developing and creating these second-home communities built around a lifestyle and a sense of place, you have an understanding of your clients that is unique among real estate brokerages in this area.
KF: Premier is a borderline boutique brokerage that is independently and locally owned. I had clients tell me that I needed to start my own company, but I said no. When Bob Parks came to me, I knew he meant business, knew the industry, and could bring real value and knowledge to the table. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 119
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VIE: Premier Property Group opened its fourth office location last year. What made the Niceville, Florida, area the ideal place for that office and how has it been performing? Why do you feel this area is a burgeoning market for the real estate industry?
JW: Niceville has it all: great access to Choctawhatchee Bay, excellent schools, and, with its proximity to the area’s military facilities, a great job base. All three of these qualities drive the growth of the Niceville real estate market. We are really excited about being there. We have a great team that understands that community and what makes it a wonderful place to live.
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of property. You don’t have to drive all the way to one end of 30-A. It provides agents the seamless support they need to sell along the Emerald Coast.
VIE: Premier is a member of the Leading Real Estate Companies around the World and the Luxury Portfolio International association of realtors. What makes these organizations an excellent fit for your company, and how does this position help your clients?
JW: Leading RE provides us with an unmatched real estate network, larger in
a totally different market. Instead of selling a resort lifestyle, it’s more about primary residences.
total volume than any of the chain or franchise brokerage firms. This affiliation allows us to form relationships with partner brokerage firms in and out of our typical feeder markets. Our coastal location allows us the opportunity to host representatives of these brokerages to educate them about our area and all it has to offer for their clients. For some, it is their first exposure to the area. They leave knowing their clients are in good hands when they refer them to us. These referrals have grown as clients in other markets suddenly realize they want a place where they can retreat away from their more urban homes.
office locations and what makes each one uniquely positioned for success in the area?
Photo by Tim Kramer Photography, courtesy of The Premier Property Group
KF: We have a location within a reasonable distance of anywhere you sell a piece
KF: Niceville is a more stable, nonresort area; it’s
VIE: Can you tell us a little about your other three
Above: This home on Bayou Drive in Niceville, Florida, was recently sold by The Premier Property Group—it had the highest sales price in the past year after being listed with six other brokerages.
Niceville office is next door to Starbucks, making it a great place to see clients and friends as they get their daily coffee. With these convenient locations, our agents and clients know they can have a seamless experience as we function as one office in four locations.
JW: We value being in premier locations. The Seacrest office in the Seacrest Town Center is ideally situated between Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach, making it convenient for all of the eastern 30-A communities. The WaterColor office is located in the heart of WaterColor. We love it when clients stop by to visit. Its proximity to Wine World is an undervalued benefit. The Seascape office is located in the new Seascape Town Center—which will be the next great town center in our area—and allows great access to Destin and Miramar Beach. The
KF: We have great referral flow from Leading RE. Recently, we have seen it grow to even higher levels and from areas beyond our regular drive-to market. This relationship is helping grow our area’s customer base beyond the traditional drive-to markets.
To view properties or to learn more about Premier Property Group, visit ThePremierPropertyGroup.com.
L’intermission
You Grow, Girl!
Photo by Creative Travel Projects / Shutterstock
At the beginning of summer, typically in June, the slopes of the Carpathian Mountains are covered with a breathtaking pink layer of these tender flowers. The most famous Ukrainian folk name for this blossom is chervona ruta. After popular Ukrainian songwriter, composer, and poet Volodymyr Ivasyuk penned “Chervona Ruta,” the song became one of the nation’s most notable symbols.
Love, VIE xo V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 123
JAMES WATTS Luxury Real Estate and Development BeachLuxury30A.com | (850) 246-1809 @BeachLuxury30A
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Home Office
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S E L L I N G
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LIFESTYLE
Photography courtesy of The Beach Group 126 | JULY 2020
TURNING DREAMS into R E A L I T Y
I n t e r v i e w w i t h J a m e s Wa t t s ,
THE BEACH GROUP
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I have always thought this area is special, and the thought of introducing friends, both old and new, to it appealed to me. I enjoy real estate here because I am not just selling houses, I am selling the beach lifestyle.
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VIE:
How would you describe the lifestyle in Northwest Florida, particular in the 30-A area? What do you love most about living and working here?
JAMES WATTS:
The lifestyle here is certainly more relaxed than what most people are used to. It is slower paced, but that doesn’t mean all we do is sit on the beach. This area is unique because, while the beach is a major draw for residents and visitors, there is so much more to do. A typical day here might start with a relaxing walk on the beach at sunrise and end with a glass of wine on the beach at sunset, but the time in between is filled with jogging alongside 30-A, biking the state forest trails, paddleboarding on the Gulf or coastal dune lakes, or fishing. I like that we have many of the advantages of an “island” lifestyle living along 30-A, but if we want to take a road trip for sporting events or concerts, then we just have to hop in the car and go.
VIE: What are some of the best opportunities for those wishing to invest in real estate on or near 30-A?
JW: It sounds cliché, but this is a unique area. We
Above: 27 Hope Town Lane in Rosemary Beach, Florida, is listed by broker associate James Watts of The Beach Group Properties. Visit BeachLuxury30A.com to learn more. Opposite: The Beach Group recently sold this stunning six-bedroom home in Blue Mountain Beach, Florida, for over $4.8 million. Previous spread, left: An aerial view of Western Lake and the Gulf of Mexico adjacent to the highly popular beach resort community of WaterColor, Florida 128 | JULY 2020
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or many people who either vacation with family or work part-time along the white-sand beaches of Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast, the gorgeous scenery and the laid-back lifestyle hold a powerful allure. The coastal communities along Scenic Highway 30-A are brimming with transplants who visited the area and later made the upgrade from tourists to locals. For James Watts, broker associate at The Beach Group Properties luxury real estate and development firm, the beach was always somewhere he wanted to be. Watts grew up in Jackson, Mississippi, and often came to the 30-A area with family and friends for summer vacations. He spent his undergrad and grad school years at the University of Mississippi in Oxford and worked one summer in WaterColor, Florida, where he says he fell in love with the lifestyle-community concept. “I have always been a beach person and have spent time living and traveling on various islands around the world,” Watts says. “I have always thought this area is special, and the thought of introducing friends, both old and new, to it appealed to me. I enjoy real estate here because I am not just selling houses, I am selling the beach lifestyle.” We caught up with Watts to learn more about the beach lifestyle along 30-A, real estate trends in 2020, and his plans for representing the VIE Beach House – A Show Home, coming this fall.
are positioned in a spot on the Gulf Coast where we do not have any major rivers feeding into the Gulf nearby. This helps keep our water beautiful and clear. Our white, sandy beaches are amazing, and the clear water is great for all types of water sports. For someone looking to invest in a beach property, it is tough to beat these beaches. Our market continues to attract people from all across the country, not just the Southeast. This increase in demand continues to drive our real estate market and the rental market, making it a great place to invest, whether you need rental income or are looking for appreciation. Another advantage is that our
area is in driving distance for much of the country. If a family wants a last-minute getaway or feels uncomfortable flying, they can drive here instead of flying to the Caribbean.
VIE: Describe the real estate market climate at the moment. How has COVID-19 affected the industry, in your experience?
JW: COVID-19 has affected the industry both positively and negatively. Having the beaches and vacation rentals shut down hurt the rental market and the restaurant industry. People need vacation rentals to stay in while they shop for homes, and our restaurants are part of the attraction for the area. The uncertainty surrounding the virus caused some people to hit the pause button, but now that things are open, it seems like we are seeing a pent-up demand for both vacation rentals and vacation homes. People have seen that they can effectively work from home, so why not work from a home at the beach? I have clients who’ve said they want a beach house so that if this happens again, they have a place to escape to. I think we will see more instances where families will split time between the beach and home, as opposed to only spending one to two weeks a year at the beach.
VIE: If you could look into a crystal ball, what do you think real estate prospects look like moving forward, both for the short and the long term? What new paradigm shifts do you see already occurring, and are you seeing any new emerging markets?
JW: Our market can be hard to predict. At the moment, it is very active. Many properties are selling, whether they are $150,000 lots or $10 million homes, so the activity is reaching all points of the market. In the long term, I think this current flurry of activity may settle down. If so, I do not think that translates into lower prices, just a more normalized market. I think our market will continue to see solid consistent appreciation. In the last couple of years, we have seen an increase in the number of families moving to the beach on both a full-time and a part-time basis. Parents are seeing that they can work remotely and, if necessary, hop on a flight from nearby Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport for in-person meetings. COVID-19 and online learning have certainly reinforced this shift to the beach.
“This increase in demand continues to drive our real estate market and the rental market, making it a great place to invest, whether you need rental income or are looking for appreciation.”
VIE: You’ve worked with Suzy and Jim Accola, the developers of the upcoming VIE Beach House – A Show Home, before. Now they have chosen you out of a sea of realtors to represent the show home. Can you tell us about how you build
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VIE: What are some of the biggest selling points for the VIE Beach House? How is it keeping up with trends of what people want in a beach vacation home as well as a permanent residence?
JW: The VIE Beach House is a true home, meaning it is a house you can comfortably live in whether you are staying for a weekend or a lifetime. With people following the trends of longer vacations or even splitting time between residences, they want a home they can be comfortable in. People don’t always want the maximum number of bedrooms allowed. They would rather use the square footage for large gathering areas and outdoor entertaining. The living room in the VIE Beach House is right in line with trends, offering a huge vaulted ceiling with antique beams and a wall of folding glass doors that creates an indoor-outdoor space overlooking the pool. The home is built to comfortably sleep a large family, plus the additional living area and bunk room are great for overflow, making it perfect for hosting the whole family for holidays or summers. Details like the walk-in pantry and the large laundry room make the home more livable, and the garage is perfect for storing beach toys, a beach vehicle, or the hard top and doors for your Jeep. relationships as part of your business model and how you think this show home is different from any others you’ve seen in our area?
JW: So much of my business at the beach is relationship based. When I work with clients and developers, I am selling the lifestyle of the area and not just real estate. Most of my clients have become good friends whom I see anytime they are in town, regardless of whether or not they are looking to buy or sell real estate. I was friends with Jim and Suzy prior to working with them, so we had that foundation before diving into a working relationship. I enjoy working with them and all of the brainstorming and exchanging of ideas. I have not sold a show home before, but I am certainly familiar with the show homes plus I have sold other homes Coastal Elements has built. The approach with this type of project is certainly more of a collaborative effort. I think this show home is different because it highlights the 30-A area in general and not just a particular neighborhood. This area is a draw for luxury home buyers, whether they want to be in a lifestyle community or not. I love that this home is not built to maximize square footage but is instead built to max out the house with the most beautiful finishes and details. It is a home that anyone could easily envision themselves living in. Every detail in the home was brought to life by one of the show home partners and each has a story to tell. These stories and the combined mixture of ideas helps sell the home. It is this collaborative effort that makes it a special project. 130 | JULY 2020
VIE: Part of the home’s proceeds will go to area charities supporting community relief for Hurricane Michael and local wildfire victims. In your words, what makes the Gulf Coast area so great when it comes to philanthropy and community support? How is this initiative an asset for selling the show home?
JW: This is a very charitable region. Anytime a tragedy happens, people in this area step up in many ways—housing, food, clothing, money. Our home was damaged but survived the recent wildfire in Santa Rosa Beach, and we have seen firsthand what our neighbors who lost homes are going through. A lot of people moved here from areas with established charitable organizations, and they want the same opportunities available here. I think people here also realize that helping your neighbor can sometimes have a more immediate positive impact than sending efforts elsewhere. People like to know they are contributing to help others. I think the show home’s charity initiatives will speak to someone who not only loves the house but also cares about the people in the area. The owner will not only get an amazing home but also the satisfaction that in buying it, they are providing food or shelter to families in need. I think someone with a charitable heart will call the VIE Beach House their home.
Learn more or see properties from The Beach Group at BeachLuxury30A.com. To learn more about the VIE Beach House, visit VIEmagazine.com/BeachShowHome.
“ With park and Gulf views, 26 North Founders Lane is a masterfully crafted, one-of-a-kind residence set atop a “founders’ lot” in picturesque WaterSound Beach, Florida. Right: Hilary Farnum-Fasth and Jacob Watkins merged their real estate firms, Hilary Reverie and 30A Realty, to create Corcoran Reverie in early 2020.
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Live Who You Are Corcoran Group Teams with Hilary Farnum-Fasth and Jacob Watkins P H OTO G R A P H Y C O U R T E S Y O F C O R C O R A N R E V E R I E
WHEN IT CAME TIME TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT PARTNERING WITH A FIRM IN THE AREA, CORCORAN KNEW WHERE TO LOOK FOR LOCAL EXPERTISE.
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fter twenty-three years in real estate and the amazing success of Hilary & Reverie in such a short time, I wasn’t really looking for anything else,” says Hilary Farnum-Fasth. “I never expected that my reverie would come true and I would find myself affiliated with the Corcoran Group. This is truly the stuff that dreams are made of.” The Corcoran Group, one of the world’s leading luxury real estate brokerages, was the only corporate firm that Hilary would ever consider partnering with, she says. The international firm has been an independent company for over fifty years; it was founded and cultivated by well-known entrepreneur Barbara Corcoran, who built the company on principles of customer service and the best quality properties—values that are instilled in each of its agents today. As fate would have it, the Corcoran Group did knock on Hilary’s metaphorical door earlier this year, and the Northwest Florida broker was overjoyed to answer.
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This page and opposite: 26 North Founders Lane is newly completed and blends timeless, traditional design with modern finishes, comfortable spaces, seamless indoor-outdoor living, privacy, and incredible vistas.
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thought my coworkers were pulling a prank on me when I got the call from Corcoran,” Hilary laughs, ever grateful that the international brand chose her boutique brokerage on 30-A, Hilary & Reverie, to partner with when they began looking into the Northwest Florida real estate market as an area for expansion. “Corcoran is the most prestigious firm in the world. They have had the highest sales across the board, including a $238 million New York City penthouse last January, which holds the record for the highest residential sale in the country. Their model to partner with independent brokerages is different from any other corporate firm—they approach potential partners in areas they feel are experiencing or about to experience substantial growth. Northwest Florida was only the fourth area they branched into—with Chicago, LA, and Orlando before us. We’re such a small area compared to the others, so it’s very telling of how strong our market is.”
A recruiter for the Corcoran Group had been following the quickly strengthening real estate industry in Northwest Florida—particularly the luxury vacation communities along Scenic Highway 30-A—for several years, monitoring the area for potential and
Special Real Estate Edition
particularly following Hilary’s impressive career with her brokerage. When it came time to get serious about partnering with a firm in the area, Corcoran knew where to look for local expertise.
M AN Y NO RT HERN RES IDENTS ARE M OVING S O UT H TO T HE SUN N Y BEACH AREAS , WHI L E TH OSE IN BIGGER CIT IES ARE SEEKING MO RE RURA L OP TIONS WHERE T HE VIRUS I S LESS PREVALENT.
“It’s no secret that I adore Florida, and this miraculous string of beach towns has been on my mind for a very long time,” says Pamela Liebman, president and CEO of the Corcoran Group. “I knew, though, that bringing the Corcoran brand to 30-A required alignment with a broker of uncommon reach and reputation. Fortunately, that’s exactly what we found in Hilary Farnum-Fasth. Her encyclopedic knowledge of these communities and her total fluency with the luxury real estate scene here makes her the perfect fit for the Corcoran brand.” Hilary was humbled and excited to begin the new partnership, with the Northwest Florida brokerage branded as Corcoran Reverie under her leadership and that of partner Jacob Watkins, formerly of 30A Realty. Jacob had taken over the thirty-year-old 30A Realty a few years ago, giving it a stylish refresh while
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honoring its history in the area. He and Hilary met through being on the board of Food For Thought, a local nonprofit fighting child hunger in the area. According to Hilary, they frequently collaborated and partnered on advertising. “We always talked about partnering more closely, and when I got the call from Corcoran, I realized we had finally found a way to do it.” Hilary and Jacob merged their companies, growing their team and nearly doubling their listing portfolio while also announcing the Corcoran Reverie affiliation this past April amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which was shutting down businesses around the world. It became the first virtual launch and simultaneous affiliate merger for the Corcoran Group. Corcoran Reverie now comprises over eighty real estate agents, luxury property specialists, and other professionals who are equipped to help buyers and sellers from any location with all their Northwest Florida real estate needs. Above: The gorgeous luxury home at 26 North Founders Lane in WaterSound Beach also includes owner and guest access to the pristine WaterSound Beach Club. The facility has been recently updated to include an additional pool with a lazy river, a new restaurant and bar, and other improvements.
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“I could not be more thrilled to merge the history, experience, and expertise of 30A Realty with the full-service brokerage of Hilary & Reverie to establish Corcoran Reverie,” says Jacob. “Corcoran Reverie will bring to the market a level of knowledge, service, and luxury that cannot be matched in Northwest Florida. This team represents the preeminent brokers and agents along the Emerald Coast, and we are looking forward to serving our customers and clients as Corcoran Reverie.”
In addition to truly bringing an expansion to the Northwest Florida real estate market that had not yet been realized, Hilary says another reason she wanted to partner with the Corcoran Group was so that her agents and those of 30A Realty could greatly benefit from the brand’s reach and assets for training, networking, and advertising. “I’m at the point in my career where I want to invest in my agents and build them up,” she says. “I realized when I sold over $100 million in real estate last year and my next bestperforming agent sold $20 million, that didn’t feel good. I want them to go on to become CEOs or have their own brokerages and be successful. I knew this partnership created perfect timing for that and could help me help them.” The numbers don’t lie—Northwest Florida’s beach communities have experienced a considerable influx of home sales as the world reels in the wake of COVID-19. Many northern residents are moving south to the sunny beach areas, while those in bigger cities are seeking more rural options where the virus is less prevalent. Hilary says her recent sales calls with Corcoran’s affiliates in places like New York and Miami have been interesting, as Northwest Florida is seeing practically the opposite result that more populated regions are facing. “Our 30-A area seems to be blessed beyond comprehension,” she admits. “There seems to be no other word for it. Whether it is because of supply and demand and whether this upward trend is sustainable remains to be seen as we move into the summer and fall seasons, but right now, we’re seeing enormous growth. COVID did shift things, and another big reason I wanted to partner with Corcoran was its connection to the Northeast as a New York–based company. For a few years, I have felt that we were going to need those connections to bring a new buyers’ pool into this area to introduce that world to our world. I thought it would be in the next three to five years, but because of COVID, that need was expedited, and thanks to Corcoran, we can make those primary and secondary home sales happen now.” She continues, “A big part of Corcoran’s brand ethos and culture is in their tagline, ‘Live Who You Are.’ They’ve stayed on target with that campaign and mind-set, and it’s something we are proud to carry over at Corcoran Reverie as we help our buyers live their dreams of living who they are through our Northwest Florida beach lifestyle.”
FO R M O R E I N FO R M AT I O N O R TO V I E W PROPERTIES, V I S I T CO RCO RAN R E V E R I E .CO M .
26 N FOUNDERS LANE
WaterSound Beach, FL | $4,836,000
H I L A RY FA R N U M - FA S T H Broker/Owner Cell# (850) 685-0171 Office# (850) 230-5030 hilary.ff@corcorangroup.com
License FL 662303 License FL 3333691
J A C O B WAT K I N S Real Estate Advisor Cell# (850) 797-8694 Office# (850) 230-5030 jacob.watkins@corcorangroup.com
For more information visit: C O R C O R A N R E V E R I E . C O M All information furnished regarding property for sale, rental or financing is from sources deemed reliable, but no warranty or representation is made as to the accuracy thereof and same is submitted subject to errors, omissions, change of price, change of concessions, rental or other conditions, prior sale, lease or financing or withdrawal without notice. All dimensions are approximate. For exact dimensions, you must hire your own architect or engineer. Each office independently owned and operated.
16810 Panama City Beach Pkwy, Panama City Beach, FL 32413 | (850) 775-1227 Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 AM–6 PM
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Visual Perspectives
Visual Perspectives EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
A mixed-use urban campus of three office towers and shopping, dining, and leisure facilities linked by a park, the design also echoes CECEP’s commitment to environmental education by creating vital outdoor public spaces. Rendering by Negativ, courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects
Zaha Hadid Architects has been selected to build the new Shanghai headquarters of the China Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection Group (CECEP). CECEP is the country’s leading company initiating and funding projects with a focus on renewable energy technologies. Those include solar, hydroelectric, and wind power generation, environmental conservation initiatives such as water collection, treatment, and recycling, and innovations to reduce energy consumption and emissions throughout the construction industry. The new CECEP headquarters in Shanghai has been designed to be the “greenest” building in the city, with sustainability embedded into every aspect of its design and construction. It achieved more than ninety credits in China’s exacting Three Star Green Building Rating system—the highest score for any building in the city. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 139
Visual Perspectives
Artist Christian Calvin creates large-scale abstract paintings and mixed-media artwork in Nashville, Tennessee. Opposite: New York Fashion Acrylic on canvas, 60 Ă— 48 inches
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A RT I S T I C E V O LU T I O N An
Christian Calvin Keeps Faith By JORDAN STAGGS | Photography courtesy of CHRISTIAN C ALVIN
“Art is a new passion for me, and sharing it is an even greater passion. It’s become something I do every day.”
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ashville–based Christian Calvin’s relatively new art career might echo the dreams of many creative types who often want to pursue their passions but have felt unsure about making it a full-time gig.
Calvin served as the vice president of Option Rentals Incorporated for twentyfive years, followed by five years as president, until the corporation changed directions in 2017. He says his art career really began about a year and a half after he took a step back from that family business and began creating with paint. “My first painting was a small one on a sand dollar that I found during a vacation in Florida,” he recalls. “Something told me to paint on it. That small painting was the beginning, and I soon started created much larger pieces. I was learning how to scale drawings, so I would map everything out in squares on the canvas and then paint in those squares and erase the lines. I was very concerned with getting things ‘right’ and what things ‘should’ look like; I guess I had to go through that process to get to where I am now, which is more abstract. It’s been a culmination of going through that process to get to this place where my creativity comes through.”
Today, Calvin’s style has evolved—and keeps evolving—toward colorful abstract backgrounds created using gardening tools and palette knives. “I don’t use a lot of brushes,” he admits. “Almost all of my art is created from paint, sand, glue, and water, using scraping methods to mold the figures where I want them. Then I might use a brush to focus more on the details.” V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 141
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I SIGN EVERYTHING 33N AS A REFERENCE TO CHRIST AND MY NAME, CHRISTIAN. IT’S KIND OF A SYMBOL OF MY CONNECTION TO MY FAITH, AND THAT’S AN IMPORTANT PART OF MY LIFE.
This page, clockwise from top left: De Kooning Acrylic on canvas, 48 × 60 inches Nineteen Eighty Four Acrylic on canvas, 60 × 48 inches Red Storm Acrylic on canvas, 48 × 48 inches 142 | JULY 2020
The scale of his work makes his methods more efficient, as most are large paintings of at least forty-eight by sixty inches and meant to be statement pieces. Recently, he has begun experimenting even more with figures and subjects such as celebrities or famous art—his new Mona Lisa–inspired piece is decidedly abstract, but with just enough detail that the viewer can make out the deconstructed shape of the renowned portrait by Leonardo da Vinci. It is also forty-eight by forty-eight inches—almost twice the size of Leonardo’s piece. “My goal is that my audience feels something exciting, interesting, and enjoyable,” Calvin says.
Calvin’s other inspirations have come from his loving and supportive wife and four daughters. His subjects have included animals, celebrities, and sports, to name a few. Since creating the tiny sand dollar painting that sprang from his new passion, he has painted the likenesses of such figures as Jesus Christ, Muhammad Ali, Pete Rose, Mickey Mantle, Superman, George Washington, and even an abstract version of the Girl with a Pearl Earring, a famous painting by Johannes Vermeer. Many of the paintings include mixed media, like sand and glue, as Calvin mentioned, and always include the number 33. The number holds significance for the artist, who says that he has always been drawn to it. It was his grandfather’s football jersey number which he took as his own and a symbolic reference to Jesus Christ, who was thirty-three years old when He was crucified. “I sign everything 33n as a reference to Christ and my name, Christian,” Calvin says. “It’s kind of a symbol of my connection to my faith, and that’s an important part of my life.”
Visual Perspectives
This page, clockwise from top left: Girl with a Pearl Earring Acrylic on canvas, 48 × 36 inches Stargazing Acrylic on canvas, 60 × 48 inches Mona Acrylic on canvas, 48 × 48 inches
As he grows and continues to build his body of work as a professional artist, Calvin also manages rental properties in Nashville. His office, he says, has become a de facto art gallery, though it is not open to the public. “The main thing I love is creating the art,” he says. “I’m still getting into the business side of the industry and would like to have my work in a gallery at some point. I’ve sold pieces to clients in Hawaii and Atlanta; there’s a CEO who came down from Ohio and bought a piece; and a world champion boxer, Caleb Plant, has one of my pieces. I love making those connections and broadening my client base.” Calvin and his family enjoy vacationing along Florida’s Gulf Coast, where he says he would love to expand his reach. His large-scale artwork is ideal for some of the expansive luxury homes in areas like Scenic Highway 30-A, Destin, and Panama City Beach. “Sometimes the paintings tend to overpower a smaller room,” he admits. “They are perfect for larger spaces where there’s room for them to breathe and complement the other elements without being ‘too much.’” Looking toward the future, Calvin says he is exhilarated by the possibilities. “I’ve had time recently to reflect and make some inspiring new pieces,” he says. “I think the key thing, moving forward, is that I feel like my art is evolving and moving in a positive direction. Time and practice will help, as with anything. When I think about how my art is going to look in the next year, I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
Visit 33nArt.com to learn more about Christian Calvin or shop his artwork. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 143
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Le monde
Le monde GOES ROUND AND ROUND
Learn more at ChurchillArmsKensington.co.uk. Photo by mikecphoto / Shutterstock
Pints, anyone? Take one look at the famed exterior of the Churchill Arms pub in London, and its trellises and planters full of flowers are sure to bring a smile to your face. Mixed in with the colorful blossoms are pieces of English memorabilia, such as portraits of monarchs and prime ministers, a royal guard, numerous Union Jacks, and more. According to its website, the pub—which was built in 1750— was frequented by the grandparents of Winston Churchill and earned its current name after World War II. It’s also one of the only pubs to win an award from the esteemed Chelsea Flower Show.
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Community
HEROES S tep p ing Up i n T i mes of N eed
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s the world turned upside down and so many people were forced to leave work and shelter in place due to the global coronavirus pandemic, the Northwest Florida community was no exception. Restaurants, beaches, and attractions along the Gulf Coast shut down in March of 2020, the time when they would normally be preparing for a busy spring break season. Schools and day cares closed, and parents became teaching assistants as children took on the daunting task of distance learning. Unemployment spiked to its highest level in decades as businesses
shuttered their doors for the sake of public safety. But amid all the chaos, the region’s heroes—nonprofits, charitable organizations, volunteers, first responders, and health-care workers—rose to the challenge. These are just a few of the incredible people and organizations making a difference in our communities year-round!
UNITED WAY OF THE EMERALD COAST United Way Emerald Coast released its third phase of grant money totaling $70,000 to fifteen nonprofit organizations in Okaloosa and Walton Counties; the distributions came from the organization’s COVID-19 relief fund. Since United Way began the COVID-19 relief grant process, it has provided a total of $140,000 to nineteen vetted local nonprofits. United Way works with hundreds of partners to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in those counties. The COVID-19 relief grants help support nonprofits who provide housing assistance, utility assistance, health care, child care, and food security to working households negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. “Because of the sudden economic impacts of COVID-19, many hardworking local households are still struggling to make ends meet,” says United Way CEO Kelly Jasen. “Our nonprofit partners are trying to do all they can to rise to the challenge of these uncertain times. We are proud to support their efforts—and thousands of local families—with these COVID-19 relief grants. We are incredibly grateful for the corporate partners, individual donors, and volunteers who are stepping up to help our community address these unprecedented needs. Because of these partnerships, Phase Three funds were allocated to fifteen vetted nonprofits supporting the people who were hit the hardest by this pandemic.” United-Way.org/relief
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Le monde
Left: Caring & Sharing of South Walton executive director Carly Harmer carries a box of food donations for the nonprofit’s 2020 program for those in need of food, clothing, and financial assistance in Walton County, Florida. Photo by Jacqueline Ward Images Opposite: Food For Thought, another Northwest Florida nonprofit, puts simple meals in backpacks for children facing food insecurity in Okaloosa and Walton Counties. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast has supported their efforts for several years. Photo by Alyssa Aryn Photography V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 147
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT OUTREACH Food For Thought, celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, provides backpacks filled with healthy, easy-to-prepare food for students who are dependent on free or reduced-price school meals. The goal is to support a child’s development and educational experience by bridging the gap between school meals during weekends and holiday breaks. This summer, the nonprofit is providing curbside food pickups for five hundred to six hundred families twice a month at five locations in Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Volunteers and staff follow CDC guidelines in the preparation and handling of the food that is loaded into each family’s car. “We are grateful for our volunteers who continue to help serve the kids in need in our community to help fight the meal gap while schools are closed,” says founder Tiffanie Nelson. “This year will look different, because it has to; however, our commitment to fighting food insecurity remains the same. Food For Thought will now provide five pickup locations to better serve the families in our program. Each weekly service will distribute no less than thirty food items to each family during this challenging time.” As a family or business, you can sponsor a month of food services at one of the five locations for $1,500. You can donate online or send a text reading “FFTSUMMER” to 44321. Family and business recognition for those who donate will be given at the curbside pickup location. FFTFL.org
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE EMERALD COAST
CARING & SHARING OF SOUTH WALTON Caring & Sharing is a nonprofit providing food, clothing, prescription, rent, and utility assistance to individuals in need. In response to widespread requests for support during COVID-19, the Caring & Sharing board of directors elected to redirect surplus funds, which had been set aside for a new building, to help the community through the new Caring & Sharing Neighborhood Fund. Despite temporarily closing its thrift store to protect the health of clients and volunteers, Caring & Sharing provided 745 bags of food to 382 families (1,269 individuals) in Walton County through its drive-through food pantry operation. Additionally, the nonprofit distributed more than $22,000 in funds in April to help community members pay rent and utility bills during these challenging times.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast has closed its facilities due to the coronavirus pandemic. Still, its dedicated staff members continue to find ways to stay engaged with youth in the community. Over the Easter weekend, staff gathered at the Fort Walton Beach center for two drive-thru giveaways. Families drove through the center’s parking lot on Saturday to get bags of Easter candy donated by CVS Pharmacy. Then, the Boys & Girls Club invited everyone back again on Easter Sunday, where they gave eighty bicycles, thirty scooters, toys, games, and stuffed animals to more than one hundred local families. “We hope these new bikes and scooters make it easier for kids to get outside and stay active while we’re all stuck at home,” says Shervin Rassa, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. “We may not be able to see our kids in the Clubs right now, but it was great to see happy faces as they drove through to pick up their bikes and candy.”
Gifts to the fund can be made now on the Caring & Sharing website. The organization is creating a streamlined application process for local nonprofits affected by COVID-19 who need financial support for programs that serve the community. For up-to-date information on this process, visit the website or Facebook page.
Although facilities are closed, program leaders continue to provide virtual programming to members on Facebook and their website, while also connecting via video conferences and phone calls. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast serves more than 4,200 students in eight centers across Escambia, Okaloosa, and Walton Counties. They promote and enhance the development of local boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging, and influence through its programs focused on academic success, healthy lifestyles, good character, and citizenship.
CaringandSharingSoWal.org/caring-during-covid19
EmeraldCoastBGC.org
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COSTA ENTERPRISES MCDONALD’S Costa Enterprises McDonald’s twenty-four locations along the Emerald Coast area served 9,056 free combo meals to medical workers as a part of its Free Meals for Heroes initiative in March of 2020. The franchise created the initiative as a way to thank the medical professionals dedicating their time and putting themselves at risk during this global pandemic. While most of the population was under self-quarantine or practicing social distancing, hospital workers continued to work diligently during regular and extended hours. This offer was created as part of the Costa Cares program, whose mission is to provide outstanding community service through various fund-raising efforts, such as supporting local schools, partnering with churches, being involved with international and national charities, and offering any help or services that the community may need.
Left: This spring, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast donated Easter baskets and bicycles to area children while their club facilities were closed due to COVID-19.
CostaMcD.com
Photo courtesy of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast
This is only a small sampling of the many organizations doing incredible good for their communities during these hard times. We would like to thank each and every one of them for their kindness, dedication, and service to others.
CHRISTIAN CALVIN 814 Meadowlark Lane Goodlettsville TN 37072 (615) 594-0336 | 33NART.COM | @christiancalvin33
Opposite: Food For Thought founder Tiffanie Nelson Photo by Alyssa Aryn Photography
Le monde
The Chapel at Seaside Photo by Brenna Kneiss Right: Photo by Millie Holloman Photography 150 | JULY 2020
A
GARDEN of MEMORIES The Chapel at Seaside Expands By JORDAN STAG GS
bell tolls. Rising above the treetops, its white tower overlooks a sea of greenery dotted with colorful rooftops. Beyond lies the active Central Square of Seaside, Florida, and the sparkling blue-green Gulf of Mexico. As the bell beckons all to take a moment to find peace or say a quiet prayer, the residents and visitors of Seaside marvel at the architecture that surrounds them in this New Urban community. This year, the Chapel at Seaside’s iconic architecture will be getting an outdoor facelift.
at Seaside board president Gerald Meinecke. “The board of directors saw an opportunity to use the land behind the Chapel to provide additional seating. When working with Scott Merrill, the award-winning architect who designed the Chapel, on the development phase of a portion of this land, the idea evolved to create a place for gathering and reflection. The lower tier of the Garden of Memories will be an area where friends and families can share or create stories and memories. The upper tier will be a more somber place with memorial plaques along the north wall, designed for honoring those who loved Seaside and the Chapel but are no longer with us.”
The first phase of the Garden of Memories, a new expansion to the Chapel’s grounds, is expected to be complete in late 2020. This serene spot is adjacent to the building on its north side and will include a small amphitheater with seating, perfect for those who wish to listen to the Chapel at Seaside’s Sunday worship services from outside the building. This expansion has been years in the making, as Seaside’s founders Robert and Daryl Davis graciously donated two parcels of land north of the Chapel almost two decades ago with the possibility for creating a cemetery. “Many maps of Seaside continue to label the land behind the Chapel as a cemetery,” says the Chapel V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 151
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“SOON, AS WE ALL ADJUSTED, WE BEGAN TO REALIZE THAT WE WERE REACHING FAR MORE PEOPLE WITH THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS CHRIST. IT BECAME AN HONOR AND A JOY TO SPEAK GRACE AND TRUTH ONLINE IN A WAY OTHERS MIGHT BENEFIT FROM.”
O Opposite: Photo by Brenna Kneiss Below: Photo by Hello Miss Lovely
n most Sundays (before the coronavirus pandemic forced the Chapel at Seaside to hold services exclusively online), families gather to listen to the insightful sermons of Pastor Gary Wingo. In accordance with social distancing guidelines and in the best interest of its congregation, the Chapel began hosting livestream-only services broadcast on Facebook and their newly redesigned website. “When we first began having online services only (we had already been livestreaming for a while), I needed to adjust speaking only to a camera,” Pastor Wingo says. “Soon, as we all adjusted, we began to realize that we were reaching far more people with the Good News of Jesus Christ. It became an honor and a joy to speak grace and truth online in a way others might benefit from. I’ve relearned that the Lord God utilizes social media—indeed various tools—to proclaim His Word powerfully. He has encouraged others to safely and prudently build deeper relationships in the middle of a pandemic.”
Now that the Chapel is hosting in-person services again, outdoor seating is important and a need that the Garden of Memories will help fill when it is completed. “Seaside is such an important part of tradition for so many families, not just those who own homes in Seaside and the 30-A area, but also those who visit for one or two weeks each year,” Meinecke says. “A surprising number of these families consider the Chapel their church home and Pastor Gary Wingo their spiritual leader. Even during the low tourist season, the Chapel is usually filled to capacity inside on Sundays, with many additional attendees sitting outside on benches or blankets in the grass listening to the service and, afterward, mingling with others over lemonade.” Pastor Wingo adds, “As I think and pray about the goal for the Garden of Memories, I see much more than memories: I see a place that will accomplish numerous objectives.” The Garden of Memories will provide not only additional outdoor seating for Sunday sermons but also a place for the public to meander, sit, or gather to enjoy the serenity of the garden, honor loved ones who have died, and appreciate the unique architecture
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around Seaside. Meinecke points out that the trellis of the garden’s amphitheater was designed to be perfectly in line with the larger Seaside Amphitheater in Central Square as a smaller mirror image. In the first phase of development, 125 memorial plaques will be available for sale. They are expected to be available in September of this year. “I believe folks who have a past legacy with Seaside might purchase a plaque, as might people who love what the Chapel stands for,” says Pastor Wingo. “Others might wish to put up a plaque as a reminder of relationships developed in Seaside and involvement with the Fellowship of Christ at the Chapel. Who knows, maybe couples who have been married or had vows renewed at the Chapel would like a plaque as well!” “Proceeds from the sale of plaques will be used by the Chapel to offset construction costs for the Garden of Memories and to provide assurance that the Chapel can continue its missional outreach, which today supports local nonprofits and responds to catastrophic events that affect those who make Seaside a special place,” says Meinecke. “For example, immediately after Hurricane Michael and in the time since, the Chapel has provided over $400,000 to people and churches affected. The Chapel still donates to those relief efforts today. More recently, the Chapel provided over $600,000 to nearly three hundred people from over thirty
tweens, womens, gi�s 104 north barre� square RO S E M A RY B EA C H , F L
850.231.1720
Le monde Seaside businesses and nonprofits affected by COVID-19 shutdowns. Led by $150,000 from the Robert Davis Family Foundation and Micah Davis, over one hundred donations came from Seaside homeowners. Another one hundred plus donations came from the many friends and attendees of the Chapel. The heartfelt gratitude conveyed by the workers in many thank-you notes reinforced how critical our financial support was to families.”
THE CHAPEL PROVIDED OVER $600,000 TO NEARLY THREE HUNDRED PEOPLE FROM OVER THIRTY SEASIDE BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS AFFECTED BY COVID-19 SHUTDOWNS.
He continues, “No sooner had the COVID-19 campaign concluded than the wildfire occurred just eight miles eastward, and more than thirty homes were destroyed. Again, the Chapel responded to provide financial support to employees of Seaside who were affected. Now, the Chapel continues fund-raising to rebuild its coffers so we can respond similarly if called to do so.”
Pastor Wingo says he has been amazed at the generosity of those who have donated to the Chapel’s efforts. “The Chapel is a community, a safe environment for folks to hear the life-changing message of Jesus Christ; it is a place where relationships are built, both with the Lord God and with others,” he says. “When our community heard many had lost jobs, had dire needs, or, as in the past, lost everything in Hurricane Michael, they responded with hands, hearts, and funding. They shared the heart of Christ, realizing that together we are the hands, feet, flesh, and blood of God Almighty and His Son.”
Below: The first phase of The Chapel at Seaside’s Garden of Memories expansion is expected to be complete in late 2020. Rendering by Merrill, Pastor & Colgan Architects
In addition to donations, the Chapel at Seaside’s robust philanthropic efforts are boosted by weddings at the Chapel. With its pristine white backdrop and towering windows, the Chapel has become one of the most sought-after venues along Scenic Highway 30-A. “Weddings in our beautiful Chapel provide significant income, and those funds are redirected into the community,” Meinecke shares. “After months of lost income due to COVID-19, weddings have now restarted. The board is focused on creating
a foundation that will assure our future ability to properly and respectfully maintain the premises and provide ongoing support to local nonprofits and Seasiders.” Ever expanding its efforts to spread the love of Christ, the Chapel at Seaside has recently partnered with the national youth ministry Young Life to help bring together high school students in South Walton through faith-based activities, retreats, and education programs. Pastor Wingo and his wife, Jan, have been part of the organization for fifteen years. “We have been honored to be part of an amazing task force of people who have great hearts for the spiritual health of students,” Pastor Wingo shares. “I long to see teenagers find the love and salvation of Jesus Christ as Jan and I did, along with our two daughters, through the ministry of Young Life.” Young Life South Walton director Dan Vander Woude looks forward to expanding the program in the area with the help of the Chapel. They aim to make the experience fun for participants,” says Wingo. “The founder of Young Life, Jim Rayburn, said, ‘It’s a sin to bore kids with the Gospel.’ We learned it well! Jesus Christ considered it ‘pure joy’ to die on the cross for us (Hebrews 12:3). Young Life shares that joy quite well.” Through all of its efforts, the Chapel at Seaside continues to share the love of God, good news, hope, and assistance to its community and beyond.
The Chapel at Seaside has recently reinstated in-person worship services after being closed to the public due to the coronavirus. Locals and visitors can join them for nondenominational services every Sunday or join online at TheChapelatSeaside.com and Facebook.com/ SeasideChapel. For more information on weddings at the Chapel and the Garden of Memories, visit the website. 154 | JULY 2020
Life Is a
BATTLEFIELD A Wa r r i o r O v e r c o m e s A l l
By Lisa Marie Burwell Photography by Romona Robbins
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Le monde
Unless you walk in someone else’s shoes, you really cannot begin to imagine what another person is dealing with. It is a gift when you listen to someone as they entrust you with telling their story. The following interview gave me a much deeper understanding and respect for our veterans, and I hope you will be as moved as I was when you read the story of Geoff Speyrer.
W
hile training recently at the Destin Athletic Club (DAC) in Destin, Florida, I couldn’t help but notice there was a person there that I hadn’t seen on any of my previous visits. His intensity, his tattooed physique—which includes a large one on his left forearm that reads WARRIOR—his long hair and beard, and his piercing blue eyes were hard to miss. He kept to himself, very focused on his workout. To me, this larger-than-life person resembled a combination of a G.I. Joe action figure and Jesus come to life. I overheard that he was training for an Ironman-style endurance challenge taking place the following week, and it sounded impossible to achieve to me—but not for Geoff Speyrer. I’ve been going to DAC and training with owner Zoltan “Zoli” Nagy for four years, and when I asked him if he thought Geoff was capable of the feat he was preparing for, he calmly said in his Romanian accent, “Yes, he can do it if he says he can.” Zoli, a former professional hockey player turned personal trainer and certified nutritionist, started training Geoff several months ago and had great faith that Geoff would accomplish his mission. Geoff, a U.S. Army veteran, was single-minded— beyond focused—not just on his upcoming challenge,
but also on bringing awareness to that challenge, which he had turned into a fundraiser for his fellow veterans. His mantra: “No hero should ever feel alone.” Upon learning this from Zoli, my curiosity was piqued, so I introduced myself to Geoff and started asking him questions. He told me that he would compete and complete a SET 22 Challenge (SET stands for strength, endurance, and training): a one-hundred-mile bike ride, a marathon (26.2 miles), and a one-mile tire flip—all within twenty-four hours—beginning at midnight, Friday, May 22, in observance of Memorial Day weekend. Proceeds donated to his efforts via an online fund-raiser will benefit the nonprofit Mission 22, located in Lake Oswego, Oregon. It is dedicated to healing Geoff, a U.S. Army veteran, America’s veterans when they need it most, offering treatment for post-traumatic stress, traumatic was single-minded—beyond brain injuries, and substance abuse and promoting focused—not just on his suicide prevention and awareness. Every day, our nation loses twenty veterans to suicide. Geoff ’s upcoming challenge, but goal was to raise $5,000; with his supporters following his journey, he raised $10,245 from private also on bringing awareness donations and a $5,000 sponsorship from MD to that challenge, which Turbines in Miami.
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Geoff shares his story unapologetically and with great honesty. “I intentionally attempted suicide twice in the past few years since returning from an eighteen-month tour of duty in Iraq,” he says. “I’ve had night terrors, struggled with PTSD and traumatic brain injury, and almost had my leg amputated—it now has a titanium rod.”
he had turned into a fund-raiser for his fellow veterans. His mantra: “No hero should ever feel alone.”
Opposite: Army veteran Geoff Speyrer completed a grueling endurance challenge over Memorial Day weekend 2020 to raise awareness and funds for Mission 22, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and more. He raised over ten thousand dollars. Left: Speyrer and trainer Zoltan “Zoli” Nagy outside Destin Athletic Club in Destin, Florida V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 157
Le monde
A
s an elite lead vertical gunman and rear vehicle gunman in Iraq on an EOD security detail, Geoff was responsible for creating a threehundred-meter safety zone to prevent the team from being ambushed. “They would all have protective bomb gear on as they were defusing bombs, but I wouldn’t,” he says. On one mission, he lost three of his friends. “It is a very tough situation to relive—one second your friends are there and the next second, they are not. Throughout our deployment, we attended several funerals for our fallen brothers and sisters. I can’t begin to explain what that does to your heart and mind-set knowing we are coming home without them. God gives his toughest battles to his strongest warriors.” Geoff recounted how he had been a fugitive for five years, fleeing arrest for narcotics charges, and after escaping the first two arrests, it was the third where he decided not to run anymore. “I was tired,” he admits. He credits this decision and a six-month incarceration as a life-changing experience for the better. He got the help he so desperately needed from programs to help restore and rehabilitate him. “I was an alcoholic, and the counseling, job training, and decision to not drink anymore are a result of that time.” He also decided he was not going to be a victim and was going to take responsibility for his actions moving forward with his life. This was a central part of the message he wanted to spread when he took on the SET challenge in May. “I wanted people to know that you can overcome anything—any obstacles,” he shares. “I have a titanium rod in my leg and can’t feel my left
158 | JULY 2020
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Throughout our deployment, we attended several funerals for our fallen brothers and sisters. I can’t begin to explain what that does to your heart and mind-set knowing we are coming home without them.
The last leg of Speyrer’s SET (strength, endurance, and training) challenge included flipping a two-hundred-pound tractor tire for one mile. Opposite: Geoff Speyrer, Sean Kamm, and Christopher Caravello during Speyrer’s marathon run, the second leg of the SET challenge for Mission 22. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 159
Le monde leg due to neuropathy, and I still completed nineteen grueling hours of running, biking, and pushing a tire for Mission 22. I weighed 202 pounds on Friday when I began, and when I stepped on the same scale Saturday, I weighed 183 pounds. Preparing for this challenge gave me purpose and fulfilled me as nothing else has before. Finishing it gave me a newfound resolve to keep spreading awareness that you can overcome anything that life throws your way.” Geoff plans to continue supporting organizations helping veterans by enduring another SET challenge over Memorial Day weekend next year. It is time to acknowledge what so many veterans have done to protect our freedom while so many of us live comfortable lives at home. The cost and sacrifice they endured for us should be honored and treasured. To Geoff and to all of our veterans from all the armed forces, thank you and Godspeed.
Visit Mission22.com to learn more or to donate to its veterans treatment programs.
Left: The first leg of Speyrer’s challenge was riding one hundred miles on a fixed-gear bicycle through Destin, Miramar Beach, and Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.
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SWEET SUMMER BY MYLES MELLOR
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“_____, and the livin’ is easy” Japanese board game Type of orange Fanciful ornamental styles Small waterfall Blow away, in a good way Spanish wine punch Quiet inlets along a shore Hoosier State (abbr.) Technology relating to computers that solve problems creatively (abbr.) Happy songbird Cool summer treat (2 words) Undulating motion of the open sea A place of rest Undergrad degree (abbr.) Cake part View coral reefs, maybe
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Visit McCleanDesign.com to learn more about Paul McClean. For more information on Lynda Murray Interior Design, go to LM-ID.com. Photo by Simon Berlyn
One of architect Paul McClean’s recently completed projects in Beverly Hills, the residence known as Tower Grove was a collaboration with interior designer Lynda Murray. This fourteen-thousand-squarefoot home includes several of McClean’s signature designs, namely the elimination of the barrier between indoors and outdoors. Taking what was originally a single-story traditional home, McClean and Murray completely transformed the upper level, inserted a new lower level beneath, and provided space for large outdoor entertaining areas, including a private pool with a transparent bridge over the grand stairway that connects the home’s upper and lower levels.
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