The South is home to many beaches and Instagram-worthy vacation spots where travelers lay out their towels and beg the sun to relax away life’s stresses. But there are none quite like 30A — that 26-mile strip of sugar-white, Florida panhandle coastline known by the name of the two-lane highway that traverses it. 30A has long been a popular vacation destination, but now, more than ever, city-dwellers are investing in 30A homes and planning to live the beach dream year-round.
So what, exactly, is the beach dream?
“It’s a very active lifestyle with the ability to unplug and relax,” says Hilary Farnum-Fasth, founder and owner of Hilary & Reverie, a Santa Rosa Beach-based real estate sales and brokerage company. “It’s also a slower pace for those who are seeking something different from their normal lives.”
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You can’t go wrong by making the choice to invest in 30A real estate, whether you choose to live in your home full-time or just a few months out of the year. The local lifestyle is laid back, but there’s a rich cultural scene, too. Music festivals and food and wine events draw crowds as large as those flocking to the beach, and if you’re in town during the fall — when the weather’s slightly cooler — the crowds aren’t bad at all.
“Everyone wants to have more time with their family or significant other, and everyone is in search of a place that helps them connect,” Hilary says. “In 30A, you can live in a place where the focus is on doing something together instead of going somewhere.”
Ready to dip your toes into the waters of 30A real estate? Here’s a look at three Hilary & Reverie homes that showcase the best in 30A living and illustrate what we consider to be the “beach dream.” Take a look!
3 Luxury 30A Homes
A Spacious Two-Story Home
This 4,100-square-foot, seven-bedroom, nine-bath home on Rosemary Beach stands apart from neighboring properties with its contemporary flair and impressive size. Renovated by master builder Matt Fuller, this home’s reverse floorplan is particularly intriguing, with three first-floor en-suite bedrooms — including a master suite with spa bathroom — and access to the heated pool and carriage house. There’s an additional master suite and two more bedrooms on the second floor, along with a new chef’s kitchen outfitted with luxury appliances and a Calcutta gold marble center island. The outdoor courtyard is the perfect place to experience the breathtaking sunsets of 30A. See more photos of this breathtaking home HERE.
This sprawling Rosemary Beach property perfectly embodies the 30A Lifestyle. Image: Hilary & Reverie
A suite of Wolfe and Subzero appliances makes this kitchen a cook’s dream. Image: Hilary & Reverie
The touches of reclaimed wood bring a rustic flair to this luxurious ensuite bedroom. Image: Hilary & Reverie
What children wouldn’t love to sleep in this room that overlooks the beauty of Rosemary Beach? Image: Hilary & Reverie
This sun-drenched room is perfect for lounging or spending time with family. Image: Hilary & Reverie
A Multi-Generational Home
Located in Grace Point, one of 30A’s newest gated communities, this five-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bath stunner embodies the luxury, beachfront lifestyle for which 30A is known. The 5,369-square-foot home is perfect for multigenerational family living, with a master suites on both the first and third floors. Soaring ceilings and a neutral color palette make for a serene escape. The exterior living spaces are equally as exquisite as the interior, with a pool, outdoor fireplace and plenty of retreats in which to curl up with a book. And private, gated beach access and entry to the Watersound Beach Club are icing on the 30A cake! See more of this home HERE.
This home in Grace Point, 30A’s newest beach community, is equal parts luxury and coastal comfort. Image: Hilary & Reverie
The wooden beams, shiplap walls and muted color palette add a relaxed, beachy vibe to the open floor plan. Image: Hilary & Reverie
With two sinks and two dishwashers, this kitchen is perfect for both eating and entertaining! Image: Hilary & Reverie
The first-floor master suite provides direct access to the courtyard with patio, pool, outdoor kitchen and fireplace. Image: Hilary & Reverie
This large, light-filled space is perfect for snuggling with a good book or gathering with family. Image: Hilary & Reverie
There’s nothing like lounging by a sparkling pool — even when you’re just minutes from the beach. Image: Hilary & Reverie
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A Home With a View
As in any market, 30A real estate is valued on its location, and the location of this six-bedroom, six-bathroom, 4,925-square-foot home is ideal. Spectacular beach views abound from both the second and third floors as well as the tower, and when you want to actually bury your toes in the sand instead of just looking at it, the boardwalk directly in front of the property leads the way to do just that. Inside, architectural and design features are plentiful, with coffered ceilings, exposed brick and shiplap walls. With intriguing fixtures and well-appointed features, such as the custom kitchen with Wolf and Subzero appliances, this home is a 30A dream! See more on this home HERE.
Enjoy comfort and elegance at once in this Watersound home. Image: Hilary & Reverie
The open floor plan is perfect for entertaining, and we’re smitten with the texture that the exposed brick brings to the space. Image: Hilary & Reverie
Nothing says relaxation like waking up to the peaceful beauty of 30A. Image: Hilary & Reverie
The exceptional finishes add the perfect touch of elegance to this bathroom. Image: Hilary & Reverie
Thanks to the boardwalk right in front of this home, you’re never more than a few steps from paradise. Image: Hilary & Reverie
See you in 30A!
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