The Rest Of South Walton
Aside from the four featured communities in our blogsite that are located in South Walton, there are many other communities that feature outstanding restaurants, art galleries, shops and some of the greatest homes and condos on the coast such as Grand Dunes, our newest condo complex, featured in this section.
These communities include Miramar Beach, Dune Allen Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Point Washington, Blue Mountain Beach, Grayton Beach, Alys Beach and Seacrest Beach. South Walton incorporates 26 miles of coastline including the 16 mile stretch of CR-30A that is known as the Carmel of Florida.
More Caribe Rentals Information
October 14th, 2008 Categories: South Walton Living
We received such a nice response on our post about Caribe Rentals and were asked several questions about the area – that we thought that we would do another post on Caribe Rentals. Most of the questions centered around the amenities close by for one who is considering a Caribe Rental. We’ll address here just a few of the amenities that surround this unique property.
I had mentioned that Caribe was a unique gated community with its neighbor across the street being Sandestin. Sandestin is actually also on the same side of the street as Caribe making the Caribe Rentals even more appealing. We often walk down from Caribe to the outdoor cafe at the Sandestin Hilton for a wonderful lunch or glass of wine at sunset.
If you are in to walking - and we are – another reason Caribe Rentals is very popular is the morning trek that we oftentimes make to the Whale’s Tail for breakfast. The food isn’t the absolute best in town, but you can’t beat the view.
If you’re just in the mood for some barbecue or some really tasty smoky chicken, then almost directly across from the entrance to Caribe is a cool little barbecue joint. Just down the road another quarter mile is Jordano’s Pizza which also delivers to the Caribe Rental contingent.
There are also two gas stations or convenience stores about a quarter mile in either direction for the convenience of the Caribe Rental group. And just beyond the gas station to the east of Caribe are The Market Shops at Sandestin featuring a Starbucks and Beef O’Brady’s – a good place to catch sporting events. All of this within easy walking or biking distance for Caribe Rentals.
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Caribe Rentals - Miramar Beach & Sandestin
October 13th, 2008 Categories: South Walton Living
One of the coolest subdivisions on the Emerald Coast is Caribe in Miramar Beach. Caribe Rentals are the choice of many discerning visitors for several reasons.
This gated, gulf front subdivision is located directly across from its well known neighbor, Sandestin. But Caribe Rentals are just as popular as many Sandestin properties because one can stay in a more secluded, private setting – that of Caribe – and still use the amenities of Sandestin.
There are additional reasons that Caribe Rentals are very popular in the Sandestin area. Two community pools, tennis court, New Orleans style architecture, two deeded beach accesses and wonderful landscaping make Caribe Rentals one of the top rental communities on the Emerald Coast.
One of the most active rentals that we have in our program is a Caribe Rental. If you are interested in vacationing at one of our Caribe Rentals, please contact us for availability. If you if you own in Caribe and would like to discuss our property management firm for your Caribe Rental or Caribe Rentals if you own more than one property, please contact us for a personal discussion.
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Watersound Rentals
October 13th, 2008 Categories: South Walton Living
One of the most active properties that we manage is a Watersound Rental Home that stays booked a good part of the year. Watersound Rentals are very vibrant as compared to other rental communities along CR-30A.
There are many reasons that Watersound Rentals are a popular choice for visitors to the Emerald Coast. The Watersound community is gated, is somewhat isolated from other developments for more privacy, the unique architecture of Watersound and the surrounding amenities all contribute in making Watersound Rentals a very popular choice for vacationers.
Other comments from our guests as to why Watersound Rentals are so popular – beautiful community heated pool, lush landscaping, large outdoor fireplace, wonderful boardwalks and bridges nestled among natural landscape, the 18 hole Puttering Park and the grill serving lunch poolside in the summer. 
These are just some of the comments that make people return and think Watersound Rentals for their vacations here.
If you are interested in vacationing at a Watersound Rental, please contact us for more information. Additionally if you own in Watersound and would like to discuss our property management firm for your Watersound Rental or Watersound Rentals if you own more than one property, please contact us for a personal discussion.
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Alys Beach Homes for Sale & Sold - November
December 10th, 2007 Categories: Real Estate News, Rosemary Beach Living, South Walton Living
There were no homes sold in Alys Beach in November. However, there is one home that was listed at $2.917 million with 2484 square feet that is pending and scheduled to close before the year is out.
There are only eight Alys Beach homes for sale in December. They start at $1.995 million, and there are two homes at that price - one with 2180 square feet and the other with 2450 square feet. The most expensive home for sale in Alys Beach is a five bedroom, six bath, 3060 square foot home priced at $2.998 million.
Alys Beach Homes for Sale - December
Total # of Listings 8
Lowest Price Listing $1,995,000
Highest Price Listing $2,998,000
Average Price $2,304,500
Avg. Price/SqFt $883
Avg. Days on Market 287
(Click on Graph Above to Enlarge).
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Grand Dunes Condos For Sale & Sold - November
December 10th, 2007 Categories: Real Estate News, South Walton Living
There were no Grand Dunes condos sold in November. However Unit 1250 in the South Tower did go pending in November and is four bedroom, four bath unit with 2870 square feet.
There are currently 43 Grand Dunes condos for sale. They range from $1,049,000 for a unit on the second floor in the North Tower to $4.25 million for a two story penthouse in the South Tower featuring five bedrooms, five baths and 4,956 square feet.
Grand Dunes Condos for Sale - December
Total # of Listings 43
Lowest Price Listing $1,049,000
Highest Price Listing $4,250,000
Average Price $1,758,579
Avg. Price/SqFt $621
Avg. Days on Market 251
(Click on Graph Above to Enlarge).
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Delta Kitchen - Upscale Meat & Three in Freeport
December 2nd, 2007 Categories: Restaurant Reviews, South Walton Living
We had heard good things about the new Delta Kitchen in Freeport so this past weekend we ate both Friday and Saturday night at this new restaurant in Freeport. Although the sign was sitting outside, look for it installed soon.
(Click on the picture above - and all pictures – to enlarge).
It was actually coincidental that we ate there two nights in a row but after an overzealousness on our part to try some of the beer and wine left over from Big City Grill, I left my credit card and had to return on Saturday to retrieve. But the experience was so good on Friday, that we were happy to make a return visit the next night.
In a word the food there is excellent. Most of us on the Emerald Coast grew up in the South and fully understand the culinary siginifance in our upbringing of great fresh vegetables either prepared at home by our mothers and grandmothers or at the local meat and three. Delta Kitchen brings back those memories and kicks them up a notch. A chalk board menu (Red Bar/331 anyone) alerts you to the day’s menu which changes often.
For starters a complimentary small plate of boiled peanuts and pimento cheese with crackers is brought to the table. This is an excellent touch with moist salty peanuts offset by the smooth pimento cheese with a nice dose of cream cheese added. The first night we shared the Apple Bacon BLT Dip (pictured next to the above paragraph), and the next night we went with the Frito Pie Supreme (pictured here).
For better or worse I’ve never eaten at Sonic, but my guest says the Frito appetizer is reminiscent of a dish they use to serve there. It’s a bunch of Fritos topped with chili and melted cheese. It’s gotta be bad for you, but man it’s good. The first night my guest and I shared the beef brisket, fried sweet potatoes, fried okra and squash casserole. The brisket and sweet potatoes were as good as I’ve ever had. Forrest Jamison, the chef/owner, told us the brisket had been cooked for 12 hours at low temperature and easily you could cut it with a fork.
My daughter had the slow roasted duck, fried okra, fried sweet potatoes and green beans. We actually shared the two plates between us and as you can see the portions are extremely generous. Her duck was outstanding and the green beans were a real revelation with an incredibly tasty broth at the bottom of the bowl that had a delicious tomatoey beef stock kind of taste to it.
The next night I made it a point to imbibe less vigorously and remember my credit card and that mission was accomplished – although the beer in the cold glass with those boiled peanuts was real nice for starters. Dennis helped us both nights, and he (along with the rest of the staff who all came by and spoke with us) contributed to the great dining experience. We had to have the green beans again this time along with Slow Roasted Pork, fried sweet potatoes (yes you will see them in every picture), creamed corn, and fresh tomato salad. Even the simple tomato salad was so clean and tasty with fresh basil and nice extra virgin olive oil.
It would be nice if it was a little closer to South Walton (it’s on Hwy 331 in a small strip center and almost to, and just south of, the Hwy 20 intersection), but it’s worth the short journey. They are open from 11:00 till 9:00 Monday– Friday. Then dinner only at 5:00 on Saturday and closed on Sunday. Go!
We very much enjoy writing these restaurant reviews. This is our avocation, but our vocation is representing Buyers and Sellers in real estate transactions on the Emerald Coast. If you are interested in learning more about our real estate services, please Click Here.
For our Restaurant Review Credentials, please Click Here
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Best Buy on Bay Front Home in Sandestin Area
November 13th, 2007 Categories: Real Estate News, Sandestin Living, South Walton Living
The price, location & beauty of this home make this head and shoulders above all other homes on the bay in our area – thus this is the first time we have done a post about one of our listings. This new, never lived in home is listed at $1.395 million.
(Click on All Pictures to Enlarge).
This home is not on the grounds of Sandestin and is technically in Miramar Beach, but this picture shows you the proximity to Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin. And you don’t have the traffic of Sandestin because this home is near the end of a dead end street.
The picture to the left shows the new two story dock. The backyard and dock can be reached via exiting your screened in back porch that includes swimming pool, hot tub and outdoor kitchen. A central security system is also included.
The home is at 730 Bayshore Drive (north on Geronimo off Highway 98 – Resort Interiors to the north and Copper Grill to the south) has 3850 sf, 5 bedrooms, 5 baths with 24 foot ceilings in the downstairs den area. The den and kitchen have travertine floors, granite counters and stainless steel appliances.
Of the eight new (since 2005) homes listed directly on the bay on Bayshore Drive, this home is $117 per square foot less than the next closest and $200 per square foot less than the third lowest. One might easily think this is a custom home.
The average price for the other new bay front homes on Bayshore Drive is $664 per sf, while this home is $362 per square foot. In fact this beautiful house, completed in 2007, is the least expensive new home (built since 2005) on the bay in not only Sandestin but all of Destin & South Walton.
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Condos Sold & For Sale in Grand Dunes - October
November 9th, 2007 Categories: Real Estate News, South Walton Living
There were two condos sold in Grand Dunes in October. The first was a 14th floor unit in the North Tower with four bedrooms, four baths, 3030 square feet that sold for $1.325 million. The second was a sixth floor unit in the North Tower with four bedrooms, four baths, 3150 square feet and sold for $2.1 million. This sale should make the Sellers in the South Tower feel particularly good.
There are currently 46 condos for sale in Grand Dunes. The least expensive is a second floor unit in the North Tower, three bedrooms, three baths, 2490 square feet that is priced at $1,049,000. The top of the food chain is a 4956 square foot penthouse in the South Tower that is two levels with five bedrooms and five bathrooms priced at $4.25 million.
Condos for Sale in Grand Dunes - November 1st
Total # of Listings 46
Lowest Price Listing $1,049,000
Highest Price Listing $4,250,000
Average Price $1,739,867
Avg. Price/SqFt $617
Avg. Days on Market 234
(Click on Graph Above to Enlarge).
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Condos Sold & Condos For Sale in Grand Dunes - September
October 2nd, 2007 Categories: Real Estate News, South Walton Living
There was one condo sold in Grand Dunes in September. The unit (740) is in the North Tower and was an assignment of contract. The unit sold for $1,045,000. This is one of the last units that will be sold as an assignment of contract, as the time frame to close on all units contracted for in pre-construction has pretty much passed.
There are currently 45 condos for sale in Grand Dunes at the beginning of October. They range in price from a third floor unit in the North Tower for $1,088,000 to a two story penthouse in the South Tower for $4.5 million. The penthouse has 4,956 square feet with five bedrooms and five baths.
Condos for Sale in Grand Dunes - October 1
Total # of Listings 45
Lowest Price Listing $1,088,000
Highest Price Listing $4,500,000
Average Price $1,801,904
Avg. Price/SqFt $631
Avg. Days on Mkt 226
(Click Graph to Enlarge).
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You Don’t Have To Be A Member - Santa Rosa Beach Club
September 19th, 2007 Categories: Restaurant Reviews, South Walton Living
Santa Rosa Beach Club is the only white table cloth restaurant on CR-30A directly on the beach with an unobstructed view right down the coast line.
Even though it’s been serving good food for years, there are still many people who think the restaurant is a private club - but not so. (Click above to Enlarge).
We were in one Friday night not long hoping to see a nice sunset over the gulf, but we got a different kind of show instead. As the evening began, dark clouds over the horizon prevented any sunset but made for a beautiful setting. As darkness fell the lightning lit up the shoreline, the dark clouds in the sky and the white caps of the sizeable waves rolling in from the storm.
There was live entertainment that night, and everyone was in a festive mood. We made friends with the couple sitting at the table next to us and compared notes on our dishes and drinks. We started with some fried oysters with tartar sauce that were done just right, some asparagus and crabmeat soup and the house salad. I thought the soup was a little salty but overall we enjoyed all three dishes.
I have eaten at Santa Rosa Beach Club on many occasions to include lunch (try their meat salads - such as chicken, shrimp, etc) and dinner. The main course on this night was one of the best dishes I’ve ever had there. It was offered as a head on snapper (but my guest insisted the head be removed - not in her presence) stuffed with lemon, topped with jumbo lump crabmeat in a beurre blanc sauce. The side dish was grilled eggplant with a little goat cheese and marinara topped with fried leaks. The fish had a great charcoal taste to it, the sauce wasn’t too heavy, the eggplant still had a crispness to it and well the chef just hit the nail on the head with this dish. Outstanding - try it if it’s available when you go. (Click on the fish to Enlarge).
Our new friends were celebrating their anniversary and after my guest commented how much she loved chocolate - a portion was shared with us. She is the dessert expert and I’m not even a huge chocolate fan, but that was a good chocolate tort in my book. (Click to Enlarge).
Santa Rosa Beach Club is the sort of restaurant that for some reason I tend to overlook when I’m dining on CR-30A, even though I definitely know it’s open to the public. Based on our last dining experience there, we will be back soon. Call 267-1240 for reservations.
We very much enjoy writing these restaurant reviews. This is our avocation, but our vocation is representing Buyers and Sellers in real estate transactions on the Emerald Coast. If you are interested in learning more about our real estate services, please Click Here.
For our Restaurant Review Credentials, please Click Here.
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