[2bohemians]

check out the slide show ....


one of our beach communities made the list


Forbes.com

Best Spot For The Design-Savvy: Alys Beach, Fla.

This resort community takes design cues from Europe and the West Indies, with white stucco walls and white-ridged roofs on the exterior, white Toto toilets and limestone countertops inside. For example, a $2.2 million, four-bedroom, four-and-a-half bath home includes a wood-burning fireplace and an outdoor courtyard with peacock pavers, black bamboo, horsetail, umbrella grass and a fountain.



Mod deleted

[tallrick]

That's a lot of money for what looks like a townhouse. Goes to show that Florida has the most overpriced shacks in the south.

[PBCboy]

Originally Posted by tallrick

That's a lot of money for what looks like a townhouse. Goes to show that Florida has the most overpriced shacks in the south.

You win my certified "Quote of the Year 2008" award.

[2bohemians]

Hmmm .... just wanted to let you all know that the photo is not a photo of the property that is for sale .... that photo is just one we snapped recently ... we are thinking that if you have seen this development, then you might think differently .... especially the Caliza pool .... it's amazing .... anyhow ... here is a link to their website if anyone is interested in reading more .....

Alys Beach

To view a slideshow of the pool, click the amenities tab, then the Caliza pool

[2bohemians]

Here are a couple more articles about Alys Beach:

Coastal Living Article (http://www.alysbeach.com/pdf/press/Coastal%20Living.pdf - broken link)

Southern Breeze Article (http://www.alysbeach.com/pdf/press/Southern%20Breeze.pdf - broken link)

[tallrick]

When I think of the panhandle, I think of cracker homes surrounded by oak trees, not some new, treeless development. Very expensive for an area with relatively low-paying employment, don't you think?

[2bohemians]

Originally Posted by tallrick

When I think of the panhandle, I think of cracker homes surrounded by oak trees, not some new, treeless development. Very expensive for an area with relatively low-paying employment, don't you think?

Yes, as someone who lived in this area 15 years ago, it is sometimes difficult to watch the development. However, along our little stretch of the Scenic Highway, there are rules which keep this section from looking like so many beaches with towering condos everywhere. We have height restrictions, sign ordinances, and 4 state parks to help preserve the natural beauty that surrounds us.

You are correct that it is challenging to find high-paying employment in our region but that is part of the benefit to the development --- with the growth comes more opportunities --- it's a mixed bag, some good things and some bad things. It's kind of like with the new international airport that is currently being built ---- you hate to see this kind of large scale development but you hope that down the road, it will stimulate the economy and create more jobs.

The fact is --- this is the beach and it will always be desirable to someone. And that demand will always mean it's going to cost you more to live at the beach. Architecturally, Alys Beach is very interesting, it's also very luxurious ---- yes, they took down many scrub oaks in the process but at least it's nice to look at. It could have been so much worse!

The development in general was bound to happen in our little secret slice of paradise and we are just grateful that our community and has put some rules in place to keep it beautiful and preserved. For example, the TDC just erected these massive, big blue, industrial style directional signs and the community has thrown a fit about them --- after the hard work of this beach community, it looks like the signs will be coming down ..... wooooohoooooo ..... the power of the people .....

Also, just another point, our beaches are still affordable compared to many beach towns in America. A little cottage in our neighborhood, which is just 6 blocks up from the beach, was listed at $275,000 and just sold for $150,000. So, it's not all luxury and there are many neighborhoods that still have trees if that's what you are looking for.