Nautical-Inspired Retreat Home A Case Study In Unparalleled Grandeur

Perched atop rolling white sand dunes with limitless views of the Gulf of Mexico and Draper Lake outfall sits ''The Art of the Sea,'' a home unlike any other where design inspiration was drawn from the sea and finishes were purposefully selected to reflect a life well lived on the water. This 6,080-sq.-ft. like-new residence tucked inside the private, leafy community of The Retreat lacks for nothing with five bedrooms, a bunk room and six full and two half baths. Built in 2016, with architectural work by Archiscapes and construction by Gulfview Construction, this home is a masterclass in elegant living, from its nearly 2,000 square feet of covered porches to its one-of-a-kind infinity-edge pool and spa.

The interior of the home was crafted to incorporate elements from vintage yachts such as thoughtful positioning of mahogany throughout, nautical lighting and a birdcage elevator fabricated by Saltwater Steel inspired by the vintage grand hotels in Europe. No detail has been spared including a custom mahogany, brass-inlaid staircase; four gas fireplaces with custom tile surrounds; Venetian plaster walls and ceiling finished with custom HVAC vents; and, custom millwork from E.F. San Juan. The heart of the home, the kitchen, is well-appointed with dual Bosch dishwashers, dual Sub-Zero refrigerators and freezers, a Wolf six-burner gourmet range and double oven, 100-bottle Sub-Zero wine refrigerator, and an extra-large island topped with Taj Mahal quartzite countertops. A first floor family room features a fully equipped mahogany clad bar area plus three televisions and Weathershield folding doors for a true transitional space. A spacious residential gym is currently equipped with water rower, Octane elliptical and dual Keiser spin bikes positioned among cork flooring and mirrored walls with a large fan, two televisions and open balconies. The owner's suite on the second floor features an exquisite en suite bath with heated floors, a BainUltra bubble tub and authentic porthole in the steam shower, and a jewel box sitting room to take in unmatched views of the gulf, Draper Lake and abundant wildlife.

A custom library/office boasts pecky cypress accents and built-in cabinetry. A guest bedroom with porthole reading lights was designed as a custom "ship room" and a coffee bar and mini-fridge in the third-floor guest area add convenience. Other unique features of this coastal retreat include a full-light art studio with sink and TV and a kids' playroom with a jellybean nook. Notable finishes include bench crafted wood floors on the second and third levels; heated floors in the first-floor bedrooms and baths; laundry facilities on the first and second floors; Control4 lighting and sound system; Newport Brass plumbing fixtures; a Life Safety sprinkler and fire/smoke detection system; and central vacuum throughout. The exterior of the home is no less spectacular with a welcoming courtyard fountain with custom Oceanside tile, a two-car garage, Weather Shield folding doors on gulf-facing balconies, Loewen and Weather Shield windows, and air-conditioned storage area with half bath and refrigerator. Imported shell stone flows through the first floor from entry to pool. The 60-ft. infinity-edge pool and spa, designed by Cox Pools, is a one-of-a-kind offering with Penair automated controls. Commanding an unparalleled view, there is a summer kitchen complete with a Big Green Egg cooker and 42-inch DCS barbecue grill, SunBrite TV and gas fireplace all under a pavillion. The Retreat is an exclusive, gated community along Scenic Highway 30A in Blue Mountain Beach that is ensconced by native forests and 3,000 feet of private beach. Ownership in this non-rental community grants access to both Draper Lake and a gulf-front, resort-style beach club surrounded by masterfully crafted luxury residences for a coastal experience that is second to none.