America’s Favorite Roads & Homes – Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A

Scenic Highway 30-A meanders beside the sea along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The 28-mile stretch of two-lane highway connects charming beachside communities like Alys Beach, Seaside, and Watersound. The drive is marked by sparkling white sand beaches with clear, emerald-hued water, rare coastal dune lakes, and the annual monarch butterfly migration in October. Architectural highlights include homes in Caribbean colors and soft pastels, white picket fences, and traditional Old Florida styles.  A paved bike path runs the entire length of the road, safe for families and offering a chance to explore its unique beauty at a slower pace. 

The vibrant Florida corridor is experiencing tremendous growth. A home along the notable road has just sold for $41 million, setting a record for a single-family home in the Florida Panhandle. The sale surpassed the previous record by more than $10 million, underscoring the high demand for luxury properties along Highway 30-A. 

A Palladian-style mansion with over 9,000 square feet of living space and 180 feet of private beach, the stunning residence is located within the gated community of Paradise By The Sea. Columns define a stately exterior, featuring dramatic entry stairs. Inside, find ornate furnishings and a grand aesthetic. The primary bedroom showcases upholstered walls with a gold dragon motif inspired by antiquity, with a bedspread to match, and a bathtub encased in marble. Another highlight is the cave-inspired wine cellar, designed to look like a real stone cave, which includes a cozy tasting room. 

The generous grounds span almost three-quarters of an acre. Stunning manicured gardens and palm trees lead up to the home’s impressive facade. On the seaside, find a dedicated staircase that leads down to the private beach, a pool complex worthy of a five-star resort, and an infinity pool with sea views, columned patios, and lots of space to soak up the sun. The Paradise-by-the-Sea community is ultra-exclusive, with just 51 luxury homes and a guarded gate for security and privacy. 

Adjacent to Alys Beach and a short drive down the coveted scenic highway to Rosemary Beach, the neighborhood offers convenient access to everything 30A has to offer. Scenic Alys Beach features exclusively white homes, which are used to create a masterpiece of color when the entrants of its annual Graffiti Festival are projected onto the house walls. Rosemary Beach, designed to look like New Orleans’ French Quarter, offers shops and restaurants. Surrounding both towns are multiple nature reserves with hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities, including Eden Gardens State Park, Timpoochee Trail, Deer State Park, and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. 

Sometimes called “The Hamptons of the South,” Highway 30A has become increasingly popular with celebrities. In particular, it draws country music stars, with Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Justin Moore, and Luke Bryan just a few who have been spotted in the area. 

The listing was held by Peyton Baranowski, Craig Baranowski and Portia Baranowski at Sotheby’s International Realty. 

Photo credit: Layne Lillie

Source: www.sothebysrealty.com