By Deborah DeSilets
Home to white quartz sand beaches and waving emerald shorelines, this location in Northwest Florida is referred to as the “Emerald Coast”; a place where Sand and Destiny meet: Sandestin. Well destiny hits in odd ways, yet always it is with people; people making connections. In Miami recently I spoke with architect Robert Swedroe about his current project on the Emerald Coast where he said, “What will rise in the skyline is the future home of Sandestin newest high-rise development. An 80-unit residence, 24-story high condominium conceived of and designed by my partner Michael Agnoli—which is destined to be a jewel. The Sandestin high-rise is tucked away in this impressive resort, on a parcel of land adjacent to private beach front and surrounded by lushly landscaped golf courses, and is, slated to break ground in the Fall of 2021. This breathtaking building will offer people a luxury condominium home with state-of-the-art amenities, spectacular views, and private beach access.” Quickly, I asked Swedroe if I could write about this glittering project for Conexion and he put me in touch with the owner, his client, Mr. Tom Becnel. What follows are notes from a conversation with Wendy Morton, Director of Sales and Marketing, Sandestin Real Estate and a candid discussion with developer and owner, Mr. Tom Becnel. Mr. Becnel’s Sandestin has turned four square miles into a luxury resort unlike any other found in the state of Florida.
Getting started I asked, “Mr. Becnel, who are your clients?” to which Mr. Becnel replied, “I have been asked that question a lot lately. Our clients are changing so fast. Historically the market pulled from drive-markets such as New Orleans, Dallas, Birmingham, Atlanta, and Nashville. But recently the client base has expanded to include areas like St. Louis, Ohio, California, Arizona, and New York, with a vast majority relocating permanently. Homeowners who would like to find their place under the sun find it all here. The last residential project in Sandestin was Luau I and II, which was constructed in 2003. Since then, we have added Osprey Point, a vacation rental property, and our flagship hotel – Hotel Effie – which offers a South Beach vibe on the Gulf Coast. I am excited to bring a new development to Sandestin that will offer homeowners the exclusivity of gated, resort living by the beach. Sandestin is a luxury resort rivaling many of those found in Florida and beyond, and my vison is to continue to enhance the lifestyle here for our owners and guests.”
When I asked Mr. Becnel to describe this lifestyle, he was quick to say: “Sandestin offers something for everyone. Whether you enjoy boating, beach, golf, tennis, biking, walking trails, shopping, dining or just relaxing, you can find it here, without ever leaving the property. all within 2400 acres, and 24-hour security. And everything is accessible by golf cart or of course bike. Sandestin is a luxury resort exceeding many of those found in Florida and beyond. My vision is to continue to enhance the lifestyle here for our owners and guests amid Florida’s natural setting.”
Early expeditions by Spanish, French, and English charted the local waters and christened them “St. Rose’s Bay”, otherwise known today as the Choctawhatchee Bay. Bordering the Choctawhatchee Bay, the north side of Sandestin offers serene bay frontage that is perfect for relaxing on the dock, watching a sunset, paddle boarding, or boating. So popular is the latter that Sandestin full-service marina is currently adding 100 additional boat slips, built to accommodate vessels ranging in size from 20’ to 140’. Ms. Morton adds: “Sandestin is a major destination for all seasons and all ages and has been named the #1 resort on Florida’s Emerald Coast. This magical resort spanning over 2,400 acres is comprised of over 70 unique neighborhoods of condominiums, villas, town homes, and estates. The resort features miles of sandy white beaches and pristine bay front, four championship golf courses, a world-class tennis center with 15 courts, 4 resort swimming pools (and 15 private neighborhood pools), a 223-slip marina, a fully equipped and professionally staffed fitness center, meeting spaces and The Village of Baytowne Wharf, a charming pedestrian village with events, shopping, dining, family entertainment and nightlife. A true golf cart community. “
Mr. Becnel describes the special zoning that crafted Sandestin into a nature-lovers paradise: “Because Sandestin is a DRI Impact Zone, 50% of the total land is designated as “open space”. Meaning one half of the resort is still open space.” Here there are high density buildings that are placed within a necklace of man-made lakes that are managed by the Sandestin Owners Association who maintain them and see that they are well stocked with 12” bass; for days full of fun “catch and release” activities. Here a wide variety of migratory waterfowl from mallard ducks, cranes, and pelicans to nesting bald eagles grace the blue sky and fly through the pink cotton-colored clouds of Florida. Wendy Morton adds. “In keeping with our infamous Southern hospitality, Mr. Becnel prefers to source goods from local gardens to serve in the restaurant and rooftop bar at Hotel Effie. The menu for Hotel Effie’s restaurant, Ovide, was thoughtfully considered. Fresh herbs and local produce blend into a unique and tasty “farm to table” cuisine under the superb hands of award-winning chef Hugh Acheson. Sandestin’s home-grown culinary experience provides freshness and originality unlike any other place. Well now that sounds like a place to visit. Mr. Becnel adds; “This is our home and we’re proud of it.”
Be it home or an occasional visit, Sandestin gives more life for the living: an extra life. It is a window to the imagination. For more information on Sandestin and new development opportunities, visit SandestinRealEstate.com.
