The Elements of Watersound Beach
Elements of Watersound Beach
What Makes Seaside a Home
Seaside Florida
Genesis
Seaside was conceived at a time when the country had gone through a period of urbanization that created sprawl and a disconnected sense of place.
At its genesis, Seaside sought to recreate walkable sociability and a scale of community that would be unto itself a place to call home.
Built along the beach in a uniquely east to west orientation as the center of town commerce sits equi-distant from each end of town, Seaside, Florida along 30a preserves a beach town feeling rather than being just a town near the beach.
With its walking paths weaving in concert along the back of and in between the homes you never lose your self or your sense of place.
As you walk from your home to the center of the main streets and turn gently to the south seeing your iconic beach pavilion, you reach the ah ha moment of realization. As you walk from your home to the center of the main streets and turn gently to the south seeing your iconic beach pavilion, you reach the ah ha moment of realization that “oh yes I am here. There is the beach. This my home”.
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Seaside Florida
The Element
of Layout
Towns are either near the beach or on the beach along 30a. Seaside, Florida sits in the most unique orientation to the beach with the town set in an east-west orientation over the course of nearly 7 tenths of a mile establishing the first essential element of the site.
With the anchoring 7 main streets oriented north and south guiding residents directly to the beach, Tupelo, Savannah and East Ruskin flank the commercial area on the east while West Ruskin, Pensacola Odessa and Natchez do so on the east. It is this grid along with the few east and west connecting roads that’s sets the canvas for a 1 of 1 layout.
Having only two rows of homesites on the beach side of Scenic Highway 30a sets up in a staggered orientation establishing the essence of a Beachtown. One of the key unchangeable elements is the street layout.
The lots the are set on the streets and on the beach side in a traditional layout with the larger lots beginning on the east side on Tupelo Street becoming modestly smaller over time as the town emerged through to the final north south street, Natchez.
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Seaside Florida
The Element
of Homes
The next unchangeable element of the town is the home dimension requirement. While Seaside, Florida appears to all as a very eclectic set of variations, the reality is the core essentials of what a home must be is very precise.
The predominant lot type (VI) allows for a 22 foot high home at the maximum with a tower of limited footprint may rise above that height. In the early days and even still if in the absence of landscape, this allows all homes to be able to attain a view to the gulf. On the beachside of Scenic Highway 30a only three homes were permitted a tower and no others.
Yet still it is not static. As homes are set further from the beach to the north and behind 22 foot high structures, a second lot type (VIa) allows homes to rise to 30 feet with a tower above that height.
Interestingly, as views are not as critical to residential homes sites behind the commerce district and along Seaside Avenue and Smolian Circle, as one gets closer to the center of town, homes also can rise to 30 feet.
A fews special lot types exist closer to town center and are the tallest homes allowed in Seaside. Because of the position homes South of the Town Commerce Center and just east and west of it, they do not obscure view corridors of other homes northward.
Several other lot types exist in Seaside, but the height requirements along with clear and precise allowed footprints, the Element of Homes at is core is a critical unchangeable element. While Seaside, Florida is in a renewal phase with many new homes being constructed, it is the interplay of roof heights from south to north and from the outer edges of town towards the town center along with precise footprints that makes Seaside a Home even as they become new homes again.
Seaside Florida
Available Homes
30A Luxury Redefined
Seaside Florida
The Element
of Nature
The next element of the town can be changed overtime by “Mother”. The element of Nature. The natural surroundings of Seaside, Florida are dominated by the beach of course as are all towns along 30a. But still there is more.
The town paths between the homes that run throughout town are a refuge of tranquility or a place to get your morning run. You will almost always encounter a friendly dog and their friendly owner on a morning walk.
An abundance of in town parks and playgrounds are found in Seaside, Florida. Most notably is the Croquet/Soccer lawn. Near the adult pool on Wakulla is a proper children’s playground. You can also find a nice spot at the Savannah Street pocket park, Ruskin Park or the most secret place of all the Rosewalk.
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Seaside Florida
The Element
of Amenity
All towns want to be self contained. They want to have walkability to all things.
Seaside, Florida achieves that. With three pools, tennis facilities, a fitness center and a new one on the way for 2027 along with a multitude of natural settings, you walk to them all and enjoy then daily.
There are many contemplative areas within Seaside where reading a book or enjoying quiet time is easy. Most notably of these kinds of areas are the 7 Street Beach Pavilions. They are the most peaceful places to enjoy the best amenity of all, the white sand beaches.
Another key Element of Amenity is the people. There is nothing that replaces a “Welcome” at the Modica Market.
Seaside Florida
The Element
of Commerce
Seaside, Florida is well known for its friendlier and open town commerce center known as “Central Square”. There you find the food trailers that emerged in 2000’s as the new incubator business locations but continue to this day as an iconic place to gather and enjoy a casual meal. Great Southern and Bud and Alley’s anchor the well known sit down dining spots while there remains nothing like World Famous Pickles or The Shrimp Shack.
From Snow Cones to fine dining and from casual bars to informal gatherings at Amavida, Seaside Central Square is always a place to find a new friend, a new dish, or a or a great book at Sundog Book Store.
If you need a new toy for the kids or even a Wheel-O for those of you that long for the past, Duckie’s remains the best toy store in the world.
Dawson’s Fudge and Yogurt Shop ends a nice walk through town back to home grabbing a quick cone for the kids.
Lastly there is the Amphitheater. Of the planned communities, Seaside, Florida offers nearly everyday some form of entertainment at the stage during the season. Every Saturday there is the Farmer’s market, and during the peaks of vacation, it also operates on Tuesday. This is the Element of Commerce that makes Seaside our home and it can be yours too.
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Discover 30A
Neighborhoods
Watercolor, Florida
WaterColor, Florida, founded in 2000, is a master-planned community that harmonizes natural beauty with modern luxury. Nestled along the Gulf of Mexico and Scenic Highway 30A, WaterColor was conceived as a sanctuary where residents and visitors could immerse themselves in nature while enjoying a vibrant community life.
Built on the principles of thoughtful design and environmental stewardship, it has become a premier destination for those seeking an elevated coastal lifestyle. Designed to preserve its natural surroundings, WaterColor is home to lush landscapes, coastal dunes, and one of Florida’s largest rare coastal dune lakes, Western Lake. These features are woven seamlessly into the town’s fabric, creating a unique blend of outdoor recreation, architectural beauty, and community spirit.
Seaside, Florida
Seaside was conceived at a time when the country had gone through a period of urbanization that created sprawl and a disconnected sense of place. At its genesis, Seaside sought to recreate walkable sociability and a scale of community that would be unto itself a place to call home.
Seaside is now beginning a renewal phase. In the commercial areas it is most visible, but there are new homes under construction even now and as in the last 8 years more than 24 homes have been renewed by reconstruction.
Our unique perspective as the only resident real estate professionals in the community and as developers of new homes in Seaside lets us help you understand where it is going. Join us for a chat and know Seaside, Florida better.
Seaside, USA – April 25, 2018: Pensacola street sign on road of city town village by beach during sunny day in Florida panhandle gulf of mexico coast with tow away zone
Rosemary, Florida
Rosemary Beach, founded in 1995, emerged as a community inspired by the principles of New Urbanism, blending architectural charm with a sense of place that fosters connection.
Nestled along Scenic Highway 30A, Rosemary Beach stands out with its European influences and coastal elegance, designed to be both timeless and uniquely Floridian. From the moment you arrive, its cobblestone streets, gas lanterns, and lush green spaces evoke a feeling that you have found a sanctuary that is as welcoming as it is beautiful.
Gayle originally settled on Rosemary Beach in 1996 as an original owner. There remains familial interest in Rosemary to this day. We are uniquely positioned knowing and having lived the history.
Seagrove Beach, Florida
Seagrove Beach is one of the original communities along 30A, where tradition meets timeless coastal living. It now has many unique communities.
Established in the 1940s, this vibrant area earned its name from the towering oaks, magnolias, and pines that form its natural canopy. Over the decades, Seagrove Beach has evolved into a harmonious blend of Old Florida charm and modern convenience, all while preserving its deep connection to the land and sea.
C.H. McGee purchased Seagrove 1st Addition from the original owner and then proceeded to create the rest of Old Seagrove cementing the legend of this area. Now protected with a neighborhood plan, the future is more secure.
Blue Mountain Beach, Florida
Blue Mountain Beach, named for its towering dunes—the highest along Florida’s Gulf Coast—and the native blue lupine flowers that once blanketed the area, is a tranquil enclave along Scenic Highway 30A.
This serene community blends natural beauty with a sense of escape, creating a place where life’s simplest joys take center stage. With every turn, it reveals the perfect balance between retreat and connection—a place that truly feels like home. With a prominent coastal dune lake, Blue Mountain is the go to spot for locals.
Now encompassing improved amenities, Blue Mountain Beach is home to The Preserve at Grayton Beach, Lakeside at Blue Mountain and Forest Lake to name a few.
Alys Beach, Florida
Alys Beach, an iconic coastal community along Florida’s scenic Highway 30A, was envisioned as a masterpiece of architecture and lifestyle.
Founded with a commitment to creating beauty and harmony, Alys Beach draws inspiration from Mediterranean and Bermudan design, blending timeless elegance with modern comforts. Since its inception, the community has stood out for its striking white facades, walkable streets, and dedication to sustainability and artistry.
The latest edition of New Urbanism on 30a, the fortified exteriors not only create longevity and assurance, but creates the clean and consistent style of the town. To be essentially built out by 2029, Alys Beach is the most highly valued community on 30a.
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