A coastal haven in WaterColor, FL: Beachside home sells for record $8.55M in off-market deal

"As one of only eight beachfront homes and the highest-priced sale in WaterColor, its acquisition sets a new standard for excellence in the Northwest Florida real estate market."

Georgie Mihaila
6 Min Read
Photo credit: Dune Vacation Rentals

WaterColor, a picturesque coastal community nestled along the scenic Highway 30A in Northwest Florida, has just seen its highest-priced home sale in history.

A 5-bedroom beachside property fetched a staggering $8,550,000 in an off-market transaction — selling for top dollar before even getting a chance to list publicly.

Here’s a closer look at this record-breaking sale and the stunning home that made it happen.

Setting a new record for the beachside community

Photo credit: Dune Vacation Rentals

The notable sale surpasses the previous record of $7,500,000 that closed in February of this year and is a clear outlier in a market where the average sales price stands at just over $3.5 million. But the sale premium isn’t all that surprising, given the property’s location, design, and rental income potential.

“This landmark sale, where we represented the buyer from Chicago, highlights the remarkable growth of the luxury market on 30A,” says Maria McKenna, Luxury Real Estate Advisor with Spears Group, who represented the buyer in the transaction.

All the hallmarks of a record-breaker

Photo credit: Dune Vacation Rentals

“With its distinctive blend of coastal elegance, modern comfort, and panoramic gulf views, this home stands as a true gem in WaterColor’s Gulf District,” Maria added in an exclusive quote for Fancy Pants Homes.

“As one of only eight beachfront homes and the highest-priced sale in WaterColor, its acquisition sets a new standard for excellence in the Northwest Florida real estate market.”

A peek inside the $8.55M residence

Photo credit: Dune Vacation Rentals

Situated in the heart of WaterColor’s Gulf District, the 2003-built beachside home has 5 bedrooms and 6 baths across 3,600 square feet of living space and underwent a complete transformation in 2018. It now stands as a prime example of coastal elegance and modern comfort.

The three-story retreat offers panoramic gulf views and a design that exudes sophistication and charm, as we’re about to see.

First floor: Living and gathering spaces

Photo credit: Dune Vacation Rentals

The first floor is designed for family gatherings and relaxation. It features a spacious living area and a converted screened porch that now serves as a sand and laundry room, complete with double-stacked washer and dryer units and an ice maker.

This floor also has five beautifully appointed bedrooms that can accommodate up to 12 guests, including:

  • A king suite with a private bathroom featuring a single vanity and walk-in shower
  • A bedroom with two twin beds and an ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower
  • A room with two sets of twin bunk beds and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower

Second floor: Entertainment and relaxation

Photo credit: Dune Vacation Rentals

The second floor is where the entertainment happens. Here, you’ll find another master suite, a secondary living room, and a generously sized kitchen equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, including a wine cooler, oven, refrigerator, and range stovetop.

The front balcony’s porch swing and the rear balcony with a grill offer perfect spots for relaxing and dining al fresco while overlooking the gulf.

The third-floor luxurious retreat

Photo credit: Dune Vacation Rentals

The third floor houses the second master suite, featuring breathtaking views and a lavish ensuite bathroom with a freestanding tub. This level also includes another washer and dryer, a private media room, and multiple balconies to enjoy the coastal breeze and stunning vistas.

See also: 26 Jaw-dropping Miami-area mansions that will make you want to move to Florida

Unmatched amenities

Photo credit: Dune Vacation Rentals

The new owners will enjoy access to WaterColor’s private beach and various community amenities, including pools and recreational facilities.

The property also includes the opportunity to be part of a beach-sharing agreement with gulf-front homeowners, giving exclusive access to the private beach on Beach Lane.

Access to 1,000+ feet of private beach frontage

Photo credit: Dune Vacation Rentals

“The three expansive outdoor decks, professional interior redesign, and the striking blue hood in the kitchen are some of the unique features that make this home stand out,” Maria McKenna shares, before highlighting the home’s other standout features, including access to over 1,000 feet of private beach frontage.

“The primary suite includes a private deck with breathtaking gulf views, and the upstairs loft serves as a cozy media room. With access to over 1,000 feet of private beach frontage, this property offers full access to community amenities, including a private beach attendant and chair setup.”

The ever-evolving luxury market along 30A

Photo credit: Dune Vacation Rentals

This off-market transaction not only set a new record for WaterColor but also showcased the increasing demand for luxury properties in the area. With its stunning design and prime location, this beachside home found a way to stand out among the community’s pastel-colored homes and well-maintained gardens, all designed to complement the stunning natural surroundings of WaterColor’s Gulf District.

More stories

Small but mighty: A 672 sq. ft. cottage in Seaside, Florida sets new local record with $2.9M sale

An EXCLUSIVE Before-and-After look at the former Vera Bradley Inn, now a glam $6.5M residence

Fully redone, this Panama City Beach house in Florida doubled in price since 2019

Share This Article
Follow:
With a decade-long career as a digital content creator, Georgie started out as a real estate journalist for Multi-Housing News & CPExecutive. She later transitioned into digital marketing, working with leading real estate websites like PropertyShark, RENTCafé and Point2Homes. After a brief but impactful stint in the start-up world, where she led the marketing divisions of fintech company NestReady and media publisher Goalcast, Georgie returned to her first passion, real estate, and founded FancyPantsHomes.com