interiors

Nestled Into Nature
Soft Hues Frame Spectacular Views At Sanctuary By The Sea
By Marcia Bradford
In an area well known for its spectacular coastal scenery, Sanctuary by the Sea, a condominium community in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., offers "the best of the best" when it comes to outstanding vistas, according to Susan Lovelace, president and owner of Lovelace Interiors in Destin. The 82 residences overlook the Gulf of Mexico along a stretch of Highway 30A that is world-famous for its snow white sand and bright turquoise water. They also provide expansive views of large sand dunes, sculpted by the wind and waves and covered with sea oats and other vibrant native vegetation. Beyond that, however, they are situated next to a nature preserve, which includes Big Redfish Lake, one of several dune lakes in this area. Among Northwest Florida's special treasures, dune lakes are found in only a few other places around the globe.

"This is probably the most beautiful setting in this area as far as the way the land lays, and it is one of the most exquisite properties in this area," Lovelace said. When working with the owners, Roy and Billie Messer, on a plan for decorating the interior of their third-floor unit, it was clear to everyone that the living room would be designed around the outstanding view, she said.

To enhance rather than compete with the outdoor scenery, Lovelace used neutral shades with touches of the indigenous colors that can be seen in the surrounding dunes and water. The off-white walls and ceilings and the beige travertine flooring are accented by bright white molding, providing a soft contrast to the vivid shades of blue that pour into the room through the three large sliding glass doors.

"We arranged the room so that it has two focal points: the Gulf of Mexico and the fireplace. We also incorporated the natural fabrics and organic feel that the owners prefer," Lovelace said.

This was accomplished by placing two identical off-white sofas by LaneVenture, upholstered in shorter-cut cotton chenille, opposite each other in front of the gas fireplace. A large area rug from Oasis Rugs and a glass-topped wooden cocktail table by Drexel Heritage pull the seating area together. Two inset areas on either side of the fireplace feature cabinets and shelves that display colorful accessories.

Directly across the room from the fireplace, two armchairs made of sea grass by RDI are in front of a large bamboo wall covering by Palecek along with a white ottoman by RDI and a glass-topped coffee table by Drexel Heritage. A corner light by Baker, with a round globe adorned in iridescent mother-of-pearl, provides a soft glow to the room. To the back of this spacious room are a granite-topped breakfast bar and a kitchen equipped with all the latest Viking appliances, a gas-fired range and adjacent pot-filler faucet. There is also a separate wet bar with an icemaker between the kitchen and living room.

While the kitchen and living room are situated in a way that is quite typical for beachfront condos, there are several interesting and unique things about the floor plan of this unit, Lovelace said. "For starters, it is very spacious, with more than 4,000 square feet of living space," she said. “It also has two master bedrooms facing the gulf, two back bedrooms, a large interior media room and a large laundry room. There is a separate dining room with a wine-storage nook, and the foyer is very cool; it's rounded and has four niches."

"The owners really liked the floor plan because the unit is arranged so well with a hallway that is attractive and useful rather than a wasted space," Lovelace added. "Additionally, a formal dining room provides an intimate interior space that can be used in the evenings, while the media room provides a place where several people can gather for movies or games."

Creative Continuity
There are many ways that the two master bedrooms are identical. They are the same size and each has its own master baths with double vanities, large whirlpool tubs and separate shower/steam baths. Like the living room, they open onto a large patio that is 10 feet deep and partially covered. However, Lovelace gave each its own separate personality, while using colors and fabrics that are in harmony with each other.

The southeast master uses shades of blue, brown and beige, with dresser, night tables and bed by Drexel Heritage. The southwest master has a more contemporary feel, with geometric patterns in deep brown and white and accents in rust, featuring a bed by Lane Venture and side tables by Stanley. Chairs in both rooms are from Henredon.

Shades of orange and brown, accented with silver nightstands and accessories, were used in the two back bedrooms, which also have their own bathrooms. Again, each of these rooms is unique in design, but has a style that blends with the rest of the condo.

"Billie Messer had a lot of wonderful ideas and wanted a look that was casual and relaxed, yet a bit sophisticated," Lovelace said. "She and I have worked together on several projects, but we really became great friends as we went through the process of decorating this condo."

She added that the Messers, who now divide their time between Destin and a home in North Carolina, have also bought a single-family home in the Destin area and have put the condo on the market.

Captivating Features
According to Gay Landreth, owner of La Florida Real Estate Professionals in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., there were many reasons the Messers chose to buy a condo at Sanctuary by the Sea. The former Tallahassee residents had vacationed in the area for many years and especially like the coastline along Highway 30A, she said. They also appreciated the fact that Sanctuary by the Sea, with only three stories of residences, is one of the lowest-density condominiums in the Destin area. The 82-unit complex is nestled into the surrounding dunes, covering about eight acres, or just over one-third of the 23-acre property. This provides privacy and seclusion while preserving nearly 15 acres of natural habitat.

In addition to the setting and the view, the Messers were drawn to the architectural details of the condominium's exterior design, Landreth said. Built in the Mediterranean style with iron railings, Palladian windows and distinctive arches, the structures have hurricane-resistant windows with glazing to withstand large missile impact.

There are also many community amenities, including three large pools and an expansive pool deck that offers private cabanas and flowing fountains. A large fitness center, a small theater, outdoor fire pits, an advanced virtual golf room, an owner's club and 200 underground parking spaces are also available to owners and their guests.

"Sanctuary's dune lake, extensive shoreline and adjacent nature preserve provide a natural buffer to the outside world," Landreth said. "Those seeking solitude find refuge meandering about the walking trail to the lake, slipping away to a nearby spa or reclining on 650 feet of beachfront. But when you're ready to venture out, there are many close eateries for dining and stores for shopping just down the road."