The History of
“A Little Overboard”
- Vaulted Great Room ceiling with solid pine beams aesthetically supported with heavy duty chains
- Dark Brazilian Walnut floors
- Custom designed dining room light fixture
- Antique newel post fixture designed to take on characteristics of a lighthouse
- Custom designed copper Kitchen vent hood
- Reclaimed Italian tile used in the Foyer entry area
- Irrigation is controlled through the Internet and synchronizes with the local weather station so that watering only occurs when necessary. All landscape and plant irrigation takes place with well water.
- The HVAC is controlled remotely so that heat and air conditioning does not needlessly run when the home is not occupied.
- The Spa is controlled through the Internet so that when guests leave the Spa does not continuously run at 100 plus degrees.
- Lighting, audio visual and fans are controlled remotely so that energy is conserved.
- Garage doors can be controlled remotely to protect the contents within.
- Security can be armed and disarmed remotely.
- Exterior security cameras constantly record and monitor activity around the home.
The owners of A Little Overboard began searching for a new home in the spring of 2006. The owners were drawn to the sugary white sand and emerald colored water of Florida’s panhandle, an absolute hidden treasure to many unfamiliar with the area. They visited numerous communities across the panhandle of Florida and narrowed their search to developments off the 30A corridor. The owners connected with the community of WaterSound Beach, considered by many to be the crown jewel of 30A. What drew the owners to WaterSound Beach was the Nantucket style architecture, natural sand dunes left intact leading to the beach, 1.25 miles of private beach, gated, family oriented community, exquisite private Beach Club and the fact that the entire community is located beach side avoiding the need to cross busy roads.
Initially the owners contemplated the purchase of a condo but fortunately friends and family convinced them to take the route of purchasing a house. In April of 2007 the owners decided to place an offer on an existing home that had been on the market for 18 months. The home was incredible and the owners thought they had truly found the ultimate dream home but soon learned that the house had been purchased the day before their offer was submitted.
From this point the owners recognized the only way to realize their vision was to purchase a lot and build their home in order to meet their desired design requirements and exacting level of detail. The owners selected an architect to design the home and closed on the lot in June of 2007. Soon after closing on the lot, the builder, James Emerick with WaterCrest Homes, was selected and immediately became part of the architectural design process. Involving the builder early in the design process proved exceptionally valuable as many constructability issues were resolved during the design process saving both dollars and time. The design process started in May and final approval was received in December 2007. Construction ensued in January of 2008.
The construction proceeded as scheduled and tangible savings were realized throughout the construction process due to economic conditions and the builder’s competency and direct involvement. As the construction process kicked off, the designer, Shirlene Brooks with re:view Interior Design, was selected. The designer handled all the necessary selections during the construction process (e.g., tile, trim work, cabinet design, paint colors, plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, counter tops, planters, etc.). The designer’s uncanny ability to coordinate and tie together styles, colors, materials and textures was absolutely extraordinary and will even exceed the expectations of the most discerning critics. The designer’s distinctive talents were recognized early in the process and thus the designer was contracted to procure the furnishings for the house.
The ideas and coordination between the designer, builder and owner resulted in numerous unique design features sure to be enjoyed by all guests. A few examples are as follows:
There are many more design features that guests will have the opportunity to observe and enjoy during their stay.
The furnishing process began in September 2008 and continued throughout the construction process which finished in January of 2009. The furnishings were finalized in March of 2009. While the construction process was progressing along and the design process was in full stride, the owner began working with the Audio Visual (AV) contractor, Jason Gshwandtner with Innovative Sight & Sound. You may be wondering why this is being mentioned. Once you visit the home you will quickly understand the significance. The home was designed and built to minimize the environmental impact, control long-term costs and to conserve energy. Knowing that the home would be a rental property brings into to play the role of the AV Company.
The home is equipped with systems that allow for control from anywhere with Internet access. For example:
Most of the above can also be controlled with an iPhone application that provides even greater accessibility and flexibility to the systems within the home.
The above may sound complicated to those that are technically challenged but actually the opposite is true. The advanced systems allow for greater ease of use which was at the forefront of the design process. The owner’s intent was to provide guests with an experience like no other and to eliminate the frustrations of not understanding how to work basic electronics and systems that enhances ones enjoyment.
The design and construction was an enjoyable experience and a rewarding process that guests will have the opportunity to take pleasure in. The owner was blessed to have the opportunity to work with such a dedicated, talented and experienced team. It was a team effort consisting of the builder, designer, AV contractor and owner that produced this most magnificent final product that guests will be the beneficiaries. The owner’s intent is that your expectations will surely be exceeded. Enjoy!
Contact Information:
Builder – James Emerick w/WaterCrest Homes, 850-585-8788
Designer – Shirlene Brooks with re:view Interior Design, 404-317-4738
Audio Visual – Jason Gshwandtner with Innovative Sight & Sound, 850-728-0034
