We recently sat down with homeowners, Karen and Glyn, who share their love of living on the bayou in Destin.
Karen and Glyn delight over living on Joe’s Bayou.
How did you discover Destin?
We eloped to Panama City in 2012. We wanted to leave city life, so
we explored the coastlines, Keys, and panhandle. When we enjoyed Destin’s unspoiled sands, shopping, boardwalk, boating, and a sunset dinner, we knew we were home. One kind local said, “If you are looking for any place to buy, buy on Joe’s Bayou.”
We wanted easy access, great location, a beach, at least an acre, docks, and deep water.
We found it all on Joe’s Bayou. Highlights are the location, 100 feet of crystal beach, two boat docks large enough for an 80-foot yacht, and the Key West style, one-level home. Private and pristine, this property is a gem.
What visionary elements did you bring to life?
We turned the property into a dream home. We revamped the boat house with fresh water to clean catches and wash boats and decks. A canopy protects us from the sun while custom lifts with steel gauged lines are easy to operate. We added a bathhouse, step-down Trex decks with perfect views, and moved the outdoor kitchen to the main level.
The large house has a stunning white kitchen, Wolf Gourmet coffee center, cedar master closet, a master steam bath, and a Wi-Fi music system. We kept pecky pine ceilings and upgraded the theater room with extra speakers and California cabinets to hide equipment. The butler’s pantry houses an additional refrigerator. Another bonus is our enormous wine vault. New wood floors, new countertops, Electrolux laundry facilities, LED lights, SunBrite TVs, a fire pit, a carriage house, office space, handicap accommodations, Green Egg grills, and more create a luxurious, restful home.
What do you love most about living on the bay?
Convenience and privacy. The nearby public launch makes boating easy. The adjacent land is a city-protected future park. Restaurants are a jet ski ride away.
We love sunset kayaking, evening bonfires, and watching dolphins fly out of the water. Joe’s Bayou is deep enough for yachts and open enough for skiing or rafting. Crab Island and the Gulf are five and ten minute boat rides away, respectively. It doesn’t get any better than that!
What are the highlights of waterfront bay living?
The bay side lets you have it all with ease. We don’t haul coolers, umbrellas, and chairs to the beach or fight traffic. We use our own boats and water toys and fish, crab trap, and throw nets at our leisure. We garden under palm trees. Lower taxes and freedom from HOA restrictions are a plus. We are constantly entertained by eagles, osprey, dolphins, and other animals. The views are incredible, and we love watching boats cruise by or anchor for a night’s rest.
We wake up to see herrings walking around our pool, take walks on the beach, and smell the pines. In winter we swim in our heated pool and relax in the jacuzzi. I enjoy spring’s blooming flowers and my husband likes July 4th action on the water, especially meeting tourists from all over the world.
What are your favorite pastimes and memories?
We treasure taking friends and family out on the boat. At home, guests can dance on the deck, fish, play croquet, barbecue, watch harbor fireworks, and more. Our appreciative dog rolls in the sand just after he’s had his bath, then jumps into the bayou for a good rinse. Our best moments are just floating on our boat and watching the world go by, enjoying the fulfillment of one more day well spent!
What advice do you offer future owners?
This property is a rare find. It’s a true neighborhood with real people who share common interests. We were just getting to the final touches when family responsibilities dictated we move. We love and will miss our sugar beach. This property will give you a new lease on life and memories to cherish forever. Now use your own imagination and enjoy this paradise on the bayou!