By Kristy Gustafson
There are moments in life that strike us in our place with the simplest touches of beauty — the dance of a late afternoon sun passing through low-hanging palms, the velvet trickle of a fountain over a bed of multicolored stones, or a technicolor sunset mirrored in a blank canvas of clouds, sand, and lapping waves.
Located in Northwest Florida along the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Alys Beach was dreamt up with New Urbanism as its cornerstone, bringing in aesthetics that draw inspiration from Bermudan architecture and courtyard living inspired by Antigua, Guatemala.
A Mirage in a Sea of White
As you drive its stretch of Scenic Highway 30A, the mirage that is Alys emerges in a sea of white framed between a pair of steepled butteries on either side. From the outside looking in, this 158-acre resort town may pass you by in a cloud of luxury. But take a closer look and you will see that every single detail — down to the shellstone sidewalks and even an elegantly curved lake shaped and named after Marilyn Monroe — is intentional.
It's in these curated details that the spell is cast, and life's little moments become a little something more.
Entire collections of poetry could probably be written about the lines of Alys Beach, from the sweeping rooflines and curved terraces to the Gaudí-like chimneys and staircases that appear to ascend into the heavens.
Even the Greenery Has Its Rhyme
Even the greenery has its own rhyme and reason, creating a zen-like feel in its simplicity. A stroll through the grounds will give way to perfectly manicured lawns, hedges, and landscapes of the town's main amphitheater, its many community parks and seating areas, as well as its state-of-the-art wellness center and homeowner-exclusive Beach Club.
Every Home, a Water Feature
Like other New Urbanist developments, Alys Beach homeowners are required to follow certain guidelines in order to contribute to the overall compatibility of the town. One of these is that all homes must include a water feature. From fountains to pools, you may even find live trees emerging from the center of some.
A Pop of Color
Though Alys Beach is mostly known for its dazzling white masonry buildings, town architects — and Alys Beach's very first residents — Marieanne Khoury-Vogt and Erik Vogt love to throw a pop of color where possible. This can be seen in unique facets like tilework and brightly dressed shutters that vary from home to home.
Rooftops Out of a Fairytale
The rooftops are something out of a fairytale and provide a bird's-eye view to the world below, where an ombré of emerald and blue meets coast and life seems to unfold at a slower pace.
Originally published in Beach Happy Magazine, Volume 8 (Spring 2022). Story by Kristy Gustafson.
